1.Expert Consensus on Neurocritical Care Monitoring and Management in Beijing and Tibet(2025)
Drolma PHURBU ; Wenjin CHEN ; Heng ZHANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Xiaomeng WANG ; Guoying LIN ; Wenjun PAN ; Xiying GUI ; Xin CAI ; Chodron TENZIN ; Jianlei FU ; Qianwei LI ; TSEYANG ; Yijun LIU ; Bo LIU ; Tsering DROLMA ; Yudron SONAM ; KYILV ; Samdrup TSERING ; Wa DA ; Juan GUO ; Cheng QIU ; Huan CHEN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Yangong CHAO ; Dawei LIU ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Chenggong HU ; Wanhong YIN ; Shihong ZHU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):59-72
Neurocritical care involves complex pathophysiological mechanisms, and its incidence is higher, injuries are more severe, and treatment is more challenging in high-altitude environments. This consensus, based on the latest domestic and international evidence-based medical data, establishes a standardized, goal-oriented framework for neurocritical care management applicable in high-altitude regions and nationwide. The consensus was developed following international standards for evidence quality assessment and underwent two rounds of Delphi expert consultation, resulting in 32 recommendation statements covering three parts: management systems, monitoring and assessment, and core strategies. Key updates include: advocating for the establishment of independent neurocritical care units and implementing precise tiered diagnosis and treatment based on the "Five Differences in Critical Care" concept; constructing a "trinity" multimodal brain monitoring system centered on cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygenation, and brain function, emphasizing routine bedside transcranial Doppler ultrasound, cerebral oximetry, and continuous electroencephalography monitoring; shifting management strategies from mild hypothermia therapy to targeted temperature management, and defining the "446" target management pathway for the supercritical stage; emphasizing the assessment of static and dynamic cerebrovascular autoregulation functions through multimodal methods to achieve individualized optimal mean arterial pressure management; elevating cerebrospinal fluid management goals to the level of "glymphatic system" function maintenance; implementing a multidisciplinary collaborative, whole-process management model focusing on patients' long-term neurological functional outcomes; de-escalation criteria include multidimensional indicators such as recovery of brain structure, restoration of cerebrovascular autoregulation, improvement in cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and reduction in biomarker levels; and integrating cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence into post-critical care management and rehabilitation planning. This consensus systematically integrates the entire process of neurocritical care management, reflecting the modern connotation of goal-oriented, dynamic, and multimodal integration in neurocritical care medicine. It aims to adapt to new trends such as deepening understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms, the integration of medicine and engineering, and the empowerment of artificial intelligence, thereby further advancing the discipline of critical care medicine.
2.Exploring the pathogenesis and treatment methods of irritable bowel syndrome from the
Yan XU ; Fang YANG ; Rongshi SHAO ; Huili SUN ; Juan LI ; Xin CHEN ; Jing HAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;49(1):10-15
This article adopts Professor CHEN Chaozu′s " sanjiao composed by membrane-striae" theory as its foundation to explore the relationship between irritable bowel syndrome and functional/structural abnormalities of the membrane-striae. Sanjiao encompasses both the tangible membrane and the intangible striae. These striae permeate the entire body,and their pathological changes comprehensively reflect qi,body fluids,and fasciae. Based on the physiological function of the membrane-striae in regulating qi and fluids,the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome is characterized by a disharmony of membrane-striae and an imbalance of the qi-fluid interactions. In the early stage,external pathogens,emotional factors,or dietary stimuli often cause membrane-striae constriction and disordered qi-fluid circulation. In the middle stage,stagnant fluids gradually transform into phlegm retention,leading to membrane-striae obstruction. In the late stage,deficiency of vital qi becomes predominant,manifesting as laxity of membrane-striae with impaired control or weakened conduction. The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome should adopt " unblocking" as the guiding principle. In the early stage,therapy should focus on eliminating pathogenic factors and soothing membrane-striae to promptly restore qi-fluid circulation,thereby attaining unblocking through spasm relief. In the middle stage,treatment should focus on resolving tangible obstructions in membrane-striae,achieving unblocking via dredging. In the late stage,the emphasis should shift to reinforcing healthy qi,particularly by strengthening spleen-kidney yang qi,and achieving unblocking through supplementation. Concurrently,throughout the entire treatment process,the regulation of mental state and easing of emotional tension should be integrated to alleviate patient′s anxiety,achieving the goal of holistic treatment of both body and mind.
3.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
4.Electroacupuncture Ameliorates NLRP3-mediated Pyroptosis in Spinal Cord Injury Rats by Reshaping The Gut Microbiota
Yin-Jie CUI ; Hong-Ru LI ; Jing-Yi LIU ; Hai-Lin DU ; Shu-Wen LIU ; Yuan YANG ; Chen-Guang ZHENG ; Jian-Qin XIANG ; Xiao-Juan SONG
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1132-1153
ObjectiveSpinal cord injury (SCI) directly impairs the regulatory function of the autonomic nervous system, induces intestinal dysfunction, and significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Preclinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) therapy can regulate the brain-gut axis and is used to treat central nervous system diseases such as major depressive disorder, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Recent research has established that fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from EA-treated SCI rats restored intestinal motility and colonic morphology. However, it remains unclear whether the regulation of gut microbiota by EA therapy directly contributes to neural repair after SCI. This study aims to explore whether gut microbiota mediates the neuroprotective effect of EA in the treatment of SCI and its possible mechanism. MethodsThe study employed RNA transcriptome analysis of spinal cord tissue to characterize gene expression profiles and to identify key signaling pathways following EA treatment for SCI. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining were used to observe the morphological changes in spinal cord tissue. Western blot (WB) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were applied to detect the effects of EA on the expression of proteins related to nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3) -dependent pyroptosis. Using 16S rDNA sequencing, the study observed alterations in gut microbiota diversity and community composition in SCI rats. Prior to establishing SCI models, rats were pretreated with an antibiotic cocktail to induce gut dysbiosis, and the effects on intestinal function and spinal cord neural repair were evaluated. FMT was performed to investigate the regulatory effects of post-EA FMT on motor function, general status, liver and spleen indices, and NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in SCI rats. ResultsEA improved motor function and reduced regulated neuronal cell death in SCI rats. Transcriptomic analysis demonstrated the activation of immune- and inflammation-related pathways post-SCI, including NOD-like receptors, nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB), and Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways. EA primarily influenced intestinal inflammation and autoimmune functions. 16S rDNA sequencing illustrated that EA did not alter the diversity of gut microbiota. However, EA altered the gut microbiota composition in SCI rats, increasing Lactobacillus and Akkermansia genera while rebalancing the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Furthermore, depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics disrupted the intestinal barrier, reduced the expression of intestinal barrier proteins Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) and Occludin, elevated serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) levels, exacerbated spinal cord tissue damage, and hindered motor function recovery in SCI rats. FMT from donors treated with EA reduced LBP levels in the intestine, blood, and spinal cord of rats, inhibited the TLR4 myeloid differentiation primary response protein 88 (MyD88)-NF‑κB pathway and NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis, and improved motor function. On the other hand, FMT treatment resulted in decreased body weight and food intake, whereas FMT using EA-treated donors effectively alleviated these alterations. ConclusionEA effectively alleviated neuroinflammatory responses in rats with SCI, primarily through regulating the gut microbiota and suppressing the NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis signaling pathway.
5.Methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel promotes repair of abdominal wall defects
Zhongyu LIU ; Wenya LI ; Yonghong FAN ; Shuang LYU ; Juan PEI ; Yaqin CHEN ; Beiyu LIU ; Hongyu SUN
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(10):2074-2082
BACKGROUND:Synthetic polymers,such as polypropylene and polyester,used for the treatment of abdominal wall defects not only lack biodegradability and bioactivity but also fail to meet the demands of complex and irregular wounds.Therefore,finding bioactive materials with low immunogenicity and good histocompatibility has become a hot spot in the repair of abdominal wall defects. OBJECTIVE:To prepare methacryloyl modified dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel and explore its potential application in abdominal wall defect. METHODS:(1)The porcine dermis was acellular with 0.25%trypsin and 1%Triton X-100 in turn to obtain the dermal extracellular matrix.After pepsin digestion and methacrylic anhydride modification,the methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel was formed by photocrosslinking.The microscopic morphology of the hydrogel was observed by scanning electron microscope,and its rheological properties,swelling properties and other physical and chemical properties were tested.(2)Mice fibroblasts(L929)were inoculated into methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel to detect the cell compatibility.(3)Totally 12 SD rats were randomly divided into two groups(n=6)to create abdominal wall defect model with peritoneum preserved.The defect site of the polypropylene group was filled with polypropylene material,and the hydrogel group was filled with methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel.The wound skin of both groups was covered with polypropylene material.The wound healing was observed and histological analysis was carried out. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Enzymatic hydrolysis had a good decellularization effect on porcine dermis after decellularization,and the original glycosaminoglycans and collagen were well retained.Scanning electron microscope observation revealed that the dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel presented loose and porous structure.The aperture was between 70 and 120 μm.The swelling ratio was(16.88±3.24)%and the water absorption was(94.24±1.11)%.The rheological property test showed that the methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel was stable and had shear thinning characteristics,with injectability.(2)CCK-8 assay and live/dead staining showed that methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel had good cell compatibility.(3)The results of animal experiments showed that the skin wound healing rate of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at 7,10,and 14 days after operation(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson staining of skin and muscle tissue exhibited that compared with the polypropylene group,the skin wound epithelialization,hair follicle formation,collagen fiber arrangement,and neovascularization were better in the hydrogel group 14 days after surgery.The skin wound new tissue structure was similar to the normal tissue at 28 days after surgery,and scar hyperplasia was less.A small amount of muscle regeneration was observed on day 28 after operation.(4)The results show that the methacrylated dermal extracellular matrix hydrogel can promote wound skin healing and muscle tissue regeneration in rats with abdominal wall defect.
6.Association between dynamic indexes of maternal progesterone in the first trimester of pregnancy and fetal head circumference growth and development
Hui NIU ; Juan XIN ; Jinlu LIANG ; Jiayuan FENG ; Sijing ZHU ; Xiaoxue LI ; Yin YANG ; Liu FANG ; Mengfei SUN ; Ziyi CHEN ; Wenfang YANG
Journal of Xi'an Jiaotong University(Medical Sciences) 2025;46(5):871-879
Objective To explore the association between dynamic indexes of maternal progesterone in early pregnancy and the average level and growth rate of fetal head circumference(HC)in mid-and late pregnancy.Methods This study adopted a retrospective cohort design and included 255 singleton pregnant women in the maternal and infant cohort of The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2015 to December 2024.The progesterone levels of their early venous blood were detected and divided into two groups of progesterone trajectories,namely,fluctuating type and increasing type,by morphology.The dynamic indicators of progesterone in early pregnancy were constructed:cumulative dynamic deviation index in the first trimester(CDDI-P1T),gestational age at progesterone peak(GA-PP),and maximal relative progesterone decline in the first trimester(MRD-P1T).The average head circumference level and linear growth rate of the fetuses in the middle and late pregnancy were calculated.Generalized linear regression(GLM)was used to analyze the linear association between progesterone dynamic indicators and head circumference development.The key gestational weeks of progesterone affecting fetal head development were explored by linear regression of gestational weeks.Ordinary least squares(OLS)regression and restricted cubic spline(RCS)plots were used to draw the nonlinear association between progesterone dynamic indicators and head circumference.Results Among the 255 pregnant women included,92.5%of the progesterone trajectories in early pregnancy were fluctuating,and 7.5%were increasing.The growth rates of the increasing progesterone trajectory group were higher in the second and third trimesters than in the fluctuating group,but the differences were not statistically significant(all P>0.05).GLM analysis showed that for every 1 unit increase in CDDI-P1T,the head circumference in the middle and late pregnancy increased significantly by 1.574 cm and 1.193 cm(Z=3.714,2.885,P<0.01).The delay of GA-PP was negatively correlated with the head circumference in the middle pregnancy(β=-0.190 cm,95%CI:-0.339--0.041,P=0.010)but positively correlated with the head circumference growth rate in the late pregnancy(β=0.022 cm/week,95%CI:0.003-0.041,P=0.025).A 10%decrease in the decline of CDDI-P1T increased the head circumference in the middle pregnancy by 0.200 cm(95%CI:0.016-0.384,P=0.033),and a 100%decrease in the decline increased the head circumference growth rate in the late pregnancy by 0.201 cm/week(95%CI:0.002-0.399,P=0.048).The analysis of the key time window showed that for every 20 nmol/L increase in progesterone during 9.5-13 weeks of pregnancy,the mid-term head circumference increased by 0.035-0.166 cm(Z=2.452-3.517,allP<0.05),and the late-term head circumference increased by 0.767 cm during 9-13 weeks of pregnancy(Z=2.452-3.517,all P<0.05).When progesterone increased during 9.5-10.5 weeks of pregnancy,the growth rate of mid-term head circumference increased by 0.013-0.023 cm/week(Z=2.074-2.243,all P<0.01).When progesterone increased during 8.5-10.5 weeks of pregnancy,the growth rate of late-term head circumference increased by 0.010-0.026 cm/week(Z=2.061-3.137,all P<0.05).Conclusion Progesterone dynamic index is a new sensitive tool for evaluating fetal head circumference development.There is a stage-specific window period for progesterone regulation.9.5-13 weeks of pregnancy is the critical period for progesterone to affect head circumference growth,and 9.5-10.5 weeks of pregnancy is the core window for regulating the growth rate of head circumference.Therefore,it is necessary to combine progesterone dynamic index and time window for individualized intervention to promote the transformation of prenatal care from pregnancy maintenance to eugenics intervention.
7.Chemical constituents from the buds of Aralia chinensis var.nuda and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities
Juan WANG ; Yuan YUAN ; Peng-cheng YIN ; Shao-hua LI ; Shuai CHEN ; Hai-shan QIAN ; Hong-fang LI ; Hong-ping HE ; Bao-jing LI
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(1):101-107
AIM To study the chemical constituents from the buds of Aralia chinensis L.var.nuda Nakai and their in vitro anti-inflammatory activities.METHODS The 70%ethanol extract from the buds of A.chinensis var.nuda was isolated and purified by silica gel,Sephadex LH-20,ODS and semi-preparative HPLC,then the structures of compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.Their anti-inflammatory activities in vitro were evaluated by RAW264.7 model.RESULTS Sixteen compounds were isolated and identified as 4-(2,2-dibutoxyethyl)phenol(1),trans-linalool-3,7-oxide-6-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(2),2'-O-(9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoyl)glyceryl β-D-galactopyranoside(3),quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(3'→ O-3''')quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside(4),syringaresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(5),p-hydroxybenzaldehyde(6),7α-hydroxystigmasterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(7),trans-p-hydroxy cinnamic acid methyl ester(8),funingensin A(9),3,4-dihydroxy-acetophenone(10),N-acetyltyramine(11),3,4-di-O-caffeoyl quinic acid(12),chlorogenic acid(13),aralia cerebroside(14),caffeic acid methyl ester(15),tetradecanoic acid(16).The IC50values of compounds 8,10,12 and 13 were(22.19±1.59),(35.25±1.30),(13.38±0.72),(15.73±1.16)μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Compound 1 is a new compound,2-13 are isolated from genus Aralia for the first time.Compounds 8,10,12,13 exhibit significant in vitro anti-inflammatory activities.
8.Analysis of Anti-inflammatory Activities and Effective Components of Six Species of Selaginella
You WU ; Xueyan ZHANG ; Zihan LI ; Su XU ; Keli CHEN ; Juan LI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(1):143-153
Objective The anti-inflammatory activity of medicinal plants in the six species of Selaginella genus were compared,and their effective parts and components were analyzed.Methods The total flavonoid content of various extraction parts and the main components of ethyl acetate part of Selaginella were determined by ultraviolet and high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC),respectively.In vitro inflammatory cell models were constructed using Concanavalin A(ConA)and lipopolysaccharide(LPS)induced rat splenic lymphocytes and mouse macrophages,and cell viability was measured by CCK-8 methods.The nitric oxide(NO)level was determined by the Griess method,and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were determined by ELISA.The mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and TNF-α,among other inflammatory factors,were detected by RT-PCR.Results The flavonoid content of the ethyl acetate part of Selaginella was relatively high,and biflavonoids such as amentoflavone was the main components.All the extraction parts of the six species of Selaginella showed no significant cytotoxicity.The ethyl acetate part,roberstonin-4'-methylether,and amentoflavone could significantly reduce the release of NO in RAW264.7 cells or lymphocytes,and the ethyl acetate part of Selaginella labordei were the most effective in both models.Selaginella labordei had a rich variety of biflavonoid components,with roberstonin-type biflavonoids relatively higher than other species.The mechanism of action was related to the inhibition of inflammatory factors such as IL-1β and TNF-α levels,the downregulation of mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-6,IL-1β,iNOS,and others.Conclusion All six species of Selaginella have certain in vitro anti-inflammatory effects and Selaginella labordei showed stronger activity,with biflavonoids as their main active components.
9.Phenotypic and genotypic analysis of five fetuses with Harlequin ichthyosis due to variants of ABCA12 gene.
Yimo ZENG ; Juan ZHU ; Jing WU ; Chen LI ; Yiming QI ; Jiaqi LU ; Ruiman LI ; Aihua YIN
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(11):1302-1307
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of five fetuses with Harlequin ichthyosis (HI).
METHODS:
Five fetuses with HI diagnosed at Guangdong Women and Children Hospital between 2017 and 2024 were selected as study subjects. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and reviewed. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out, and candidate variants were verified by bioinformatic analysis. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital (Ethics No.: 202401024).
RESULTS:
The five fetuses had presented with ectropion, eclabium and contracture and flexion of fingers and toes. WES revealed that all had harbored compound heterozygous or homozygous variants of the ABCA12 gene. Among the eight types of variants, five were unreported previously.
CONCLUSION
The compound heterozygous or homozygous variants of the ABCA12 gene probably underlay the HI in the five fetuses. Clinicians should be vigilant about the possibility of HI in fetus with ectropion, eclabium, and contracture and flexion of fingers and toes.
Humans
;
Ichthyosis, Lamellar/genetics*
;
Female
;
ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters/genetics*
;
Pregnancy
;
Genotype
;
Phenotype
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Fetus
;
Mutation
;
Male
;
Adult
10.Clinical features and genetic etiology analysis in a patient with Fliedner-Zweier syndrome caused by a de novo SCAF4 variant.
Lulu YAN ; Changshui CHEN ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Juan CAO ; Chunxiao HAN ; Haibo LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2025;42(12):1453-1458
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of a patient with Fliedner-Zweier syndrome (FZS).
METHODS:
A pregnant woman who was diagnosed with FZS at the Affiliated Women and Children's Hospital of Ningbo University in November 2023 for "intellectual disability, epilepsy, delayed language development and facial abnormalities" was selected as the study subject. Peripheral blood samples were collected from the woman and her husband, whilst amniotic fluid sample was obtained from the fetus. Following extraction of genomic DNA, whole-exome sequencing (WES) and chromosomal karyotyping analysis were performed. Candidate variant was validated by Sanger sequencing. Pathogenicity of the variant was classified based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG). This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the hospital (Ethics No.: EC2023-094).
RESULTS:
The proband, a 23-year-old woman, was at 19+2 weeks of gestation and had a history of epilepsy, mild intellectual disability, delayed language development, and subtle facial dysmorphism. Chromosomal analysis showed the she has a normal karyotype. WES revealed that the woman and her fetus both harbored a heterozygous c.1489C>T (p.Gln497Ter) nonsense variant of the SCAF4 gene, which was verified by Sanger sequencing as de novo. Based on the ACMG guidelines, the variant was classified as pathogenic (PVS1+PM2_supporting+PS2_supporting). According to pre-set search strategy, five articles were retrieved. Together with the patient in this study, a total of 69 FZS patients were involved (including 7 from China). The main clinical features have included intellectual disability, epilepsy, behavioral abnormalities, and facial dysmorphism.
CONCLUSION
The heterozygous c.1489C>T (p.Gln497Ter) variant of the SCAF4 gene probably underlyay the FZS in this patient. Above finding has expanded the mutational spectrum of the SCAF4 gene.
Humans
;
Female
;
Intellectual Disability/genetics*
;
Pregnancy
;
Young Adult
;
Exome Sequencing
;
Epilepsy/genetics*
;
Abnormalities, Multiple/genetics*
;
Mutation
;
Karyotyping


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