1.Mechanism of Mingshi Prescription in Regulating Opn4-dopamine Axis to Inhibit Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Delay Myopia Progression
Baohua LI ; Zefeng KANG ; Lulu WANG ; Xin YAN ; Jianquan WANG ; Xinyue HOU ; Bobiao NING ; Shanshan YE ; Mengyu LIU ; Yipeng SHI ; Danyu LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):58-67
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Mingshi prescription regulates the retinal melanopsin-dopamine (Opn4-DA) axis in myopic mice to inhibit endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the retina and sclera, thereby delaying axial elongation associated with myopia. MethodsSixty 4-week-old male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a form-deprived myopia group (FDM group), an intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells ablation group (ipRGCs group), a Mingshi Prescription group (MSF group, 5.2 g·kg-1), and an ipRGCs + MSF group (5.2 g·kg-1). Except for the normal group, all other groups underwent FDM modeling. Additionally, the ipRGCs and ipRGCs + MSF groups received retinal ipRGC ablation. Three weeks after modeling, the MSF and ipRGCs + MSF groups were administered Mingshi prescription via continuous gavage for six weeks. After refraction and axial length were measured in all mice, eyeballs were collected along with retinal and scleral tissues. Pathological and morphological changes in the retina, choroid, and sclera were observed using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Western blot was employed to detect the relative protein expression levels of dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in the retina, and CHOP and GRP78 in the sclera. Real-time PCR was used to detect the relative mRNA expression of Opn4, CHOP, and GRP78 in the retina, and CHOP and GRP78 in the sclera. Immunofluorescence staining (IF) was performed to detect the expression of Opn4 and DRD1 in retinal tissues. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the FDM group showed a significant myopic shift in refraction (P<0.05) and a significant increase in axial length (P<0.05). The retinal layers were thinner, the number of ganglion cells was reduced, and collagen fibers in the sclera were loosely arranged with evident gaps. Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA expression in the retina were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA expression in both retinal and scleral tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the FDM group, the ipRGCs group exhibited further increases in myopic refraction and axial length (P<0.05), more pronounced thinning and looseness in the retinal, choroidal, and scleral layers, lower expression of Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA in the retina (P<0.05), and higher expression of CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA in the retina and sclera (P<0.05). Compared with the FDM group, the MSF group showed significantly reduced refractive error and axial length (P<0.05), with improved cellular number, arrangement, and thickness in ocular tissues, increased Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA expression in the retina (P<0.05), and reduced CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA expression in both retina and sclera (P<0.05). Similarly, the ipRGCs + MSF group showed significant improvements in terms of the above items compared with the ipRGCs group (P<0.05). ConclusionMingshi Prescription delays myopic axial elongation and refractive progression by regulating the Opn4-DA axis in the retina of myopic mice, thereby inhibiting ER stress in the retina and sclera. This intervention promotes Qi and blood nourishment of the eyes, softens the fascia, and restores ocular rhythm.
2.Intestinal stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase-inhibition improves obesity-associated metabolic disorders.
Yangliu XIA ; Yang ZHANG ; Zhipeng ZHANG ; Nana YAN ; Vorthon SAWASWONG ; Lulu SUN ; Wanwan GUO ; Ping WANG ; Kristopher W KRAUSZ ; Oksana GAVRILOVA ; James M NTAMBI ; Haiping HAO ; Tingting YAN ; Frank J GONZALEZ
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(2):892-908
Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) catalyzes the rate-limiting step of de novo lipogenesis and modulates lipid homeostasis. Although numerous SCD1 inhibitors were tested for treating metabolic disorders both in preclinical and clinic studies, the tissue-specific roles of SCD1 in modulating obesity-associated metabolic disorders and determining the pharmacological effect of chemical SCD1 inhibition remain unclear. Here a novel role for intestinal SCD1 in obesity-associated metabolic disorders was uncovered. Intestinal SCD1 was found to be induced during obesity progression both in humans and mice. Intestine-specific, but not liver-specific, SCD1 deficiency reduced obesity and hepatic steatosis. A939572, an SCD1-specific inhibitor, ameliorated obesity and hepatic steatosis dependent on intestinal, but not hepatic, SCD1. Mechanistically, intestinal SCD1 deficiency impeded obesity-induced oxidative stress through its novel function of inducing metallothionein 1 in intestinal epithelial cells. These results suggest that intestinal SCD1 could be a viable target that underlies the pharmacological effect of chemical SCD1 inhibition in the treatment of obesity-associated metabolic disorders.
3.Expert consensus on early orthodontic treatment of class III malocclusion.
Xin ZHOU ; Si CHEN ; Chenchen ZHOU ; Zuolin JIN ; Hong HE ; Yuxing BAI ; Weiran LI ; Jun WANG ; Min HU ; Yang CAO ; Yuehua LIU ; Bin YAN ; Jiejun SHI ; Jie GUO ; Zhihua LI ; Wensheng MA ; Yi LIU ; Huang LI ; Yanqin LU ; Liling REN ; Rui ZOU ; Linyu XU ; Jiangtian HU ; Xiuping WU ; Shuxia CUI ; Lulu XU ; Xudong WANG ; Songsong ZHU ; Li HU ; Qingming TANG ; Jinlin SONG ; Bing FANG ; Lili CHEN
International Journal of Oral Science 2025;17(1):20-20
The prevalence of Class III malocclusion varies among different countries and regions. The populations from Southeast Asian countries (Chinese and Malaysian) showed the highest prevalence rate of 15.8%, which can seriously affect oral function, facial appearance, and mental health. As anterior crossbite tends to worsen with growth, early orthodontic treatment can harness growth potential to normalize maxillofacial development or reduce skeletal malformation severity, thereby reducing the difficulty and shortening the treatment cycle of later-stage treatment. This is beneficial for the physical and mental growth of children. Therefore, early orthodontic treatment for Class III malocclusion is particularly important. Determining the optimal timing for early orthodontic treatment requires a comprehensive assessment of clinical manifestations, dental age, and skeletal age, and can lead to better results with less effort. Currently, standardized treatment guidelines for early orthodontic treatment of Class III malocclusion are lacking. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the etiology, clinical manifestations, classification, and early orthodontic techniques for Class III malocclusion, along with systematic discussions on selecting early treatment plans. The purpose of this expert consensus is to standardize clinical practices and improve the treatment outcomes of Class III malocclusion through early orthodontic treatment.
Humans
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Malocclusion, Angle Class III/classification*
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Orthodontics, Corrective/methods*
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Consensus
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Child
4.Gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk: an observational and Mendelian randomization study.
Yuanyue ZHU ; Linhui SHEN ; Yanan HUO ; Qin WAN ; Yingfen QIN ; Ruying HU ; Lixin SHI ; Qing SU ; Xuefeng YU ; Li YAN ; Guijun QIN ; Xulei TANG ; Gang CHEN ; Yu XU ; Tiange WANG ; Zhiyun ZHAO ; Zhengnan GAO ; Guixia WANG ; Feixia SHEN ; Xuejiang GU ; Zuojie LUO ; Li CHEN ; Qiang LI ; Zhen YE ; Yinfei ZHANG ; Chao LIU ; Youmin WANG ; Shengli WU ; Tao YANG ; Huacong DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Tianshu ZENG ; Jiajun ZHAO ; Yiming MU ; Weiqing WANG ; Guang NING ; Jieli LU ; Min XU ; Yufang BI ; Weiguo HU
Frontiers of Medicine 2025;19(1):79-89
This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans
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Mendelian Randomization Analysis
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Gallstones/complications*
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Female
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Male
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Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data*
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Middle Aged
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Risk Factors
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Aged
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Adult
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Neoplasms/etiology*
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Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*
5.Role of mitochondrial biogenesis in rat model of coal workers' pneumoconiosis based on PGC-1α-NRF1-TFAM signaling pathway
Mei ZHANG ; Xiaoqiang HAN ; Lulu LIU ; Yan WANG ; Xin MA ; Yu XIONG ; Huifang YANG ; Na ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2025;42(12):1429-1437
Background Mitochondrial biogenesis is pivotal in coal workers' pneumoconiosis fibrosis, yet the role of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α)-nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1)-mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) pathway inmitochondrial biogenesis remains elusive, warranting further investigation. Objective To elucidate the role of the PGC-1α-NRF1-TFAM pathway in mitochondrial biogenesis in a rat coal workers' pneumoconiosis model through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Methods (1)n vivo: twelve SPF male SD rats (200-220 g) were randomized into a control group and a coal dust group (n=6 per group). After acclimatization, the coal dust group received 1 mL 50 mg·mL−1 coal dust suspension via intratracheal instillation; the controls received saline. Lung tissues were harvested after two months for histopathology [HE, Masson, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) ], protein and mRNA analysis, and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) quantification by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). (2) In vitro: rat lung type II epithelial cells (RLE-6TN) cells were exposed to coal dust (50, 100, 200, and 400 mg·L−1, 24 h). CCK-8 assay determined optimal doses. Ultrastructural changes were analyzed by TEM. Cells were transfected with OE-PGC-1α (PGC-1α overexpression) or shRNA-PGC-1α plasmids (PGC-1α knockdown), and the transfection efficiency was determined by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The expression levels of alpah-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), citrate synthase (CS), PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM, and fibronectin (Fn) proteins and their corresponding mRNA were detected using Western blot and RT-qPCR, respectively. The relative content of mtDNA was determined by qPCR. Results In vivo: the control group lung samples exhibited soft, pink parenchyma, while the coal dust-exposed lungs showed blackened surfaces with soft texture. The histopathological evaluation revealed intact alveolar walls in the controls versus structural destruction, micro-nodules, and fibrotic areas in the coal dust group. After Masson staining, coal dust deposits were found surrounded by blue collagen fibers in the exposed lungs, but absent in the controls. The coal dust group displayed significant upregulation of fibrotic marker α-SMA and downregulation of mitochondrial biogenesis markers (CS, PGC-1α, NRF1, TFAM) and mtDNA compared to the controls (P<0.05). In vitro: coal dust exposure reduced cell density and induced morphological alterations. TEM revealed evenly distributed normal mitochondria in controls versus mitochondrial swelling, disrupted cristae, and reduced numbers in exposed cells. The mitochondrial biogenesis markers were elevated in the coal dust + OE-PGC-1α group compared to the coal dust + OE-NC group (P<0.05); in contrast, they were decreased in the coal dust + shRNA-PGC-1α group compared to the coal dust + shRNA-NC group (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the expression levels of the fibrosis marker α-SMA mRNA and protein were increased in the coal dust group (P<0.05). Overexpression of PGC-1α reduced α-SMA expression, while downregulation of PGC-1α increased its expression (P<0.05). Conclusion Coal dust exposure induces mitochondrial dysfunction and pulmonary fibrosis in vivo and in vitro via the PGC-1α-NRF1-TFAM pathway dysregulation. Targeting this pathway may mitigate coal dust-induced fibrosis by restoring mitochondrial biogenesis.
6.Clinical phenotype and genetic analysis of a fetus with Cardiac valvular dysplasia type 1
Lulu YAN ; Juan CAO ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Dongmei LI ; Yingwen LIU ; Xiangchun YANG ; Haibo LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(1):92-95
Objective:To explore the genetic basis for a fetus with Cardiac valvular dysplasia type 1 (CVDP1).Methods:A CVDP1 fetus identified at the Ningbo Women and Children′s Hospital on July 7, 2022 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the fetus was collected. The fetus and its parents were subjected to trio-whole exome sequencing (trio-WES), and candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing.Results:The fetus had exhibited generalized edema, complex cardiac malformation, abdominal effusion, and enhanced intestinal and renal parenchymal echoes. Trio-WES revealed that it has harbored compound heterozygous variants of the PLD1 gene, namely c. 2977C>T (p.R993*) and c. 1460G>A (p.W487*), which were respectively inherited from its father and mother. Neither variant was reported previously. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the c. 2977C>T (p.R993*) variant was evaluated to be likely pathogenic (PVS1_Moderate+ PM2_Supporting+ PM3+ PP4), whilst the c. 1460G>A (p.W487*) variant was evaluated to be pathogenic (PVS1+ PM2_Supporting+ PP4). Conclusion:The c. 2977C>T (p.R993*) and c. 1460G>A (p.W487*) compound heterozygous variants of the PLD1 gene probably underlay the CVDP1 in the fetus. Above discovery has enriched the mutational spectrum of the PLD1 gene and provided a guidance for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis in this family.
7.Trends and age-period-cohort analysis of leukemia incidence in Qidong from 1972 to 2021
Jian ZHU ; Yongsheng CHEN ; Jun WANG ; Yonghui ZHANG ; Lulu DING ; Yuanyou XU ; Yongfeng YAN ; Jianguo CHEN ; Hong CAI
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2024;46(10):961-967
Objective:To describe the epidemiological characteristics and trends of leukemia incidence in Qidong between 1972 and 2021, and provide guidelines for prevention and control measures and strategies.Methods:The cancer registry data was collected and analyzed on leukemia incidence during 1972—2021 in Qidong by sex, age and time. Crude incidence rate (CR), China age-standardized rate (ASRC), world age-standardized rate (ASRW), and average annual change percentage (AAPC) was calculated by Joinpoint software. Age-period-cohort (APC) model was used to analyze the influence of age, period and birth cohort on the changes in the incidence trend of leukemia patients.Results:From 1972 to 2021, there were 2 948 patients with leukemia in Qidong, accounting for 2.00% of all cancer new cases, CR of leukemia was 5.26/10 5, ASRC was 4.34/10 5, ASRW was 4.35/10 5. The truncated incidence of 35—64 years old was 5.29/10 5, the cumulative incidence rate between the ages of 0 and 74 years old was 0.40%, the cumulative risk was 0.40%. There were 1 608 male patients, the CR, ASRC, and the ASRW were 5.81/10 5, 4.88/10 5 and 4.85/10 5. The number of female patients were 1 340, and the CR, ASRC, and the ASRW were 4.71/10 5, 3.86/10 5 and 3.91/10 5, respectively. Temporal trends indicated significant upward trends in ASRC among both gender, males and females with AAPC values of 1.41% ( P<0.001), 1.15% ( P<0.001), and 1.73% ( P<0.001), respectively. The results of the APC model showed that the average net drift value of leukemia incidence in all age groups was 1.57% (95% CI, 1.24%-1.89%), and the highest value of local drift was 3.20% (95% CI, 1.63%-4.78%) in the 80~ years old group. The incidence of leukemia increased with age. With the passage of time, the risk of leukemia incidence increased gradually compared with the rate ratio of leukemia incidence (risk ratio [ RR], 1.00) in 1992—1996, the RR of leukemia incidence increased from 0.70 during 1972—1976 to 1.57 during 2017—2021. The later the cohort was born, the greater the risk of leukemia incidence compared with the relative risk of leukemia incidence ( RR, 1.00) in 1952—1956 cohort, the RR of leukemia incidence increased from 0.24 in the 1892—1896 cohort to 2.73 in the 2017—2021 cohort. Conclusions:The incidence of the leukemia has presented a rising trend in the past fifty years. Leukemia incidence increased with age, and the period and cohort effects on the risk of incidence increase. Further research is needed to investigate the risk factors related to leukemia.
8.Prospective association study of sleep status and risk of coronary heart disease in adults in Suzhou
Jiang HUA ; Xikang FAN ; Jian SU ; Lulu CHEN ; Yan LU ; Yujie HUA ; Hongfu REN ; Pei PEI ; Dianjianyi SUN ; Canqing YU ; Jun LYU ; Jinyi ZHOU ; Ran TAO
Chinese Journal of Epidemiology 2024;45(7):914-922
Objective:To investigate the association between sleep status and the risk for coronary heart disease in adults in Suzhou.Methods:Using the baseline and follow up information of 53 269 local residents aged 30-79 years in China Kadoorie Biobank conducted in Wuzhong District, Suzhou, 51 929 subjects were included in this study after excluding those reporting coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer at the baseline survey. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to analyze the association of healthy sleep score (0-3 points) and sleep factors (snoring, insomnia, long sleep duration and nap) with the risk for coronary heart disease.Results:The median follow-up time was 11.12 years, and 1 304 individuals were diagnosed with coronary heart disease during the follow-up. After adjusting for potential confounders, occasional snoring ( HR=1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.38), usual snoring ( HR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.02-1.33), insomnia disorder ( HR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.12-1.78), daytime dysfunction ( HR=1.56, 95% CI: 1.20-2.03) and perennial nap ( HR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.19-1.59) were associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease. Compared with those with sleep score of 0 - 1 (low sleep quality), the people with sleep score of 3 had reduced risk of coronary heart disease by 26% ( HR=0.74, 95% CI: 0.63-0.87). Stratified analysis showed that the association of healthy sleep score 3 with risk of coronary heart disease was stronger in low physically active individuals (interaction P<0.05). Conclusions:Snoring, insomnia disorders, daytime dysfunction, and perennial napping were all associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease, and keep healthy sleep mode might reduce the risk for coronary heart disease in adults.
9.Trends and age-period-cohort analysis of leukemia incidence in Qidong from 1972 to 2021
Jian ZHU ; Yongsheng CHEN ; Jun WANG ; Yonghui ZHANG ; Lulu DING ; Yuanyou XU ; Yongfeng YAN ; Jianguo CHEN ; Hong CAI
Chinese Journal of Oncology 2024;46(10):961-967
Objective:To describe the epidemiological characteristics and trends of leukemia incidence in Qidong between 1972 and 2021, and provide guidelines for prevention and control measures and strategies.Methods:The cancer registry data was collected and analyzed on leukemia incidence during 1972—2021 in Qidong by sex, age and time. Crude incidence rate (CR), China age-standardized rate (ASRC), world age-standardized rate (ASRW), and average annual change percentage (AAPC) was calculated by Joinpoint software. Age-period-cohort (APC) model was used to analyze the influence of age, period and birth cohort on the changes in the incidence trend of leukemia patients.Results:From 1972 to 2021, there were 2 948 patients with leukemia in Qidong, accounting for 2.00% of all cancer new cases, CR of leukemia was 5.26/10 5, ASRC was 4.34/10 5, ASRW was 4.35/10 5. The truncated incidence of 35—64 years old was 5.29/10 5, the cumulative incidence rate between the ages of 0 and 74 years old was 0.40%, the cumulative risk was 0.40%. There were 1 608 male patients, the CR, ASRC, and the ASRW were 5.81/10 5, 4.88/10 5 and 4.85/10 5. The number of female patients were 1 340, and the CR, ASRC, and the ASRW were 4.71/10 5, 3.86/10 5 and 3.91/10 5, respectively. Temporal trends indicated significant upward trends in ASRC among both gender, males and females with AAPC values of 1.41% ( P<0.001), 1.15% ( P<0.001), and 1.73% ( P<0.001), respectively. The results of the APC model showed that the average net drift value of leukemia incidence in all age groups was 1.57% (95% CI, 1.24%-1.89%), and the highest value of local drift was 3.20% (95% CI, 1.63%-4.78%) in the 80~ years old group. The incidence of leukemia increased with age. With the passage of time, the risk of leukemia incidence increased gradually compared with the rate ratio of leukemia incidence (risk ratio [ RR], 1.00) in 1992—1996, the RR of leukemia incidence increased from 0.70 during 1972—1976 to 1.57 during 2017—2021. The later the cohort was born, the greater the risk of leukemia incidence compared with the relative risk of leukemia incidence ( RR, 1.00) in 1952—1956 cohort, the RR of leukemia incidence increased from 0.24 in the 1892—1896 cohort to 2.73 in the 2017—2021 cohort. Conclusions:The incidence of the leukemia has presented a rising trend in the past fifty years. Leukemia incidence increased with age, and the period and cohort effects on the risk of incidence increase. Further research is needed to investigate the risk factors related to leukemia.
10.Analysis of clinical features and genetic variants in a child with Cowden syndrome 1
Lulu YAN ; Liyun TIAN ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Yingwen LIU ; Juan CAO ; Dongmei LI ; Jinghui ZOU ; Haibo LI
Chinese Journal of Medical Genetics 2024;41(2):230-233
Objective:To explore the genetic etiology of a child with Cowden syndrome 1 (CS1).Methods:A child who had visited the Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital on August 26, 2022 was selected as the study subject. Clinical information of the child was collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the child and his family members and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing.Results:The child, a 13-year-old boy, had manifested with severe mental retardation, hyperactivity, autistic behavior, sparse and prominent teeth, macrocephaly, and skin freckles on the penis. His mother had presented with multiple papules, hamartomatous polyps, thyroid adenoma and macrocephaly. WES results revealed that the child has harbored a nonsense c. 781C>T (p.Q261*) variant of the PTEN gene, which was inherited from his mother. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the c.781C>T variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PVS1+ PM2_Supporting). Conclusion:The c. 781C>T variant of the PTEN gene probably underlay the pathogenesis in the child and his mother. Above finding has facilitated genetic counseling for this family.

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