Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic factors in four patients with Disorder of sex development (DSD).Methods:Four patients who visited Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2023 and January 2024, presenting with short stature, abnormal external genitalia, or infertility as their chief complaints, were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and peripheral or umbilical cord blood samples were obtained for karyotyping analysis and low-depth whole-genome sequencing (CNV-seq). Quantitative fluorescence PCR (QF-PCR) was used to detect the sex-determining region Y ( SRY) gene and azoospermia factor ( AZF) on the Y chromosome, while fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was employed to determine the location of the SRY gene. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for genetic testing, and Sanger sequencing was used for familial validation of the candidate variants. The study procedure and protocol were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (Ethics No.: IRB2024-WZ-006). Results:Case 1 had a karyotype of 45, X[22]/46, XY[8], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 7.44 Mb (copy number = 0.2) at Yp11.31-p11.2, a mosaic deletion of 5.32 Mb (copy number = 0.3) at Yq11.1-q11.221, and a deletion of 10.26 Mb (copy number = 0) at Yq11.221-q11.23. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY and AZFa (+ ), AZFb+ c (-). Case 2 had a karyotype of 45, X[12]/46, X, del(X)(q26.3)[18], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 132.62 Mb (copy number = 1.4) at Xp22.33-q26.3 and a deletion of 19.62 Mb (copy number = 1) at Xq26.3-q28. Case 3 had a karyotype of 46, XX, with CNV-seq showing two copies of the X chromosome and no Y chromosome. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY (+ ) and AZFa+ b+ c (-), and FISH confirmed a translocation of the SRY gene to the terminal end of the short arm of the X chromosome. Case 4 had a karyotype of 46, XY, with CNV-seq showing one copy each of the X and Y chromosomes. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY(+ ) and AZFa+ b+ c (+ ), and WES revealed a c. 1103del variant in the AR gene (maternal origin), which was classified as a pathogenic variant based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) (PVS1+ PP1+ PM2_Supporting). Conclusion:The combined application of multiple detection techniques such as chromosomal karyotyping analysis, CNV-seq, QF-PCR, and WES can identify the genetic etiology of DSD patients, providing a basis for clinical consultation and treatment plan formulation.

Rhabdomyolysis is a clinical syndrome characterized by damage to the integrity of skel-etal muscle cell membranes,massive release of intracellular contents(such as myoglobin,creatine ki-nase,and electrolytes)into the bloodstream,thereby triggering systemic pathophysiological responses.Its most common and severe complication is acute kidney injury,primarily resulting from the combined effects of myoglobin deposition in renal tubules and renal ischemia.Due to lack of specific early clini-cal manifestations,patients are often misdiagnosed or experience delayed treatment,which can lead to exacerbation of the condition and even life-threatening consequences.This article reports a case of a patient who presented with unexplained rhabdomyolysis at onset and subsequently developed acute kid-ney injury during the course of the disease.A systematic analysis and discussion of the potential etiolo-gy are conducted based on the patient's clinical features and laboratory test results.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic factors in four patients with Disorder of sex development (DSD). METHODS: Four patients who visited Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2023 and January 2024, presenting with short stature, abnormal external genitalia, or infertility as their chief complaints, were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and peripheral or umbilical cord blood samples were obtained for karyotyping analysis and low-depth whole-genome sequencing (CNV-seq). Quantitative fluorescence PCR (QF-PCR) was used to detect the sex-determining region Y (SRY) gene and azoospermia factor (AZF) on the Y chromosome, while fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was employed to determine the location of the SRY gene. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for genetic testing, and Sanger sequencing was used for familial validation of the candidate variants. The study procedure and protocol were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (Ethics No.: IRB2024-WZ-006). RESULTS: Case 1 had a karyotype of 45,X[22]/46,XY[8], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 7.44 Mb (copy number = 0.2) at Yp11.31-p11.2, a mosaic deletion of 5.32 Mb (copy number = 0.3) at Yq11.1-q11.221, and a deletion of 10.26 Mb (copy number = 0) at Yq11.221-q11.23. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY and AZFa (+), AZFb+c (-). Case 2 had a karyotype of 45,X[12]/46,X,del(X)(q26.3)[18], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 132.62 Mb (copy number = 1.4) at Xp22.33-q26.3 and a deletion of 19.62 Mb (copy number = 1) at Xq26.3-q28. Case 3 had a karyotype of 46,XX, with CNV-seq showing two copies of the X chromosome and no Y chromosome. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY (+) and AZFa+b+c (-), and FISH confirmed a translocation of the SRY gene to the terminal end of the short arm of the X chromosome. Case 4 had a karyotype of 46,XY, with CNV-seq showing one copy each of the X and Y chromosomes. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY(+) and AZFa+b+c (+), and WES revealed a c.1103del variant in the AR gene (maternal origin), which was classified as a pathogenic variant based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) (PVS1+PP1+PM2_Supporting). CONCLUSION The combined application of multiple detection techniques such as chromosomal karyotyping analysis, CNV-seq, QF-PCR, and WES can identify the genetic etiology of DSD patients, providing a basis for clinical consultation and treatment plan formulation.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Chromosomes, Human, Y/genetics* ; Disorders of Sex Development/genetics* ; Sex-Determining Region Y Protein/genetics* ; Karyotyping ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Exome Sequencing ; Adult ; Child

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic factors in four patients with Disorder of sex development (DSD).Methods:Four patients who visited Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2023 and January 2024, presenting with short stature, abnormal external genitalia, or infertility as their chief complaints, were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data were collected, and peripheral or umbilical cord blood samples were obtained for karyotyping analysis and low-depth whole-genome sequencing (CNV-seq). Quantitative fluorescence PCR (QF-PCR) was used to detect the sex-determining region Y ( SRY) gene and azoospermia factor ( AZF) on the Y chromosome, while fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was employed to determine the location of the SRY gene. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for genetic testing, and Sanger sequencing was used for familial validation of the candidate variants. The study procedure and protocol were approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (Ethics No.: IRB2024-WZ-006). Results:Case 1 had a karyotype of 45, X[22]/46, XY[8], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 7.44 Mb (copy number = 0.2) at Yp11.31-p11.2, a mosaic deletion of 5.32 Mb (copy number = 0.3) at Yq11.1-q11.221, and a deletion of 10.26 Mb (copy number = 0) at Yq11.221-q11.23. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY and AZFa (+ ), AZFb+ c (-). Case 2 had a karyotype of 45, X[12]/46, X, del(X)(q26.3)[18], with CNV-seq indicating a mosaic deletion of 132.62 Mb (copy number = 1.4) at Xp22.33-q26.3 and a deletion of 19.62 Mb (copy number = 1) at Xq26.3-q28. Case 3 had a karyotype of 46, XX, with CNV-seq showing two copies of the X chromosome and no Y chromosome. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY (+ ) and AZFa+ b+ c (-), and FISH confirmed a translocation of the SRY gene to the terminal end of the short arm of the X chromosome. Case 4 had a karyotype of 46, XY, with CNV-seq showing one copy each of the X and Y chromosomes. Y chromosome microdeletion analysis showed SRY(+ ) and AZFa+ b+ c (+ ), and WES revealed a c. 1103del variant in the AR gene (maternal origin), which was classified as a pathogenic variant based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) (PVS1+ PP1+ PM2_Supporting). Conclusion:The combined application of multiple detection techniques such as chromosomal karyotyping analysis, CNV-seq, QF-PCR, and WES can identify the genetic etiology of DSD patients, providing a basis for clinical consultation and treatment plan formulation.

Xenotransplantation is a potential solution to the shortage of human organs.In the previous 100 years,xenotransplantation has witnessed preliminary attempts and persistent progress.At present,it has entered a new stage of rapid development and achieved a series of results.Nevertheless,the management of xenotransplantation rejection is more challenging compared with that of allogeneic organ transplantation rejection.Therefore,researchers have developed a series of immunosuppressive strategies,such as use of genetically modified pig donors,use of traditional and novel immunosuppressants,and co-transplantation of donor pig thymus with donor organs,aiming to adjust the immune system response of recipients,mitigate the intensity of rejection and prolong the survival time of grafts.In this article,research progress in the mechanism,prevention and treatment strategies of xenotransplantation rejection was reviewed,aiming to provide reference for accelerating subsequent development of xenotransplantation.

ObjectiveTo study the effect of Qizhu Kang'ai prescription （QZAP） on the gluconeogenesis enzyme phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 （PCK1） in the liver of mouse model of liver cancer induced by diethylnitrosamine （DEN） combined with carbon tetrachloride （CCl₄） and Huh7 cells of human liver cancer， so as to explore the mechanism on regulating metabolic reprogramming and inhibiting cell proliferation of liver cancer cells. MethodDEN combined with CCl₄ was used to construct a mouse model of liver cancer via intraperitoneal injection. A normal group， a model group， and a QZAP group were set up， in which QZAP （3.51 g·kg^-1） or an equal volume of normal saline was administered daily by gavage， respectively. Serum and liver samples were collected after eight weeks of intervention. Serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， γ-glutamyltransferase （γ-GT）， and alpha-fetoprotein （AFP） in mice were detected to evaluate liver function changes of mice in each group. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and Sirius red staining were used to observe pathological changes in liver tissue. In the cell experiment， Huh7 cells were divided into blank group， QZAP low， medium， and high dose groups and/or PCK1 inhibitor （SKF-34288 hydrochloride） group， and Sorafenib group. The corresponding drug-containing serum and drug treatment were given， respectively. Cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） method， colony formation experiment， Edu fluorescent labeling detection， intracellular adenosine triphosphate （ATP） content detection， and cell cycle flow cytometry detection were used to evaluate the proliferation ability， energy metabolism changes， and change in the cell cycle of Huh7 cells in each group. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of PCK1， serine/threonine kinase （Akt）， phosphorylated Akt （p-Akt）， and cell cycle-dependent protein kinase inhibitor 1A （p21）. ResultCompared with the model group， the pathological changes such as cell atypia， necrosis， and collagen fiber deposition in liver cancer tissue of mice in the QZAP group were alleviated， and the number of liver tumors was reduced （P<0.01）. The serum ALT， AST， γ-GT， and AFP levels were reduced （P<0.01）. At the cell level， compared with the blank group， low， medium， and high-dose groups of QZAP-containing serum and the Sorafenib group could significantly reduce the survival rate of Huh7 cells （P<0.01） and the number of positive cells with Edu labeling （P<0.01） and inhibit clonal proliferation ability （P<0.01）. The QZAP groups could also reduce the intracellular ATP content （P<0.05） and increase the distribution ratio of the G₀/G₁ phase of the cell cycle （P<0.05） in a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the model group and blank group， PCK1 and p21 protein levels of mouse liver cancer tissue and Huh7 cells in the QZAP groups were significantly reduced （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the p-Akt protein level was significantly increased （P<0.01）. Compared with the blank group， the ATP content and cell survival rate of Huh7 cells in the SKF-34288 hydrochloride group were significantly increased （P<0.05）， but there was no statistical difference in the ratio of Edu-positive cells and the proportion of G₀/G₁ phase distribution. Compared with the SKF-34288 hydrochloride group， the QZAP combined with the SKF-34288 hydrochloride group significantly reduced the ATP content， cell survival rate， and Edu-positive cell ratio of Huh7 cells （P<0.05） and significantly increased the G₀/G₁ phase distribution proportion （P<0.05）. ConclusionQZAP may induce the metabolic reprogramming of liver cancer cells by activating PCK1 to promote Akt/p21-mediated tumor suppression， thereby exerting an anti-hepatocellular carcinoma proliferation mechanism.

ObjectiveTo explore the syndrome elements and evolving patterns of patients with hepatitis B virus-related acute on chronic liver failure （HBV-ACLF） at different stages. MethodsClinical information of 1,058 hospitalized HBV-ACLF patients， including 618 in the early stage， 355 in the middle stage， and 85 in the late stage， were collected from 18 clinical centers across 12 regions nationwide from January 1， 2012 to February 28， 2015. The “Hepatitis B-related Chronic and Acute Liver Failure Chinese Medicine Clinical Questionnaire” were designed to investigate the basic information of the patients， like the four diagnostic information （including symptoms， tongue， pulse） of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， and to count the frequency of the appearance of the four diagnostic information. Factor analysis and cluster analysis were employed to determine and statistically analyze the syndrome elements and patterns of HBV-ACLF patients at different stages. ResultsThere were 76 four diagnostic information from 1058 HBV-ACLF patients， and 53 four diagnostic information with a frequency of occurrence ≥ 5% were used as factor analysis entries， including 36 symptom information， 12 tongue information， and 5 pulse information. Four types of TCM patterns were identified in HBV-ACLF， which were liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern， qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern， liver-kidney yin deficiency pattern， and spleen-kidney yang-deficiency pattern. In the early stage， heat （39.4%， 359/912） and dampness （27.5%， 251/912） were most common， and the pattern of the disease was dominated by liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern （74.6%， 461/618）； in the middle stage， dampness （30.2%， 187/619） and blood stasis （20.7%， 128/619） were most common， and the patterns of the disease were dominated by liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern （53.2%， 189/355）， and qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern （27.6%， 98/355）； and in the late stage， the pattern of the disease was dominated by qi deficiency （26.3%， 40/152） and yin deficiency （20.4%， 31/152）， and the patterns were dominated by qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern （36.5%， 31/85）， and liver-gallbladder damp-heat pattern （25.9%， 22/85）. ConclusionThere are significant differences in the distribution of syndrome elements and patterns at different stages of HBV-ACLF， presenting an overall trend of evolving patterns as "from excess to deficiency， transforming from excess to deficiency"， which is damp-heat → blood stasis → qi-blood yin-yang deficiency.

Objective:To explore the clinical and genetic characteristics of a fetus diagnosed with Congenital myasthenic syndrome type 16 (CMS16).Methods:A couple who had visited Tianjin Medical University General Hospital in February 2018 due to "adverse outcome of two pregnancies" was selected as the study subject. Clinical data was gathered. Peripheral blood and amniotic fluid samples were collected and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing. Low-depth whole-genome sequencing was carried out to detect copy number variation (CNV) in the fetus.Results:The couple′s first pregnancy had resulted in a miscarriage at 27 + 5 weeks, when ultrasound had revealed pleural effusion and polyhydramnios in the fetus. Their second pregnancy was terminated at 30 + 5 weeks due to fetal hand malformations, polyhydramnios and pleural fluid. Both couple had denied family history of genetic conditions. For their third pregnancy, no CNV abnormality was detected, whilst a compound heterozygous variants, including a maternally derived c. 3172C>T (p.R1058W) and paternal c. 1431delG (p.K477fs*89) in the SCN4A gene were detected. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the c. 3172C>T (p.R1058W) was predicted as a likely pathogenic variant (PM1+ PM2_supporting+ PP3+ PP4), whilst the c. 1431delG (p.K477fs*89) was predicted as a pathogenic variant (PVS1+ PM2_supporting+ PP4). Conclusion:The c. 3172C>T (p.R1058W) and c. 1431delG (p.K477fs*89) compound heterozygous variants of the SCN4A gene probably underlay the CMS16 in the third fetus.

Objective:To explore the clinical and molecular basis for a Chinese pedigree affected with Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS).Methods:A CAIS pedigree presented at Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between 2019 and 2021 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the proband was collected, along with peripheral blood samples from the proband and her family members. Chromosomal karyotyping, sex-determining region of the Y chromosome ( SRY) testing, and next-generation sequencing (NGS) were carried out for the proband, and candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing of her family members. Prenatal diagnosis was provided for the sister of the proband. This study was approved by Medical Ethics Committee of the Tianjin Medical University General Hospital (Ethics No. IRB2023-WZ-070). Results:The 18-year-old proband, who has a social gender of female, underwent laparoscopic examination, which showed no presence of uterus and ovaries. The karyotype of peripheral blood sample was 46, XY, with SRY gene detected. NGS indicated that the proband has harbored a heterozygous c. 1988C>G (p.Ser663Ter) variant of the AR gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed that her mother and sister had both harbored the same variant, whilst her father and younger sister were of the wild-type. Prenatal diagnosis revealed that her sister′s first fetus had harbored carried the same variant, which had led to termination of pregnancy. Her second fetus did not carry the variant, and a healthy boy was born. Based on guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was classified as likely pathogenic (PM2_Supporting+ PM4+ PP3_Moderate+ PP4). Conclusion:The c. 1988C>G (p.Ser663Ter) variant of the AR gene probably underlay the CAIS in the proband. The accurate diagnosis of sex development disorders will rely on the physicians′ thorough understanding of the clinical symptoms and pathogenic genes. Genetic testing and counseling can enable precise diagnosis, prenatal diagnosis, and guidance for reproduction

Objective:To compare the surgical efficacy and perioperative complications of total intracorporeal neobladder (ICNB) and extracorporeal neobladder (ECNB) reconstruction during robot-assisted radical cystectomy.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed our single-institutional, prospectively collected database for consecutive patients who underwent RARC with an ileum neobladder from January 2017 to June 2022. A total of 265 patients were collected, 158 in ICNB group and 107 in ECNB group. The two groups were matched 1∶1 according to gender, age, BMI, ASA score, NAC, history of abdominal surgery and tumor characteristics using propensity score matching (PSM) method. After PSM, operating time, estimated blood loss and perioperative complications were compared between ICNB and ECNB group. A total of 186 patients were paired (93 patients in each group). There were 91 males and 2 females in ICNB group. The median age of ICNB group was 64(55, 68) years; median BMI was 23.54(22.39, 25.39) kg/m 2; There were 91 cases with Clinical stage ≤T 2 stage and 15 cases with ASA score ≥3; 25 cases received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. There were 91 males and 2 females in ECNB group. The median age of ECNB group was 63(52, 67) years; median BMI was 23.31(20.76, 24.80) kg/m 2; There were 90 cases with Clinical stage ≤T 2 stage and 8 cases with ASA score ≥3; 12 cases received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In the ECNB group, after completing the radical cystectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection with robot assistance, the traditional lower abdominal incision was used to pull the intestinal tube outside the body to complete the preparation of the new bladder and then restore it to the pelvic cavity for anastomosing, while in the ICNB group, the reconstruction of the new bladder in situ was always completed in the body cavity with robot assistance. The operative time, intraoperative blood loss and perioperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results:The median operative time in ICNB and ECNB groups was 302(261, 350) min and 337(285, 397) min, respectively ( P=0.003); median intraoperative blood loss was 300(225, 500) ml and 500(300, 650) ml, respectively ( P<0.01); perioperative blood transfusion rates were 4.3%(4/93) and 14.0%(13/93), respectively ( P=0.022); all the differences between the 2 groups were statistically significant. 90-d overall complications rate was significant lower in ICNB group (38.7% vs. 61.3%, P=0.002). There was no difference in 90-d major complications (8.6% vs. 16.1%, P=0.119). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, operating time( OR=1.004, 95% CI 1.000-1.007, P=0.040), surgical approach (ICNB/ECNB)( OR=2.248, 95% CI 1.220-4.141, P=0.009) and age( OR=1.036, 95% CI 1.002-1.072, P=0.037) were associated with 90-day overall complications. Operating time( OR=1.036, 95% CI 1.002-1.072, P=0.037), neoadjuvant chemotherapy( OR=0.198, 95% CI 0.059-0.663, P=0.009) and ASA score( OR=0.167, 95% CI 0.044-0.634, P=0.009) were associated with 90-day high-grade complications. Conclusion:Intracorporeal neobladder during robot-assisted radical cystectomy is safe and feasible. Compared with ECNB, ICNB significantly improved perioperative outcomes such as shorter operating time, fewer estimated blood loss and perioperative complications.