ObjectiveTo explore the effect of precocious puberty on glucose metabolism and lipid metabolism in female rats. MethodsSixty two-day-old female rats were randomly divided into 2 groups. When aged 5 days， the precocious puberty group and normal group were given a single subcutaneous injection of danazol and solvent soybean oil respectively. The vaginal opening of rats was monitored from their 21 days of age. After 12 hours of fasting， all successful modeling rats were randomly executed within 3 days after vaginal opening， when aged 7 and 12 weeks. Then we measured the rats’ body weight and length， determined the concentrations of glucose， insulin， blood lipids， estradiol， leptin and adiponectin with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and observed the pathological changes of perirenal fat， uterus and ovary. ResultsFor body weight and length， rats in the precocious puberty group were smaller than those in the normal group within 3 days after vaginal opening， but which did not affect their subsequent growth and development， and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 7 and 12 weeks of age. Within 3 days after vaginal opening， insulin levels had significant difference between the two groups （P = 0.001）， the precocious group showed hyperinsulinemia and increased number of perirenal adipocytes. At three execution times， no significant difference was noted in estradiol， leptin and adiponectin levels between the two groups. The same was true in the ratios of ovary or uterus to body weight between the two groups. ConclusionsPrecocious puberty makes earlier onset of pubertal development and allows body maladaptation to the sudden changes of the internal environment. However， the changes due to precocious puberty are temporary and reversible， and they may become normal in adulthood.

The GapC protein of Streptococcus uberis located on the surface of bacteria is a protein with glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. It participates in cellular processes and exhibits a variety of biological activities. In addition, it has good antigenicity. The aim of this study was to predict the possible B-cell epitopes of the GapC protein and verify the immunogenicity of candidate epitope peptides. The gapC gene of S. uberis isolate RF5-1 was cloned into a recombinant expression plasmid pET-28a-GapC and inducibly expressed. The purified protein was used to immunize experimental rabbits to produce anti-GapC polyclonal antibodies. The three-dimensional structure and three-dimensional location of the GapC B-cell epitopes and the homology comparison of the GapC protein and its B-cell epitopes were carried out using bioinformatics softwares. The results showed that the 44-kDa GapC protein had a good immunological reactivity. Six linear and 3 conformational dominant B-cell epitopes against the GapC protein were selected and synthesized. Three dimensional analysis indicated that the selected peptides have better antigen epitope formation potential. Rabbit anti-GapC polyclonal antibodies were generated after immunized with the purified GapC protein, and the polyclonal antibodies were used to identify the epitope peptide by an indirect ELISA. The ELISA results showed that all of the 9 epitope peptides could react with anti-GapC polyclonal antibodies with varying titers. Among them, the epitope polypeptide ²⁶⁶AANDSYGYTEDPIVSSD²⁸² reacted with the polyclonal antibodies significantly stronger than with other epitope peptides. This study laid an experimental foundation for in-depth understanding of the immunological properties and utilizing effective epitopes of the GapC protein of S. uberis.
Animals ; Antigens, Bacterial/genetics* ; Bacterial Proteins/genetics* ; Epitopes, B-Lymphocyte/genetics* ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Rabbits ; Streptococcus

OBJECTIVE: To analyze ultrasonographic finding in fetuses with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS) and refine the critical region on chromosome 4p16.3 for WHS-associated fetal growth retardation (FGR). METHODS: In total 2262 fetuses with abnormal ultrasonographic findings who underwent prenatal karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis were reviewed. WHS-associated 4p deletions detected in these fetuses were compared, and prenatal ultrasound findings in such fetuses were summarized. Meanwhile, WHS cases with prenatal ultrasound findings and isolated 4p deletions in previous studies were included for further analysis. An analysis of smallest region of overlap (SRO) among discrepant 4p deletions in these cases above was performed to define a critical region for FGR. RESULTS: 4p deletions were detected in 10 of the 2262 fetuses and 5.0% of the 202 fetuses with FGR. Combined with 80 WHS cases from previous studies, the most common prenatal ultrasound finding was FGR, which yielded a frequency of 76.7%. In addition, a SRO spanning approximately 419 kb (genomic position: 1.32-1.74 Mb) on chromosome 4p16.3 was discovered by comparing the unusual 4p deletions among the 10 fetuses. The region contained seven protein-coding genes, including TACC3, SLBP, TMEM129, FAM53A, MAEA, UVSSA and CRIPAK. CONCLUSION For fetuses with WHS, the most common prenatal ultrasound phenotype was FGR. A region between 1.32 Mb to 1.74 Mb from the telomere on chromosome 4p16.3 is critical for WHS-associated FGR, for which TACC3 and SLBP are the candidate genes.

OBJECTIVETo perform molecular cytogenetic study on two fetuses with abnormal ultrasound findings and analyze their genotype-phenotype correlation.

METHODSG-banded karyotyping, single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed on amniotic fluid cells from both fetuses and peripheral blood samples from their parents. Results of SNP array were analyzed with bioinformatics software.

RESULTSG-banded karyotyping failed to detect any abnormalities in both fetuses and their parents. SNP array detected a 2.484 Mb terminal deletion at 17p13.3 [arr[hg19] 17p13.3 (83 035-2 567 405)×1] in fetus 1 and a 3.295 Mb terminal deletion at 17p13.3p13.2 [arr[hg19] 17p13.3p13.2 (83 035- 3 377 560)×1] in fetus 2. Both deletions have overlapped with the critical region of Miller-Dieker syndrome (MDS) and involved candidate genes such as PAFAH1B1, YWHAE and CRK. In addition, SNP array and FISH analyses on the parental peripheral blood samples demonstrated that both 17p13.3 and 17p13.3p13.2 deletions were of de novo origin. Metaphase FISH performed on amniotic fluid cells confirmed the presence of 17p13.3 and 17p13.3p13.2 deletions detected by the SNP array, while metaphase FISH performed on the parents excluded any potential chromosome rearrangements.

CONCLUSIONAbnormal ultrasound features for fetuses with MDS mainly include central nervous system anomalies. SNP array can efficiently detect 17p13.3 microdeletions underlying MDS, and accurately map the breakpoints and involved genes, which may facilitate understanding of the genotype and phenotype correlations for MDS.

Chromosome Banding ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 ; genetics ; Classical Lissencephalies and Subcortical Band Heterotopias ; diagnostic imaging ; genetics ; Female ; Fetal Diseases ; diagnostic imaging ; genetics ; Genetic Association Studies ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; genetics ; Genotype ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Karyotyping ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Pregnancy ; Ultrasonography, Prenatal ; methods

OBJECTIVETo analyze a fetus presenting with complex heart defect and assess the recurrence risk.

METHODSConventional karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and single nucleotide polymorphism-based array (SNP-array) were used to analyze the fetus and his parents.

RESULTSSNP-array has detected a 6.9 Mb microdeletion at 1p36.33-p36.23 in the fetus. Chromosomal and FISH analyses indicated that the father of the fetus had a karyotype of 46,XY,t(1;14)(p36.3;p12), and that the fetus has inherited an abnormal chromosome 1 derived from the paternal translocation.

CONCLUSIONSNP-array combined with GTG banding and FISH can help to detect cryptic translocation, microdeletion or microduplication of chromosomes and is valuable to assess the recurrence risk for the affected family.

Adult ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1 ; Female ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; genetics ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Karyotyping ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo analyze a fetus with abnormal sonographic features and correlated its genotype with phenotype.

METHODSG-banding analysis, single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were performed for the fetus. Karyotyping and FISH were also carried out for the parents.

RESULTSSNP array detected a 4.4 Mb deletion at 1q44 and a 10.4 Mb duplication at 17q24.3q25.3 in the fetus. Based on the results of SNP array and FISH analysis, the father was diagnosed with a cryptic t(1;17)(q44;q24.3) translocation. The fetus has inherited a der(1)t(1;17)(q44;q24.3) from its father.

CONCLUSIONThe 1q44 deletion and 17q24.3q25.3 duplication may have contributed to the abnormal sonographic features presented by the fetus.

Adult ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 1 ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 ; Female ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Pregnancy ; Translocation, Genetic ; Trisomy ; genetics ; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

OBJECTIVETo analyze the correlation between atypical neurofibromatosis type 1(NF1) microdeletion and fetal phenotype.

METHODSFetal blood sampling was carried out for a woman bearing a fetus with talipes equinovarus. G-banded karyotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP-array) were performed on the fetal blood sample. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to confirm the result of SNP array analysis. FISH assay was also carried out on peripheral blood specimens from the parents to ascertain the origin of mutation.

RESULTSThe karyotype of fetus was found to be 46, XY by G-banding analysis. However, a 3.132 Mb microdeletion was detected in chromosome region 17q11.2 by SNP array, which overlaped with the region of NF1 microdeletion syndrome. Analyzing of the specimens from the fetus and its parents with FISH has confirmed it to be a de novo deletion.

CONCLUSIONTalipes equinovarus may be an abnormal sonographic feature of fetus with atypical NF1 microdeletion which can be accurately diagnosed with SNP array.

Adult ; Chromosome Banding ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 ; genetics ; Craniofacial Abnormalities ; diagnosis ; embryology ; genetics ; Female ; Gene Deletion ; Humans ; Intellectual Disability ; diagnosis ; embryology ; genetics ; Karyotyping ; Learning Disorders ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Male ; Neurofibromatoses ; diagnosis ; embryology ; genetics ; Neurofibromatosis 1 ; diagnosis ; embryology ; genetics ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo analyze a fetus with increased nuchal translucency and nuchal fold, and to assess the recurrence risk for her family and provide a basis for prenatal diagnosis.

METHODSG-banded karyotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism-based array (SNP-Array) analysis were used to analyze the fetus and her parents.

RESULTSSNP-Array analysis has detected a 41.04 Mb duplication at Xp22.33p11.4 and a 30.51 Mb duplication at 13q31.3q34 in the fetus. G-banding karyotyping indicated that the fetus had a karyotype of 46,X,der(X)(13qter-13q31::Xp11.4-Xp22.3::Xp22.3-Xqter). Her parents had normal results for both G-banding karyotyping and SNP-Array analysis, suggesting that the fetus has carried a de novo derivative chromosome X.

CONCLUSIONSNP-Array combined with G-banding karyotyping is helpful to confirm the composition and connection type of de novo derivative chromosome, which can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and is valuable for the evaluation of recurrence risk.

Adult ; Chromosome Banding ; Chromosome Duplication ; Chromosomes, Human, X ; genetics ; Female ; Fetus ; abnormalities ; metabolism ; Humans ; Karyotyping ; Male ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; methods ; Sex Chromosome Aberrations

OBJECTIVETo explore the reason for discordant results of karyotyping and microarray analysis in a fetus with mosaic tetrasomy 9p.

METHODSAmniocentesis was carried out for a pregnant woman with advanced age for whom ultrasound scan has indicated fetal ventricular expansion, intrauterine growth retardation and persistent upper venous cavity. G-banded karyotyping and single nucleotide polymorphism-based arrays (SNP-array) analysis were performed at the same time.

RESULTSAnalysis of amniocytic chromosome has suggested mosaic tetrasomy 9p (47,XX,+psu idic(9)(q21)[23]/46,XX[27]). While SNP-array has detected a non-mosaic trisomy 9p with a 68.7 Mb duplication at 9p24.3q21.11. The results of the two methods were therefore discordant.

CONCLUSIONSNP-array will analyze genetic material in the form of numbers rather than morphology. For chimeras containing two types of cell lines, when the mosaic rate was close to 50% and the average amount of genetic material of the chimeras was equivalent to the amount of genetic material of non-chimeras, microarray analysis may come to the conclusion of a non-mosaic heteroploidy. Therefore, microarray results for large segment chromosome abnormalities should be combined with the results of G-banded karyotyping for genetic counseling.

Adult ; Amniocentesis ; methods ; Aneuploidy ; Chromosome Banding ; Chromosome Disorders ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9 ; Diagnostic Errors ; Female ; Fetal Growth Retardation ; diagnosis ; genetics ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Karyotyping ; Male ; Mosaicism ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; methods ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Trisomy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the relationship between fetal lateral ventriculomegaly and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) abnormalities.

METHODSFifty fetuses with lateral ventriculomegaly detected by ultrasound and a normal karyotype were included. Forty four fetuses were classified as mild ventriculomegaly (MVM), in which the lateral ventricular atrium was 10-15 mm. Six had severe ventriculomegaly (SVM), with the lateral ventricularatrium being ≥ 15 mm. The fetuses were also divided into isolated (n= 21) and non-isolated groups (n= 29) based on whether they are associated with other anomalies.

RESULTSThirteen (26%) of the fetuses were found to be abnormal by CMA. For the 44 cases with MVM, 9 (20.9% ) were found to be abnormal, while for the 6 cases with SMV, 4 (66.7%) were found to be abnormal (P>0.05). CMA abnormalities were found in 2 (9.5%) of the 21 fetuses with isolated ventriculomegaly group and 11 (37.9%) of the 29 fetuses with non-isolated ventriculomegaly group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONChromosome microdeletions and microduplications are the most common abnormalities found in fetal lateral ventriculomegaly. When ventriculomegaly is associated with other anomalies, the incidence of CMA abnormally is much higher. Prenatal diagnosis is necessary for fetuses with lateral ventriculomegaly.

Adult ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Chromosome Deletion ; Chromosome Duplication ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; diagnosis ; diagnostic imaging ; genetics ; Lateral Ventricles ; abnormalities ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; Microarray Analysis ; methods ; Pregnancy ; Reproducibility of Results ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Ultrasonography, Prenatal ; methods ; Young Adult