Humans ; Aged ; Lung Diseases ; Pneumonia/drug therapy* ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy* ; Administration, Inhalation ; Community-Acquired Infections/drug therapy*

Objective:To explore the genetic basis for child with CHARGE syndrome.Methods:A child who was diagnosed at Ningbo Women and Children′s Hospital on September 29, 2022 was selected as the study subject. Relevant clinical data were collected. The child and her parents were subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES), and candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.Results:The child was found to harbor a de novo c. 2972T>C (p.L991S) missense variant of the CHD7 gene, which was detected in neither of her parents. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), the variant was predicted to be likely pathogenic (PM6+ PM2_Supporting+ PP2+ PP3+ PP4). Bioinformatic analysis predicted that amino acid 991 is highly conserved among various species, and a hydrogen bond has formed between Asp993 and the mutant Ser991. Conclusion:The heterozygous c. 2972T>C (p.L991S) missense variant of the CHD7 gene probably underlay the pathogenesis of CHARGE syndrome in this child. Above finding has also enriched the mutational spectrum for CHARGE syndrome.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and genetic etiology of four children with Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS).Methods:Four children who had visited the Affiliated Women and Children′s Hospital of Ningbo University between June 2, 2022 and May 8, 2023 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the children were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples of the children and their parents and subjected to whole exome sequencing (WES). Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing and quantitative PCR (q-PCR) analysis. This study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Women and Children′s Hospital of Ningbo University (Ethics No. EC2020-048).Results:All children had presented with speech and language delays and intellectual disability. Children 3 and 4 also presented with autistic behaviors. WES showed that the children 1 and 2 had respectively carried a heterozygous c.731T>C (p.Leu244Pro) and a c.2782_2851del (p.Gly928ArgfsTer4) variant of the SHANK3 gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed that their parents did not carry the same variant, suggesting that they were de novo in origin. Children 3 and 4 had respectively harbored a 121 kb and 52.02 kb heterozygous deletion at chromosome 22q13.33, which had both encompassed the SHANK3 and ACR genes mapped to 22q13.33. q-PCR results showed that the deletion of SHANK3 and ACR genes were de novo in origin. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the c. 731T>C and c. 2782_2851del variants were predicted to be likely pathogenic (PS2+ PM2_Supporting+ PP3) and pathogenic (PVS1+ PM2_Supporting+ PS2_Supporting), respectively. Furthermore, the 52.02 kb and 121 kb heterozygous deletions in 22q13.33 were both predicted to be pathogenic (2D+ 4C, 1.05 in score; 2D+ 4C, 1 in score). Conclusion:The four children were all diagnosed with PMS by genetic testing. Above finding has enriched the phenotypic and mutational spectrum of PMS, and provided a basis for clinical diagnosis and genetic counseling for their families.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic etiology for a fetus with hydrocephalus and intraventricular hemorrhage. METHODS: Trio whole exome sequencing was carried out. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing of the fetus and its parents. RESULTS: The fetus was found to harbor c.818G>A (p.W273X) and c.833T>C (p.L278P) compound heterozygous variants of the PROC gene, which were respectively inherited from its mother and father. Based on the guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), both variants were predicted to be likely pathogenic (PVS1_Strong+PM2_Supporting+PP4; PM2_Supporting+PM3+PP1+PP3+PP4). CONCLUSION The fetus was diagnosed with Protein C deficiency due to the c.818G>A (p.W273X) and c.833T>C (p.L278P) compound heterozygous variants of the PROC gene. Above finding has enriched the spectrum of PROC gene variants and enabled genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the family.
Female ; Pregnancy ; Humans ; Protein C Deficiency ; Fetus ; Genetic Counseling ; Genomics ; Hydrocephalus/genetics* ; Mutation

For wild natural medicine, unanticipated biodiversity as species or varieties with similar morphological characteristics and sympatric distribution may co-exist in a single batch of medical materials, which affects the efficacy and safety of clinical medication. DNA barcoding as an effective species identification tool is limited by its low sample throughput nature. In this study, combining DNA mini-barcode, DNA metabarcoding and species delimitation method, a novel biological sources consistency evaluation strategy was proposed, and high level of interspecific and intraspecific variations were observed and validated among 5376 Amynthas samples from 19 sampling points regarded as "Guang Dilong" and 25 batches of proprietary Chinese medicines. Besides Amynthas aspergillum as the authentic source, 8 other Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) were elucidated. Significantly, even the subgroups within A. aspergillum revealed here differ significantly on chemical compositions and biological activity. Fortunately, this biodiversity could be controlled when the collection was limited to designated areas, as proved by 2796 "decoction pieces" samples. This batch biological identification method should be introduced as a novel concept regarding natural medicine quality control, and to offer guidelines for in-situ conservation and breeding bases construction of wild natural medicine.

Objective:To analyze the effect of inhibiting excessive mitochondrial fission mediated by dynamic related protein 1 (Drp1) on the function of injured cells and mitochondria in the septic myocardium, and to explore the protective effect of maintaining mitochondrial dynamic balance in the pathogenesis of sepsis induced cardiomyopathy(SIC).Methods:Rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes were cultured and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to establish a model of SIC. Mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (Mdivi-1) was given 30 min before LPS stimulation. They were divided into the control group, LPS stimulated group (LPS), Mdivi-1 control group (Mdivi-1), and LPS+Mdivi-1 intervention group (LPS+Mdivi-1). CCK-8 was used to detect the cell viability, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was used to detect cellular damage. A MitoTracker probe was used to observe mitochondrial morphology by laser scanning confocal microscopy, JC-1 staining was used to detect mitochondrial membrane potential level, a DCFH-DA probe was used to detect total ROS level, and an AnnexinV-FITC/PI probe was used to detect the cell apoptosis ratio. The expression levels of mitochondrial fission protein Drp1 and fusion proteins Optic Atrophy 1(Opa1) and Mitofusin2 (Mfn2) were detected by real-time PCR and Western blot. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the differences between groups, and the LSD- t test was used for pairwise comparisons between groups. Results:Compared with the control group, cell viability, the average length of mitochondria and the mitochondrial membrane potential were decreased, and ROS production, the cell apoptosis rate and LDH were increased in the LPS group (all P<0.05). After Mdivi-1 intervention, compared with the LPS-stimulated group, the cell viability was increased, myocardial cell damage was reduced, the average length of mitochondria was prolonged, mitochondrial dysfunction was alleviated, and the cell apoptosis rate was inhibited in the LPS+Mdivi-1 group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Mdivi-1 might inhibit mitochondrial fission mediated by Drp1, maintain mitochondrial dynamic balance, alleviate mitochondrial dysfunction and protect myocardial cells from LPS-induced injury.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic etiology of Vici syndrome in a Chinese family. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing (WES) technology was used to detect gene variants in a fetus of abnormal ultrasonic structure without abnormalities in routine chromosome karyotype analysis and SNP-array. Sanger sequencing and bioinformatics prediction were performed for the suspected variants of the fetus and parents. RESULTS: The fetus and the elder sister have carried c. 2427delC (p.T809fs) and c.1886A>T (p.E629V) compound heterozygous variants of the EPG5 gene, which were respectively inherited from their mother and father. Neither variant was reported previously. According to ACMG guidelines, the c.2427delC variant was predicted as pathogenic, while the c.1886A>T variant was of uncertain significance. PolyPhen-2 and PROVEAN software indicated that c.1886A>T variant was probably damaging. CONCLUSION The c.2427delC and c.1886A>T variants of the EPG5 gene probably underlie the pathogenesis of the Vici syndrome in this family. Above finding has enriched the variational spectrum of EPG5 gene and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the family.
Aged ; Agenesis of Corpus Callosum ; Autophagy-Related Proteins ; Cataract ; Female ; Humans ; Mutation ; Pregnancy ; Vesicular Transport Proteins/genetics* ; Whole Exome Sequencing

OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic basis for a fetus with dysgenesis of corpus callosum and other brain malformations. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing was carried out for the fetus and its parents. Suspected pathogenic variants were verified by Sanger sequencing. RESULTS: A novel de novo missense variant c.758T>A (p.L253Q) of the TUBB2B gene was identified, which was unreported previously. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics, the c.758T>A variant was predicted to be likely pathogenic. Bioinformatics analysis predicted that the leucine at position 253 was highly conserved among various species, and the c.758T>A variant may impact the formation of hydrogen bonds between Leu253 and Asp249 and Met257 residues, which in turn may affect the combination of GTP/GDP and function of the TUBB2B protein. CONCLUSION The c.758T>A variant of the TUBB2B gene probably underlay the fetal malformations in this Chinese family. Above discovery has enriched the spectrum of TUBB2B gene variants and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.
Brain ; Female ; Fetus/abnormalities* ; Humans ; Malformations of Cortical Development/genetics* ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Tubulin/genetics* ; Whole Exome Sequencing

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the clinical and genetic features of a fetus with micrognathia, low-set ears, microtia, polyhydramnios and anechoic stomach by ultrasonography. METHODS: Whole exome sequencing (WES) was carried out to detect genetic variant in the fetus, for which routine chromosomal karyotyping and chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) yielded no positive finding. Candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS: WES revealed that the fetus has carried a de novo nonsense c.2302C>T (p.Q768X) variant in exon 23 of the EFTUD2 gene, which was detected in neither parent. The variant was unreported previously and may lead to premature termination of the translation of EFTUD2 protein at the 768th amino acid. Bioinformatic analysis predicted the amino acid to be highly conserved and may alter the structure and function of the EFTUD2 protein. CONCLUSION The c.2302C>T variant of the EFTUD2 gene probably underlay the mandibulofacial dysostosis Guion-Almeida type in the fetus. Discovery of the novel variant has enriched variant spectrum of the EFTUD2 gene and provided a basis for genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis for the family.
Female ; Fetus ; Humans ; Mandibulofacial Dysostosis/genetics* ; Mutation ; Peptide Elongation Factors/genetics* ; Phenotype ; Pregnancy ; Ribonucleoprotein, U5 Small Nuclear/genetics*

Objective:To find the age-related indicators of human immune function in the blood, to explore the possibility to standardize the evaluation criterion of immune function in Chinese population.Methods:The peripheral blood samples from 478 healthy individuals with complete medical data collected at the Beijing Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019, were chosen and analyzed.The volunteers were divided into young(<40 years old)and elderly(≥70 years old)groups.The differences in RNA, cytokines and immune cell function(the proliferation of T cell as well as the ability of T cells and natural killer cells to lyse target cells)were compared between the young group versus the elderly group.Results:Real-time quantitative fluorescence RT-PCR detection method was used for detecting the following tumor immune-related genes in the peripheral blood of healthy people in young versus old groups: programmed death 1( PD1)gene, complement C3 gene( C3), complement C4 gene( C4), high sensitivity C-reactive protein gene( HsCRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha gene( TNFA), interferon gamma gene( INF- γ), interleukin-6 gene( IL-6), interleukin-8 gene( IL-8), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 gene( CTLA-4), nuclear transcription factor-κB gene( NF- κB), long intergenic noncoding RNA-erythroid pro-survival gene( lincRNA- EPS), long non-coding RNA-myeloid RNA regulator of Bim-induced death gene( lncRNA- Morrbid), lincRNA-cyclooxygenase 2 gene( lincRNA- Cox2), Lnc-Dendritic cells( Lnc- DC), and circRNA-7 gene( ciRS-7). The mRNA level of C4 was significantly lower in elderly people than in young controls[young group(1.01±0.18) vs.old group(0.64±0.13), P=0.047], while others showing a non-statistically significant difference( P>0.05). The protein levels of programmed death 1(PD1), complement C3(C3), complement C4(C4), high sensitivity C-reactive protein(HsCRP), tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α), interferon gamma(INF-γ), interleukin-6(IL-6), interleukin-8(IL-8), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4(CTLA-4)and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)in plasma were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The following protein levels were significantly higher in the elderly group than in the young group: IL-6 protein[young group(249.30±100.02)ng/L vs.old group(283.00±94.98)ng/L, P=0.021], HsCRP protein[young group(2543.00±1111.89)ng/L vs.old group(3056.00±1056.61)ng/L, P=0.002], INF-γ protein[young group(362.40±383.67)ng/L vs.old group(500.40±502.27)ng/L, P=0.047]and TNF-α protein[young group(20.74±29.47)ng/L vs.old group(33.09±48.91)ng/L, P=0.042]. While the level of C4 was significantly lower in the elderly group than in the young group[young group(449.50±51.17)ng/L vs.old group(407.10±59.78)ng/L, P<0.0001]. T-cell proliferation, quantified by flow cytometry-based fluorescent dye dilution, showed that the CD3 + T cells of elder people had proliferated through 4 generations, while the CD3 + T cells of young people had proliferated through 5 generations.As shown in the NK killing assays, the secretion of LDH in the target A549 tumor cells decreased significantly after treated with NK cells belonging to elder individuals.The result demonstrated that individuals over 70 years old have significantly lower levels of the killing activity of NK cells( P<0.05). However, there was not statistically significant in T lymphocyte killing activity between different ages( P>0.05). Conclusions:IL-6, HsCRP, INF-γ and TNF-α levels are increased with aging, while the level of C4 significantly is decreased.The proliferation ability of T cells and the ability of NK cells to kill tumor cells are weakened.