Objective: To investigate the association between phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene polymorphisms with the efficacy of risperidone and extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) in patients with schizophrenia, so as to provide insights into pharmacogenomic studies and individualized treatment of schizophrenia. Methods: The patients with schizophrenia in Shanghai Mental Health Center from 2019 to 2021 were selected using the consecutive enrollment method. Risperidone (4-8 mg/d) was used to treat for 8 weeks. The symptoms were investigated using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), the treatment efficacy was evaluated using PANSS reducing rate before and after treatment, and EPS was evaluated using the Simpson-Angus Scale. Blood samples were drawn for DNA extraction at the time of patients enrollment and at the end of treatment. Five tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of PTEN gene were genotyped using the SNaPshot method. The association of PTEN genotypes with risperidone efficacy and EPS were using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: Totally 144 cases of patients with schizophrenia were enrolled, including 85 males (59.03%) and 59 females (40.97%). The median age was 30.50 (interquartile range, 17.00) years. The median course of disease was 5.50 (interquartile range, 9.00) years. The median dose of risperidone was 4.00 (interquartile range, 0) mg/d. There were 60 cases effectively treated with risperidone (41.96%), and 30 cases with EPS (20.83%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that none of the five SNP genotypes of PTEN was statistically associated with the efficacy of risperidone (all P>0.05), while the GT+TT genotype of rs17107001 was associated with a decreased risk of EPS (OR=0.110, 95%CI: 0.001-0.886). Conclusion The GT+TT genotype of the PTEN gene rs17107001 in patients with schizophrenia might be negatively associated with risperidone treatment-induced EPS.

Objective·To develop physiologically based pharmacokinetic(PBPK)models specifically designed for the Chinese population by utilizing the combination of clozapine and fluvoxamine as a case,and predict the drug-drug interaction(DDI)associated with the combination medication of clozapine,ultimately optimizing the dosage of clozapine.Methods·By obtaining the physicochemical parameters,absorption,distribution,metabolism,excretion(ADME)-related parameters,and physiologically relevant parameters of the Chinese population through literature and pharmacology-related databases,PBPK models for the clozapine and fluvoxamine were constructed by using PK-Sim? software.The models' accuracy was evaluated by comparing predicted values of the area under the curve(AUC)and peak concentration(Cmax)to observed data,using the mean percentage error(MPE)and mean absolute percentage error(MAPE)as evaluation indicators.The models were validated against real-world plasma drug concentration data.Additionally,combining the inhibitory effect of fluvoxamine on clozapine,models for the combination therapy of clozapine and fluvoxamine were developed to predict the pharmacokinetic changes of clozapine.The presence of clinically significant DDI was determined by using the 90%confidence interval of the AUC ratio(AUCR)or Cmax ratio(CmaxR)as evaluation metrics,with a non-effect boundary set at 80%?125%.The pharmacokinetic changes of clozapine upon co-administration with fluvoxamine based on PBPK models were quantified,and a dosage optimization for clozapine was developed.Results·The constructed model of clozapine and fluvoxamine was considered accurate if the absolute value of the MPE was≤10%and the MAPE was<25%during validation,indicating that the predicted concentration-time curves were accurate.The PBPK model for the co-administration of clozapine and fluvoxamine was able to accurately predict pharmacokinetic parameters if the ratio of predicted AUC to observed AUC was within 1.25.The prediction of PBPK model for the co-administration showed that the 90%confidence intervals for AUCR and CmaxR of the combination therapy of clozapine and fluvoxamine were not entirely within the ineffective effect boundary,indicating a clinically significant DDI when these two drugs were used concomitantly.Moreover,the dose optimization according to the PBPK models indicated that when subjects were co-administered with clozapine and fluvoxamine,reducing the dose of clozapine to 50%of the original dose could maintain the exposure levels of clozapine consistent with monotherapy.Conclusion·The established PBPK model can effectively simulate the impact of combination therapy on pharmacokinetic changes of clozapine,providing valuable insights for predicting potential DDI and optimizing dosage regimens.If clozapine needs to be co-administered with fluvoxamine during the treatment,clinicians should remain vigilant for clinically significant DDI and contemplate optimizing the dosage of clozapine accordingly.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interactions and repetitive behaviors. Although hundreds of ASD risk genes, implicated in synaptic formation and transcriptional regulation, have been identified through human genetic studies, the East Asian ASD cohorts are still under-represented in genome-wide genetic studies. Here, we applied whole-exome sequencing to 369 ASD trios including probands and unaffected parents of Chinese origin. Using a joint-calling analytical pipeline based on GATK toolkits, we identified numerous de novo mutations including 55 high-impact variants and 165 moderate-impact variants, as well as de novo copy number variations containing known ASD-related genes. Importantly, combined with single-cell sequencing data from the developing human brain, we found that the expression of genes with de novo mutations was specifically enriched in the pre-, post-central gyrus (PRC, PC) and banks of the superior temporal (BST) regions in the human brain. By further analyzing the brain imaging data with ASD and healthy controls, we found that the gray volume of the right BST in ASD patients was significantly decreased compared to healthy controls, suggesting the potential structural deficits associated with ASD. Finally, we found a decrease in the seed-based functional connectivity between BST/PC/PRC and sensory areas, the insula, as well as the frontal lobes in ASD patients. This work indicated that combinatorial analysis with genome-wide screening, single-cell sequencing, and brain imaging data reveal the brain regions contributing to the etiology of ASD.
Humans ; Autism Spectrum Disorder/metabolism* ; Autistic Disorder ; Exome Sequencing ; DNA Copy Number Variations ; East Asian People ; Brain/metabolism* ; Mutation/genetics* ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics*

Objective: To investigate the regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) on permeability of rat vascular endothelial cells and the mechanism. Methods: Twelve male Sprague-Dawley rats aged 35 to 38 days were collected and vascular endothelial cells were separated and cultured. The morphology of cells was observed after 4 days of culture, and the following experiments were performed on the 2nd or 3rd passage of cells. (1) Rat vascular endothelial cells were collected and divided into blank control group, negative control group, HIF-1α interference sequence 1 group, HIF-1α interference sequence 2 group, and HIF-1α interference sequence 3 group according to the random number table (the same grouping method below), with 3 wells in each group. Cells in negative control group, HIF-1α interference sequence 1 group, HIF-1α interference sequence 2 group, and HIF-1α interference sequence 3 group were transfected with GV248 empty plasmid, recombinant plasmid respectively containing HIF-1α interference sequence 1, interference sequence 2, and interference sequence 3 with liposome 2000. Cells in blank control group were only transfected with liposome 2000. After transfection of 24 h, expression levels of HIF-1α mRNA and protein of cells in each group were respectively detected by reverse transcription real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting (the same detecting methods below) . The sequence with the highest interference efficiency was selected. (2) Another batch of rat vascular endothelial cells were collected and divided into blank control group, negative control group, and HIF-1α low expression group, with 3 wells in each group. Cells in blank control group were only transfected with liposome 2000, and cells in negative control group and HIF-1α low expression group were respectively transfected with GV248 empty plasmid and low expression HIF-1α recombinant plasmid selected in experiment (1) with liposome 2000. After 14 days of culture, the mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α in each group were detected. (3) Another batch of rat vascular endothelial cells were collected and divided into blank control group, negative control group, and HIF-1α high expression group, with 3 wells in each group. Cells in blank control group were transfected with liposome 2000, and cells in negative control group and HIF-1α high expression group were respectively transfected with GV230 empty plasmid and HIF-1α high expression recombinant plasmid with liposome 2000. After 14 days of culture, the mRNA and protein expressions of HIF-1α of cells in each group were detected. (4) After transfection of 24 h, cells of three groups in experiment (1) and three groups in experiment (2) were collected, and mRNA and protein expressions of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), phosphorylated myosin light chain (p-MLC), and zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) of cells were detected. Data were processed with one-way analysis of variance and t test. Results: After 4 days of culture, the cells were spindle-shaped, and rat vascular endothelial cells were successfully cultured. (1) The interference efficiencies of HIF-1α of cells in HIF-1α interference sequence 1 group, HIF-1α interference sequence 2 group, and HIF-1α interference sequence 3 group were 47.66%, 45.79%, and 62.62%, respectively, and the interference sequence 3 group had the highest interference efficiency. After transfection of 24 h, the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α of cells in interference sequence 3 group were significantly lower than those in blank control group (t=18.404, 9.140, P<0.01) and negative control group (t=15.099, 7.096, P<0.01). (2) After cultured for 14 days, the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α of cells in HIF-1α low expression group were significantly lower than those in blank control group (t=21.140, 5.440, P<0.01) and negative control group (t= 14.310, 5.210, P<0.01). (3) After cultured for 14 days, the mRNA and protein expression levels of HIF-1α of cells in HIF-1α high expression group were significantly higher than those in blank control group (t=19.160, 7.710, P<0.01) and negative control group (t= 19.890, 7.500, P<0.01). (4) After transfection of 24 h, the mRNA expression levels of MLCK and p-MLC of cells in HIF-1α low expression group were significantly lower than those in blank control group (t=2.709, 4.011, P<0.05 or P<0.01) and negative control group (t=2.373, 3.744, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The mRNA expression level of ZO-1 of cells in HIF-1α low expression group was significantly higher than that in blank control group and negative control group (t=4.285, 5.050, P<0.01). The mRNA expression levels of MLCK and p-MLC of cells in HIF-1α high expression group were significantly higher than those in blank control group (t=9.118, 11.313, P<0.01) and negative control group (t=9.073, 11.280, P<0.01). The mRNA expression level of ZO-1 of cells in HIF-1α high expression group was significantly lower than that in blank control group and negative control group (t=2.889, 2.640, P<0.05). (5) After transfection of 24 h, the protein expression levels of MLCK and p-MLC of cells in HIF-1α low expression group were significantly lower than those in blank control group (t=2.652, 3.983, P<0.05 or P<0.01) and negative control group (t=2.792, 4.065, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The protein expression of ZO-1 of cells in HIF-1α low expression group was significantly higher than that in blank control group and negative control group (t=3.881, 3.570, P<0.01). The protein expression levels of MLCK and p-MLC of cells in HIF-1α high expression group were 1.18±0.24 and 0.68±0.22, which were significantly higher than 0.41±0.21 and 0.35±0.14 in blank control group (t=5.011, 3.982, P<0.05 or P<0.01) and 0.43±0.20 and 0.36±0.12 in negative control group (t= 4.880, 3.862, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The protein expression level of ZO-1 of cells in HIF-1α high expression group was 0.08±0.06, which was significantly lower than 0.20±0.09 in blank control group and 0.19±0.09 in negative control group (t=4.178, 3.830, P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusions HIF-1α up-regulates expressions of MLCK and p-MLC and down-regulates expression of ZO-1, thereby increasing the permeability of rat vascular endothelial cells.

There are trillions of microbes in human gut, which are related to health and diseases closely.In recent years, with the popularization of the concept of microbiome-gut-brain axis, the influence of intestinal microbiota on central nervous system diseases has drawn increasing attention.Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in children with autism spectrum disorder(ASD), and some studies have also indicated that correcting the dysbiosis of gut microbiome can not only improve the gastrointestinal problems, but also alleviate the symptoms of autism to some extent.Therefore, the relationship between intestinal microbes and ASD has attracted researchers′ attention.This review focuses on several kinds of gut microbesmicrotes that have been extensively studied to reveal the relationship between the microbesmicrotes and autism spectrum disorders and their potential pathogenic or protective mechanisms.

De novo variants (DNVs) are one of the most significant contributors to severe earlyonset genetic disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and other developmental and neuropsychiatric (DNP) disorders. Presently, a plethora of DNVs have been identified using next-generation sequencing, and many efforts have been made to understand their impact at the gene level. However, there has been little exploration of the effects at the isoform level. The brain contains a high level of alternative splicing and regulation, and exhibits a more divergent splicing program than other tissues. Therefore, it is crucial to explore variants at the transcriptional regulation level to better interpret the mechanisms underlying DNP disorders. To facilitate a better usage and improve the isoform-level interpretation of variants, we developed NeuroPsychiatric Mutation Knowledge Base (PsyMuKB). It contains a comprehensive, carefully curated list of DNVs with transcriptional and translational annotations to enable identification of isoformspecific mutations. PsyMuKB allows a flexible search of genes or variants and provides both table-based descriptions and associated visualizations, such as expression, transcript genomic structures, protein interactions, and the mutation sites mapped on the protein structures. It also provides an easy-to-use web interface, allowing users to rapidly visualize the locations and characteristics of mutations and the expression patterns of the impacted genes and isoforms. PsyMuKB thus constitutes a valuable resource for identifying tissue-specific DNVs for further functional studies of related disorders. PsyMuKB is freely accessible at http://psymukb.net.

Objective To explore the relationship between the serum neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels and the pathogenesis,therapeutic intervention of schizophrenia. Methods One hundard twenty-five patients with schizophrenia (case group) with no medication for at least 4-week and 136 healthy controls (control group) were evaluated by Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scala (PANSS). Simultaneously blood tests were performed to detect serum NPY levels. In the case group, PANSS was evaluated and blood collected again after 4 weeks of treatment with olanzapine. Result At the baseline,the serum NPY concentration was significantly lower in the case group than in control group (t=-5.79, P<0.01). The scores of RBANS and its factors were significantly lower in the case group than in control group (all P<0.01). The concentration was positively correlated with the score of the attention factor for RBANS scale (r=0.20, P=0.04). After treatment with olanzapine for 4 weeks,the serum NPY level in the case group was significantly increased (t=-2.23,P=0.03).The scores of PANSS total scale and subscale were significantly decreased(all P<0.01).There was no significant correlation between alterations of the serum level of NPY and PANSS total or subscale scores from baseline to 4-week (all P>0.05). Conclusion The present study has revealed a significant decrease in serum NPY levels in patients with schizophrenia which can be attenuated by treatment of Olanzapine.The action of Olanzapine may be related to the mechanism of action of Olanzapine.However,there is no correlation between alterations of the serum level of NPY and the improvement in the patientˊs clinical symptoms.

Objective: To increase the recognition of pancreatic cystic fibrosis (PCF) in children and facilitate diagnosing and treatment of this rare entity. Method: This is a retrospective analysis of children who presented to Beijing Children′s Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2010 to December 2015. We describe their clinical features, laboratory testing and management. Result: Eleven children were diagnosed with PCF by genetic testing or sweat chloride test during these 5 years, including 4 boys and 7 girls. Their age ranged from 0.5-14.3 (mean 9.0±3.9) years. Family history was positive in 3 children. Significant clinical findings on presentation were: malnutrition 6, including 2 cases of mild, moderate and severe malnutrition each; diarrhea 4 (yellow mushy or watery stool with frequency ranging from 2-5 times a day), including 1 case of acute diarrhea and 3 of chronic diarrhea, 3 of them had steatorrhea; abdominal pain 3. All of them had pancreatic lesions shown by abdominal ultrasound. Blood tests showed 6 cases had elevated serum amylase and lipase. The main treatment was pancreatic replacement therapy and nutritional support. Conclusion PCF is rare in children. Malnutrition, diarrhea and abdominal pain are the main clinical manifestations. Treatment is mostly pancreatic enzymes replacement and supportive care.

Objective To study the expression levels of aerobic glycolytic enzymes in the cerebellums and its correlation with pathogenesis of autism in patients with autism. Methods The Western blotting was used to quantita-tively examine the expression levels of aerobic glycolytic enzymes, including HK-Ⅰ, HK-Ⅱ, PFKP, PKM1/2, PKM2, GAPDH, PDH and LDHA in the cerebellums of eight patients with autism and eight age-matched controls. Results Compared to controls, PDH expression was significantly decreased [(0.715±0.342) vs.(1.028±0.203), P=0.043], while expression of other seven aerobic glycolytic enzymes remained unchanged ( P>0 . 05 ) in the cerebellums of patients with autism. Conclusion The present study has revealed a decrease in the expression of PDH in the cerebellums of patients with autism, which may be involved in the pathologic process of autism.

Objective To explore the relationships between neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit gene polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes in Chinese han schizophrenics.Methods Five single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs )of CHRNA3 (rs1317286),CHRNA4 (rs1044396),CHRNA 7 (rs6494212) and CHRNA5 (rs16969968,rs684513) gene were analyzed in a sample of 346 schizophrenics with type 2 diabetes and 360 schizophrenics without type 2 diabetes.The five markers were genotyped by the TaqMan fluorogenic detection method with the ABI7900.Results There were no significant differences in alleles and genotypes distribution of the five genes between two groups (P＞0.05).For the CHRNA 7(rs6494212),there were significant difference in genotypes (P=0.039) and alleles distribution (P＜0.021) between two groups in male patients.The haplotypes constructed by markers of CHRNA5 were not associated with the 2 diabetes in Chinese Han male schizophrenics.The interaction analysis revealed a significant association between models made up by rs1317286,rs1044396,rs6494212,rs684513and 2 diabetes in Chinese Han male schizophrenics (P=0.002).Conclusion The CHRNA7(rs6494212) gene may be one of common susceptible genes for 2 diabetes in Chinese Han male schizophrenics.There is a significant association between models made up by rs131726rs1044396,rs6494212,rs684513 and schizophrenics with type 2 diabetes.