Clinical picture of hearing defects caused by Cx26 gene mutations

The study of prevalence of Cx26 gene mutations in children suffering from congenital and prespeech non-syndromal hypoacusis was conducted in Russian population since 2001. The screening of this group of children showed that 35delG mutation occurred in 53%. This index depends on the region and clinical characteristics of the groups studied. Thus, in the family burden it increased to 65% and more. The article presents clinical characteristics of hearing problems caused by 35delG mutation in Cx26 gene. Clinical evidence was obtained on 197 patients with the affected genotype (146 homozygotes and 51 heterozygotes by deletion). Most of deletion homozygotes were diagnosed early (under 1 year) and had bilateral neurosensory hypoacusis with frequent severe hearing loss (75.7%). No family burden was seen in 47% patients with abnormal genotype. In the group studied only 24% cases had no familial burden. 20% children were born by mother with abnormal pregnancy and delivery, 2.5% had the history of severe infections except meningitis, 11.7% - of first year diseases. Cx26 gene mutations were diagnosed in half cases of hypoacusis in children whose parents attribute hearing loss to administration of antibiotics.     

Spectrum of GJB2 (Cx26) gene mutations in Iranian Azeri patients with nonsyndromic autosomal recessive hearing loss

Objective

Hereditary hearing impairment is a genetically heterogeneous disorder. In spite of this, mutations in the GJB2 gene, encoding connexin 26 (Cx26), are a major cause of nonsyndromic recessive hearing loss in many countries and are largely dependent on ethnic groups. The purpose of our study was to characterize the type and prevalence of GJB2 mutations among Azeri population of Iran.

Methods

Fifty families presenting autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss from Ardabil province of Iran were studied for mutations in GJB2 gene. All DNA samples were screened for c.35delG mutation by ARMS PCR. Samples from patients who were normal for c.35delG were analyzed for the other variations in GJB2 by direct sequencing. In the absence of mutation detection, GJB6 was screened for the del(GJB6-D13S1830) and del(GJB6-D13S1854).

Result

Thirteen families demonstrated alteration in the Cx26 (26%). The 35delG mutation was the most common one, accounting for 69.2% (9 out of 13 families). All the detected families were homozygous for this mutation. Two families were homozygous for delE120 and 299-300delAT mutations. We also identified a novel mutation: c.463-464 delTA in 2 families resulting in a frame shift mutation.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that c.35delG mutation in the GJB2 gene is the most important cause of GJB2 related deafness in Iranian Azeri population.     

Connexin26 mutations associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss

OBJECTIVE: Mutations in the GJB2 gene are a major cause of autosomal recessive and sporadic types of congenital deafness. The 35delG mutation is the most frequent type of mutation in white populations. However, several other forms were reported, such as 167delT among Ashkenazi Jews and R143W in Africans. The present study investigated the mutations of connexin26 (Cx26) found in patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) and newborns in the Korean population. STUDY DESIGN: The sequencing data for 147 unrelated patients with congenital NSHL and 100 audiologically screened newborns were included in this prospective study. METHODS: Genomic DNA samples from all patients and newborns were sequenced in both directions for detection of Cx26 mutations. RESULTS: Thirteen different types of mutations were found in the patients and newborns. V27I and E114G are the popular types of polymorphic mutations in both groups. 235delC-deletion and frameshift--was detected in patients (15 in 294 alleles) and newborns (1 in 200 alleles). 35delG was rarely found in both group. In addition to above mutations, several types of mutations--S85P, K41R, S72C, V84A, 176-191del, and 299-300del-were identified. The family study of the 235delC showed a typical autosomal recessive trait of NSHL in their audiological evaluation of hearing threshold. CONCLUSION: The frequency of 235delC allele showed much higher in the patients (5%) than in newborns (0.5%). We rarely found 35delC mutant in both groups. These results suggest that the different types of Cx26 mutations affect autosomal recessive NSHL according to ethnic background.     

Symmetric sensorineural progressive hearing loss from chronic idiopathic pachymeningitis

We present the case of a 68 year-old man with a diffused hypertrophic pachymeningitis (HP) involving both internal auditory canals. The clinical symptoms were headache, decreased vision in one eye, progressive bilateral and symmetrical sensory-neural hearing loss (PSNHL) responsive to steroid treatment. Although hearing loss is a frequent manifestation of HP, only few studies reported an adequate audiological assessment and follow-up. Mechanisms related to the auditory involvement are discussed on the basis of audiological data. Gadolinium enhanced MRI is the most adequate technique for HP detection and for the differential diagnosis. A delay in the diagnosis of HP seems to be quite common and the consequences may be severe, especially in cases of optic nerve involvement. For these reasons, a cerebral MRI should probably be included in the assessment of PSNHL, especially when neurological signs coexist or are reported in the medical history.     

connexin 26基因突变与国人遗传性无综合征耳聋相关性分析

目的分析国人遗传性无综合征耳聋与缝隙连接蛋白26（connexin 26,Cx 26）基因突变相关性,从分子水平探讨该病的发病机理。方法收集国人35个无综合征耳聋家系中138名成员,99例散发的无综合征耳聋患者以及100份健康对照个体的外周血DNA样本共337份;采用聚合酶链反应-单链构像多态性（polymerase chain reaction-single stand conformational     

ACEMg supplementation ameliorates progressive Connexin 26 hearing loss in a child

Mutations in the gene encoding Connexin 26 are the most common cause of genetic hearing loss. The hearing loss is typically stable but may be progressive. The reason for progression is unknown. Antioxidants have been associated with attenuation of hearing loss from other insults. One antioxidant regimen consists of beta-carotene (metabolized to vitamin A), vitamin C, vitamin E, and magnesium (ACEMg). We present a child with Connexin 26 related hearing loss who experienced progressive hearing loss over 7 years of observation. He was given ACEMg daily for 3 years, during which time his progressive hearing loss was ameliorated.     

Study on mutations in the connexin 26 gene among Chinese with nonsyndromic hearing loss]

OBJECTIVE: To study the relation between nonsyndromic hearing loss in Chinese and mutations in connexin 26 (Cx 26) gene and to explore the pathogenic mechanism. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-eight individuals from thirty-five pedigrees with nonsyndromic hearing loss, 99 children with sporadic nonsyndromic hearing loss and 100 normal adults as control were collected in present studies. The Cx 26 coding sequence was screened by single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) and analyzed by direct sequencing when SSCP shifts were observed. RESULTS: Five SSCP shifts in 2 pedigrees were observed. Homozygous deletion C at position 233-235 of Cx 26 cDNA, which resulted in frameshift mutation, was found in 2 pedigrees with nonsyndromic hearing loss. CONCLUSION: The hot-spot mutations of Cx 26 gene in Chinese with nonsyndromic hearing loss may be different from other ethnic groups. The 233-235 delC homozygous mutation of Cx 26 cDNA can result in autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss in Chinese population.     

Connexin 26 mutations in nonsyndromic autosomal recessive hearing loss: speech and hearing rehabilitation

OBJECTIVE: Hearing loss is the most common form of sensory impairment, with approximately one infant/1000 born with profound congenital deafness. A pre-lingual bilateral sensorineural hearing impairment poses a substantial problem as it negatively impacts on the subject's ability to conduct a normal social life. The aim of the study was to observe, in a group of children affected by pre-lingual non-syndromic autosomal recessive hearing impairment: (1) the role of the possible mutation of connexin 26 in the pathogenesis of the hearing loss; (2) the audiological and clinical aspects of the hearing impairment; (3) therapy to be adopted for the different patients. METHODS: The study was carried out on 39 patients, 16 males and 23 females, aged between six and 17 years (mean 12 years), affected by non syndromic congenital deafness, presumably hereditary, referred to the out-patients audiology clinic for children of the Department of Otolaryngology of the Federico II University of Naples. RESULTS: Our study conducted on 39 children with pre-lingual bilateral sensorineural autosomal recessive deafness showed as follows: (I) from a molecular perspective: an incidence of 41% in the cases studied of mutations in the encoding of the connexin 26 gene; a prevalence in our case study of the 35delG mutation (69%). (II) The characteristics of the hearing impairments in the children studied were homogeneous, regardless of the presence or absence of a connexin 26 mutation: the hearing impairment was pre-lingual bilateral sensorineural, the impairment often involved mainly the high frequencies, but, especially in the severe forms an involvement of all the frequencies was not rare; the hearing impairments were symmetrical and non progressive in time. (III) The results of the application of prosthesis and thereafter rehabilitative language therapy are generally satisfactory but correlated of course to the severity of the hearing loss. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we hope that further developments in the research on genetic hearing impairments will promptly result in advances in clinical practice.     

Connexin 26 and connexin 30 mutations in children with nonsyndromic hearing loss

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Mutations in the connexin 26 (Cx26) or gap junction beta 2 gene are the leading cause of hereditary nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss in Caucasians. The Cx26 coding region of 68 children with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss was sequenced to determine the frequency and type of Cx26 mutations in this population. Screening was also performed for a common connexin 30 (Cx30) or gap junction beta 6 mutation (del [GJB6-D13S1830]). Children also underwent audiological testing to determine whether any correlation exists between Cx26 mutations and severity of hearing loss. STUDY DESIGN: In all, 68 children with nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss were screened for Cx26 and Cx30 mutations by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. METHODS: Genomic DNA was amplified by polymerase chain reaction using primers that flank the entire Cx26 coding region. Screening for the 342-kb Cx30 deletion was performed using primers that amplified the breakpoint junction of the deletion. The amplicons were then sequenced in both directions and analyzed for mutations. Audiometric testing, including pure-tone audiometry and auditory evoked brainstem response, was also performed to determine the degree of hearing loss. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of 68 children tested had mutations in Cx26 with 35delG being the most prevalent. Ten additional Cx26 mutations were detected including a novel compound heterozygote. Two children were heterozygous for the Cx30 del (GJB6-D13S1830) mutation. CONCLUSION: Cx26 and Cx30 mutations were present in 41.2% of children tested in the study population. Audiometric data supported previous studies demonstrating a greater degree of hearing loss in subjects who are homozygous for the 35delG mutation.     

辽宁地区非综合征型耳聋患者常见耳聋基因突变分析

目的：分析辽宁地区重度和极重度非综合征型耳聋患者常见耳聋基因热点突变的特点及规律。方法：收集中国医科大学附属第一医院就诊的非综合征型耳聋患者128例,采集外周血并从中提取DNA,应用耳聋基因芯片检测中国人群中常见的4个基因GJB2、GJB3、SLC26A4、线粒体12SrRNA的热点突变位点,同时结合耳聋问卷调查、听力学检测及颞骨CT检查。结果：128例患者中52例（40．6％）存在不同的被检测基因位点突变：①22例存在GJB2基因突变,其中c．235delC位点纯合突变10例,单杂合突变5例c.176_191 del 16位点单杂合突变1例;c.35 del G位点单杂合突变1例;c．235 del C／c．299_300 del AT复合杂合突变1例,C．235delC／c．176_--191del16复合杂合突变1例,035delG／c.176_191 del 16复合杂合突变1例;c.299_300 del AT纯合／c．919-2A〉G杂合1例儿235 del C纯合／c．919-2 A〉G杂合1例。②30例存在SLC26A4基因突变,其中c．919-2 A〉G位点纯合突变6例、单杂合突变17例,c．2168 A〉G位点纯合突变1例、单杂合突变2例,c．2168 A〉C／c．919-2 A〉G复合杂合突变2例,c．919-2 A〉G／GJ B2 c．235 del C复合突变2例。③无GJB3和线粒体12S rRNA基因突变,考虑与样本量少有关。在基因水平,明确诊断遗传性聋者24例（18．8％）,遗传性耳聋基因突变携带者28例（21．9％）。结论：辽宁地区耳聋患者存在较高的遗传性耳聋发生率,耳聋基因芯片诊断技术可应用于临床中进行快速筛查、诊断并指导聋儿康复。     

Catastrophic progressive hearing loss in childhood

We present a report on a 5-year-old child with a complex medical and audiologic history who exhibited catastrophic progression in hearing loss. Hearing loss was initially attributed to bacterial meningitis at age 3 months; progression was apparently related to perilymph fistula at age 8 years. Etiologies associated with progressive hearing loss in children as well as signs of progression and monitoring protocols for children at risk for progressive hearing loss are discussed.     

Retinitis pigmentosa and progressive hearing loss

Much material has been written about the deaf-blind patient diagnosed as having Usher's syndrome, a pathologic condition involving hearing impairment and retinitis pigmentosa. Contrary to the accepted pattern of prelingual deafness in such cases, however, there are a number of patients who report a progressive, postlingual hearing loss associated with retinitis pigmentosa. These patients may suffer from a variation of classical Usher's syndrome. An attempt is made to verify this statement through presentation of case histories and audiologic findings. In addition, diagnostic and rehabilitative techniques employed in assisting patients with these dual impairments are offered.     

Mutation analysis of the Cx26, Cx30, and Cx31 genes in autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing impairment

Conclusion. Biallelic Cx26 mutations are the most common cause of autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing impairment (ARNHI) in Switzerland. Mutations in Cx30 and 31, digenic mutations as well as large deletions/duplications, are unlikely to be a major cause of hearing loss in Swiss patients with ARNHI. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) is a highly accurate screening method for detection of c.del(GJB6-D13S1830). Objectives. The intent of this study was to investigate the prevalence of the point and digenic mutations including large deletions and duplications in the Cx26, 30, and 31 genes in a Swiss patient cohort with ARNHI and cochlear implant. Patients and methods. The coding regions of Cx26, 30, and 31 were sequenced in 32 patients. Large deletions/duplications were assessed by MLPA. Results. In one patient digenic heterozygous mutations involving Cx26 (c.35delG) and Cx30 (c.del(GJB6-D13S1830)) were identified. Biallelic Cx26 mutations were detected in 31%. One putative mutation (c.94C>T) was found in Cx31. MLPA analysis did not reveal any additional deletion or duplication in all three Cx genes, except for the heterozygous c.del(GJB6-D13S1830) deletion.     

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutations as risk factors for sudden hearing loss

Sudden hearing loss (SHL) can be caused by vascular disorders favoring impaired cochlear perfusion. Several inherited prothrombotic risk factors have been considered in the pathogenesis of vascular impairment, and the possible role of genetic alterations has recently been suggested. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene mutations at nucleotides 677 and 1298 cause reduced MTHFR enzyme activity, which leads to increased homocysteine and reduced serum folate levels that are known to be involved in vascular impairment. We studied the relationship between SHL and MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms in 67 patients with SHL and 134 controls. Wild-type MTHFR CC677/AA1298 was significantly more frequent in the controls (P = .05), and gene mutations were significantly more frequent in the patients (P = .001; P = .001 for trend). Fifty-three patients (79.1%) and 56 controls (41.8%) (P = .012) had a double mutation (homozygosis 677TT or 1298CC; compound heterozygosis for both polymorphisms). Homocysteine levels were significantly higher and serum folate levels significantly lower in the patients than in the controls (P < .0001). These data suggest that MTHFR gene polymorphisms may be involved in the pathogenesis of SHL.