Three novel serum biomarkers,miR-1, miR-133a,and miR-206 for Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy,Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy,and Becker muscular dystrophy

Objectives

Muscular dystrophies are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of inherited myogenic disorders. In clinical tests for these diseases, creatine kinase (CK) is generally used as diagnostic blood-based biomarker. However, because CK levels can be altered by various other factors, such as vigorous exercise, etc., false positive is observed. Therefore, three microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-206, were previously reported as alternative biomarkers for duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, no alternative biomarkers have been established for the other muscular dystrophies.

Methods

We, therefore, evaluated whether these miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-206 can be used as powerful biomarkers using the serum from muscular dystrophy patients including DMD, myotonic dystrophy 1 (DM1), limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), becker muscular dystrophy (BMD), and distal myopathy with rimmed vacuoles (DMRV) by qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification assay.

Results

Statistical analysis indicated that all these miRNA levels in serum represented no significant differences between all muscle disorders examined in this study and controls by Bonferroni correction. However, some of these indicated significant differences without correction for testing multiple diseases (P < 0.05). The median values of miR-1 levels in the serum of patients with LGMD, FSHD, and BMD were approximately 5.5, 3.3 and 1.7 compared to that in controls, 0.68, respectively. Similarly, those of miR-133a and miR-206 levels in the serum of BMD patients were about 2.5 and 2.1 compared to those in controls, 1.03 and 1.32, respectively.

Conclusions

Taken together, our data demonstrate that levels of miR-1, miR-133a, and miR-206 in serum of BMD and miR-1 in sera of LGMD and FSHD patients showed no significant differences compared with those of controls by Bonferroni correction. However, the results might need increase in sample sizes to evaluate these three miRNAs as variable biomarkers.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s12199-014-0405-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

23例假肥大型肌营养不良患者家系中女性生育情况的调查与分析

目的:调查假肥大型肌营养不良(DMD)患者家系中女性携带者生育情况,探讨影响DMD家系生育的因素。方法:对23名DMD患者家系中132名女性携带者的生育情况进行调查,分析患者家系中女性的遗传风险度、对疾病的理解力、家族史、个人史、文化水平及对选择性流产的观点等几个因素与生育的关系。结果:遗传风险度与生育结果和要求检测DNA的愿望无明显关系;对该病有较好的理解力与生育结果有明显关系;文化水平高和有该病家族史者对疾病的理解力好,选择性流产者较多;家族中有DMD患者和死于该病的人数越多,则要求检测DNA的愿望越强,对疾病的理解力也越好。结论:开展DMD遗传咨询,提高人口文化素质,对降低DMD患者和携带者的出生非常重要。     

Men living with long‐term conditions: exploring gender and improving social care

Disabled men have traditionally been seen as incomplete men or as entirely gender‐less. Research which has looked at the intersection of disability and male gender has largely treated disabled men as a homogeneous group with little reference to, for example, impairment‐related differences. The ongoing move towards self‐directed, personalised social care in England suggests that support needs relating to gender may be taken more seriously. A qualitative study with 20 men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in England in 2013 explored the men's experiences of the organisation and delivery of social care as it pertained to their sense of being men. Our main finding was that social care in its broadest sense did little to support a positive sense of masculinity or male gender. More often than not the organisation and delivery of social care people de‐gendered or emasculated many of the men who took part in the study. Our paper speaks to the need to explore impairment‐specific issues for disabled men; to deliver a more person‐centred approach to social care which recognises the importance of the social and sexual lives of disabled men; and to create ways in which men can support and empower each other to assert essential human rights relating to independence, dignity and liberty.     

Duchenne型肌营养不良症的临床特点和基因分析

目的探讨Duchenne型肌营养不良症(DMD)的临床特点和基因特点,为临床诊断提供依据。方法回顾性分析2015—2019年中山大学附属第六医院遗传代谢实验室基因检测确诊的15例DMD患儿的基因检测结果和临床资料,探讨DMD的临床特征和基因特点。结果 15例患儿发病年龄1个月～12岁,临床表现以小腿腓肠肌假性肥大、Gowers征及走路摇摆(鸭步)为主,AST、ALT、CK、CK-MB及肌红蛋白等肌酶水平均明显升高。通过组合的高通量检测技术等检查DMD基因情况,结果多为缺失突变,共12例(80.0%),其中大片重复缺失突变10例(66.7%),点突变2例(13.3%);错义突变1例(6.6%);插入突变1例(6.6%);无义突变1例(6.6%)。其中7例(46.7%)患儿母亲进行了相关基因检测,4例患儿母亲为该基因突变点携带者。而根据ACMG变异类型,15例患儿中13例(86.7%)为致病突变,2例(13.3%)为疑似致病突变。同时15例病例中有2例暂无相关文献报道过。所有的突变可发生在基因的任何位置,但缺失的热点区域位于基因的中央区外显子45～55区共8例,占缺失突变的53.3%。结论...     

The Golden Freeway: a preliminary evaluation of a pilot study advancing information technology as a social intervention for boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy and their families

Established information technology was used in an attempt to reduce social isolation by providing each family who had a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy with a personal computer, and e-mail and Internet connectivity. Seventy-four of the 88 families in the north of England (i.e. Cumbria, Durham, Northumberland, Teesside, and Tyne and Wear) with a boy with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who was diagnosed before January 2000 had the equipment installed. Evaluations of equipment usage and parental perceptions of the project were carried out at 3 and 12 months post-installation. Results from quantitative and qualitative interviews with parents indicated that benefits accrued to the families and to the boys themselves: family relationships can be extended, and the boys can acquire a degree of independence which, according to parents' views, can boost self-confidence and self-esteem. As hoped, social isolation was felt to have been reduced, and an occupation, interest and enjoyment provided. The greatest use of the computer was for schoolwork with siblings sharing in this. Cost proved to be a problem for a number of families. For the project team, there were unexpected aspects: creating an e-community was more difficult than anticipated, more training was required and not all families would ever use the equipment to its fullest. However, families did emphasise the value of the project as a way of opening the world for their sons.     

杜氏肌营养不良儿童的运动功能与全身力量、年龄的相关性研究

目的 探讨杜氏肌营养不良(DMD)儿童的运动功能与全身肌肉力量及年龄的相关性,为更好地进行该病管理提供理论依据。方法 对2017年1月-2021年3月在深圳市儿童医院就诊且符合纳入标准的DMD患儿进行运动功能测试(MFM-32)、计时测试(仰卧站起测试、上4级阶梯测试、10 m走/跑测试)、Vignos评分、Brooke评分及全身的徒手肌力测试。采用Spearman相关性检验分析MFM各项分值与其他指标之间相关性,同时分析全身运动功能及肌力与年龄之间的关系。结果 共140名4~12岁DMD儿童患者被纳入研究,平均年龄(8.0±1.87)岁,MFM-32总分及D1区分值与下肢肌肉力量、计时测试、Vignos评分呈强-极强相关(r=-0.887~0.677,P<0.05);D2区分值与计时测试中等相关(r=-0.478~-0.423,P<0.05)),D3区的分值与其他指标不相关(P>0.05)。年龄与MFM-32总分及D1区分值、全身肌肉力量呈中等相关(r=-0.585~-0.468,P<0.05)),年龄与MFM-32 D2区分值不相关(P>0.05),与D3区呈弱相关(r=0.317,P<0.05)。结论 MFM-32的各项分值与全身肌肉力量、计时测试、Vignos评分及Brooke评分具有不同程度的相关性,可反映DMD患者的运动功能。儿童时期的DMD患者的下肢运动功能下降较明显,应首要加强其下肢运动功能及肌肉力量。     

肌营养不良蛋白在假肥大肌营养不良双生子肌组织中的表达

[目的]假肥大肌营养不良是男性最常见的X-连锁隐性遗传病,而肌营养不良蛋白(dystrophin)在DMD患者肌细胞上的表达异常是导致该病发生的最根本的病理生理机制。[方法]应用兔抗Anti5-7多克隆抗血清及免疫组化技术检测dystrophin在两对DMD孪生子肌组织中的表达。[结果]显示dystrophin在无症状的孪生子肌组织中存在着阳性表达,而在DMD患儿肌组织中则表达缺失。[结论]检测肌细胞膜上dystrophin蛋白的表达对DMD患者的诊断及预后判定有着重要的应用价值。     

6～11岁杜氏进行性肌营养不良儿童与正常儿童下肢肌力对照分析

目的 比较6～11岁杜氏进行性肌营养不良(DMD)患儿与正常儿童下肢肌力差异,为开展DMD患儿的肌力训练提供科学依据。方法 2015年4月-2017年4月选择DMD患儿和正常儿童各20例,其中DMD患儿男19例,女1例;正常组男18例,女2例,两组儿童平均年龄均为(9.0±1.7)岁。采用手持式肌力测定仪(HHD)测定下肢髋、膝、踝等部位肌群肌力,比较DMD与正常儿童下肢肌群间及不同年龄间的肌力差异。结果 DMD组下肢肌力除足跖屈肌群以外均明显弱于正常组(P＜0.05);DMD组中6岁～组和9～11岁组各组肌群肌力差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);在6岁～组中DMD患儿双侧髋外展和足趾屈肌力与正常组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),DMD组足趾屈肌力甚至高于正常儿童; 9～11岁组中DMD患儿除足趾屈肌群外髋屈曲、髋伸展、髋外展、膝屈曲、膝伸展和踝背屈肌群肌力都已经显著落后于正常儿童(P＜0.05)。结论 DMD患儿下肢肌群除足跖屈肌外均明显低于正常组儿童。开展DMD患儿下肢力量训练应关注所有肌群,在较大年龄组尤其需要重视髋膝伸展肌群。     

生物电阻抗法与体重指数在杜氏肌营养不良患儿营养评估中的比较研究

目的 应用生物电阻抗分析(BIA)检测杜氏肌营养不良(DMD)患儿体成分, 并比较体重指数(BMI)与体脂百分比(PBF)判定患儿超重的一致性。方法 收集2015年8月-2017年2月在河北医科大学第三医院神经肌肉病科就诊的39例男性DMD患者作为患儿组, 同期随机选取46例健康男童作为对照组。应用BIA对两组儿童进行人体成分检测。结果 两组儿童的脂肪含量、BMI差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05)。患儿组的身高、体重、身体水分、蛋白质、无机盐、肌肉质量和基础代谢率(BMR)均低于对照组(P<0.05), 但患儿组的PBF高于对照组(P<0.05)。患儿组中PBF与年龄呈正相关关系(r=0.546, P<0.05), BMI与PBF在判定DMD患儿超重时的一致性较差(Kappa=0.352, P<0.05)。结论 相比于同年龄段同性别的健康少儿, DMD患儿的整体营养状况较差, 应用BIA比使用BMI能更加准确地评估患儿的营养状况。     

Is glutamine a 'conditionally essential' amino acid in Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

To determine whether whole body protein kinetics are altered in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), six 9 +/- 1-year-old children with DMD and five weight and height matched controls, received intravenous infusion of L-[1-(13)C]leucine and L-[2-(15)N]glutamine in the post-absorptive state. Glutamine rate of appearance was approximatly 24% lower in DMD boys than in controls (321 +/- 22 vs 425 +/- 37 micromol kg(-1)h(-1), P< 0.05) resulting from a 32% decrease in glutamine de novo synthesis (230 +/- 21 vs 340 +/- 34 micromol kg(-1)h(-1), P< 0.05). Whereas there was no difference between groups in estimates of protein degradation and synthesis, leucine oxidation rate was 44% higher in DMD boys than in controls (23 +/- 2 vs 16 +/- 2 micromol kg(-1)h(-1), P< 0.05). The data suggest that the dramatic mucle mass loss observed in DMD boys is associated with a) significant protein wasting, since increased leucine oxidation reflects a more negative whole body leucine balance, and b) a significant decrease in glutamine availability in the postabsorptive state. Glutamine might therefore be a 'conditionally essential' amino-acid in DMD.     

The effect of caregiving on women in families with Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy

Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy (DBMD) is a disorder of progressive muscle weakness that causes an increasing need for assistance with activities of daily living. Our objective was to assess the psychosocial health and contributing factors among female caregivers in families with DBMD. We conducted a survey of adult women among families with DBMD in the United States (US) from June 2006 through January 2007, collecting data related to the care recipient, perception of caregiving demands, personal factors, and socio‐ecologic factors. Life satisfaction, stress, and distress were assessed as outcomes. Existing validated instruments were used when available. We received responses from 1238 women who were caring for someone with DBMD, 24.2% of whom were caring for two or more people with DBMD. Caregivers were more likely to be married/cohabitating than women in the general US population, and a high level of resiliency was reported by 89.3% of caregivers. However, the rate of serious psychological distress was significantly higher among caregivers than among the general population. Likewise, 46.4% reported a high level of stress, and only 61.7% reported that they were satisfied with their life. A high level of caregiving demands based on the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) was reported by 50.4% of caregivers. The post‐ambulatory phase of DBMD was associated with decreased social support and increased ZBI scores. In multivariate logistic regression modelling, life satisfaction was dependent on high social support, high resiliency, high income, and form of DBMD. Distress and high stress were predicted by low resiliency, low social support, and low income. Employment outside of the home was also a predictor of high stress. Interventions focused on resiliency and social support are likely to improve the quality of life of DBMD caregivers, and perhaps caregivers of children with other disabilities or special health care needs as well.     

Urinary excretion of lead and mercury after oral administration ofmeso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid in patients with motor neurone disease

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) are progressive neurodegenerative disorders involving motor neurones. The aetiology of the non-familial forms is still unknown but it has been suggested that long-term exposure to heavy metals such as lead and mercury may play a role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In 53 patients suffering from ALS (n = 42) and SMA (n = 9) the oral administration of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA, 20 mg/kg) did not result in a greater mobilization of lead and mercury from peripheral depots than in control subjects. Although it cannot be excluded that the amount of lead or mercury excreted after DMSA administration may not be a reflection of the amount accumulated in the motor neurones, this study does not provide support for the hypothesis that heavy metals play a significant role in the occurrence of motor neurone diseases.     

Living with severe physical impairment,Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and home mechanical ventilation

Aim

To study life-experiences of people living with Duchenne''s muscular dystrophy (DMD), home mechanical ventilation (HMV) and physical impairment.

Background

Since the introduction of invasive HMV in the late 1980s people with DMD in Denmark live longer and have the experience of adulthood and a high degree of physical dependency.

Method

Nineteen patients with DMD and invasive HMV were interviewed in 2007. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed according to a method inspired by Ricoeur''s theory of interpretation.

Findings

HMV not only extended the participants lifespan, it also gave them the capacity to live an active life. They were totally dependent in everyday living, but in spite of this, they did not see themselves as physically impaired. They realised that there were activities that were physically impossible, but they considered themselves to be just the same person they had always been. This dependency was described as “independent dependency”.

Conclusion

The lived-experience of physical impairment is found to be “independent dependency” in an active life. To solve problems with loneliness, society needs to work with prejudice and misunderstanding and for better physical accessibility to enable full participation.     

Use of an Electronic Medical Record to Create the Marshfield Clinic Twin/Multiple Birth Cohort

Population‐based genetic analyses, such as the Genome‐Wide Association Study (GWAS), have proven powerful for describing the genetic complexities of common disease in epidemiologic research. However, the significant challenges faced by population‐based study designs have resulted in revitalization of family‐based approaches, including twin studies. Twin studies are unique in their ability to ascertain both heritable and environmental contributions to human disease. Several regional and national twin registries have been constructed using a variety of methods to identify potential twins. A significant challenge in constructing these large twin registries includes the substantial resources required to recruit participants, collect phenotypic data, and update the registries as time progresses. Here we describe the use of the Marshfield Clinic electronic medical record (EMR) to identify a cohort of 19,226 patients enriched for twins or multiples. This cohort defines the Marshfield Clinic Twin/Multiple Birth Cohort (MCTC). An EMR system provides both a mechanism to identify potential twins and a source of detailed phenotypic data in near real time without the need for patient contact outside standard medical care. To demonstrate that the MCTC can be used for genetic‐based epidemiologic research, concordance rates for muscular dystrophy (MD) and fragile‐X syndrome—two highly heritable diseases—were assessed. Observations indicate that both MD and fragile‐X syndrome are highly correlated among affected twins in the MCTC (P ? 3.7 × 10^?6 and 1.1 × 10^?4, respectively). These findings suggest that EMR systems may not only be an effective resource for predicting families of twins, but can also be rapidly applied to epidemiologic research.     

杜氏肌营养不良临床特点及诊治进展

杜氏肌营养不良(Duchenne muscular dystrophy,DMD)是一种常见的X染色体连锁隐性遗传性肌肉疾病,临床上主要以糖皮质激素治疗为主。早期诊断、早期治疗可改善患者生活质量,延长患者生命,DMD新生儿筛查为其早期诊治提供可能。近年来DMD在药物治疗、基因治疗、骨髓干细胞移植等方面均取得重大进展。     

Investigating the Potential for Sulforaphane to Attenuate Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in mdx Dystrophic Mice

Gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction is an important, yet understudied condition associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), with patients reporting bloating, diarrhea, and general discomfort, contributing to a reduced quality of life. In the mdx mouse, the most commonly used mouse model of DMD, studies have confirmed GI dysfunction (reported as altered contractility and GI transit through the small and large intestine), associated with increased local and systemic inflammation. Sulforaphane (SFN) is a natural isothiocyanate with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties via its activation of Nrf2 signalling that has been shown to improve aspects of the skeletal muscle pathology in dystrophic mice. Whether SFN can similarly improve GI function in muscular dystrophy was unknown. Video imaging and spatiotemporal mapping to assess gastrointestinal contractions in isolated colon preparations from mdx and C57BL/10 mice revealed that SFN reduced contraction frequency when administered ex vivo, demonstrating its therapeutic potential to improve GI function in DMD. To confirm this in vivo, four-week-old male C57BL/10 and mdx mice received vehicle (2% DMSO/corn oil) or SFN (2 mg/kg in 2% DMSO/corn oil) via daily oral gavage five days/week for 4 weeks. SFN administration reduced fibrosis in the diaphragm of mdx mice but did not affect other pathological markers. Gene and protein analysis revealed no change in Nrf2 protein expression or activation of Nrf2 signalling after SFN administration and oral SFN supplementation did not improve GI function in mdx mice. Although ex vivo studies demonstrate SFN’s therapeutic potential for reducing colon contractions, in vivo studies should investigate higher doses and/or alternate routes of administration to confirm SFN’s potential to improve GI function in DMD.     

单细胞五重巢式PCR检测DMD基因

目的:探索建立单细胞多重巢式PCR检测杜氏肌营养不良症(DMD)基因外显子17、19、44、45、48的技术,及应用于植入前遗传学诊断(PGD)的前景。方法;获取正常男性单个淋巴细胞和无DMD家族史的单个胚胎细胞,行DMD基因外显子17、19、44、45、48的五重巢式PCR,分析扩增成功率、假阳性率和假阴性率。结果:20个单个淋巴细胞5个外显子扩增成功率为97％(97/100)、假阳性率为4％(1/25)、假阴性率为0％(0/25),20个单个胚胎细胞5个外显子扩增成功率为80％(80/100)、假阳性率为0％(0/25)。结论:本文建立的单细胞DMD基因外显子17、19、44、45、48的五重巢式PCR技术具有较高扩增成功率和特异性,应用于DMD的PGD具有现实的可能性。     

‘Futureless persons’: shifting life expectancies and the vicissitudes of progressive illness

Medical technological advances can have profound effects on people's lives by extending the life course and creating uncertain futures. This is the case for a number of persons with ‘diseases of childhood’ who can now survive well into adulthood with technological support. This paper draws on a Canadian qualitative study of young men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) which examined the effects of a shifting life expectancy on personal identities. Engaging with Pierre Bourdieu's central concept of habitus, we discuss the temporal dimensions of social exclusion and marginalised identities. Participants’ narrative accounts revealed how their dispositions were orientated to a shortened lifespan that exerted damaging effects regardless of actual lifespan. Compounding their material, social and symbolic isolation was a temporal isolation whereby the men had lived every day anticipating that it could be their last for as much as a decade. The findings suggest a need to re‐orient medical and social discourses to serve and include adults with DMD and other conditions previously limited to childhood in their communities.