Mutations in NSD1 are responsible for Sotos syndrome, but are not a frequent finding in other overgrowth phenotypes

Recently, deletions encompassing the nuclear receptor binding SET-Domain 1 (NSD1) gene have been described as the major cause of Japanese patients with the Sotos syndrome, whereas point mutations have been identified in the majority of European Sotos syndrome patients. In order to investigate a possible phenotype-genotype correlation and to further define the predictive value of NSD1 mutations, we performed mutational analysis of the NSD1 gene in 20 patients and one familial case with Sotos syndrome, five patients with Weaver syndrome, six patients with unclassified overgrowth/mental retardation, and six patients with macrocephaly/mental retardation. We were able to identify mutations within the NSD1 gene in 18 patients and the familial case with Sotos syndrome (90%). The mutations (six nonsense, eight frame shifts, three splice site, one missense, one in-frame deletion) are expected to result in an impairment of NSD1 function. The best correlation between clinical assessment and molecular results was obtained for the Sotos facial gestalt in conjunction with overgrowth, macrocephaly, and developmental delay. In contrast to the high mutation detection rate in Sotos syndrome, none of the patients with Weaver syndrome, unclassified overgrowth/mental retardation and macrocephaly/mental retardation, harbored NSD1 mutations. We tested for large deletions by FISH analysis but were not able to identify any deletion cases. The results indicate that the great majority of patients with Sotos syndrome are caused by mutations in NSD1. Deletions covering the NSD1 locus were not found in the patients analyzed here.     

Citrullination in the periodontium—a possible link between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to assess human and bacterial peptidylarginine deiminase (PAD) activity in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in the context of serum levels of antibodies against citrullinated epitopes in rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis.

Materials and methods

Human PAD and Porphyromonas gingivalis-derived enzyme (PPAD) activities were measured in the GCF of 52 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients (48 with periodontitis and 4 without) and 44 non-RA controls (28 with periodontitis and 16 without). Serum antibodies against citrullinated epitopes were measured by ELISA. Bacteria being associated with periodontitis were determined by nucleic-acid-based methods.

Results

Citrullination was present in 26 (50 %) RA patients and 23 (48 %) controls. PAD and PPAD activities were detected in 36 (69 %) and 30 (58 %) RA patients, respectively, and in 30 (68 %) and 21 (50 %) controls, respectively. PPAD activity was higher in RA and non-RA patients with periodontitis than in those without (p = 0.038; p = 0.004), and was detected in 35 of 59 P. gingivalis-positive samples, and in 16 of 37 P. gingivalis-negative samples in association with high antibody levels against that species.

Conclusions

PAD and PPAD activities within the periodontium are elevated in RA and non-RA patients with periodontitis. PPAD secreted by P. gingivalis residing in epithelial cells may exert its citrullinating activity in distant regions of the periodontium or even distant tissues.

Clinical relevance

In periodontitis, the citrullination of proteins/peptides by human and bacterial peptidylarginine deiminases may generate antibodies after breaching immunotolerance in susceptible individuals.

     

Measuring the Psychosocial Dimensions of Quality of Life in Patients With Advanced Cancer: Psychometrics of the German Quality of Life at the End of Life-Cancer-Psychosocial Questionnaire

Context

Quality of life (QoL) is a central focus of care in advanced cancer. Specialized instruments, such as the Quality of Life at the End of Life-Cancer (QUAL-EC), may be useful to assess psychosocial issues associated with QoL unique to this population.

Competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay for the quantitation of platelet-associated immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) and complement (C3c, C3d) with polyclonal and monoclonal reagents

A competitive enzyme-linked immunoassay (CELIA) was developed for the quantitation of platelet-associated immunoglobulins and complement proteins. The use of unlabeled polyclonal rabbit or monoclonal antibodies to human immunoglobulins and enzyme-labeled anti-mouse or anti--rabbit IgG (double-step technique) resulted in a higher sensitivity compared to the single-step technique using only enzyme-labeled anti-human immunoglobulin antibody preparations. Sensitivity and results obtained by both techniques were compared. The range of normal values for platelet-associated IgG, IgM, IgA, C3c and C3d was assessed upon a large number of normal blood donors. When platelet-associated IgG was concomitantly assayed with polyclonal and monoclonal anti-IgG by the double-step technique on platelets obtained from normal donors and thrombocytopenic patients, identical results were obtained with both reagents. Problems related to the quantitation of immunoglobulins on platelets with different assays and antibody preparations are discussed.     

Biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid among PBC patients: a nationwide population-based study

Objective: To assess the proportion of PBC patients with a biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in a population-based cohort and the association of biochemical response with outcomes.

Methods: All patients diagnosed with PBC in Iceland from 1991–2015 were identified. Patients taking UDCA for an adequate period of time were analyzed for treatment response according to the Barcelona, Paris I, Paris II and Toronto criteria and outcomes.

Results: Overall 182 females and 40 males were diagnosed with PBC and 135 patients were treated with UDCA. Overall 99 (73%) patients had adequate data on UDCA treatment and results of liver tests to assess biochemical response according to the Barcelona criteria, 95 (70%) according to the Toronto criterion and 85 (63%) according to the Paris I and II criteria. In all 74% (n?=?63), 67% (n?=?64), 54% (n?=?53) and 46% (n?=?39) responded to treatment according to the Paris I, Toronto, Barcelona and Paris II criteria. Among nonresponders according to the Paris I, Toronto, Paris II and Barcelona criteria, 50%, 39%, 33% and 30% developed cirrhosis versus 10%, 6%, 5% and 11% of responders, HR 5.36 (p?=?.002), 6.61 (p?=?.002), 10.94 (p?=?.003) and 2.21(p?=?.11), respectively. Age-adjusted mortality was significantly lower among responders according to the Paris I and Paris II criteria, HR 0.33 (p?=?.02) and 0.31 (p?=?.02), respectively.

Conclusion: Development of cirrhosis and higher mortality was significantly associated with a lack of biochemical response to UDCA. Frequent development of cirrhosis and increased mortality in nonresponders underlines the need for a more effective therapy than UDCA for this sizeable subgroup of patients.