Chromosome aberrations and cytogenetic intratumor heterogeneity in chondrosarcomas

Clonal chromosome aberrations identified after short-term culture are presented for 13 chondrosarcomas; in 5 cases both the primary tumors and local recurrences were studied. The stemline chromosome number was hypodiploid or hyperhaploid in 9 tumors. The most frequent numerical anomalies were, in falling order of frequency, loss of chromosomes Y, 10, 13, and 6, and gain of chromosomes 7 and 20. No recurrent structural rearrangement was found, but chromosome bands 5q13, 1q21, 7p11, and 20q11 were each involved in three different rearrangements. Karyotypic heterogeneity was assessed in two different ways: as the presence of more than one clone in one sample and as the presence of different clones in different samples from the same surgical specimen. Clonal karyotypic evolution was demonstrated in 6 of the 7 cases in which two or more samples could be investigated. All 6 showed intersample heterogeneity. Intrasample heterogeneity was found in only 5 of the 28 samples with aberrations. By comparing the incidences of the nonrandomly occurring aberrations in stemlines and sidelines in the heterogeneous tumors, it was possible to conclude that loss of chromosome 13 and rearrangement of band 5q13 were early events in the clonal evolution.Abbreviation EMC extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma     

MCPH1 deletion in a newborn with severe microcephaly and premature chromosome condensation

A newborn with severe microcephaly and a history of parental consanguinity was referred for cytogenetic analysis and subsequently for genetic evaluation. While a 46,XY karyotype was eventually obtained, premature chromosome condensation was observed. A head MRI confirmed primary microcephaly. This combination of features focused clinical interest on the MCPH1 gene and directed genetic testing by sequence analysis and duplication/deletion studies disclosed a homozygous deletion of exons 1–11 of the MCPH1 gene. This case illustrates a strength of standard cytogenetic evaluation in directing molecular testing to a single target gene in this disorder, allowing much more rapid diagnosis at a substantial cost savings for this family.     

Complete haematological and cytogenetic response to interferon alpha-2a of a myeloproliferative disorder with eosinophilia associated with a unique t(4;7) aberration

 A female patient with eosinophilia and cardiac symptoms was found to have a unique chromosomal aberration [t(4;7)(q11;p13)] of bone-marrow precursors. The disorder was classified as a chronic myeloproliferative syndrome with eosinophilia. Due to a significant increase in the white blood cell and eosinophil count during initial treatment with prednisone and hydroxyurea, Interferon alpha-2a was administered at a dose of 3–5×10⁶ I.U. s.c., five times per week, and induced a long-term complete haematological and cytogenetic response. The clinical features of this case are presented and discussed in the context of the current literature. Received: 26 June 1999 / Accepted: 3 September 1999     

济宁地区不良妊娠与大Y染色体的细胞遗传学分析

目的探讨不良妊娠与大Y染色体之间的关系。方法采用外周血淋巴细胞培养和G带染色体核型分析,以核型中Y染色体≥18号染色体作为大Y染色体的诊断标准。结果在所有确诊的278例大Y染色体患者中,有243例其妻有不同类型的生殖异常,17例精子发生各种异常,12例不育,6例生长发育迟缓。结论大Y染色体对精子的生成和其配偶孕早期胚胎停止发育有一定关系。     

Cytogenetic discrepancy between cultured amniocytes and uncultured amniocytes in mosaic 46,XX,dup(9)(q22.3q34.1)/46,XX at amniocentesis in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome

ObjectiveWe present our observation of cytogenetic discrepancy between cultured amniocytes and uncultured amniocytes in mosaic dup(9)(q22.3q34.1) at amniocentesis in a pregnancy with a favorable outcome.Case reportA 37-year-old, gravida 4, para 0, woman underwent amniocentesis at 18 weeks of gestation because of advanced maternal age. Amniocentesis revealed a karyotype of 46,XX, dup(9)(q22.3q34.1)[8]/46,XX[16]. Prenatal ultrasound findings were unremarkable. She was referred for genetic counseling, and repeat amniocentesis was performed at 21 weeks of gestation, which revealed a karyotype of 46,XX,dup(9)(q22.3q34.1)[7]/46,XX[25]. Simultaneous array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) on the DNA extracted from uncultured amniocytes revealed no genomic imbalance, or arr (1–22,X) × 2. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis on 105 uncultured amniocytes detected only one cell with the dup 9q signal with a mosaic dup 9q level of 1%, compared with 0% in normal control. At 37 weeks of gestation, a 2640-g female baby was delivered with no phenotypic abnormality. The cord blood had a karyotype of 46,XX,dup(9) (q22.3q34.1)[4]/46,XX[36], the umbilical cord had a karyotype of 46,XX,dup(9) (q22.3q34.1)[2]/46,XX[38], and the placenta had a karyotype of 46,XX. aCGH analysis on cord blood revealed no genomic imbalance. At age 2½ months, the baby was doing well, the peripheral blood of the baby had a karyotype of 46,XX,dup(9) (q22.3q34.1)[4]/46,XX[36], and interphase FISH analysis on buccal mucosal cells revealed no dup 9q signal in 100 buccal mucosal cells.ConclusionCytogenetic discrepancy may occur between cultured amniocytes and uncultured amniocytes in mosaic dup(9) (q22.3q34.1). Molecular cytogenetic analysis on uncultured amniocytes is useful for rapid distinguishing pseudomosaicism from true mosaicism under such a circumstance.     

Translocation t(6;14) as the Sole Chromosomal Abnormality in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Base of Tongue

We present an adenoid cystic carcinoma of the base of tongue in a 48-year-old male with a restricted chromosomal alteration by cytogenetic and spectral karyotypic analysis (SKY). SKY and G-banding analyses identified the t(6;14)(q25;q13) as the sole structural aberration in all metaphases analyzed. This finding supports a critical role for this event in the development of this tumor. The implications of chromosome 6q translocation in this case and in previously reported adenoid cystic carcinomas are highlighted and discussed.     

Molecular genetics of autism spectrum disorders

Autistic disorder belongs to a broad spectrum of pervasive developmental disorders. Autism is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous condition. It is characterized by impairment in a broad range of social interactions, communication, and repetitive patterns of behavior and interest. Although the exact etiology of the condition is not known, family and twin studies strongly support genetic factors in autism. Genome-wide scans suggest several susceptibility loci that may contain one or more predisposing genes. However, no such genes have been identified so far that predispose patients to autism. The condition is over 90% heritable, but the mode of inheritance is not clear. Moreover, it does not seem to be a single gene disorder. There is no cure for autism. Individualized structured education, family support services, and antipsychotic drugs are recommended. These may alleviate some behavioral problems. The identification of autism genes, an understanding of the neurobiology of the condition, and additional clinical studies may help to develop pharmacological interventions in the future.     

Chronic hepatitis virus infection in patients with multiple myeloma: clinical characteristics and outcomes

OBJECTIVES:

Cytotoxic agents and steroids are used to treat lymphoid malignancies, but these compounds may exacerbate chronic viral hepatitis. For patients with multiple myeloma, the impact of preexisting hepatitis virus infection is unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the characteristics and outcomes of myeloma patients with chronic hepatitis virus infection.

METHODS:

From 2003 to 2008, 155 myeloma patients were examined to determine their chronic hepatitis virus infection statuses using serologic tests for the hepatitis B (HBV) and C viruses (HCV). Clinical parameters and outcome variables were retrieved via a medical chart review.

RESULTS:

The estimated prevalences of chronic HBV and HCV infections were 11.0% (n = 17) and 9.0% (n = 14), respectively. The characteristics of patients who were hepatitis virus carriers and those who were not were similar. However, carrier patients had a higher prevalence of conventional cytogenetic abnormalities (64.3% vs. 25.0%). The cumulative incidences of grade 3-4 elevation of the level of alanine transaminase, 30.0% vs. 12.0%, and hyperbilirubinemia, 20.0% vs. 1.6%, were higher in carriers as well. In a Kaplan-Meier analysis, carrier patients had worse overall survival (median: 16.0 vs. 42.4 months). The prognostic value of carrier status was not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis, but an age of more than 65 years old, the presence of cytogenetic abnormalities, a beta-2-microglobulin level of more than 3.5 mg/L, and a serum creatinine level of more than 2 mg/dL were independent factors associated with poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION:

Myeloma patients with chronic hepatitis virus infections might be a distinct subgroup, and close monitoring of hepatic adverse events should be mandatory.     

In vitro and in vivo effects of melatonin on sister chromatid exchange in human blood lymphocytes exposed to hypoxia

Objective: Many studies have shown that melatonin (MLT) has an anti-genotoxic effect in various tissues and cell lines. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-genotoxic effect of MLT on normal human peripheral lymphocytes by assessing sister chromatid exchange (SCE) in vitro and in vivo. Materials and methods: Cells were treated with 50 and 200?μM of MLT. The human volunteers (n?=?20) for the in vivo study were administered a single dose of 3?mg MLT daily for 2 weeks. After sufficient time for its clearance, 1.5?mg of MLT daily was then administered to the same volunteers at same the period. Results: Our results demonstrated the anti-genotoxic effect of MLT in human blood lymphocyte in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, hypoxia increased the SCE frequency compared to the control and both doses of MLT significantly decreased the SCE frequency in the hypoxic cells (p?<?0.001). In vivo, oral administration of 3?mg MLT significantly increased the frequency of SCE, yet a small increase of SCE by hypoxia was found. Oral administration of 1.5?mg MLT showed no DNA damage but it had an anti-genotoxic effect. Discussion and conclusion: MLT may prove useful for reducing the genotoxic effects of hypoxia in peripheral lymphocytes and suggest its possible role for ischemic diseases.     

Outcomes of Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Compared With Chemotherapy Consolidation Alone for Non–High-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia in First Complete Remission in a Minority-Rich Inner-City Cohort With Limited Access to Allografts

IntroductionIn the United States, autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (autoHCT) has fallen out of favor over chemotherapy consolidation for non–high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) when allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) is unfeasible, which is common in racial minorities because of donor registry under-representation and socioeconomic challenges. We compared autoHCT consolidation outcomes with chemotherapy alone in a minority-rich cohort in the Bronx.Patients and MethodsWe identified adults with favorable or intermediate cytogenetic risk AML in first complete remission after induction at Montefiore Medical Center from 1999 to 2015, and analyzed 81 patients who received consolidation with ≥2 cycles of chemotherapy, of whom 28 received autoHCT.ResultsThe cohort predominantly consisted of ethnic/racial minorities (69%). Age, sex, race, presenting white cell count, and cytogenetic risk were similar between groups. The autoHCT group had longer relapse-free (RFS; 43 vs. 11 months; P = .003) and overall (OS) survival (not reached vs. 36 months; P = .043). Adjusted multivariable analysis showed significant benefit of autoHCT over chemotherapy alone for RFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.37-0.75; P < .001) and OS (HR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.40-0.95; P = .027).ConclusionIn this inner-city non–high-risk AML cohort, autoHCT provided OS and RFS benefit compared with chemotherapy alone. AutoHCT might constitute a valuable option for ethnic/racial minorities affected by significant barriers to alloHCT, whereas integration of measurable residual disease can help select patients more likely to benefit.