• BMB Reports
• /
• v.47 no.9
• /
• pp.494-499
• /
• 2014

NADH:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is known to be involved in the regulation of energy synthesis and metabolism, and the functional studies of NQO1 have largely focused on metabolic disorders. Here, we show for the first time that compared to NQO1-WT mice, NQO1-KO mice exhibited a marked increase of permeability and spontaneous inflammation in the gut. In the DSS-induced colitis model, NQO1-KO mice showed more severe inflammatory responses than NQO1-WT mice. Interestingly, the transcript levels of claudin and occludin, the major tight junction molecules of gut epithelial cells, were significantly decreased in NQO1-KO mice. The colons of NQO1-KO mice also showed high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, which are known to affect transcriptional regulation. Taken together, these novel findings indicate that NQO1 contributes to the barrier function of gut epithelial cells by regulating the transcription of tight junction molecules.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.58 no.3
• /
• pp.108-111
• /
• 2015

DiGeorge syndrome is an immunodeficient disease associated with abnormal development of 3rd and 4th pharyngeal pouches. As a hemizygous deletion of chromosome 22q11.2 occurs, various clinical phenotypes are shown with a broad spectrum. Conotruncal cardiac anomalies, hypoplastic thymus, and hypocalcemia are the classic triad of DiGeorge syndrome. As this syndrome is characterized by hypoplastic or aplastic thymus, there are missing thymic shadow on their plain chest x-ray. Immunodeficient patients are traditionally known to be at an increased risk for malignancy, especially lymphoma. We experienced a 7-year-old DiGeorge syndrome patient with mediastinal mass shadow on her plain chest x-ray. She visited Severance Children's Hospital hospital with recurrent pneumonia, and throughout her repeated chest x-ray, there was a mass like shadow on anterior mediastinal area. We did full evaluation including chest computed tomography, chest ultrasonography, and chest magnetic resonance imaging. To rule out malignancy, video assisted thoracoscopic surgery was done. Final diagnosis of the mass which was thought to be malignancy, was lymphoproliferative lesion.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
• /
• v.39 no.2
• /
• pp.219-226
• /
• 2012

The acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, C-2 to C-3 short chain (ACADS) gene is known to be related with fat metabolism, especially coverts the fat to the energy sources in cattle. In human, the mutations in this gene cause SCAD deficiency, which is one of the fatty acid metabolism disorders. The ACADS gene is located on bovine chromosome 17. The objective of this study was to identify SNPs in Hanwoo ACADS gene and identify the relationships with economic traits. In this study, two SNPs, T1570G SNP in exon 2 and G13917A SNP in exon 4, were observed. Moreover, in the coding region, 2 missense mutations, T (Cys) ${\rightarrow}$ G (Trp) mutation at 1570 bp and G (Arg) ${\rightarrow}$ A (Gln) mutation at 13917 bp, were observed. These mutations were subjected to the PCR-RFLP for typing 198 Hanwoo animals. The observed genotype frequency for T1570G was 0.135 (TT), 0.860 (TG) and 0.005 (GG), respectively. Also, 0.900 (GG) and 0.100 (GA) were observed for the G13917A mutation. The association of these SNPs with four economic traits, CW (Carcass Weight), BF (Backfat Thickness), LMA (Longissimus Muscle Area), MS (Marbling Score), were also observed. The results indicated that no significant results were observed in all four traits (P>0.05). This might indicate that further studies are ultimately needed to use the SNPs in ACADS gene in lager populations for effectively used for the marker assisted selection.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.111-118
• /
• 2010

Chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) enables the genome-wide detection of submicroscopic chromosomal imbalances with greater precision and accuracy. In most other countries, CMA is now a commonly used clinical diagnostic test, replacing conventional cytogenetics or targeted detection such as FISH or PCR-based methods. Recently, some consensus statements have proposed utilization of CMA as a first-line test in patients with multiple congenital anomalies not specific to a well-delineated genetic syndrome, developmental delay/intellectual disability, or autism spectrum disorders. CMA can be used as an adjunct to conventional cytogenetics to identify chromosomal abnormalities observed in G-banding analysis in constitutional or acquired cases, leading to a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of chromosomal aberrations. Although CMA has distinct advantages, there are several limitations, including its inability to detect balanced chromosomal rearrangements and low-level mosaicism, its interpretation of copy number variants of uncertain clinical significance, and significantly higher costs. For these reasons, CMA is not currently a replacement for conventional cytogenetics in prenatal diagnosis. In clinical applications of CMA, knowledge and experience based on genetics and cytogenetics are required for data analysis and interpretation, and appropriate follow-up with genetic counseling is recommended.

• Annals of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism
• /
• v.23 no.4
• /
• pp.220-225
• /
• 2018

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a rare genetic disease caused by various abnormalities in the androgen receptor (AR). The AR is an essential steroid hormone receptor that plays a critical role in male sexual differentiation and development and preservation of the male phenotype. Mutations in the AR gene on the X chromosome cause malfunction of the AR so that a 46,XY karyotype male has some physical characteristics of a woman or a full female phenotype. Depending on the phenotype, AIS can be classified as complete, partial or mild. Here, we report 2 cases of complete AIS in young children who showed complete sex reversal from male to female as a result of AR mutations. They had palpable inguinal masses and normal female external genitalia, a blind-end vagina and absent $M{\ddot{u}}llerian$ duct derivatives. They were both 46,XY karyotype and AR gene analysis demonstrated pathologic mutations in both. Because AIS is inherited in an X-linked recessive manner, we performed genetic analysis of the female family members of each patient and found the same mutation in the mothers of both patients and in the female sibling of case 2. Gonadectomy was performed in both patients to avoid the risk of malignancy in the undescended testicles, and estrogen replacement therapy is planned for their adolescence. Individuals with complete AIS are usually raised as females and need appropriate care.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.52 no.4
• /
• pp.481-487
• /
• 2009

Purpose : This study investigated the clinical course and prognostic factor of very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) with hemodynamically significant congenital heart defects (CHDs). Methods : Medical records of 1,098 VLBWI with birth weight <1,500 g who had been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Samsung Medical Center from October 1994 to December 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. The data for these patients with hemodynamically significant CHD (n=33) were compared with those without CHD (n=1,065). Results : The incidence of CHD was 3.0% (33 patients) 7 patients (21%) had CHD combined with the congenital abnormalities or chromosomal disorders. The most common CHD was a ventricular septal defect. The incidence of intrauterine growth retardation was higher in patients with CHD than in patients without CHD (34% vs. 20%), but there were no significant differences in gestational age, birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, severe intraventricular hemorrhage (${\geq}$Gr III), and periventricular leukomalacia. Cardiac surgery was performed on 13 patients (39%). Nine patients received staged operations, and 10 patients received early intervention. The overall mortality in patients who had CHD was higher than in the patients who did not have CHD (27% vs. 16%). In patients with CHD, congenital abnormalities or chromosomal disorders were more important factors for increased mortality (86% vs. 11%) than the degree of complexity of CHD (19% vs. 42%). Conclusion : The most important prognostic factors of VLBWI with CHD are the associated congenital abnormalities or chromosomal disorders.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.51 no.9
• /
• pp.944-949
• /
• 2008

Purpose : As modern society has became more open, interest in healthy internal and external growth has increased, including that pertaining to penile length in children. A micropenis is defined as one where penile length is more than 2 SD (standard deviation) below the mean, and it can be traced back to chromosome and endocrine disorders. The authors executed this study to suggest guidelines for the study of the micropenis and standard information for penile length in Korean newborns. Methods : The subjects of this study were 168 male infants between 37 and 42 weeks of gestational age, none of whom had any complications during pregnancy or birth; each had been born in Daegu Fatima Hospital between February and June 2007. Penile length was measured using conventional stretched penile length measurement (CPLM) and syringe methods. Results : Penile length was $3.02{\pm}0.25cm$ (F=36.467, $R^2=0.180$, P<0.001) when measured with CPLM, and $3.29{\pm}0.26cm$ (F=9.149, $R^2=0.052$, P<0.001) with the syringe method. There was no statistically significant difference in the penile length of newborn infants as a result of taking measurements with the two methods, and both methods showed significance at 0.631 in terms of Pearson's correlation coefficient, at the level of P=0.01. Conclusion : In this study, penile length tended to be longer when gestational age was longer, and a micropenis can be assumed to be one less than 2.5 cm using CPLM and less than 2.8 cm using the syringe method. In the case of a concealed penis, the syringe method is helpful. When a micropenis is assumed, close observation by outpatient department personnel, and additional endocrine and chromosome studies should be undertaken after sufficiently consulting the parents.

• The Journal of Korea Assosiation for Disability and Oral Health
• /
• v.4 no.2
• /
• pp.82-87
• /
• 2008

Cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD) is an autosomal dominant skeletal dysplasia and is caused by mutation in the CBAFA1 gene of 6p21 chromosome band. Patients with CCD express skeletal dysplasia such as hypoplastic/aplastic clavicle, brachycephalic skull, midface hypoplasia and moderate short stature. In addition to skeletal dysplasia, specific symptoms may appear in respiratory organs, auditory area, and the more distinguished, dentition. Dental findings include: delayed eruption of permanent tooth, multiple supernumerary tooth more than five, malocclusion, etc. In Patients presenting excessive SNT, complications of SNT could be prevented and will be managed through pertinently timed treatment such as tooth extraction, using space maintainer, and orthodontic management after early diagnosis. This case is about the treatment of eruption disorders in permanent teeth owing to SNT in CCD patients, who are three family members in the $3^{rd}$ generation inherited from maternal grandfather through atavism. We performed the extraction of numerous SNT and orthodontic treatment on them in this case. On evaluating panoramic and cephalometric views, some classical signs of skeletal dysplasia due to CCD were recognized in a pool of three patients, the clavicle was distinctively displayed in all patients.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.313-319
• /
• 2016

Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome (WHS), associated with the deletion of the short arm of chromosome 4, causes multiple congenital malformations. Patients suffer from various deformities, including mental and growth disorders, epilepsy, hypotonia, congenital heart defects, and atypical craniofacial features. The "Greek warrior helmet appearance" is the most characteristic feature, with a prominent glabella, high arched eyebrow, broad nasal bridge, and hypertelorism. Cleft lip with or without cleft palate is observed in 30% of patients. Dental structure anomalies also exist including multiple tooth agenesis and over-retained primary molars caused by MSX1 gene impairment, and cone-shaped and taurodontic teeth. This case, a 9-year-old girl with WHS, showed intellectual disability, delayed growth development, previous occurrence of seizures, otitis media, and the typical facial features of WHS. Dental findings included multiple congenital missing teeth, over-retained primary teeth, and severe caries on the primary molars. Dental treatments were performed under general anesthesia. This report documents the characteristics of WHS, including general and oral features, and discusses the importance of oral hygiene and preventive dental management.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.30 no.8
• /
• pp.708-712
• /
• 2020

Vacuolar protein sorting (VPS) 26b is a newly discovered member of the retromer complex; it is encoded by a single-copy gene located on mouse chromosome 9, and the complex has been reported as being composed of proteins VPS26, VPS29, and VPS35. We have previously shown that mice lacking VPS26b exhibited no significant body size or health issues. Although retromer components are widely expressed in mouse tissue, their roles have not yet been completely elucidated. The current study investigates whether the VPS26b-associated retromer complex can be used as a neurodegeneration model. Previously, we observed a significant reduction in VPS35 and VPS29 in the brain cells of in VPS26b-deficient mice as well as an absence of the VPS26b-VPS29-VPS35 retromer complex despite the normal presence of VPS26a-VPS29-VPS35. Recent studies have suggested that low levels of VPS35 can lead to Alzheimer's disease-like phenotypes including cognitive memory deficits. In this study, we successfully demonstrate an association between the absence of the VPS26b-VPS29-VPS35 retromer complex, reduced cell density in the CA3 region of the hippocampus, and learning disability in VPS26b knock-out mice. The results also indicate that the VPS26b-associated retromer complex affects neurodegenerative disorders and learning processes.