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Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Apr 2018Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is estimated to affect three million people worldwide. It causes liver disease in a proportion of carriers of the PiS and PiZ...
BACKGROUND
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is estimated to affect three million people worldwide. It causes liver disease in a proportion of carriers of the PiS and PiZ allele due to the formation and retention of polymers within the endoplasmic reticulum of hepatocytes. The reason for this selective penetrance is not known. Although clinical trials are underway, liver transplantation is the only effective treatment for liver disease due to AATD.
AIMS
To report the prevalence and natural history of liver disease among individuals with AATD, and assess the outcomes of liver transplantation through systematic review.
METHODS
A comprehensive search was conducted across multiple databases. Two independent authors selected the articles and assessed bias using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data were pooled for analysis, where comparable outcomes were reported.
RESULTS
Thirty-five studies were identified related to disease progression and 12 for the treatment of AATD. Seven per cent of children were reported to develop liver cirrhosis, with 16.5% of individuals presenting in childhood requiring liver transplantation. Of those surviving to adulthood, 10.5% had liver cirrhosis and 14.7% required transplantation. Liver transplantation was the only effective treatment reported and outcomes compare favourably to other indications, with 5-year survival reported as over 90% in children and over 80% in adults.
DISCUSSION
The clinical course of liver disease in individuals with AATD remains poorly understood, but affects about 10% of those with AATD. More research is required to identify those patients at risk of developing liver disease at an early stage, and to provide alternative treatments to liver transplantation.
Topics: Adult; Child; Disease Progression; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Transplantation; Prevalence; Treatment Outcome; alpha 1-Antitrypsin Deficiency
PubMed: 29446109
DOI: 10.1111/apt.14537 -
Hong Kong Medical Journal = Xianggang... Apr 2016Genetic risk factors and family history play an important role in breast cancer development. This review aimed to summarise the current genetic testing approach to... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Genetic risk factors and family history play an important role in breast cancer development. This review aimed to summarise the current genetic testing approach to hereditary breast/ovarian cancer.
METHODS
A systematic literature review was performed by searching the PubMed database. Publications available online until January 2015 that addressed issues related to hereditary breast/ovarian cancer genetic counselling/testing were selected. The search terms used were "familial breast/ovarian cancer", "susceptibility genes", "genetic counselling", and "genetic testing". The data extracted for this review were analysed by the authors, with a focus on genetic testing for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer.
RESULTS
Although a greater proportion of inherited breast/ovarian cancers are due to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, a number of new genes have emerged as susceptibility candidates, including rare germline mutations in high penetrance genes, such as TP53 and PTEN, and more frequent mutations in moderate/low penetrance genes, such as PALB2, CHEK2 and ATM. Multi-gene testing, if used appropriately, is generally a more cost- and time-effective method than single-gene testing, and may increase the number of patients who can be offered personal surveillance, risk-reduction options, and testing of high-risk family members.
CONCLUSIONS
Recent advances in molecular genetics testing have identified a number of susceptibility genes related to hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancers other than BRCA1 and BRCA2. The introduction of multi-gene testing for hereditary cancer has revolutionised the clinical management of high-risk patients and their families. Individuals with hereditary breast/ovarian cancer will benefit from genetic counselling/testing.
Topics: Breast Neoplasms; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Testing; Humans; Molecular Biology; Ovarian Neoplasms; Risk Factors
PubMed: 26980575
DOI: 10.12809/hkmj154634 -
Genetics in Medicine : Official Journal... May 2011Autism is one of the most heritable complex disorders, but the genetic etiology of autism spectrum disorders is unexplained in ∼ 90% of cases. Highly penetrant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
Autism is one of the most heritable complex disorders, but the genetic etiology of autism spectrum disorders is unexplained in ∼ 90% of cases. Highly penetrant microdeletions and microduplications of 16p11.2 contribute to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder, but the extent to which these variants account for the total burden of idiopathic autism spectrum disorders has not been systematically investigated.
METHODS
A systematic literature review and meta-analysis were performed to determine the prevalence of these variants among individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. A planned subgroup analysis was conducted to assess prevalence differences between sporadic and familial autism spectrum disorder cases.
RESULTS
In the combined analysis of 3613 idiopathic autism spectrum disorder cases from seven studies, the meta-analytic prevalence of these microdeletions and microduplications was 0.76% (95% CI, 0.51-1.12%). When stratified by copy number variant-type, the prevalence of microdeletions was 0.50% (95% CI, 0.31-0.82%) and the prevalence of microduplications was 0.28% (95% CI, 0.14-0.56%). Sporadic autism spectrum disorder cases showed only a slightly higher prevalence than familial cases.
CONCLUSION
The number needed to test to identify one such variant is 132 patients (95% CI, 89-198). Such information, especially as it pertains to diagnostic yield in genetic testing, should prove useful to clinicians considering chromosomal microarray analysis in subjects with autism spectrum disorders.
Topics: Child; Child Development Disorders, Pervasive; Chromosome Deletion; Chromosome Duplication; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 16; DNA Copy Number Variations; Gene Dosage; Humans; Incidence; Publication Bias
PubMed: 21289514
DOI: 10.1097/GIM.0b013e3182076c0c -
Clinical Kidney Journal Jan 2024Several studies have examined the frequency of sleep apnoea (SA) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), reporting different prevalence rates. Our systematic...
BACKGROUND
Several studies have examined the frequency of sleep apnoea (SA) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), reporting different prevalence rates. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to define the clinical penetrance of SA in CKD and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients.
METHODS
Ovid-MEDLINE and PubMed databases were explored up to 5 June 2023 to identify studies providing SA prevalence in CKD and ESKD patients assessed by different diagnostic methods, either sleep questionnaires or respiration monitoring equipment [such as polysomnography (PSG), type III portable monitors or other diagnostic tools]. Single-study data were pooled using the random-effects model. The Chi and Cochrane-I tests were used to assess the presence of heterogeneity, which was explored performing sensitivity and/or subgroup analyses.
RESULTS
A cumulative analysis from 32 single-study data revealed a prevalence of SA of 57% [95% confidence interval (CI) 42%-71%] in the CKD population, whereas a prevalence of 49% (95% CI 47%-52%) was found pooling data from 91 studies in ESKD individuals. The prevalence of SA using instrumental sleep monitoring devices, including classical PSG and type III portable sleep monitors, was 62% (95% CI 52%-72%) and 56% (95% CI 42%-69%) in CKD and ESKD populations, respectively. Sleep questionnaires revealed a prevalence of 33% (95% CI 16%-49%) and 39% (95% CI 30%-49%).
CONCLUSIONS
SA is commonly seen in both non-dialysis CKD and ESKD patients. Sleep-related questionnaires underestimated the presence of SA in this population. This emphasizes the need to use objective diagnostic tools to identify such a syndrome in kidney disease.
PubMed: 38186876
DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfad179 -
Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology :... Apr 2018To establish, based on a systematic literature review, the frequency of pathogenic submicroscopic chromosomal aberrations in fetuses that are not at increased risk for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
OBJECTIVE
To establish, based on a systematic literature review, the frequency of pathogenic submicroscopic chromosomal aberrations in fetuses that are not at increased risk for unbalanced structural chromosomal aberrations, with the aim of determining whether high-resolution testing for submicroscopic aberrations is beneficial in a general pregnant population.
METHODS
EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science and CENTRAL databases were searched systematically on 3 June 2016 for all relevant articles on the prevalence of pathogenic submicroscopic copy number variants (CNVs) in fetuses referred for prenatal invasive testing because of advanced maternal age (AMA) or parental anxiety (ANX). Relevant full-text articles were analyzed and the prevalence of submicroscopic CNVs was calculated based on the extracted data. Meta-analysis was conducted in a pooled cohort of 10 614 fetuses based on the 10 largest studies (n > 300) of a total of 19 that were relevant.
RESULTS
Pooled estimate analysis indicated that 0.84% (95% CI, 0.55-1.30%) of fetuses that had invasive testing because of AMA/ANX carried a pathogenic clinically significant submicroscopic aberration. The onset/penetrance of submicroscopic findings was studied in 10 314 fetuses reported in eight papers that presented aberrant cases with all necessary details to allow assessment of the findings. The pooled estimates resulting from meta-analysis of the data indicated that an early-onset syndromic disorder was detected in 0.37% (95% CI, 0.27-0.52%) of cases, a susceptibility CNV was found in 0.30% (95% CI, 0.14-0.67%) and late-onset diseases were reported in 0.11% (95% CI, 0.05%-0.21%). The prevalence of early-onset syndromic disorders caused by a submicroscopic aberration was calculated to be 1:270. When the risk for submicroscopic aberrations is added to the individual risk for microscopic chromosomal aberrations, all pregnant women have a risk of higher than 1 in 180 for a relevant chromosomal aberration, and pregnant women under 36 years of age have a higher risk for submicroscopic pathogenic aberrations than for Down syndrome.
CONCLUSION
This systematic review shows that a significant proportion of fetuses in a general pregnant population carry a submicroscopic pathogenic CNV. Based on these figures, all women should be informed on their individual risk for all pathogenic chromosomal aberrations and not only for common trisomies. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Topics: Chromosome Aberrations; Cohort Studies; DNA Copy Number Variations; Down Syndrome; Female; Humans; Maternal Age; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis; Pregnancy; Risk; Ultrasonography, Prenatal
PubMed: 28556491
DOI: 10.1002/uog.17533 -
Experimental Gerontology Jan 2020Collagens and elastin are 'building blocks' of tissues and extracellular matrix. Mutations in these proteins cause severe congenital syndromes. Adverse genetic...
Collagens and elastin are 'building blocks' of tissues and extracellular matrix. Mutations in these proteins cause severe congenital syndromes. Adverse genetic variations may accelerate the aging process in adults contributing to premature morbidity, disability and/or mortality. Favorable variants may contribute to longevity and/or healthy aging, but this is much less studied. We reviewed the association between variation in the genes of collagens and elastin and premature aging, accelerated aging, age-related diseases and/or frailty; and the association between genetic variation in those and longevity and/or healthy aging in humans. A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE and other online databases (OMIM, Genetics Home Reference, Orphanet, ClinVar). Results suggest that genetic variants lead to aging phenotypes of known congenital disease, but also to association with common age-related diseases in adults without known congenital disease. This may be due to the variable penetrance and expressivity of many variants. Some collagen variants have been associated with longevity or healthy aging. A limitation is that most studies had <1000 participants and their criterion for statistical significance was p < 0.05. Results highlight the importance of adopting a lifecourse approach to the study of the genomics of aging. Gerontology can help with new methodologies that operationalize biological aging.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aging; Collagen; Elastin; Frail Elderly; Frailty; Genetic Variation; Healthy Aging; Humans; Longevity; Phenotype
PubMed: 31740390
DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2019.110781 -
Breast Cancer Research and Treatment Nov 2012Many epidemiological studies have found that leptin correlates to body fat extent and breast cancer. Leptin exerts its physiological action through the leptin receptor...
Many epidemiological studies have found that leptin correlates to body fat extent and breast cancer. Leptin exerts its physiological action through the leptin receptor (LEPR). However, published data on the association between LEPR alleles and breast cancer occurrence have led to in contradictory results. A total of 10 studies were identified to the meta-analysis, including 4,644 cases and 5,485 controls for LEPR rs1137101 polymorphism, 5 studies with 2,759 cases and 4,464 controls for rs1137100 polymorphism, and 2 studies for rs8051542, rs8051542, and rs8051542 polymorphisms. The pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) for breast cancer risk associated with LEPR genotypes were estimated. Elevated breast cancer risk was associated with LEPR rs1137101 polymorphism when all studies were pooled in the meta-analysis (allele contrast model: OR = 0.71, 95 % CI = 0.551-0.997). In the stratified analysis by ethnicity, significantly increased risks were also found among Asians for allele contrast model (OR 0.414, 95 % CI 0.312-0.550) and dominant model (OR 0.537, 95 % CI 0.370-0.781); for Africans, significantly increased risks were also found for allele contrast model (OR 0.716, 95 % CI 0.595-0.861), homozygote codominant (OR 0.537, 95 % CI 0.370-0.781) and dominant model (OR 1.595, 95 % CI 1.207-2.108). And significantly elevated breast cancer risk was associated with LEPR rs1137100 polymorphism for allele contrast (OR = 0.666, 95 % CI = 0.603-0.720) and homozygote codominant models (OR = 0.344, 95 % CI = 0.282-0.421). For LEPR rs8179183, rs4655537, and rs3762274 polymorphisms, no significant associations were detected in all comparison models. This pooled analysis suggested that rs1137101 and rs1137100 polymorphisms were significantly correlated with breast cancer risk and the A allele of LEPR rs1137101 variant and the G allele of LEPR rs1137100 variant were low-penetrant risk factors for developing breast cancer. Further, no significant associations existed between LEPR rs8179183, rs4655537, and rs3762274 polymorphisms and risk of breast cancer.
Topics: Alleles; Breast Neoplasms; Female; Genetic Association Studies; Genotype; Humans; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Receptors, Leptin; Risk Factors
PubMed: 22983835
DOI: 10.1007/s10549-012-2228-9 -
Allergy & Rhinology (Providence, R.I.) Mar 2017Inflammatory injury of nasal respiratory mucosa is a common feature of multisystem autoimmune disease. Certain autoimmune disorders are associated with nasal septum...
BACKGROUND
Inflammatory injury of nasal respiratory mucosa is a common feature of multisystem autoimmune disease. Certain autoimmune disorders are associated with nasal septum perforation (NSP). We performed a systematic review of the literature to better understand the association of NSP with specific autoimmune disorders. This is a case report of a 29-year-old woman with a history of arthralgia, autoreactive antibody titers, platelet dysfunction, and NSP. The constellation of symptoms and potential familial involvement indicated that the NSP in this patient was an early sign of an autoimmune disorder, an unknown autoimmune disorder, or a known disease with incomplete penetrance.
METHODS
A systematic review of the literature was performed by two independent reviewers. Relevant articles were reviewed, and data that pertained to autoimmune-related NSP were extracted and analyzed.
RESULTS
Overall, 140 cases of autoimmune-associated NSPs were reported. Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (48%), relapsing polychondritis (26%), and cocaine-induced midline lesions (15%) constituted 89.3% of the reported cases.
CONCLUSION
NSP is a potential sign of systemic disease. The identification of an NSP, especially in the context of other unexplained symptoms or workup suggestive of an autoimmune disorder, should prompt clinical evaluation for multisystem autoimmune disease with consideration of granulomatosis with polyangiitis, relapsing polychondritis, or cocaine-induced midline lesions.
PubMed: 28381327
DOI: 10.2500/ar.2017.8.0191 -
The British Journal of Dermatology Jul 2017Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have skin barrier impairment in both lesional and nonlesional skin. They are typically exposed daily to emollients and... (Review)
Review
Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have skin barrier impairment in both lesional and nonlesional skin. They are typically exposed daily to emollients and intermittently to topical anti-inflammatory medicaments, thereby increasing the risk of developing contact allergy and systemic exposure to chemical ingredients found in these topical preparations. We systematically searched for studies that investigated skin absorption of various penetrants, including medicaments, in patients with AD, but also in animals with experimentally-induced dermatitis. We identified 40 articles: 11 human studies examining model penetrants, 26 human studies examining AD drugs, and three animal studies. We conclude that patients with AD have almost twofold increased skin absorption compared with healthy controls. There is a need for well-designed epidemiological and dermatopharmacokinetic studies that examine to what extent AD causes patients to be systemically exposed to chemicals compared with nonatopic dermatitis.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Animals; Child; Dermatitis, Atopic; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Skin Absorption; Young Adult
PubMed: 27639188
DOI: 10.1111/bjd.15065