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Chong YK, Ma LCK, Lo KL, Lee CKL, Mak CM, Kan ANC, Lam CW. Dystroglycanopathy with two novel POMT1 mutations in a Chinese boy with developmental delay and muscular dystrophy. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2014; 18:532-5. [PMID: 24657014 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Revised: 01/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Alpha-dystroglycanopathies are a group of diseases due to reduced glycosylation of alpha-dystroglycan, which commonly result from mutations in POMT1, POMT2, and POMGnT1. Patients with alpha-dystroglycanopathies present with muscular, cerebral, and ocular involvements with differing severities. We reported a boy who presented with muscular dystrophy, developmental delay, and non-specific white matter lesions. Mutation analysis of POMT1 was performed and revealed two novel mutations, a substitution mutation (c.176T>G) and a duplication mutation (c.2059dupC) which results in premature termination of translation. In-silico prediction in five different platforms concurred that the substitution is damaging, and functional studies by immunofluorescence revealed lack of staining in the carbohydrate moiety of alpha-dystroglycan, confirming the molecular findings in a functional manner. In conclusion, we reported the first case of genetically confirmed alpha-dystroglycanopathy due to mutations in POMT1 in Chinese.
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Lee HHC, Poon KH, Lai CK, Au KM, Siu TS, Lai JPS, Mak CM, Yuen YP, Lam CW, Chan AYW. Hyperornithinaemia-hyperammonaemia-homocitrullinuria syndrome: a treatable genetic liver disease warranting urgent diagnosis. Hong Kong Med J 2014; 20:63-6. [DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Ho ACC, Fung CW, Siu TS, Ma OCK, Lam CW, Tam S, Wong VCN. Lathosterolosis: a disorder of cholesterol biosynthesis resembling smith-lemli-opitz syndrome. JIMD Rep 2013; 12:129-34. [PMID: 24142275 DOI: 10.1007/8904_2013_255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2012] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Lathosterolosis is an inborn error of cholesterol biosynthesis due to deficiency of the enzyme 3-beta-hydroxysteroid-delta-5-desaturase (or sterol-C5-desaturase or SC5D). This leads to a block in conversion of lathosterol into 7-dehydrocholesterol. Only three patients with lathosterolosis have been reported in literature, of which one survived. We report a patient with dysmorphism, multiple congenital anomalies, and developmental delay, initially suspected to have Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome, who was later found to have elevated levels of lathosterol in both plasma and fibroblasts. Genetic study confirmed a compound heterozygous mutation in the sterol-C5-desaturase-like (SC5DL) gene on chromosome 11q23. Simvastatin was started as a treatment therapy and it resulted in normalization of blood lathosterol level and improvement in the neurodevelopmental profile. However, additional patients are needed for better delineation of the clinical spectrum, genotype-phenotype correlation, and potential efficacy of simvastatin treatment in this rare disorder. If the presence of distinctive facial features and limb anomalies raise the suspicion of a cholesterol biosynthesis defect, testing of full sterol profile is warranted as normal cholesterol or 7-dehydrocholesterol levels cannot rule out the diagnosis of cholesterol synthesis defect like lathosterolosis.
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Yeung CW, Yau MM, Ma CK, Siu TS, Tam S, Lam CW. Diagnosis of dihydropyrimidinase deficiency in a Chinese boy with dihydropyrimidinuria. Hong Kong Med J 2013; 19:272-5. [PMID: 23732435 DOI: 10.12809/hkmj133598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Dihydropyrimidinase deficiency is an autosomal recessive inborn error of metabolism characterised by the presence of dihydropyrimidinuria. Its clinical presentation is variable and has also been reported in asymptomatic subjects. We report the first case of dihydropyrimidinase deficiency in Hong Kong, which is also the first reported in a Chinese subject. The patient was a 32-month-old boy who presented with language development delay. Biochemical analysis confirmed markedly increased urinary excretion of dihydrouracil and dihydrothymine, whilst DNA testing confirmed that the patient was compound heterozygous for two missense mutations, one known (p.R302Q) and the other was novel (p.N16K).
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Tsang JPK, Poon WL, Luk HM, Fung CW, Ching CK, Mak CM, Lam CW, Siu TS, Tam S, Wong VCN. Arginase deficiency with new phenotype and a novel mutation: contemporary summary. Pediatr Neurol 2012; 47:263-9. [PMID: 22964440 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2012.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In areas without expanded newborn screening, instead of presenting neonatally, patients with arginase deficiency typically present with spastic paraplegia in early childhood. Diagnosis of this rare neurometabolic disease poses the first challenge because it is often misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy during initial stages. We describe arginase deficiency in a 20-year-old woman with spastic paraplegia, progressive dystonia, dementia, peripheral neuropathy, epilepsy, liver cirrhosis, and non-B/non-C hepatocellular carcinoma. A novel homozygous mutation NM_000045.2 (ARG1):c.673del (p.Arg225GlyfsX5) was detected. We suggest that all children presenting with progressive neurodegeneration or spastic paraplegia in the absence of risk factors for cerebral palsy should be screened for inborn errors of metabolism, including arginase deficiency. For monitoring urea cycle defects, noninvasive imaging screening for liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma can help ensure early detection, with potential treatment implications.
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Lee HCH, Lam CW, Yuen YP, Lai CK, Chan KY, Chan AYW. In search of the diagnosis, and the patient: transient galactosemia demystified after 14 years. GENETIC COUNSELING (GENEVA, SWITZERLAND) 2012; 23:415-421. [PMID: 23072191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Infantile galactosemia can be caused by inborn errors of galactose metabolism or other rare causes like Fanconi-Bickel syndrome, congenital porto-systemic shunting and multiple hepatic arterio-venous malformations. All these disease entities are however not commonly seen. We report a case of transient infantile galactosemia who first presented in the 1990s, for which no underlying pathology could be identified despite extensive investigations. The diagnosis had not been apparent until after more than a decade, at that time the patient was lost to contact. Considering the potential diagnosis an important and significant one, efforts were made by the case pathologists and clinicians to search for the patient. Ethical dilemmas were encountered during the search of the patient, which involved issues of patient confidentiality and autonomy, and the doctors' duty-to-care. Modern biochemical and molecular testing confirmed the diagnosis after the patient was finally found. The case illustrates the power of molecular testing to retrospectively diagnose an inherited metabolic disease when biochemical abnormalities have subsided, the value of an accurate and precise diagnosis, and the importance of appropriate genetic counselling in an apparently asymptomatic patient in the era of personalized medicine.
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Mak CM, Chan KY, Yau EKC, Chen SPL, Siu WK, Law CY, Lam CW, Chan AYW. Genetic diagnosis of severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (Dravet syndrome) with SCN1A mutations in the Hong Kong Chinese patients. Hong Kong Med J 2011; 17:500-502. [PMID: 22147323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders. The advent of molecular genetics brings unprecedented advancement in diagnostic molecular pathology and reduces over-reliance on traditional clinical classification. Severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy or Dravet syndrome is a catastrophic infantile-onset epilepsy. We report two unrelated Hong Kong Chinese patients with this condition presenting with febrile seizures, epilepsy with different semiologies, psychomotor retardation, and recurrent status epilepticus. Two different mutations were characterised, viz NM_001165963.1: c.680T>G; NP_001159435.1: p.I227S and NM_001165963.1: c.3953T>G; NP_001159435.1: p.L1318R (novel). Genetic characterisation conveys a definitive diagnosis and is important from the perspective of selecting anti-epileptic drug therapy and genetic counselling.
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Aprile E, Arisaka K, Arneodo F, Askin A, Baudis L, Behrens A, Bokeloh K, Brown E, Bruch T, Bruno G, Cardoso JMR, Chen WT, Choi B, Cline D, Duchovni E, Fattori S, Ferella AD, Gao F, Giboni KL, Gross E, Kish A, Lam CW, Lamblin J, Lang RF, Levy C, Lim KE, Lin Q, Lindemann S, Lindner M, Lopes JAM, Lung K, Undagoitia TM, Mei Y, Fernandez AJM, Ni K, Oberlack U, Orrigo SEA, Pantic E, Persiani R, Plante G, Ribeiro ACC, Santorelli R, dos Santos JMF, Sartorelli G, Schumann M, Selvi M, Shagin P, Simgen H, Teymourian A, Thers D, Vitells O, Wang H, Weber M, Weinheimer C. Dark matter results from 100 live days of XENON100 data. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2011; 107:131302. [PMID: 22026838 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.107.131302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2011] [Revised: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
We present results from the direct search for dark matter with the XENON100 detector, installed underground at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso of INFN, Italy. XENON100 is a two-phase time-projection chamber with a 62 kg liquid xenon target. Interaction vertex reconstruction in three dimensions with millimeter precision allows the selection of only the innermost 48 kg as the ultralow background fiducial target. In 100.9 live days of data, acquired between January and June 2010, no evidence for dark matter is found. Three candidate events were observed in the signal region with an expected background of (1.8 ± 0.6) events. This leads to the most stringent limit on dark matter interactions today, excluding spin-independent elastic weakly interacting massive particle (WIMP) nucleon scattering cross sections above 7.0 × 10(-45) cm(2) for a WIMP mass of 50 GeV/c(2) at 90% confidence level.
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Wong WC, Lam CW, Tong SF, Tong CT. Persistent hypocalcaemia in a Chinese girl due to a novel de-novo activating mutation of the calcium-sensing receptor gene. Hong Kong Med J 2011; 17:157-160. [PMID: 21471599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A significant proportion of patients formerly diagnosed with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism actually have activating mutation of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) gene. Awareness of the possibility of activating mutation of CaSR gene in patients with sporadic idiopathic hypoparathyroidism is important because of its relevance to clinical management. This report is of a novel activating mutation of the CaSR gene identified in a 10-year-old Chinese girl who was initially diagnosed as having idiopathic hypoparathyroidism at 6 years of age after presenting with seizures. Her serum calcium level was difficult to maintain near the lower limit of normal despite treatment with high-dose calcitriol. Treatment with calcitriol produced significantly elevated urinary calcium-to-creatinine ratio. Direct sequencing of the CaSR gene showed a novel heterozygous mutation (p.Q735P (c.2204A>C)). Molecular genetic analysis of her parents demonstrated that both parents did not harbour the child's mutation, indicating that her mutation had arisen de novo.
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Lam JKY, Lam CW, Kung AWC, Tan KCB, Lau KS, Lam KSL. A man with hypophosphataemia. BMJ 2011; 342:d773. [PMID: 21436116 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.d773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Cheng TS, Ho KM, Lam CW. Heterogeneous mutations of the ATP2C1 gene causing Hailey-Hailey disease in Hong Kong Chinese. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2011; 24:1202-6. [PMID: 20236194 DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2010.03623.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD) is a rare autosomal dominant dermatosis. It causes suprabasilar acantholysis leading to vesicular and crusted erosions affecting the flexures. Mutation of ATP2C1 gene encoding the human secretory pathway Ca(2+) /Mn(2+) -ATPase (hSPCA1) was identified to be the cause of this entity. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to study the mutational profile of the ATP2C1 gene in Hong Kong Chinese patients with HHD. METHODS Patients with the clinical diagnosis of HHD proven by skin biopsy were included in this study. Mutation analysis was performed in 17 Hong Kong Chinese patients with HHD. RESULTS Ten mutations in the ATP2C1 gene were found. Six of these were novel mutations. The novel mutations included a donor splice site mutation (IVS22+1G>A); a missense mutation (c.1049A>T); two deletion mutations (c.185_188delAGTT and c.923_925delAAG); an acceptor splice site mutation (IVS21-1G>C) and an insertion mutation (c.2454dupT). CONCLUSION The six novel mutations provide additions to the HHD mutation database. No hot-spot mutation was found and high allelic heterogeneity was demonstrated in the Hong Kong Chinese patients.
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Aprile E, Arisaka K, Arneodo F, Askin A, Baudis L, Behrens A, Bokeloh K, Brown E, Cardoso JMR, Choi B, Cline DB, Fattori S, Ferella AD, Giboni KL, Kish A, Lam CW, Lamblin J, Lang RF, Lim KE, Lopes JAM, Marrodán Undagoitia T, Mei Y, Melgarejo Fernandez AJ, Ni K, Oberlack U, Orrigo SEA, Pantic E, Plante G, Ribeiro ACC, Santorelli R, Dos Santos JMF, Schumann M, Shagin P, Teymourian A, Thers D, Tziaferi E, Wang H, Weinheimer C. First dark matter results from the XENON100 experiment. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2010; 105:131302. [PMID: 21230760 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.105.131302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Revised: 06/07/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The XENON100 experiment, in operation at the Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso in Italy, is designed to search for dark matter weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) scattering off 62 kg of liquid xenon in an ultralow background dual-phase time projection chamber. In this Letter, we present first dark matter results from the analysis of 11.17 live days of nonblind data, acquired in October and November 2009. In the selected fiducial target of 40 kg, and within the predefined signal region, we observe no events and hence exclude spin-independent WIMP-nucleon elastic scattering cross sections above 3.4 × 10⁻⁴⁴ cm² for 55 GeV/c² WIMPs at 90% confidence level. Below 20 GeV/c², this result constrains the interpretation of the CoGeNT and DAMA signals as being due to spin-independent, elastic, light mass WIMP interactions.
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Lam CW, Jain K, Chan KY, Silva DK, Chan YW, Wong LJ. Diagnosis of mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes in a Chinese family by PCR/restriction enzyme analysis. Mol Pathol 2010; 48:M285-8. [PMID: 16696023 PMCID: PMC407986 DOI: 10.1136/mp.48.5.m285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The clinical presentation and the biochemical and molecular genetic findings are described in a 13 year old Chinese boy with MELAS (mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes). The diagnosis was initially suspected because of the characteristic clinical features and the strong family history of convulsions. Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction enzyme analysis, the heteroplasmic nt3243 A-->G mutation in mtDNA of peripheral blood leucocytes and a muscle sample was demonstrated. The oligosymptomatic relatives were then screened by this method and the degree of heteroplasmy was analysed. This appears to be the first report of a MELAS family in Hong Kong with this described mutation. Molecular genetic techniques are advantageous in the diagnosis of MELAS.
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Lee HHC, Lee RSY, Lai CK, Yuen YP, Siu TS, Chan AYW, Lam CW. A novel duplication at the putative DNA polymerase alpha arrest site and a founder mutation in Chinese in the IVD gene underlie isovaleric acidaemia. Hong Kong Med J 2010; 16:219-222. [PMID: 20519759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Isovaleric acidaemia is a rare inherited organic acidaemia associated with a characteristic odour in affected patients. Fewer than 40 causative mutations have been reported to date. We report a case in a Hong Kong Chinese neonate who presented with respiratory distress and acute encephalopathy requiring aggressive resuscitation and treatment. Residual gross motor developmental delay was still observed at the age of 16 months. The child was subsequently found to harbour a known missense mutation (c.A1199G [p.Y371C]) and a novel 4-bp duplication (c.1148_1151dupGCTA [p.Y355X]) in the IVD gene. We suggest that the former is a founder mutation in the Chinese population and propose an explanation for the duplication event. Strategies that may achieve early diagnosis and prompt treatment include raising awareness of this condition, implementation of a tandem mass spectrometry neonatal screening programme, and local acquisition of appropriate medications for these metabolic diseases.
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Mak CM, Lam CW, Siu TS, Chan KY, Siu WK, Yeung WL, Hui J, Wong VCN, Low LCK, Ko CH, Fung CW, Chen SP, Yuen YP, Lee HC, Yau E, Chan B, Tong SF, Tam S, Chan YW. Biochemical and molecular characterization of tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency in Hong Kong Chinese. Mol Genet Metab 2010; 99:431-3. [PMID: 20056467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2009.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2009] [Revised: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency is a rare neurotransmitter disorder affecting the rate-limiting step in catecholamine biosynthesis. There are about 40 cases reported worldwide. Here, we report the biochemical and molecular findings of eight unrelated Chinese patients with tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency. We have identified eight novel mutations with 5 missense, 2 nonsense and 1 splicing mutations in the TH gene, namely p.R153X, p.R169X, p.G294R, p.G315S, p.A385V, p.I394T, p.G408R, and c.1163+5G>C. The mutations of the TH gene in Chinese are heterogeneous.
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Chan KY, Ching CK, Mak CM, Lam CW, Chan AYW. Hereditary spastic paraplegia: identification of an SPG3A gene mutation in a Chinese family. Hong Kong Med J 2009; 15:304-307. [PMID: 19652243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary spastic paraplegias are a heterogeneous group of chronic central motor system disorders, characterised by progressive lower limb spasticity. Hereditary spastic paraplegia is clinically classified into pure and complicated forms, by the absence or presence of additional neurological or extra-neurological features. Hereditary spastic paraplegias follow all modes of inheritance and the pure-form autosomal dominant type is the one most commonly reported. Spastic paraplegia 4, autosomal dominant (SPG4, MIM#182601) and spastic paraplegia 3, autosomal dominant (SPG3A, MIM#182600), account for most autosomal dominant hereditary spastic paraplegias. Using DNA mutation analysis, the authors identified an SPG3A missense mutation (p.R239C) in a Chinese family where three members have early-onset pure spastic paraplegia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a gene mutation in hereditary spastic paraplegias in our locality. DNA-based diagnosis plays a key role in the early diagnosis of familial hereditary spastic paraplegias.
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Chen YJ, Wong SHS, Chan COW, Wong CK, Lam CW, Siu PMF. Effects of glycemic index meal and CHO-electrolyte drink on cytokine response and run performance in endurance athletes. J Sci Med Sport 2008; 12:697-703. [PMID: 18789762 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2008.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2006] [Revised: 01/24/2008] [Accepted: 05/24/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the effect of the glycemic index (GI) of a pre-exercise (PRE-ex) meal on plasma cytokine responses and endurance performance when carbohydrate-electrolyte (CHO-E) drink was consumed during exercise. METHODS Eight endurance-trained male runners (age: 28.6+/-2.7 years; body mass: 61.9+/-1.71 kg; V O(2max): 58.5+/-1.6 ml kg(-1)min(-1)) completed three trials in a randomized order. The pre-exercise meal consisted of either high-GI (HGI) (GI=83), low-GI (LGI) foods (GI=36) or control (CON) (low energy sugar-free jelly) was given to the participant 2h before a 21-km performance run on a level treadmill. During each trial, 2 ml kg(-1) BM of 6.6% CHO-E solution was consumed immediately before exercise and every 2.5-km afterward. Blood samples were collected before (pre-meal), and 120 min after ingestion the meal (120 min), immediately (POST), and 60 min (POST-60 min) after exercise. RESULTS No difference was found in time to complete the 21-km run between LGI and HGI. The interleukin-6 (IL-6) level increased by more than 100 times immediately after exercise in the three trials and returned to the basal level only on LGI at POST-60 min. In contrast, interleukin-2 (IL-2) level showed a transitory decrease at POST on CON (p<0.001). Glucose concentrations did not recover to the pre-meal level by POST-60 min on HGI only. Cortisol concentrations increased throughout the exercise and were lower on LGI when compared with CON (p<0.05) at POST-60 min. CONCLUSIONS HGI and LGI demonstrated similar performance when CHO-E solution was consumed during a 21-km run. However, pre-exercise LGI meal attenuated the increases in cortisol and quickened the recovery of the increased IL-6 value.
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Ma RCW, Lam CW, So WY, Tong PCY, Cockram CS, Chow CC. A novel CASR gene mutation in an octogenarian with asymptomatic hypercalcaemia. Hong Kong Med J 2008; 14:226-228. [PMID: 18525093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of patients are diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism after having hypercalcaemia detected incidentally during routine biochemical screening. Many are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. An 80-year-old woman was found to have asymptomatic hypercalcaemia. Initial investigations suggested a diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism. Subsequent investigations revealed that, in fact, she had familial hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia. Direct DNA sequencing of the calcium-sensing receptor (CASR) gene confirmed that the patient was heterozygous for c.2501delC, a novel frame shift mutation predicted to cause loss of function of the CASR gene. Several other family members were subsequently found to carry the same mutation. Suspected cases of hypocalciuric hypercalcaemia should be confirmed by detection of mutations within the CASR gene. Establishing the correct diagnosis will enable the patient and family members to avoid unnecessary investigations or operations.
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Chan KY, Lam CW, Lee LP, Tong SF, Yuen YP. Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration in two Chinese children: identification of a novel PANK2 gene mutation. Hong Kong Med J 2008; 14:70-73. [PMID: 18239249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (formerly Hallervorden-Spatz syndrome), the most prevalent form of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation, is a rare degenerative brain disease characterised by predominantly extrapyramidal dysfunction resulting from mutations in the PANK2 (pantothenate kinase 2) gene. Using DNA mutation analysis, the authors identified a novel missense mutation (P354L) in exon 4 of the PANK2 gene in an adolescent with classic pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration. DNA-based diagnosis of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration plays a key role in determination, and can make the diagnosis more simply, directly, and economically because it obviates the need for unnecessary biochemical tests. Once pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration-like symptoms are identified, mutation analysis and target screening for the family of the proband can provide efficient and accurate evidence of pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration inheritance.
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Chan-Yeung M, Ho ASS, Cheung AHK, Liu RWT, Yee WKS, Sin KM, Wong MML, Lam CW, Chan KS, Lam WK. Determinants of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Chinese patients in Hong Kong. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2007; 11:502-7. [PMID: 17439672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is rising in many parts of the world. This is a study of risk factors for COPD in Chinese patients in Hong Kong. DESIGN Case-control study matched by sex and age (+/-5 years). METHODS A total of 289 consecutive patients with COPD were recruited from out-patient clinics while healthy controls were recruited from two sources: random population and community centres for senior citizens. All patients and controls underwent a questionnaire-based interview and spirometry. RESULTS The mean ages of COPD patients and controls were 71.1 +/- 9.4 and 67.5 +/- 9.3 years, respectively. The male to female ratio of COPD patients was 5 to 1. Smoking was found to be the most important determinant for COPD, followed by poor education and low body mass index adjusted for confounders. A dose-dependent relationship was found between the risk of COPD and pack-years smoked. Place of birth, exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and a history of asthma and tuberculosis were not associated with increased risk of COPD. CONCLUSION Despite a progressive reduction in prevalence, smoking remains the most important predictor of COPD in Hong Kong. Greater anti-smoking efforts are warranted.
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Chan AOK, Lam CW, Tong SF, Cheng MT, Yung K, Chan YW, Au KM, Yuen YP, Hung CT, Ng KP, Shek CC. Gene symbol: BCHE. Hum Genet 2007; 121:288. [PMID: 17598201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
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Chan AOK, Lam CW, Tong SF, Tung CM, Yung K, Chan YW, Au KM, Yuen YP, Hung CT, Ng KP, Shek CC. Gene symbol: BCHE. Hum Genet 2007; 121:289. [PMID: 17598228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
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Ma RCW, Lam CW, Chan WB, So WY, Tong SF, Chow CC, Cockram CS. A Chinese family with familial paraganglioma syndrome due to succinate dehydrogenase deficiency. Hong Kong Med J 2007; 13:151-4. [PMID: 17406045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023] Open
Abstract
We report the genetic characteristics of a family with familial paraganglioma syndrome. The index patient was diagnosed with carcinoid tumour of the bronchus at the age of 30 years then later diagnosed with bilateral phaeochromocytoma. His sister had bilateral carotid body tumours. Mutational analyses of succinate dehydrogenase B and SDHD on the index patient showed him to be heterozygous for the M1I mutation of the SDHD gene. A genetic analysis revealed that his sister also had succinate dehydrogenase deficiency with the same mutation. Pre-symptomatic testing confirmed the genetic diagnosis, and led to a clinical diagnosis in an otherwise asymptomatic sibling. Comparison with other known cases of M1I mutation suggests that this is a founder mutation in the Chinese population. Genetic analysis of the succinate dehydrogenase genes can provide a specific diagnosis and allow for genetic screening of at-risk individuals.
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Lee RSY, Lam CW, Lai CK, Yuen YP, Chan KY, Shek CC, Chan AYW, Chow CB. Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency in three neonates presenting with rapid deterioration and cardiac arrest. Hong Kong Med J 2007; 13:66-8. [PMID: 17277394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
We report on three Chinese neonates with carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency. They presented within the first 48 hours of life. Two neonates were found in cardiac arrest; one of them survived after resuscitation. The third neonate suddenly developed cardiorespiratory insufficiency and succumbed eventually. The clustering of three cases in 5 years suggests that carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency is not rare in our Chinese population. We advocate that investigation for metabolic diseases including carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency should be performed in cases of sudden infant death and unexplained abrupt clinical deterioration in the early neonatal period. Non-ketotic hypoglycaemia is an early clue. The mainstay of initial treatment is glucose infusion at a rate greater than 7 mg/kg/minute, which inhibits beta-oxidation of fatty acids (the defective enzymatic steps in carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency) and thus prevents the accumulation of toxic long-chain acylcarnitines.
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