Association of polymorphism in leptin receptor gene with susceptibility of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

PURPOSE

Abnormal leptin bioavailability has play key roles in the etiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). Both leptin and its receptor levels may be modulated by the presence of genetic polymorphisms. This study aimed to evaluate the role of polymorphisms in the leptin (LEP) and its main receptor (LEPR) genes in the AIS susceptibility in girls.

METHODS

A retrospective case-control study was conducted with 189 AIS and 240 controls. LEP rs2167270 and LEPR rs2767485 polymorphisms were genotyped using a TaqMan validated assay. Associations were evaluated by odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

The AIS group showed a predominance of girls under 18 years old (n = 140, 74.1%), 148 (78.3%) had low or normal BMI, 111 (58.7%) had Cobb ≥ 45º and 130 (68.7%) were skeletally mature. Minor allele frequencies of rs2167270 and rs2767485 were 35.7% and 18.3%, for AIS and 35.6% and 25.4% for controls, respectively. LEPR rs2767485 T and TC + TT were associated with higher risk of AIS (OR = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.09-2.13 and OR = 1.84; 95% CI = 1.69-2.01, respectively), since CC genotype was only present in the control group. In addition, the LEP rs2167270 GA + AA was more frequent in low weight group (BMI ≤ 24.9) of girls with AIS. There was no significant association between LEP rs2167270 and AIS susceptibility, and LEPR rs2767485 and BMI.

CONCLUSION

The LEPR rs2767485 was associated with the genetic susceptibility of AIS and LEP rs2167270 with low BMI. These data can contribute to the identification of genetic biomarkers to improve the diagnosis and treatment.

RESULTS OF SURGICAL TREATMENT IN THE CRANIOCERVICAL JUNCTION IN MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDOSIS

ABSTRACT Objective: Evaluate the results after decompression and stabilization of craniocervical junction in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). Method: Retrospective study of 10 patients with MPS through the analysis of medical records and additional tests. Result: All patients with mid-term and long-term follow-up achieved consolidation of the arthrodesis and 87.5% had neurological improvement of Nurick score. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and intervention in cases of stenosis and/or craniocervical instability of patients with MPS provide patients a good recovery of neurological function, despite the great technical difficulty and risk of complications.

Avaliação dos resultados clínicos e radiográficos de pacientes submetidos à ressecção de hemivértebra nas deformidades congênitas da coluna vertebral

OBJETIVO: A proposta do estudo foi determinar nossos resultados clínicos e radiográficos de pacientes com deformidades congênitas da coluna vertebral submetidos à ressecção de hemivértebra por via posterior isolada e correção com instrumentação posterior e fusão. MÉTODOS: Registros de 31 pacientes submetidos à ressecção de hemivértebra no período de 2003 a 2010 foram revistos para identificar idade e sexo, grau de correção, níveis da artrodese, quadro neurológico, perda sanguínea, tempo cirúrgico e complicações. RESULTADOS: Foram identificados 22 pacientes com escoliose e Cobb pré-operatório médio de 46.66°(20-88°) e 9 pacientes com cifose e média angular de 83.54°(13-137°). Vinte e quatro pacientes eram do sexo feminino e 7 do sexo masculino. Foram 13 pacientes adolescentes e 18 crianças (1-19 anos). A ressecção de hemivértebra foi realizada em 1 nível (64%), 2 níveis (32%) e 3 níveis (4%). As taxas de correção da escoliose e cifose foram 63.8 e 40.1% e as médias angulares pós-operatórias foram 16.88° e 50°, respectivamente. Complicações ocorreram em 7 pacientes: pseudartrose, cifose juncional, neurite óptica, déficit neurológico, infecção de ferida operatória e óbito. A média de perda sanguínea foi de 1132ml (300ml-3500ml) e o tempo cirúrgico foi de 7.15 horas (4-13 horas). CONCLUSÕES: A ressecção de hemivértebra é uma valiosa técnica no tratamento das deformidades congênitas angulares e uma alternativa eficiente que oferece correção satisfatória nos planos coronal e sagital sem a necessidade de uma abordagem anterior.

[Lonomia erucism in Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil: report of a probable case and review]

This is a case report of a 44-year-old male living in Teresópolis, RJ, Brazil, probably poisoned by contact with a Lonomia caterpillar, who presented hemolytic anemia, decreased platelet count and acute renal insufficiency. Lonomia erucism diagnosis was established by anamnesis and clinical and laboratory manifestations. Therapeutic measures consisting of hemotransfusion and hemodialysis were successful. Physiopathologic and clinical features of erucism by Lonomia are discussed.