Autosomal recessive inheritance of atrichia congenita

Two families, each with two sibs presenting atrichia congenita, were studied. Histopathological studies of scalp biopsies from affected revealed absence of hair follicles. The pedigree data were interpreted as corroborative of a previously postulated autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance.

SED-brachydactyly and distinctive speech: report of two new cases

We describe two unrelated patients and the mother of one of them showing clinical and radiological features as those previously described in the spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia-brachydactyly and distinctive speech (SED-BDS, also named Fantasy Island syndrome or Tattoo dysplasia) clinically characterized by short stature with acral shortness, distinctive face, mild blepharophimosis, upslanted palpebral fissures, abundant eyebrows and eyelashes, thick and abundant hair and coarse voice; and radiologically by brachymetacarpalia, brachymetatarsalia and brachyphalangia of all fingers and toes, short and broad long bones with normal morphology and small pelvis. The clinical and radiological features present in mother and son suggest a probable autosomal dominant mode of inheritance and variable expressivity.

Familial iridogoniodysgenesis and skeletal anomalies: a probable new autosomal recessive disorder

Three sibs with congenital glaucoma, skeletal anomalies, and peculiar facial appearance were studied. At birth, enlarged eyes and corneae were present in the proposita and her two brothers due to congenital glaucoma secondary to iridogoniodysgenesis (IGD). The purpose of this article is to describe the second familial case with IGD and skeletal anomalies as the family previously described by García-Cruz et al. in 1990, corroborating this new distinct dysmorphic syndrome with probable autosomal recessive inheritance.

Guadalajara camptodactyly type III: a new probably autosomal dominant syndrome

A Mexican family is presented with the main clinical features of camptodactyly, a distinctive facial appearance because of ocular hypertelorism, telecanthus, symblepharon and spinal defects. Other clinical manifestations included: multiple nevi, simplified ears, retrognathia, congenital shortness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, thin hands and feet, a small penis and mild mental retardation. Radiographic studies revealed spina bifida occulta at cervical and dorso-lumbar levels, increased bone trabeculae, cortical thickening and delayed bone age. The presence of five affected members through four generations suggests autosomal dominant inheritance although no male-to-male transmission was documented. The authors propose this as a new entity, and have designated it Guadalajara camptodactyly type III.

Genetic variation among four Mexican populations (Huichol, Purepecha, Tarahumara, and Mestizo) revealed by two VNTRs and four STRs

Allele distributions of two polymorphisms with variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR), D1S80 and APOB, and four polymorphisms with short tandem repeats (STR), VWA, TH01, CSF1PO, and HPRTB, were analyzed in three Mexican ethnic groups: Huichol, Purepecha, and Tarahumara. Genotype distribution was in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg expectations for each locus and ethnic group. Heterozygosity (H), power of discrimination, and probability of exclusion were estimated. The three groups presented some distinctive genetic features: (1) a diminished genetic diversity (H = 66.8% to 73.4%) and mean number of alleles by locus (5.8 to 6.3) in comparison with Mexican mestizos (H = 78.3%, 10.5 alleles/locus), and (2) uneven allele distributions as evidenced by "distinctive alleles" with high frequencies, especially in the Tarahumara and the Huichol. Genetic relatedness analysis included data from a previously typed mestizo population, the largest and most widely distributed population in Mexico. Allele distribution differentiation was observed among all four groups, except between mestizo and Purepecha (p > 0.05), which was interpreted as indicating a larger Spanish component in the Purepecha as a result of gene flow effects. Although intrapopulation inbreeding (FIS) was not significant, heterozygote deficiency in the total population (FIT) and divergence among populations (FST) were significant (p < 0.05). Genetic distances displayed a closer relationship among mestizos, Purepechas, and Huichols in relation to Tarahumaras. Correlation between the observed genetic features and the geographic isolation level points to genetic drift as the main cause of differentiation among these Mexican populations.

The C677T polymorphism of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene in Mexican mestizo neural-tube defect parents, control mestizo and native populations

The C677T mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, associated with the thermolabile form of the enzyme, has reportedly been found to be increased in neural-tube defects (NTD), though this association is still unclear. A group of 107 mestizo parents of NTD children and five control populations: 101 mestizo (M), 50 Huichol (H), 38 Tarahumara (T), 21 Purepecha (P) and 20 Caucasian (C) individuals were typed for the MTHFR C677T variant by the PCR/RFLP (HinfI) method. Genotype frequencies were in agreement with the Hardy-Weinberg expectations in all six populations. Allele frequency (%) of the C677T variant was 45 in NTD, 44 in M, 56 in H, 36 in T, 57 in P, 35 in C. Pairwise inter-population comparisons of allele frequency disclosed a very similar distribution between NTD and M groups (exact test, P=0.92). Among controls, differences between M and individual native groups were NS (0.06<P<0.21), as it was between M and C (P=0.29). A high frequency of the variant was found in H (56%) and P (57%). A similar allele frequency in groups M and NTD does not support a causal relationship between NTD and parental MTHFR C677T genotypes. Thus, the C677T variant cannot be regarded as a major genetic risk factor for NTD in Mexican mestizo parents. Otherwise, C677T in Mexico is very frequent, especially in Huichol and Purepecha natives, as compared with other groups world wide.

Nine independent F9 mutations in the Mexican hemophilia B population: nonrandom recurrences of point mutation events in the human germline

The factor IX gene (F9) is a valuable model for studying germ-line mutations. Nine mutations were detected in nine Mexican patients with hemophilia B by direct sequencing using genomic amplification with transcript sequencing (GAWTS): six single base changes, one micro-deletion, and two large deletions. Germline origins of mutations were found in three of six families with sporadic cases. Curiously, the four independent single base substitutions which were not at CpG dinucleotides occurred at only two different nucleotide positions (17,678 and 17,747) one transition and one transversion at each. The two remaining substitutions were identical changes at a CpG dinucleotide, but were determined to be independent by germline origin analysis. A statistical analysis suggests that the independent recurrence of mutations at these locations may reflect an unusual aspect of F9 mutagenesis in the Mexican population. These data raise the possibility of population-specific differences in human germline mutations.

Novel Hairless mutations in two kindreds with autosomal recessive papular atrichia

Papular atrichia is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized clinically by the occurrence of universal congenital alopecia and disseminated papular lesions. Recently, mutations in the human hairless (HR) gene have been reported in Irish and Arab Palestinian families with papular atrichia. We have studied two further kindreds with this clinical phenotype from other ethnic backgrounds. For mutation detection the complete coding region as well as exon-intron boundaries of the HR gene were sequenced. The first family is a Mexican family with clinically typical papular atrichia. Sequencing identified a homozygous deletion of 4 bp in exon 7 (2001delCCAG) leading to a premature stop codon in exon 8. The second family is a South Tyrolian family with affected individuals showing papular atrichia and retardation of bone age during childhood. All affected individuals were identified as homozygous for an A-->G transition at nucleotide position 2909 (exon 14) leading to an amino acid change of asparagine to serine in codon 970 (Asn970Ser). These data provide further evidence for the involvement of hairless mutations in papular atrichia. In addition, these findings suggest that the hairless protein is not only involved in hair development but also in the process of ossification during development.

Allele frequency distributions of six Amp-FLPS (D1S80, APO-B, VWA, TH01, CSF1PO and HPRTB) in a Mexican population

Six amplified fragment length polymorphisms or Amp-FLPs, two VNTRs (D1S80 and APO-B) and four STRs (VWA, TH01, CSF1PO and HPRTB), were typed in a Mexican population of the Jalisco state by means of non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (native PAGE) in standard gel units and silver staining. Genotype distribution was in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg expectations (HWE) for all six markers. Heterozygosity ranged from 70.6 to 83.5%, the cumulated chance of exclusion (CE) and power of discrimination (PD) were 99.4 and 99.99%, respectively. STRs and D1S80 allele frequency distributions (AFD) were similar (P > 0.05) to U.S. Hispanics, but different to U.S. Caucasians and African-Americans. APO-B exhibited similarities with White Brazilians, Spaniards, but differences (P < 0.05) with Amerindian and Black Brazilians.

(CAG)nCAA and GGN repeats in the human androgen receptor gene are not associated with prostate cancer in a French-German population

Alleles of the CAG and the GGC repeat in the first exon of the human androgen receptor (AR) gene have been shown to be associated with the risk of (advanced) prostate cancer. These studies had been carried out in the United States. We have analysed these polymorphisms in a French-German collection of 105 controls, 132 sporadic cases, and a sample of prostate cancer families comprising 85 affected and 46 not affected family members. The allele distributions were very similar in all four groups and chi square statistics on contingency tables did not detect any significant differences. The relative risk (odds ratio, OR) were calculated using logistic regression and did not reach significance despite sufficient numbers of patients and controls. Typical results were OR = 1.007; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.97-1.1, P = 0.87 for CAG as continuous variable and OR = 1.2 (95% CI 0.7-2.0), P = 0.47 for CAG classes < 22 and > = 22 repeats. Similar results were obtained for subgroups defined by age or Gleason score. We conclude that these polymorphisms can not be used as predictive parameters for prostate cancer in the French or German population.

Determination of diesel genotoxicity in firebreathers by micronuclei and nuclear abnormalities in buccal mucosa

Diesel or its derivatives could have aneuploidogenic and/or clastogenic activity. Hence, the genotoxicity of diesel gases has been studied, considering exposure to them as potentially carcinogenic. The results obtained by different authors suggest the need to know the effects of direct and chronic exposure to diesel in humans, as in the case of the street workers called 'firebreathers' who fill their buccal cavity with diesel and then spread it to a burning torch many times during the day in order to give a 'dragon show' for 5 h a day and 6 days a week. The buccal samples of eight firebreathers were collected, processed and scored according to the criterion established by Tolbert et al., 1992 and then compared with positive and negative control groups. The results revealed that diesel was not micronucleogenic although it induces some nuclear abnormalities.

Analysis of 16 cystic fibrosis mutations in Mexican patients

We carried out molecular analysis of 80 chromosomes from 40 unrelated Mexican patients with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. The study was performed in two PCR steps: a preliminary one to identify mutation delta F508, the most frequent cause of cystic fibrosis worldwide, and the second a reverse dot-blot with allele-specific oligonucleotide probes to detect 15 additional common mutations in the Caucasian population. A frequency of 45% for delta F508 was found, making it the most common in our sample of Mexican patients. Another five mutations (G542X, 3,849 + 10 kb C-->T, N1303K, SN549N, and 621 + 1 G-->T) were detected, and those accounted for 11.25%. The remaining mutations (43.75%) were undetectable with the methodology used.

Congenital hypertrichosis, osteochondrodysplasia, and cardiomegaly: further delineation of a new genetic syndrome

The hypertrichosis and osteochondrodysplasia syndrome is a rare entity with clinical findings including macrosomia at birth cardiomegaly. Autosomal recessive inheritance is presumed based on the report of two affected sibs born to healthy parents. Here we report on four new patients with their follow-up data, as well as on one of the four cases from the original report. Comparison of all eight cases indicates that they share 50% of clinical and radiological changes. This report contributes to the further delineation of this newly recognized syndrome.

Micronucleated erythrocytes in splenectomized patients with and without chemotherapy

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the range of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) in peripheral blood from splenectomized patients with and without genotoxic chemotherapy. The erythrocytes were stained with Wright and Giemsa for microscopic observation. To estimate the number of MNE, two series of 10000 erythrocytes per sample were analyzed and averaged. The results expressed as mean +/- standard deviation were as follows: control patients with genotoxic chemotherapy (n = 6) 2.5 +/- 1.5 (range 1 to 5 MNE); splenectomized patients with genotoxic chemotherapy (n = 7) 65.2 +/- 17.7 (range: 47-108) MNE and splenectomized patients without genotoxic chemotherapy (n = 13) 29.5 +/- 5.8 MNE; (range: 18.5-35.6). The MNE number in the patients treated with genotoxic chemotherapy depended on the type of drugs utilized: cyclophosphamide, mitoxantrone, vincristine, busulphan, cytosine arabinoside and hydroxyurea. Upon these results, it is suggested that splenectomized people could be useful in monitoring exposures, and the baseline MNE level would serve as each person's pre-exposure control when either chronic or acute exposure to environmental mutagens is investigated.

Spontaneous micronuclei in peripheral blood erythrocytes from 35 mammalian species

In this paper we report the results of a study to determine the frequencies of spontaneous micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) in peripheral blood of 35 mammalian species. The main goal was to find mammals with a high spontaneous frequency of MNE that could, therefore, be good candidates for biomonitoring genotoxic agents in their natural habitat. We obtained 187 peripheral blood samples, but in 13 of the species we could only sample one individual. A wide range in the number of MNE (1/434 to 0/40,000 erythrocytes) was observed. Since the number of individuals per species is not high enough, this results should be cautiously considered. The cat, mouse, giraffe, pig, opossum and capuchin monkey seem to be suitable species for biomonitoring for genotoxic events.

Christian's spondylo-digital syndrome: second familial case

We studied a mother and daughter with skeletal dysplasia which was characterized clinically by proximal and distal flexion contractures in the phalanges, and by brachydactyly, clinodactyly and ulnar and radial subdislocations of the fingers. Radiologically, the 2nd metacarpal in the daughter was seen to be longer than the other metacarpals, with bone carpal fusion, and flexion contractures of the fingers in both hands. Thoraco-lumbar xyphorotoscoliosis and malformed vertebrae with dyssegmentation of L2-L3, T12 and L1 with cuneiform shape, asymmetry of the pelvic bones and exostotic lesions in the proximal third of the tibia and the distal third of the femur were also noted. The clinical and radiological characteristics were compatible with the syndrome described by Christian et al. in 1975 and called the second metatarsal syndrome. The purpose of this paper was to present a second corroborative familial case and to propose another name: Christian's spondylo-digital syndrome.

Spondylo-camptodactyly syndrome: a distinct autosomal dominant entity?

We present a family in which five members over three generations have a syndrome characterized by camptodactyly, flattened bodies of cervical vertebrae, and a variable degree of thoracic scoliosis. After excluding other camptodactyly syndromes, it was concluded that this association of anomalies probably represents a new autosomal dominant syndrome.

Mapping of the congenital generalized hypertrichosis locus to chromosome Xq24-q27.1

Congenital generalized hypertrichosis (CGH) is a rare, fully penetrant X-linked dominant trait previously described in a single, multigenerational Mexican family. CGH is a visually striking phenotype characterized by excessive facial and upper torso hair in males and by less severe asymmetric hairiness in females. We have found significant evidence for linkage with several markers from the long arm of the X chromosome. Recombinant chromosomes place the CGH gene within a 22 cM interval between DXS425 and DXS1227 in Xq24-Xq27.1. The localization of a gene for CGH represents the first step towards the isolation of genes involved in hair growth pattern, particularly those involved in restriction of areas in humans.

[The "Fantasy Island" syndrome. Identification of a new osteochondrodysplasia probably of autosomal dominant type]

Clinically, two unrelated patients, an adult male and a female child, coming from non-consanguineous parents, presented dwarfism, peculiar facies, with blepharophimosis, mongoloid slanted eyes, abundant eyebrows and eyelashes, harsh voice and short hands and feet. Radiologically, they presented brachymetacarpalia, brachymetatarsalia, and brachyphalangia of all fingers and toes, shortened and broadened long bones with normal morphology, hypoplastic pelvis and shape anomalies of the vertebral bodies. The clinical and radiological concordance and the differential diagnosis, mainly with acromicric dysplasia, allow the characterization of a distinctive osteochondrodysplasia probably due to an autosomal dominant mutation.

Spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia (SEMD) Shohat type

Recently a distinct spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia (SEMD) was reported in three members of a Jewish family. We present a 3.5-year-old Mexican boy with disproportionate short stature, peculiar face, short neck, small chest, abdominal distension, lumbar lordosis, short limbs, marked genua vara, and joint laxity. Roentgenologic findings include short long bones, wide and flared metaphyses with irregularities, delayed epiphyseal ossification, platyspondyly and morphological changes of vertebral bodies and fibular overgrowth. The striking resemblance of this patient to those previously reported confirms this form of SEMD as a distinct entity. Autosomal recessive inheritance is supported and the designation SEMD Shohat type is proposed.

Oral-facial-digital syndrome with fibular aplasia: a new variant

The oral-facial-digital (OFD) syndromes constitute a heterogeneous group of entities usually associated with certain features that permit a specific diagnosis. This report refers to a 10-month-old girl with cleft palate, mesomelic limb shortening, oligopolydactyly, and fibular aplasia. Since this combination has not been described previously, it is proposed as a distinct type of oral-facial-digital syndrome, and we suggest mutations of homeotic genes to explain some abnormalities present in the OFD syndromes.

Schwartz-Jampel syndrome: an atypical form?

The Schwartz-Jampel syndrome (SJS) is an autosomal recessive disorder of myotonia, short stature, "mask-like" face, blepharophimosis, stiff joints, spinal malalignment, and pectus carinatum. The authors report on a 10-year-old girl with expressionless face, blepharophimosis, mild thoracic asymmetry, and myotonic electromyographic pattern, but without osteoarticular, spinal, and statural involvement. This appears to be one of the mildest form of SJS described so far. Contiguous genes could be an explanation for this and other atypical cases of SJS.

[The contribution of Latin America to the knowledge of the human genome]

In order to determine the contribution made by Latin American geneticists to the knowledge of the human genome, all the entries in the 10th edition (1992) of the McKusick catalogue, Mendelian Inheritance in Man, were examined and the geneticists who were known to the authors or who had surnames common in Latin America were selected. Counting only the first set of authors, 228 citations of 93 geneticists were identified, 47 of which concerned mendelian characters described only in the Region. Through a review of additional literature, 10 genetic entities described by Latin Americans, but not included in the catalogue, were found. The importance of studying the genetic features specific to the Region is emphasized as it may serve as an anchor for positional or functional genetic mapping, especially of indigenous populations.

Hyperkeratosis-hyperpigmentation syndrome: a confirmative case

A 22-year-old female showing hyperpigmented spots and mild palmoplantar hyperkeratosis as leading features is presented. The diagnosis of Hyperkeratosis-hyperpigmentation syndrome, previously described by our group as an autosomal dominant trait, was unmistakable, thus permitting the corroboration of this genodermatosis.

Guadalajara camptodactyly syndrome type I. A corroborative family

Three sibs, two girls aged 18 and 9 years, and a 7-year-old boy, were found to have Guadalajara camptodactyly syndrome type I (GCSI). They had intrauterine growth retardation, dwarfism, peculiar facial appearance, camptodactyly and skeletal anomalies. Comparison with other camptodactyly syndromes led to the conclusion that the patients had the same disorder as the two first reported patients with GCSI. The clinical and radiological concordance in the five patients permits further delineation of GCSI and corroboration of its autosomal recessive inheritance.

[Recessive autosomal inheritance in Marfan syndrome]

Three brothers 9, 12, and 14 years of age were studied. The three of them fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of Marfan Syndrome that was made based on physical and ophthalmologic examination, these criteria included musculoskeletal abnormalities, subluxation of lens, myopia and aortic aneurysm. The three siblings died due to complications of the aortic aneurysm, which had an early onset as well as the other clinical manifestations of the disease. They were 2 brothers and one sister. There was neither mental or psychomotor retardation, nor metabolic disease in any of the patients. Family history did not show any clinical manifestation of the disease in parents or grandparents. We propose that the hereditary pattern is recessive autosomic instead of dominant autosomic given the features of these cases and their history.

[The molecular genetics of cystic fibrosis: the delta F508 allele in Mexican families]

We have initiated the screening of the delta F508 cystic fibrosis (CF) mutation in our country basing our study on the polymerase chain reaction technique. In a sample of 10 western and a northeastern Mexican families that have at least one CF affected child, we found a delta F508 frequency of 59.1% among CF chromosomes. This frequency is similar to those reported for Spain. Furthermore, we found a correlation between the delta F508 allele and pancreatic insufficiency. This paper points out the advantage of the polymerase chain reaction technology for the analysis of Mendelian disorders.

Diet therapy in severe clinical expression of debrancher deficiency

An eleven year old boy was referred because of sudden loss of consciousness, muscular weakness, poor general health, severe hypoglycemia with seizures and hepatomegaly. Response to oral glucose and galactose increased blood lactic acid and glucose at different times. Fasting values of blood lactic was normal, but glucose was found at 33 mg/dl. Similar test made up two hours after feeding revealed hyperlactatemia (35-50 mg/dL) and hyperglycemia (129 mg/dL). Glucagon did not result in a rise of glucose at fasting or feeding. Hepatic glycogen content was found 15 gm/100 mg of tissue. The enzyme activities revealed a deficiency of the liver debranching enzyme while leukocytes had normal enzyme activity. Hepatic biopsy showed liver fibrosis. The present case had the clinical characteristics of severe form of glycogen storage disease. A low carbohydrate and high protein diet was indicated in order to increase the gluconeogenic precursors. Although debranching enzyme deficiency is almost always benign a high carbohydrate diet induced a more severe expression of the disease.

Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity in patients with malignant neoplasms

Erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity was determined in four groups of patients, two with hematologic neoplasms with and without therapy and two others with solid tumors also selected on the basis of therapy. Increased activities were found in the two groups where there was no treatment, whereas those under treatment showed normal levels. In addition, an inverse relationship (r = -0.25 p < 0.02) between superoxide dismutase activities and the time under therapy was observed.

[Genetically caused deafness: prospective study of 109 children in a special school]

109 deaf children were studied prospectively, in a special school, with an interdisciplinary focus. Clinical and audiologic studies were performed on several members of the family, in the first degree, of outstanding cases. 48 cases (44%) were identified as being of genetic etiology, 20 were acquired cases of deafness and 41 cases lacked sufficient data to reach an etiologic diagnosis.

Genetic heterogeneity of thalassemias in Mexican mestizo patients with hemolytic anemia

Twenty-eight Hb abnormalities (16 thalassemias, 10 Hb variants and 2 hereditary persistences of fetal hemoglobin) were detected in an etiopathogenic search in 131 patients with hemolytic anemia. The observed thalassemic genotypes [6 beta(0)/beta, 2 (delta beta) (0)/beta(0), 2 beta(0)/beta(+), 2 beta(0)/beta(s), 2 beta(+)/beta(+), 1 beta(+)/beta(s) and 1 (delta beta)(0)/beta] showed heterogeneity in the population studied. A native origin of some of these mutations is considered.

Screening for red blood cell sorbitol dehydrogenase deficiency in patients with diabetes or cataracts

Quantitative screening for red blood cell sorbitol dehydrogenase (RBC-SORD) deficiency in 111 patients with juvenile onset diabetes, 92 patients with adult onset diabetes, 42 patients with idiopathic cataracts and 192 professional blood donors was performed. A wide variability in RBC-SORD activity in controls and patients was observed. No significant differences in SORD activity either between patients with diabetes and patients with idiopathic cataracts or between diabetics with and without cataracts were observed. Whether or not there were carriers for either amorphous or hypomorphous alleles of the SORD locus in the population studied could not be defined in terms of enzymatic activity levels.

Centric fission, centromere-telomere fusion and isochromosome formation: a possible origin of a de novo 12p trisomy

A 5-month-old girl had a typical 12p trisomy syndrome due to a monocentric i(12p) present in a 46-chromosome complement that also included the translocation of all 12q onto the 8p telomere; i.e., her complex karyotype could be written as 46,XX,-8,-12, +der(8),t(8;12)(p23.3;cen),+i(12p). The present concurrence of a whole-arm q translocation and an i(p) for a single chromosome, along with six previous similar instances involving chromosomes 4, 5 and 9, suggests the following origin for such a special rearrangement: a centric fission in G1 initially yielding two telocentrics; at the next replication, the tel(q) translocates onto a nonhomologous telomere (centromere-telomere fusion), whereas the tel(p) becomes an i(p). This mechanism can be either meiotic or postzygotic and surmises that the translocated long arm retains a partial centromere, which subsequently is inactivated and loses its staining properties.

De novo inv(5)(p15q22), del(5)(p15) in a boy with cri du chat syndrome

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Inv(4)(p16q21). A five-generation pedigree with 24 carriers and no recombinants

A familial inv(4)(p16q21) ascertained through a woman who had a thanatophoric dwarf daughter and two abortions is presented. She and 23 other relatives were carriers, but no recombinants were found. The proportion of abortions and neonatal deaths in carriers' offspring was similar to that in non-carriers. A random segregation of the inverted chromosome was observed. The analysis of the present and previous familial chromosome 4 pericentric inversions indicates that: the breakpoint in q, with a limit between q21 and q25 determines the occurrence of inherited unbalances, and most recombinant chromosomes have duplication of the larger distal segment.

A distinct congenital motor and sensory neuropathy (neuronal type) with dysmorphic features in a father and two sons. A variant of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

A 37-year-old male had clinical and electrophysiological features of hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy (neuronal type) with onset in infancy, as well as histological picture of neurogenic myopathy. Two sons, aged 2 and 3 4/12 years, showed congenital contraction deformities of feet, delayed motor development, and electrophysiological features similar to those of the father. All three also presented laryngeal abnormalities, peculiar facies, short neck, narrow shoulders and protruding chest. The authors conclude that this aggregate of anomalies constitutes a "new" syndrome probably due to an autosomal dominant gene.

Ehlers-Danlos features with progeroid facies and mild mental retardation. Further delineation of the syndrome

A syndrome characterized by progeroid facies, multiple nevi, mild mental retardation, skin hyperextensibility, bruisability, moderate skin fragility, joint hypermobility principally in digits, is described in two unrelated patients. Electron microscopy of the skin showed some fragmentation of the elastic fibers' portion and moderate electrodensity in the amorphous portion. Since a practically identical constellation of clinical features was previously reported in three patients, the individualization of a distinct connective tissue disorder, probably autosomal dominant, with variable expressivity is concluded.

Autosomal dominant macroglossia in two unrelated families

Two unrelated families, one with 15 and the other with 3 members affected with macroglossia as a sole trait, are described. It is concluded that this entity differs from previously reported syndromes presenting macroglossia and is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion.