Mutations in the iduronate-2-sulfatase gene in five Norwegians with Hunter syndrome

We have identified the mutations in the iduronate-2-sulfatase (IDS) gene of five unrelated Norwegians with Hunter syndrome by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of IDS mRNA followed by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis and cDNA sequencing. One patient had a 5-bp deletion, located at the intron 5/exon 6 junction, that created a new alternative splice site. This expanded the deletion to 9 bp in mRNA, an in-frame deletion of the first 3 codons of exon 6 of the IDS gene. In two patients point mutations were identified, the S333L mutation, which has been reported previously, and A346D (a C-->A transversion at nucleotide 1161/exon 8), which is novel. Two patients had large 3' mRNA rearrangements. The A346D mutation was associated with the mild phenotype, all others with the severe form.

Plausible Role of Asthma Biological Modifiers in the Treatment of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a T-helper type-2 (Th2/T2) cell-mediated disease characterized by 15 or more eosinophils per high-powered esophageal biopsy microscopy field (eos/hpf), excluding other causes. EoE is often clinically characterized by symptoms such as dysphagia, nausea, food impaction, and chest pain that do not respond to antacids. Two-thirds of patients are unresponsive to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Steroids may be effective but pose long-term health risks and can lose efficacy in patients with serum eosinophilia greater than 1,500 cells/µL. Because EoE is not IgE-mediated, allergy skin testing for food may benefit a subset of patients. These therapies have shortcomings, which necessitate further investigation. Herein, we report a patient successfully treated with benralizumab (anti-IL-5Rα), demonstrating a potential solution to the lack of effective treatments for EoE.

Influencing factors and repair advancements in rodent models of peripheral nerve regeneration

Peripheral nerve injuries lead to severe functional impairments, with rodent models essential for studying regeneration. This review examines key factors affecting outcomes. Age-related declines, like reduced nerve fiber density and impaired axonal transport of vesicles, hinder recovery. Hormonal differences influence regeneration, with BDNF/trkB critical for testosterone and nerve growth factor for estrogen signaling pathways. Species and strain selection impact outcomes, with C57BL/6 mice and Sprague-Dawley rats exhibiting varying regenerative capacities. Injury models - crush for early regeneration, chronic constriction for neuropathic pain, stretch for traumatic elongation and transection for severe lacerations - provide insights into clinically relevant scenarios. Repair techniques, such as nerve grafts and conduits, show that autografts are the gold standard for gaps over 3 cm, with success influenced by graft type and diameter. Time course analysis highlights crucial early degeneration and regeneration phases within the first month, with functional recovery stabilizing by three to six months. Early intervention optimizes regeneration by reducing scar tissue formation, while later interventions focus on remyelination. Understanding these factors is vital for designing robust preclinical studies and translating research into effective clinical treatments for peripheral nerve injuries.