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Biomedical subjects

H Topaloğlu

Publications and source records attributed to H Topaloğlu.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Localisation of merosin-positive congenital muscular dystrophy to chromosome 4p16.3.

The congenital muscular dystrophies (CMD) are a heterogeneous group of autosomal recessive disorders, which present within the first 6 months of life with hypotonia, muscle weakness and contractures, associated with dystrophic changes on skeletal muscle biopsy. We have previously reported a large consanguineous family segregating merosin-positive congenital muscular dystrophy, in which involvement of known CMD loci was excluded. A genome-wide linkage search of the family conducted using microsatellite markers spaced at 10-Mb intervals failed to identify a disease locus. A second scan using a high-density SNP array, however, permitted a novel CMD locus on 4p16.3 to be identified (multipoint LOD score 3.4). Four additional consanguineous CMD families with a similar phenotype were evaluated for linkage to a 4.14-Mb interval on 4p16.3; however, none showed any evidence of linkage to the region. Our findings further illustrate the utility of highly informative SNP arrays compared with standard panels of microsatellite markers for the mapping of recessive disease loci.

Chromosome Disorders↗

Prednisolone therapy in Duchenne muscular dystrophy prolongs ambulation and prevents scoliosis.

Steroids may have a beneficial effect on the course of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). However, results vary in different studies. This study consisted of 66 DMD boys who were in the therapy group and 22 DMD boys in the control group. The mean ages were 6.8 +/- 2.1 years (range 2.5-12.5) and 7.0 +/- 1.3 years (range 5.0-9.0), respectively. We assessed muscle strength, 10-m walking, ankle contracture, and loss of independent walking ability age and onset of scoliosis. Treatment regimen was oral prednisolone 0.75 mg/kg on alternate days, plus vitamin D 600-1200 units/day and a calcium-enriched diet. After a follow-up period of 2.75 +/- 1.1 years (range 1.5-5) and when compared with controls, there was a statistically significant change in muscle strength between the two groups after 12 months (P < 0.05). Although 10-m walking time decreased in therapy group (P < 0.05), there was not significance between the groups in the end. Boys in the control group developed significantly less ankle contractures (P < 0.05). None of the therapy group had scoliosis during the follow-up period (mean age 10.8 +/- 1.2 years), whereas seven boys of the control group had scoliosis at a mean age of 11.7 +/- 2 years. Loss of walking ability age was statistically different between groups (P < 0.05). Our results indicate that, alternate-day prednisolone regimen may prolong ambulation and scoliosis can be delayed or prevented.

Adolescent↗

Beta-sarcoglycan gene mutations in Turkey.

The term limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) refers to a group of muscular dystrophies that, at the outset, affect primarily the muscles of the hip and shoulder girdle. Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy is genetically heterogeneous comprising autosomal dominant (types LGMD 1A-1E) as well as autosomal recessive forms (types LGMD 2A-2J known). A subgroup among the autosomal recessive forms comprises the sarcoglycanopathies (LGMD2C-2F), caused by mutations in the gamma (gamma-SG), alpha (alpha-SG), beta (beta-SG) and delta (delta-SG) sarcoglycan genes, respectively. The sarcoglycans form the sarcoglycan complex, part of the dystrophin-associated glycoproteins. Mutations in the beta-SG gene causes LGMD2E. Disease severity, in this form, varies from mild to severe phenotypes depending on the individual mutation. Homozygous missense mutations in critical locations may result in the total absence of alpha-, beta- and gamma-sarcoglycan from the muscle membrane and a phenotype as severe as null mutations. In the present study, through screening 80 unrelated LGMD2 families, we identified 13 families with LGMD2E. Mutations in the beta-SG gene were identified in 12 patients from nine families. One of these patients carried a previously reported truncating mutation (Q11X), while the other 11 carried novel missense/rameshift mutations (M1L, V89M, I92T, I92S, 739insA), some of which were seen in more than one patient and may, therefore, be more common in the Turkish population.

Adolescent↗

Spinal muscular atrophy with progressive myoclonic epilepsy: report of new cases and review of the literature.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disease characterised by loss of motor function and muscle atrophy due to anterior horn cell degeneration. The most common variant is chromosome 5-linked proximal SMA, ranging in severity from congenital onset and infantile death to onset in adult life. Genetically separate variants with different distribution of weakness and/or additional features such as central nervous system involvement have been described. A rare variant with associated myoclonic epilepsy and lower motor neuron disease had been previously described in three families before the SMN gene, responsible for the common form of SMA, was isolated. We report four patients from two additional families affected by a syndrome characterised by severe and progressive myoclonic epilepsy and proximal weakness, tremor and lower motor neuron disease proven by electrophysiologic and muscle biopsy findings. Extensive metabolic investigations were normal and genetic analysis excluded the SMN gene. This study confirms that the association of myoclonic epilepsy and motor neuron disease represents a separate clinical and genetic entity from chromosome 5-linked SMA, the primary defect of which remains unknown.

Biopsy↗

A comparative histopathologic and immunohistopathologic evaluation of cremaster muscles from boys with various inguinoscrotal pathologies.

AIM: It has been hypothesized that the cremaster muscle (CM) might play a part in the pathogenesis of various inguinoscrotal pathologies such as undescended testis and hernia. A prospective study was carried out to determine if CM of boys with hydrocele, inguinal hernia, and undescended testis reveal any histopathological and immunohistopathological alterations. METHODS: Samples of CM from 29 patients presenting with inguinal hernia (15), undescended testis (9), and hydrocele (5), and CM from autopsies of boys without inguinal pathology (2), and samples of internal oblique muscles from patients undergoing laparotomy (3) were obtained. The biopsies were frozen in isopentane-cooled liquid nitrogen, cut in 6 micron sections and stored at -80 degrees C until processed. Sections were stained by hematoxylin-eosin, modified Gomori-trichrome, PAS, Oil Red-O, NADH, SDH and COX. All specimens were evaluated for seven parameters including variation in fibre size, presence of central nucleus, endomysial fibrosis, inflammation, presence of basophilic fibres, increase in perimysial connective tissue, and variation in fibre size between fascicules. The specimens were also evaluated for beta-spectrin, laminin alpha-1 chain, laminin alpha-2 chain, 43 kd distroglycan, and fetal myosin by immunofluorescence. The presence of each parameter was compared, individually and in combination, according to the ages and underlying pathologies. RESULTS: None of the internal oblique muscles were positive for any of the seven parameters. Only one of the two CM obtained during autopsy revealed a slight variation in fibre size. However, fibre size variation and increase in perimysial connective tissue were found in all but one CM from a patient with hernia. The presence or absence of parameters did not differ according to age. Comparison of the groups with inguinal hernia and undescended testis for each of the individual parameters did not reveal significant differences. However, the presence of four or more parameters in each CM was more commonly encountered among patients with undescended testis compared to patients with hernia (p < 0.05). The CM of patients with hydrocele suggested similar findings to patients with inguinal hernia. All of the specimens, regardless of origin, revealed normal sarcolemmal and basal laminal stainings, and fetal myosin was expressed in only two specimens which were obtained from an internal oblique muscle and the CM of a patient with an inguinal hernia. CONCLUSION: The CM of patients with inguinal hernia, hydrocele, and undescended testis reveal histopathological alterations. Furthermore, CM from patients with undescended testis reveal more profound alterations. Whether these alterations reflect a primary muscle pathology or a defect in innervation or changes secondary to inguinoscrotal pathology requires further study.

Child↗

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay in two unrelated Turkish families.

Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay is an early onset form of hereditary spastic paraplegia with a peculiar clinical presentation. In addition to cerebellar findings which manifest first with ataxic gait in early life and spasticity, on an evolutionary basis, there is axonal neuropathy, prominent myelinated fibers in the optic fundus, and evidence of cerebellar atrophy that can be detected by cranial MRI. Intelligence is usually normal, however lower IQs have also been documented. This disorder mainly originates from the Charlevoix-Saguenay region of Quebec. Here, we report two Turkish families linked to the disease locus on chromosome 13 q12. There was homozygosity and segregation of disease haplotypes in both families. This form of spastic ataxia may be more common than originally presumed.

Adolescent↗

Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy with mental retardation and cerebellar cysts unlinked to the LAMA2, FCMD and MEB loci.

We report a case of congenital muscular dystrophy with secondary merosin deficiency, structural involvement of the central nervous system and mental retardation in an 8-year-old girl from a consanguineous family. She had early-onset hypotonia, generalized muscle wasting, with weakness especially of the neck muscles, joint contractures, mental retardation and high creatine kinase. Muscle biopsy showed dystrophic changes with partial deficiency of the laminin alpha(2) chain. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple small cysts in the cerebellum, without cerebral cortical dysplasia or white matter changes. The laminin alpha(2) chain (6q2), Fukuyama type congenital muscular dystrophy (9q31-q33) and muscle-eye-brain disease (1p32-p34) loci were all excluded by linkage analysis. We suggest that this case represents a new entity in the nosology of congenital muscular dystrophy.

Central Nervous System Cysts↗

A cross section of autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophies in 38 families.

Limb-girdle muscular dystrophies constitute a broad range of clinical and genetic entities. We have evaluated 38 autosomal recessive limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD2) families by linkage analysis for the known loci of LGMD2A-F and protein studies using immunofluorescence and western blotting of the sarcoglycan complex. One index case in each family was investigated thoroughly. The age of onset and the current ages were between 11/2 and 15 years and 6 and 36 years, respectively. The classification of families was as follows: calpainopathy 7, dysferlinopathy 3, alpha sarcoglycan deficiency 2, beta sarcoglycan deficiency 7, gamma sarcoglycan deficiency 5, delta sarcoglycan deficiency 1, and merosinopathy 2. There were two families showing an Emery-Dreifuss phenotype and nine showing no linkage to the LGMD2A-F loci, and they had preserved sarcoglycans. gamma sarcoglycan deficiency seems to be the most severe group as a whole, whereas dysferlinopathy is the mildest. Interfamilial variation was not uncommon. Cardiomyopathy was not present in any of the families. In sarcoglycan deficiencies, sarcoglycans other than the primary ones may also be considerably reduced; however, this may not be reflected in the phenotype. Many cases of primary gamma sarcoglycan deficiency showed normal or only mildly abnormal delta sarcoglycan staining.

Adolescent↗

Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis in childhood: report of 10 cases.

We report 10 children with the diagnosis of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. Diagnosis was based on clinical and radiologic findings, and after acute encephalitis was excluded by negative culture and antibody results. The most common presenting symptom was ataxia, followed by optic neuropathy, cranial nerve palsy, convulsions, motor dysfunction, and loss of consciousness. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showing bilateral symmetrical hyper-intense lesions of the same age in brain stem, subcortical white matter, thalamus, basal ganglia, or cerebellum was the mainstay of the diagnosis. The presence of a preceding event (either an infection or vaccination) was present in 8 of 10 patients. Brain computed tomographic scans were abnormal in 3 of 10, and electroencephalogram was normal in all patients. High-dose corticosteroids were given to six patients, one received low-dose steroids, and the other three had symptomatic follow-up. Those who relapsed were mainly from the symptomatic follow-up group. Only one patient (the youngest) receiving high-dose methylprednisolone relapsed. Therefore, early high-dose steroid treatment seems to be the most effective treatment in acute disseminated encephalomyelitis and can prevent relapses.

Child↗

Prenatal diagnosis of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2C.

After studies which have mapped the gamma-sarcoglycan deficient limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD2C) to chromosome 13q12 and recent identification of mutations within this gene, prenatal diagnosis has become possible. The deletion of exon 5 in the gamma-sarcoglycan gene was found in a consanguineous family and prenatal diagnosis was successfully provided. This is the first prenatal diagnosis of LGMD2C.

Adult↗

mtDNA nt3243 mutation, external ophthalmoplegia, and hypogonadism in an adolescent girl.

A 14-year-old girl presented with a 3-month history of easy fatigue and exercise intolerance, especially when climbing stairs. She had a mild ptosis and mild limitation of upward gaze. Her puberty was delayed, and she manifested hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Serum lactic and pyruvic acids were elevated. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging was normal. Muscle biopsy documented typical ragged-red fibers. A point mutation at nucleotide 3243 in the tRNALeu(UUR) (typical mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes (MELAS) mutation) was detected in mitochondrial DNA from both blood and muscle tissues, indicating that our patient was suffering from a mitochondrial myopathy. Hypogonadism may be a manifestation of the MELAS nucleotide 3243 mutation.

Adolescent↗

Merosin-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy with severe mental retardation and normal cranial MRI: a report of two siblings.

The evidence of severe structural brain abnormalities in association with severe mental retardation is characteristic in congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD) forms other than the 'classical' form. However, it seems that the nosology of CMD is not complete yet, as we have clinical, immunohistochemical and genetic data suggesting that there are other unclassified forms. Here we report two CMD siblings from a consanguineous family with partial merosin-deficiency in muscle biopsies, severe mental retardation and normal MRI of the brain. The disease was not linked to the LAMA2 gene (6q22-23) or to Fukuyama congenital muscular dystrophy (FCMD) (9q31-33). To our knowledge, such an association may constitute a new entity within the broad clinical spectrum of CMD.

Brain↗

Clinical observations in autosomal recessive spastic paraplegia in childhood and further evidence for genetic heterogeneity.

Among our 23 families (32 cases) with autosomal recessive hereditary spastic paraplegia (AR-HSP) all presenting in childhood, 9 families had the "pure" form. Occasional patients with this form had upper extremity hyperreflexia, pes cavus and sphincter disturbances, even at the early stages. Fourteen families were classified as the "complicated" types which manifested with mental retardation and cerebellar abnormalities. The evolution and severity was variable, but was generally consistent within families. Carriers (parents) did not manifest any signs. A total of 5 multiplex families with "complicated" type were used to test for a genetic heterogeneity to the region on chromosome 8p12-q13 where the "pure" AR-HSP has been mapped previously. No evidence in favor of linkage was detected in 3 of our families, thus we further supported genetic heterogeneity for AR-HSP.

Adolescent↗

Efficacy of transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate with respect to standard transurethral resection.

Transurethral electrovaporization of the prostate (TVP) has been introduced as an alternative to standard transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with lesser morbidity. However, the efficacy of this new technique has not been well known. To compare the results of standard TURP and TVP, 76 patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BFH) were divided into two groups in a randomized clinical trial. Preoperative assessment included AUA Symptom score, maximum flow rates (Qmax), digital rectal examination, serum prostate specific antigen, and transrectal ultrasonography, with biopsy if the patient was randomized to vaporization. Transrectal temperature measurements and the hemoglobin concentration of the irrigation fluid were investigated in all the patients during the procedure. Although the transrectal temperature was higher in the TVP group (0.53-1.27 degrees C; mean 0.83 degrees C), no associated complication were determined. However, blood loss was significantly lesser than with TURP (340 mL v 60 mL). Two patients in the TURP group required blood transfusions, and one had sphincteric incontinence, whereas one postoperative retention, one reoperation with bladder perforation, and one sphincteric incontinence were seen in the TVP group. On the other hand, 12-month follow-up demonstrated that the uroflow rates improved in a similar manner. The Qmax increased in the TURP and TVP groups from 8.8 and 8.3 mL/sec to 19.6 and 17.2 mL/sec, respectively. The mean AUA Symptom Score decreased from 13.7 to 7.9 and 6.1 at 6 and 12 months, respectively. In the TVP group and from 14.6 to 7.3 and 7.0 at 6 and 12 months, respectively, in the TURP group. There were significant differences in the mean catheterization time (P < 0.0001) and hospital stay (P < 0.0001) in favor of TVP. Our results suggest that TVP is a safe and effective alternative treatment for symptomatic BPH.

Aged↗

Merosin-positive congenital muscular dystrophy with mental retardation and cataracts: a new entity in two families.

Merosin-positive congenital muscular dystrophy is a heterogenous group of disorders with varying clinical presentations and severity. In general, central nervous system involvement is not present. There is also evidence for still unclassified forms. Here we report three cases in two families with merosin-positive congenital muscular dystrophy, mild mental retardation, bilateral cataracts and normal cranial magnetic resonance imaging. To our knowledge, such an association has not been reported previously, and thus is a new entity within congenital muscular dystrophy nosology.

Biopsy↗

Calpain-3 deficiency causes a mild muscular dystrophy in childhood.

Among our 20 families with LGMD2, 10 were documented to have muscle-specific calcium-activated neutral protease 3 (calpain-3) deficiency. Consanguinity was present in all. The current ages of the index cases were between 12 and 23 years, and there were additional nine members affected. Clinically, the patients showed mild courses; none of the cases below age 30 lost autonomy so far. The dystrophy is mainly proximal and atrophic with calf enlargement and scapular wasting in some. In three cases walking was delayed. Creatine kinase levels were at least 10 times elevated. All obligate carriers had normal creatine kinase levels. Five families shared the same 551 delA frameshift mutation. In four of these families there was the same core haplotype, whereas one was distinct suggesting an independent origin. Calpain-3 deficiency in general is a mild muscular dystrophy during childhood.

Adolescent↗