Cornelia de Lange syndrome in diverse populations.

Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS) is a dominant multisystemic malformation syndrome due to mutations in five genes-NIPBL, SMC1A, HDAC8, SMC3, and RAD21. The characteristic facial dysmorphisms include microcephaly, arched eyebrows, synophrys, short nose with depressed bridge and anteverted nares, long philtrum, thin lips, micrognathia, and hypertrichosis. Most affected individuals have intellectual disability, growth deficiency, and upper limb anomalies.

Clinical and Mutational Characterizations of Ten Indian Patients with Beta-Ketothiolase Deficiency.

Beta-ketothiolase deficiency (mitochondrial acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase (T2) deficiency) is an inherited disease of isoleucine catabolism and ketone body utilization caused by ACAT1 mutations. We identified ten Indian patients who manifested with ketoacidotic episodes of variable severity. The patients showed increased urinary excretion of isoleucine-catabolic intermediates: 2-methyl-3-hydroxybutyrate, 2-methylacetoacetate, and tiglylglycine.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurobehavioral syndrome with no known biomarker so far for early detection. It has been challenging, both to classify typical autism and associate a suitable biomarker with clinical phenotype spectrum. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has emerged as a key neurotrophin regulating synaptic plasticity, neuronal differentiation and survival.

An open-label study to elucidate the effects of standardized Bacopa monnieri extract in the management of symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children.

Context: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a clinically heterogeneous disorder of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity or difficulty in controlling behavior. Psychostimulant medications remain the mainline treatment for children with ADHD; however, the average response rate to these medications is 70%, and up to 30% of children do not respond to these medications or are unable to tolerate such potential adverse effects as nausea, insomnia, and weight loss.

Objective: The study investigated the effectiveness of standardized Bacopa monnieri extract (SBME) in ameliorating the severity of the symptoms of ADHD in children.

Mutational Screening and Prenatal Diagnosis in Cornelia de Lange syndrome.

Phenotypic variability and the lack of a diagnostic marker have complicated the rapid diagnosis and genetic counseling for Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS). The clinical features of CdLS are striking and easily recognizable by characteristic facial dysmorphism, upper-extremity malformations, hirsutism, cardiac defects, growth and cognitive retardation, and gastrointestinal abnormalities with severe mental retardation. The molecular diagnosis is essential for predicting prognosis and genetic counseling in the affected family, especially while planning the next pregnancy.

Novel mutations in the glucocerebrosidase gene of Indian patients with Gaucher disease.

Gaucher disease (GD) is the most common glycolipid storage disorder resulting from glucocerebrosidase deficiency due to mutations in the GBA gene. Study was performed in 33 unrelated patients with low β-glucosidase activity in leukocytes and/or fibroblasts. The exons and exon-intron boundaries of the GBA gene were bidirectionally sequenced using an automated sequencer.

Plasma chitotriosidase activity in children with lysosomal storage disorders.

Chitotriosidase (ChT) is an enzyme that is selectively activated in tissue macrophage. This property of ChT makes it a potential marker for many disease process and prognostication. Present study has been carried out to know the significance of ChT as a screening marker in lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) where tissue macrophage activation is commonly observed due to accumulation of substrate in various organs of the body.