DEBORA ROMEO BERTOLA
Projetos de Pesquisa
Unidades Organizacionais
Instituto da Criança, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina - Médico
BIO, IB
LIM/36 - Laboratório de Pediatria Clínica, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina
BIO, IB
LIM/36 - Laboratório de Pediatria Clínica, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina
51 resultados
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- Mucopolysaccharidosis Type IVA: Evidence of Primary and Secondary Central Nervous System Involvement(2014) BORLOT, Felippe; ARANTES, Paula Ricci; QUAIO, Caio Robledo; FRANCO, Jose Francisco da Silva; LOURENCO, Charles Marques; GOMY, Israel; BERTOLA, Debora Romeo; KIM, Chong AeMucopolysaccharidosis type IVA is a rare lysosomal storage disease caused by a deficiency of N-acetylgalactosamine 6-sulfatase. Studies usually focus on skeletal abnormalities and their consequences. This study explores the neurological manifestations in a cohort of mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA patients, with a detailed focus on brain and spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings. We performed a cross-sectional study involving nine patients with a biochemical confirmation of mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA. The protocol consists of a comprehensive clinical examination and brain and spinal cord MRI analysis for all subjects. The mean age was 16.4 years (+/- 5.7) and the mean onset of symptoms was 11.5 months (+/- 6.3). Overall, cognition was spared in all but one patient and motor weakness was a constant finding in all patients. Deep sensation impairment was found in six patients. The brain MRIs showed non-specific white matter changes in two patients. Other abnormalities such as clival hypoplasia, basilar invagination, and arachnoid cists appeared in seven of the nine patients. Eight patients presented spinal cord compression, and in three of them, two spinal levels were compromised. Odontoid hypoplasia and degenerative features in the neuroaxis were present in all patients. Our experience with mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA patients supports the evidence of central nervous system involvement. We emphasize the importance of regular clinical assessments with complete MRI studies, as an attempt to detect the early signs of spinal cord compression. This evaluation may be especially important before surgical interventions, as occult lesions may become symptomatic and promote postoperative unfavorable outcomes. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
- Nationwide questionnaire data of 229 Williams-Beuren syndrome patients using WhatsApp tool(2021) PIRES, Lucas Vieira Lacerda; RIBEIRO, Rogerio Lemos; SOUSA, Adriana Modesto de; LINNENKAMP, Bianca Domit Werner; PONTES, Sue Ellen; TEIXEIRA, Maria Cristina Triguero Veloz; BEFI-LOPES, Debora Maria; HONJO, Rachel Sayuri; BERTOLA, Debora Romeo; KIM, Chong AeBackground: Williams-Beuren syndrome is a multisystemic disorder caused by a microdeletion of the 7q 11.23 region. Although familial cases with autosomal dominant inheritance have been reported, the vast majority are sporadic. Objective: To investigate the main complaints and clinical findings of patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome. Methods: A total of 757 parents of patients registered in the Brazilian Association of Williams-Beuren Syndrome (ABSW) received a questionnaire via WhatsApp from March to July 2017. Results: In total, 229 parents answered the survey. Age of diagnosis ranged from 2 days to 34 years (median: 3 years). The main clinical findings reported by the parents were abdominal colic (83.3%), failu re to thrive (71.5%), feeding difficulty in the first year (68.9%), otitis (56.6%), urinary tract infections (31.9%), precocious puberty (27.1%) and scoliosis (15.9%). Cardiac defects were present in 66% of patients, and the most frequent defect was supravalvular aortic stenosis (36%). Arterial hypertension was reported in 23%. Hypercalcemia was reported in 10.5% of patients, mainly during the first year of life. Hyperacusis and hypersociability were common complaints (both present in 89%). Other behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms reported by the parents included attention deficit (89%), anger crises (83%), excessive fear (66%), depression (64%), anxiety (67%) and hypersexuality(33%).The most common complaints were hypersensitivity to sounds, talkative personality, emotional dependence and learning difficulties. In 98.3%, the parents denied family history. Conclusions: Williams-Beuren syndrome requires close follow-up with different medical specialties due to their variable clinical comorbidities, including language and school learning difficulties, behavioral and psychiatric problems.
- Microdeletion 11q13.1.q13.2 in a Patient Presenting with Developmental Delay, Facial Dysmorphism, and Esophageal Atresia: Possible Role of the GSTP1 Gene in Esophagus Malformation(2013) ALMEIDA, Tatiana Ferreira de; BERTOLA, Debora RomeoBACKGROUND: Esophageal atresia is a major congenital malformation characterized by a complete interruption of the esophageal continuity. It is frequently observed in associations and syndromes. As an isolated finding, it has a multifactorial etiology whose genetic factors are poorly known. Recently, the GST family, especially the GSTM1 null genotype (but not the GSTP1 polymorphism I105V), has been associated with esophageal atresia. These enzymes play a role in phase II detoxification of xenobiotics. Here we present the clinical and molecular findings observed in a patient suggesting that the loss of the GSTP1 allele might predispose to this malformation. CASE: We describe a patient presenting with esophageal atresia associated with developmental delay and facial dysmorphism, whose mother used tobacco and alcohol during the first 2 months of her pregnancy. Microdeletion/microduplication analysis was performed using comparative genomic hybridization and a 180K Agilent array. It detected a de novo 2 Mb chromosome 11q13.1.q13.2 deletion. CONCLUSION: The deleted chromosomal segment includes the GSTP1 gene. We hypothesize that the deletion of one GSTP1 allele (an isoform highly expressed in embryonic tissues), associated with specific environmental factors, such as tobacco and alcohol, could cause the esophageal atresia observed in our patient. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 97:463-466, 2013. (c) 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
- Stuve-Wiedemann Syndrome: Update on Clinical and Genetic Aspects(2016) BERTOLA, Debora Romeo; HONJO, Rachel S.; BARATELA, Wagner A. R.Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by bowed long bones, joint restrictions, dysautonomia, and respiratory and feeding difficulties, leading to death in the neonatal period and infancy in several occasions. Since the first cases in 1971, much has been learned about this condition, including its molecular basis - mutations in the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor gene (LIFR) -, natural history and management possibilities. This review aims to highlight the clinical aspects, radiological features, molecular findings, and management strategies in Stuve-Wiedemann syndrome. (C) 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel
- Genetic Disorders in Prenatal Onset Syndromic Short Stature Identified by Exome Sequencing(2019) HOMMA, Thais Kataoka; FREIRE, Bruna Lucheze; KAWAHIRA, Rachel Sayuri Honjo; DAUBER, Andrew; FUNARI, Mariana Ferreira de Assis; LERARIO, Antonio Marcondes; NISHI, Mirian Yumie; ALBUQUERQUE, Edoarda Vasco de; VASQUES, Gabriela de Andrade; COLLETT-SOLBERG, Paulo Ferrez; SUGAYAMA, Sofia Mizuho Miura; BERTOLA, Debora Romeo; KIM, Chong Ae; ARNHOLD, Ivo Jorge Prado; MALAQUIAS, Alexsandra Christianne; JORGE, Alexander Augusto de LimaObjective To perform a prospective genetic investigation using whole exome sequencing of a group of patients with syndromic short stature born small for gestational age of unknown cause. Study design For whole exome sequencing analysis, we selected 44 children born small for gestational age with persistent short stature, and additional features, such as dysmorphic face, major malformation, developmental delay, and/or intellectual disability. Seven patients had negative candidate gene testing based on clinical suspicion and 37 patients had syndromic conditions of unknown etiology. Results Of the 44 patients, 15 (34%) had pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in genes already associated with growth disturbance: COL2A1 (n = 2), SRCAP (n = 2), AFF4, ACTG1, ANKRD11, BCL11B, BRCA1, CDKN1C, GINS1, INPP5K, KIF11, KMT2A, and POC1A (n = 1 each). Most of the genes found to be deleterious participate in fundamental cellular processes, such as cell replication and DNA repair. Conclusions The rarity and heterogeneity of syndromic short stature make the clinical diagnosis difficult. Whole exome sequencing allows the diagnosis of previously undiagnosed patients with syndromic short stature.
- Impact of ERT and follow-up of 17 patients from the same family with a mild form of MPS II(2022) STEPHAN, Bruno de Oliveira; QUAIO, Caio Robledo; SPOLADOR, Gustavo Marquezani; PAULA, Ana Carolina de; CURIATI, Marco Antonio; MARTINS, Ana Maria; LEAL, Gabriela Nunes; TENORIO, Artur; FINZI, Simone; CHIMELO, Flavia Teixeira; MATAS, Carla Gentile; HONJO, Rachel Sayuri; BERTOLA, Debora Romeo; KIM, Chong AeBackground: Mucopolysaccharidosis type II, also known as Hunter syndrome, is a rare X-linked recessive disorder caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme Iduronate-2-Sulfatase (IDS), leading to progressive accumulation of Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in several organs. Over the years, Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) has provided significant benefits for patients, retarding the natural progression of the disease. Results: The authors evaluated 17 patients from the same family with a mild form of MPS type II; the proband had developed acute decompensated heart failure refractory to clinical measurements at 23 years and needed a rather urgent heart transplant; however, he died from surgical complications shortly after the procedure. Nevertheless, subsequent to his tragic death, 16 affected male relatives were detected after biochemical tests identifying the low or absent activity of the IDS enzyme and confirmed by molecular analysis of the IDS gene. Following diagnosis, different options of treatment were chosen: 6 patients started ERT with Elaprase (R) (Idursulfase) soon after, while the other 10 remained without ERT. Eventually, 4 patients in the latter group began ERT with Hunterase (R) (Idursulfase Beta). None presented adverse effects to either form of the enzyme. Among the 6 individuals without any ERT, two died of natural causes, after reaching 70 years. Despite the variable phenotype within the same family (mainly heart dysfunctions and carpal tunnel syndrome), all 14 remaining patients were alive with an independent lifestyle. Conclusion: Here, the authors report the variable progress of the disease with and without ERT in a large Brazilian family with a slowly progressive form of MPS II, harboring the same missense variant in the IDS gene.
- Rare variants in SOS2 and LZTR1 are associated with Noonan syndrome(2015) YAMAMOTO, Guilherme Lopes; AGUENA, Meire; GOS, Monika; HUNG, Christina; PILCH, Jacek; FAHIMINIYA, Somayyeh; ABRAMOWICZ, Anna; CRISTIAN, Ingrid; BUSCARILLI, Michelle; NASLAVSKY, Michel Satya; MALAQUIAS, Alexsandra C.; ZATZ, Mayana; BODAMER, Olaf; MAJEWSKI, Jacek; JORGE, Alexander A. L.; PEREIRA, Alexandre C.; KIM, Chong Ae; PASSOS-BUENO, Maria Rita; BERTOLA, Debora RomeoBackground Noonan syndrome is an autosomal dominant, multisystemic disorder caused by dysregulation of the RAS/mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Heterozygous, pathogenic variants in 11 known genes account for approximately 80% of cases. The identification of novel genes associated with Noonan syndrome has become increasingly challenging, since they might be responsible for very small fractions of the cases. Methods A cohort of 50 Brazilian probands negative for pathogenic variants in the known genes associated with Noonan syndrome was tested through whole-exome sequencing along with the relatives in the familial cases. Families from the USA and Poland with mutations in the newly identified genes were included subsequently. Results We identified rare, segregating or de novo missense variants in SOS2 and LZTR1 in 4% and 8%, respectively, of the 50 Brazilian probands. SOS2 and LZTR1 variants were also found to segregate in one American and one Polish family. Notably, SOS2 variants were identified in patients with marked ectodermal involvement, similar to patients with SOS1 mutations. Conclusions We identified two novel genes, SOS2 and LZTR1, associated with Noonan syndrome, thereby expanding the molecular spectrum of RASopathies. Mutations in these genes are responsible for approximately 3% of all patients with Noonan syndrome. While SOS2 is a natural candidate, because of its homology with SOS1, the functional role of LZTR1 in the RAS/MAPK pathway is not known, and it could not have been identified without the large pedigrees. Additional functional studies are needed to elucidate the role of LZTR1 in RAS/MAPK signalling and in the pathogenesis of Noonan syndrome.
- New insights in mucopolysaccharidosis type VI: Neurological perspective(2014) BORLOT, Felippe; ARANTES, Paula Ricci; QUAIO, Caio Robledo; FRANCO, Jose Francisco da Silva; LOURENCO, Charles Marques; BERTOLA, Debora Romeo; KIM, Chong AeObjective: Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI is a rare autosomal recessive storage disorder, caused by deficiency of arylsulfatase B. Data on neurological involvement in mucopolysaccharidosis type VI patients under enzyme-replacement therapy are limited. This study explores the neurological and magnetic resonance imaging findings in a sample of mucopolysaccharidosis type VI patients receiving enzyme-replacement therapy. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study including six patients with biochemical confirmation of mucopolysaccharidosis type VI and at least 105 consecutive weeks (two years) receiving intravenous enzyme-replacement therapy. The protocol included a comprehensive clinical examination, brain and spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging for all subjects. Results: Overall, cognition was spared, while we found presence of hearing impairment, increasing in deep tendon reflexes and deep sensation reduction in three patients. In addition to the classical abnormalities related to other types of mucopolysaccharidosis, imaging studies demonstrated morphological changes in anatomy of middle cranial fossa and sella shape. Even in asymptomatic or mild compromised patients, spinal cord compression was found. In four patients we noticed atlantoaxial joint subluxation and three had cervical spinal stenosis. Degenerative processes involving vertebral column, including discal protrusion and axis abnormalities, were present in all patients. Conclusions: Neuroaxis involvement was a universal finding and neurological examination might not predict the severity of the disease in course. Image studies should not be performed according exclusively clinical parameters for these patients, once we have demonstrated that neurological involvement may be silent in these patients.
- Natural history of 39 patients with Achondroplasia(2018) CERONI, Jose Ricardo Magliocco; SOARES, Diogo Cordeiro de Queiroz; TESTAI, Larissa de Cassia; KAWAHIRA, Rachel Sayuri Honjo; YAMAMOTO, Guilherme Lopes; SUGAYAMA, Sofia Mizuho Miura; OLIVEIRA, Luiz Antonio Nunes de; BERTOLA, Debora Romeo; KIM, Chong AeOBJECTIVES: To characterize the natural history of 39 achondroplastic patients diagnosed by clinical, radiological and molecular assessments. METHODS: Observational and retrospective study of 39 patients who were attended at a public tertiary level hospital between 1995 and 2016. RESULTS: Diagnosis was made prenatally in 11 patients, at birth in 9 patients and within the first year of life in 13 patients. The most prevalent clinical findings were short stature, high forehead, trident hands, genu varum and macrocephaly. The most prevalent radiographic findings were rhizomelic shortening of the long bones and narrowing of the interpediculate distance of the caudal spine. There was motor developmental delay in 18 patients and speech delay in 16 patients. The most common clinical intercurrences were middle ear dysfunction, sleep apnea, limb pain and obesity from 2 to 9 years of age. One patient was large for the gestational age but did not develop obesity. One patient developed hydrocephalus at 10 years old. The current age of the patients varies from 15 months to 36 years. The molecular study performed by Sanger sequencing of the common heterozygous mutation 1138G >A in FGFR3 was positive in all patients. Four cases were inherited, and 35 were sporadic (paternal age from 19 to 66 years). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnoses were made early based on clinical and radiographic findings. All cases were confirmed molecularly. Despite presenting a benign course, it is necessary to establish a systematic protocol for the surveillance of these patients due to the common clinical intercurrences.
- Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, a disorder far from solved(2023) MARTINS, Davi Jardim; LAZZARO FILHO, Ricardo Di; BERTOLA, Debora Romeo; HOCH, Nicolas CarlosRothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a range of clinical symptoms, including poikiloderma, juvenile cataracts, short stature, sparse hair, eyebrows/eyelashes, nail dysplasia, and skeletal abnormalities. While classically associated with mutations in the RECQL4 gene, which encodes a DNA helicase involved in DNA replication and repair, three additional genes have been recently identified in RTS: ANAPC1, encoding a subunit of the APC/C complex; DNA2, which encodes a nuclease/helicase involved in DNA repair; and CRIPT, encoding a poorly characterized protein implicated in excitatory synapse formation and splicing. Here, we review the clinical spectrum of RTS patients, analyze the genetic basis of the disease, and discuss molecular functions of the affected genes, drawing some novel genotype-phenotype correlations and proposing avenues for future studies into this enigmatic disorder.