
X-chromosome Inactivation, Epigenetics and the Transcriptome
Turner SyndromeKlinefelter Syndrome3 moreThe human genetic material consists of 46 chromosomes of which two are sex chromosomes. The sex-chromosome from the mother is the X and from the father the Y-chromosome. Hence a male consist of one Y and one X chromosome and a female of 2 X-chromosomes. Alterations in the number of sex-chromosomes and in particular the X-chromosome is fundamental to the development of numerous syndromes such as Turner syndrome (45,X), Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY), triple X syndrome (47,XXX) and double Y syndrome (47,XYY). Despite the obvious association between the X-chromosome and disease only one gene has been shown to be of significance, namely the short stature homeobox gene (SHOX). Turner syndrome is the most well characterized and the typical diseases affecting the syndrome are: An Increased risk of diseases where one's own immune system reacts against one's own body (autoimmune diseases) and where the cause of this is not known; For example diabetes and hypothyroidism. Increased risk of abortion and death in uteri Underdeveloped ovaries with the inability to produce sex hormones and being infertile. Congenital malformations of the major arteries and the heart of unknown origin. Alterations in the development of the brain, especially with respect to the social and cognitive dimensions. Increased incidence obesity, hypertension, diabetes and osteoporosis. In healthy women with to normal X-chromosomes, the one of the X-chromosomes is switched off (silenced). The X-chromosome which is silenced varies from cell to cell. The silencing is controlled by a part of the X-chromosome designated XIC (X-inactivation center). The inactivation/silencing of the X-chromosome is initiated by a gene named Xist-gene (the X inactivation specific transcript).This gene encodes specific structures so called lincRNAs (long intervening specific transcripts) which are very similar to our genetic material (DNA) but which is not coding for proteins. The final result is that women are X-chromosome mosaics with one X-chromosome from the mother and the other X from the father. However, numerous genes on the X-chromosome escape this silencing process by an unknown mechanism. Approximately two third of the genes are silenced, 15 % avoid silencing and 20 percent are silenced or escape depending on the tissue of origin. The aforementioned long non-protein-coding parts of our genetic material (LincRNAs) are abundant and produced in large quantities but their wole as respect to health and disease need further clarification. Studies indicate that these LincRNAs interact with the protein coding part of our genetic material modifying which genes are translated into proteins and which are not. During this re-modelling there is left foot prints on the genetic material which can indicate if it is a modification that results in silencing or translation of the gene. It is possible to map these foot prints along the entire X-chromosome using molecular techniques like ChIP (Chromatin immunoprecipitation) and ChIP-seq (deep sequencing). The understanding achieved so far as to the interplay between our genetic material and disease has arisen from genetic syndromes which as the X-chromosome syndromes are relatively frequent and show clear manifestations of disease giving the researcher a possibility to identify genetic material linked to the disease. Turner and Klinefelter syndrome are, as the remaining sex chromosome syndromes, excellent human disease models and can as such help to elaborate on processes contributing to the development of diseases like diabetes, hypothyroidism, main artery dilation and ischemic heart disease. The purpose of the study is to: Define the changes in the non-coding part of the X-chromosome. Identify the transcriptome (non-coding part of the X-chromosome)as respect to the RNA generated from the X-chromosome. Identify changes in the coding and non-coding parts of the X-chromosome which are specific in relation to Turner syndrome and which can explain the diseases seen in Turner syndrome. Study tissue affected by disease in order to look for changes in the X-chromosome with respect to both the coding and non-coding part of the chromosome. 6. Determine if certain genes escape X-chromosome silencing and to establish if this is associated with the parent of origin.

Social Cognition and Turner Syndrome
Turner SyndromeMonocentric multidisciplinary study (psychologists, endocrinologists, psychiatrists, and molecular biologists) to characterize social cognition in adolescents with Turner syndrome (TS). Inclusion criteria: Turner syndrome with homogeneous 45,X karyotype. Age between 8 and 18 years. Somatic state compatible with the evaluation. Functional language and IQ ≥ 80 for the transfer tests Informed consent signed by the holders of parental authority, the patient and the mother for her own participation (DNA collection). Affiliation to Social Security (beneficiary or assignee). The primary endpoint will be the overall score to the AQ (Autism Quotient) questionnaire and to the SRS (Social Reciprocity Scale), in comparison to the expected scores for the general population. For patients with scores above the threshold for SRS or QA validation of a possible diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders will be performed with commonly used diagnostic tools (ADIR (Lord et al, 1994), ADOS-G (Lord et al, 1999) and diagnostic criteria of DSM IV-TR). Secondary criteria will include the results of standardized tests to assess autistic features (AQ, ADI-R, ADOS, DSM IV-TR criteria), intellectual efficiency (Wechsler scales), psychiatric comorbidities (Kiddie-SADS) and sociocognitive profile (SpeX test, Social cognition, Perception, eXecutive functions). A DNA sample will be collected from the patient and her mother. The observation period is 2 days for the patient and about 1 hour for the mother. The total duration of the study is 3 years.

Adipose Tissue Gene Expression Profiles in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Versus Controls...
Polycystic Ovary SyndromeAdipose tissue is a central organ in mediating metabolic health. There is some evidence that women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a degree of adipose tissue dysfunction which may negatively affect their metabolic health. The aim of this study was to assess transcriptomic profiles of subcutaneous adipose tissue of women with PCOS in comparison with a control population matched on the basis of age and body mass index (BMI). A secondary aim was to then relate these gene expression profiles to the biochemical environment.

Survey on Long-Term Use of BI-Sifrol® Tablets in Patients With Restless Legs Syndrome
Restless Legs SyndromeThe survey is conducted to investigate the safety and efficacy of long-term use of BI-Sifrol Tablets in Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) patients with or without renal dysfunction in routine medical practice.

Infection Prophylaxis and Management in Treating Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection in Patients With...
Hematopoietic/Lymphoid CancerAccelerated Phase Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia155 moreRATIONALE: Infection prophylaxis and management may help prevent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection caused by a stem cell transplant. PURPOSE:This clinical trial studies infection prophylaxis and management in treating cytomegalovirus infection in patients with hematologic malignancies previously treated with donor stem cell transplant.

To Study Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Taiwanese Women
Polycystic Ovary SyndromeMetabolic Syndrome1 morePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an extremely common disorder in women of reproductive age. Diagnosis of PCOS is principally based on clinical and physical findings. Diagnostic criteria and PCOS definitions used by clinicians and researchers are almost as heterogeneous as the syndrome. Of those diagnosed with PCOS using the 2003 Rotterdam criteria, 61% fulfilled 1990 NIH criteria for unexplained hyperandrogenic chronic anovulation. The patient populations with the new phenotypes had less severe ovulatory dysfunction and less androgen excess than patients diagnosed using the 1990 NIH criteria. These findings might be common across all female populations with PCOS, whether in Oriental or Occidental countries. Data for clinical hyperandrogenism indicated that the prevalence of hirsutism in Taiwanese PCOS women is lower than that for Caucasians/Western women. The extent of metabolic abnormalities in women with PCOS may vary with phenotype, age and ethnicity. Obesity represents a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. Approximately 40-50% of all women with PCOS are overweight or obese. Obese subjects with PCOS had a higher risk of developing oligomenorrhea, amenorrhea and biochemical hyperandrogenemia than non-obese women with PCOS. Moreover, obese women with PCOS had significantly more severe insulin resistance, lower serum LH levels, and lower LH-to-FSH ratios than non-obese women with PCOS. PCOS women in Taiwan presented with higher LH-to-FSH ratio and lower insulin resistance than PCOS women in Western Countries. However, the average body mass index (BMI) was significantly lower in Taiwanese PCOS women than Western women, which might partially explain the difference between these two populations in terms of clinical and biochemical presentations. To further document the ethnic variation between women with PCOS in Taiwan and Western, the effect of obesity on the diagnosis and clinical presentations of PCOS-related syndromes should not be neglected in future studies. Therefore, the investigators plan to do this prospective study for evaluation the clinical and biochemical presentation of Taiwanese women with PCOS.

Vasoprotective Activities of Low-Fat Milk in Individuals With Metabolic Syndrome
Cardiovascular DiseaseMetabolic Syndrome1 moreThe purpose of this study is to define whether the acute consumption of low-fat milk protects against postprandial vascular endothelial dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress responses that limit nitric oxide bioavailability to the vascular endothelium. The investigators hypothesis is that the consumption of low-fat milk will improve postprandial vascular endothelial function in an oxidative stress-dependent manner that allows greater nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability. The objectives of this study are to 1) examine improvements in postprandial vascular endothelial function in response to low-fat milk ingestion, 2) define low-fat milk-mediated improvements in circulating biomarkers of redox status, and 3) define the mechanism by which low-fat milk improves NO bioavailability. Collectively, the successful completion of these studies is expected to define NO mediated activities of low-fat milk that protect against vascular endothelial dysfunction in individuals at high risk for developing CVD.

Steroid Treatment of Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome
Nephrotic SyndromeIdiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is the most frequent glomerular disease in childhood. Currently, all children with INS are treated at onset with steroids. The optimal duration and dosage of steroid therapy is debated. For each patient, the challenge is to minimise potential side effects of steroids, while achieving a good clinical response. The aim of our study is to assess the benefits and potential adverse effects of a prolonged initial corticosteroid regimen, for the treatment of the initial episode. The results will be compared with data obtained retrospectively. In addition genetic studies will be undertaken with the aim of evaluating pharmacodynamics of steroid treatment with the ultimate goal to individualise treatment in single patients. Study group: children aged 6 months - 18 years, diagnosed with an initial episode of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome Control group: data of children with a onset INS between January 2007 and December 2009 from the same area of the study group and treated with a short steroid regimen will be retrospectively analysed and compared

ABC Program in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome
Weight Reduction in Patients With Metabolic SyndromeAims: We evaluate the efficacy of the "Active Body Control (ABC) Program" for weight reduction in patients with metabolic syndrome. Methods: The ABC program combines telemonitoring of the physical activity with a low-calorie diet also preferring carbohydrates with low glycemic indexes. In this 12-month, randomized, clinical trial 60 patients will be treated according to the ABC program and 60 control patients will receive standard therapy.

Inofolic NRT and the Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic SyndromePostmenopausal DisorderA prospective, randomized, controlled, open-label study will be carried out on 80 post-menopausal women affected by the metabolic syndrome (criteria are described in NIH ATP III). After a written informed consent, women will be randomly treated for 6 months with hypocaloric diet (control group) or with diet and a supplementation of myo-inositol 2000 mg plus cocoa polyphenols 30 mg and plus isoflavones 80 mg. will be given randomly Eighty post-menopausal women, affected by metabolic syndrome will be randomized into two groups: 40 treated with myo-inositol 2 g twice per day and forty treated with placebo for six months. The investigators hypothesize that the administration of myo-inositol would improve the insulin-receptor activity in these women, reducing insulin resistance.