Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D K Kalousek

Publications and source records attributed to D K Kalousek.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Screening of human placentas for chromosomal mosaicism using comparative genomic hybridization.

Detection of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) in term placental tissues is usually accomplished by conventional cytogenetic analysis of cultured chorionic stroma and direct preparations from trophoblast or, more recently, by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) on interphase nuclei. In this study, we describe the use of comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) for detection of chromosomal aneuploidy in term placentas and evaluate the sensitivity of this novel approach for CPM diagnosis in multiple placental samples acquired from five pregnancies prenatally diagnosed with CPM7 and CPM16. Each sample of placental villi was separated enzymatically into trophoblast and chorionic stroma, and the level of aneuploidy (three signals/nuclei) in each tissue was determined by FISH analysis, using centromeric DNA probes specific for chromosome 7 (D7Z1/Z2) or 16 (D16Z2). Aneuploidy levels ranged from 5.2-96.1% in the 11 tissues with CPM7 and 9.8-93% in the 29 tissues with CPM16. Subsequently, CGH analysis of DNA from the trophoblast and chorionic stroma of the same tissue sites detected the trisomic clone in all placental tissues with aneuploidy (16%, as determined by FISH analysis). Our results demonstrate the sensitivity of CGH analysis for detection of chromosomal aneuploidy mosaicism and support our contention that the CGH technique is the most effective cytogenetic method for screening term placentas for the presence of CPM.

Chorionic Villi↗

Chromosome abnormalities of eighty-one pediatric germ cell tumors: sex-, age-, site-, and histopathology-related differences--a Children's Cancer Group study.

The chromosomes of 81 pediatric germ cell tumors (GCTs) were analyzed as part of two clinical treatment trials, INT-0098 and INT-0097, conducted by the Children's Cancer Group. The analysis of chromosome results showed differences with respect to sex, age, tumor location, and histology. Sixteen of 17 benign teratomas of infants and children less than 4 years old and from gonadal and extragonadal locations were chromosomally normal. Twenty-three malignant GCTs from gonadal and extragonadal locations of the same age group were endodermal sinus tumors and varied in their karyotypic findings. The most common abnormalities were gains of 1q and chromosome 3. Of eight benign ovarian teratomas from older girls, five with normal G-banded karyotypes were determined to be homozygous for Q-band heteromorphisms, suggesting a meiosis II error. Among the 12 malignant ovarian GCTs from older girls, the common abnormalities were loss of 1p/gain of 1q, +3, +8, +14, and +21. Four of eight extragonadal tumors from older boys demonstrated +21; one had +X. Five of the eight had associated constitutional chromosome abnormalities, including one trisomy 21 and three with Klinefelter syndrome. The testicular GCTs of adolescents had abnormalities resembling those found in adult testicular GCT, including near-triploidy, loss of chromosomes 11, 13, and 18, and gain of chromosomes 7, 8, the X chromosome, and an isochromosome 12p. The gain of an isochromosome 12p was only frequent in the tumors from adolescent boys. Deletion of 1p/gain of 1q and +3 were the most common abnormalities among the malignant tumors from both sexes.

Abdominal Neoplasms↗

Altered smooth muscle development and innervation in the lower genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract of the male human fetus with myelomeningocele.

PURPOSE: We determine whether smooth and skeletal muscle or nerve density is altered in the lower genitourinary or gastrointestinal tract of male human fetuses with myelomeningocele at 20 weeks of gestation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We serially cross sectioned the lower genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts in 7 male fetuses (mean age 20 weeks of gestation) with myelomeningocele and 4 age matched controls. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using Masson's trichrome stain and antibodies to smooth and skeletal muscle actin. S-100 protein staining for Schwann cell localization and neurofilament protein was also done. Fluorescein and rhodamine double immunolabeling was used to demonstrate the co-expression of smooth and skeletal muscle. RESULTS: Peripheral neural innervation of the bladder, prostate and rectum was markedly decreased in myelomeningocele. Masson's trichrome and smooth muscle actin staining also demonstrated that smooth muscle was less well differentiated in myelomeningocele specimens. Scant smooth muscle was present in the myelomeningocele bladder and bladder neck with an excess of collagen in an interfascicular and intrafascicular distribution. Double immunofluorescence staining revealed persistent co-expression of smooth and skeletal muscle actin by myocytes in the myelomeningocele detrusor, while in the control bladder there was only smooth muscle expression. The skeletal muscle component of structures in fetuses with myelomeningocele, including the external sphincter, was similar to that in controls. Prostatic size, ductal morphogenesis and smooth muscle were decreased compared to those in controls. CONCLUSIONS: A global defect exists in the development of smooth muscle in myelomeningocele in the lower genitourinary and gastrointestinal tracts by 20 weeks of gestation. Peripheral nerve density is decreased in smooth muscle in myelomeningocele, suggesting that an intact nervous system is important for the development of normal smooth muscle. Fetal surgery with coverage of the spinal cord in select cases may prevent progressive environmental injury to the somatic nervous system during the second half of gestation. However, achieving normal autonomic function is unlikely due to the extent of early global organ maldevelopment.

Digestive System↗

Clinical significance of morphologic and genetic examination of spontaneously aborted embryos.

PROBLEM: In families with a history of multiple pregnancy losses, the prognosis of future pregnancies is critically dependent on recognizing an accurate pathogenesis of pregnancy loss. METHOD OF STUDY: Morphological and genetic evaluation of products of conception provides necessary information for clinicians. Modern molecular cytogenetic techniques such as in situ hybridization and comparative genomic hybridization allow cytogenetic diagnosis even when aborted tissues are nonviable. RESULTS: Correlation of morphological and cytogenetic findings allows distinction between developmental defects associated with chromosomal syndromes and other pathogenesis such as environmental teratogens, and Mendalian or multifactorial inheritance. CONCLUSION: Pathologists have the responsibility of ensuring that the answers to questions, such as why the failure occurred or whether there is any increased chance of having an abnormal liveborn infant in a future pregnancy, are obtained and that the information is communicated to the parent's obstetrician, geneticist, and family physician.

Abortion, Habitual↗

Rare trisomy mosaicism diagnosed in amniocytes, involving an autosome other than chromosomes 13, 18, 20, and 21: karyotype/phenotype correlations.

In order to determine the significance of trisomy mosaicism of an autosome other than chromosomes 13, 18, 20, and 21, 151 such cases diagnosed prenatally through amniocentesis were reviewed. These rare trisomy mosaicism cases include 54 from 17 cytogenetic laboratories, 34 from a previous North American mosaicism survey, and 63 from published reports. All were cases of true mosaicism with information available on pregnancy outcome, and with no evidence of biased ascertainment. There were 11 cases of 46/47, +2; 2 of 46/47, +3; 2 of 46/47, +4; 5 of 46/47, +5; 3 of 46/47, +6; 8 of 46/47, +7; 14 of 46/47, +8; 25 of 46/47, +9; 2 of 46/47, +11; 23 of 46/47, +12; 5 of 46/47, +14; 11 of 46/47, +15; 21 of 46/47, +16; 7 of 46/47, +17; 1 of 46/47, +19; and 11 of 46/47, +22. As to the risk of an abnormal outcome, the data showed a very high risk (> 60 per cent) for 46/47, +2, 46/47, +16, and 46/47, +22; a high risk (40-59 per cent) for 46/47, +5, 46/47, +9, 46/47, +14, and 46/47, +15; a moderately high risk (20-39 per cent) for 46/47, +12; a moderate risk (up to 19 per cent) for 46/47, +7 and 46/47, +7 and 46/47, +8; a low risk for 46/47, +17; and an undetermined risk, due to lack of cases, for the remaining autosomal trisomy mosaics. Most cases were evaluated at birth or at termination, so subtle abnormalities may have escaped detection and developmental retardation was not evaluated at all. Comparison of the phenotypes of prenatally diagnosed abnormal cases and postnatally diagnosed cases with the same diagnosis showed considerable concordance. Since the majority of anomalies noted are prenatally detectable with ultrasound, an ultrasound examination should be performed in all prenatally diagnosed cases. In cytogenetic confirmation studies, the data showed much higher confirmation rates in cases with abnormal outcomes than in cases with normal outcomes [81 per cent vs. 55 per cent for fibroblasts (from skin, fetal tissue, and/or cord); 88 per cent vs. 46 per cent for placental cells; 22 per cent vs. 10 per cent for blood cells]. The confirmation rate reached 85 per cent when both fibroblasts and placental tissues were studied in the same case (with trisomic cells found in one or the other, or both). Therefore, one must emphasize that both fibroblasts and placental tissues should be studied. Except for 46/47, +8 and 46/47, +9, PUBS is of limited value for prenatal diagnosis of rate trisomy mosaicism. DNA studies for UPD are suggested for certain chromosomes with established imprinting effects, such as chromosomes 7, 11, 14, and 15, and perhaps for chromosomes 2 and 16, where imprinting effects are likely.

Adolescent↗

Maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 2 and confined placental mosaicism for trisomy 2 in a fetus with intrauterine growth restriction, hypospadias, and oligohydramnios.

We present a case of maternal uniparental heterodisomy for chromosome 2 (UPD 2) detected after trisomy 2 mosaicism was found on placental biopsy. This case presented prenatally with severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and oligohydramnios. The diploid newborn had hypospadias and features consistent with oligohydramnios sequence. He died shortly after birth of severe pulmonary hypoplasia. The term placenta had high levels of trisomy 2 in both the trophoblast and the stroma. A comparison of this case with others reported in the literature suggests that the IUGR and oligohydramnios are likely related to placental insufficiency due to the high levels of trisomy 2 present in the trophoblast of the term placenta and the presence of UPD 2 in the diploid placental line.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 2↗

Investigation of effects of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) on the chromosomal complement of CD-1 mouse embryos.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine the effect of superovulatory doses of gonadotropins on the frequency of chromosomal abnormalities of mouse embryos. METHODS: Chromosome analysis of 8- to 16-cell stage mouse embryos and zygotes was performed by a cytogenetic method. RESULTS: There was no significant effect of the pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) dose on the level of aneuploidy and structural abnormalities from 8- to 16-cell-stage embryos among superovulated groups. However, a simple dose-response relationship between the PMSG dose and the incidence of polyploidy was observed, with the level of polyploidy rising from 2.9% with 10 i.u. PMSG to 10.5% with 15 i.u. PMSG. In zygote stage, the proportion of polyploid embryos also increased as the dose increased, from 1.9% in 5 i.u. to 6.7% in 15 i.u. PMSG. It was observed that the extra chromosomal set in polyploidy embryos originated by both fertilization of a diploid oocyte and dispermy. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate a dose-response relationship between the PMSG dose and the incidence of polyploidy in the CD-1 mouse. Both a disturbance at maturation division and an error at fertilization were the cause of polyploidy.

Aneuploidy↗

Cytogenetic and molecular genetic analysis of a pediatric pleomorphic sarcoma reveals similarities to adult malignant fibrous histiocytoma.

Cytogenetic and molecular genetic studies were performed on a pleomorphic sarcoma removed from the left atrium of a 15-year-old girl. Histologic analysis was consistent with a storiform-pleomorphic malignant fibrous histiocytoma (MFH). Although MFH is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma of late adulthood. It is extremely rare in childhood and its existence in the pediatric population remains controversial. Cytogenetic analysis revealed several alterations previously associated with adult MFH, including abnormalities of chromosomal bands 11p11 and 19p13. Moreover, the tumor demonstrated homogeneously staining regions (HSR) and double minute chromosomes (dmin) suggestive of gene amplification. We therefore screened the case for amplification of genes localized to chromosomal bands 12q13-14, including the putative protooncogenes MDM2, CDK4, SAS, CHOP, and CLI, which are frequently amplified and overexpressed in adult MFH. Southern and Northern blot analysis confirmed the coamplification of MDM2, CDK4, SAS, and CHOP. To our knowledge, such coamplification studies of the 12q13-14 amplicon have not been previously detected in pediatric MFH. Our results provide cytogenetic and molecular genetic evidence that pediatric and adult MFH are histogenetically related entities.

Adolescent↗

Skewed X-chromosome inactivation is common in fetuses or newborns associated with confined placental mosaicism.

The inactivation of one X chromosome in females is normally random with regard to which X is inactivated. However, exclusive or almost-exclusive inactivation of one X may be observed in association with some X-autosomal rearrangements, mutations of the XIST gene, certain X-linked diseases, and MZ twinning. In the present study, a methylation difference near a polymorphism in the X-linked androgen-receptor gene was used to investigate the possibility that nonrandom X inactivation is increases in fetuses and newborns that are associated with confined placental mosaicism (CPM) involving an autosomal trisomy. Extreme skewing was observed in 7 (58%) of 12 cases with a meiotic origin of the trisomy, but in none of 10 cases examined with a somatic origin of the trisomy, and in only 1 (4%) of 27 control adult females. In addition, an extremely skewed X-inactivation pattern was observed in 3 of 10 informative cases of female uniparental disomy (UPD) of chromosome 15. This may reflect the fact that a proportion of UPD cases arise by "rescue" of a chromosomally abnormal conceptus and are therefore associated with CPM. A skewed pattern of X inactivation in CPM cases is hypothesized to result from a reduction in the size of the early-embryonic cell pool, because of either poor early growth or subsequent selection against the trisomic cells. Since approximately 2% of pregnancies detected by chorionic villus sampling are associated with CPM, this is likely a significant contributor to both skewed X inactivation observed in the newborn population and the expression of recessive X-linked diseases in females.

Adult↗

Meiotic origin of trisomy in confined placental mosaicism is correlated with presence of fetal uniparental disomy, high levels of trisomy in trophoblast, and increased risk of fetal intrauterine growth restriction.

Molecular studies were performed on 101 cases of confined placental mosaicism (CPM) involving autosomal trisomy. The origin of the trisomic cell line was determined in 54 cases (from 51 pregnancies), 47 of which were also analyzed for the presence of uniparental disomy (UPD) in the disomic cell line. An additional 47 cases were analyzed for parental origin in the disomic cell line only. A somatic (postmeiotic) origin of the trisomy was observed in 22 cases and included the majority of cases with CPM for trisomy 2, 7, 8, 10, and 12. Most cases of CPM involving trisomy 9, 16, and 22 were determined to be meiotic. Fetal maternal UPD was found in 17 of 94 informative CPM cases, involving trisomy 2 (1 case), 7 (1 case), 16 (13 cases), and 22 (2 cases). The placental trisomy was of meiotic origin in all 17 cases associated with fetal UPD (P = .00005). A meiotic origin also correlated with the levels of trisomy in cultured chorionic villi samples (CVS) (P = .0002) and trophoblast (P = .00005). Abnormal pregnancy outcome (usually IUGR) correlated with meiotic origin (P = .0003), the presence of fetal UPD (P = 4 x 10(-7)), and the level of trisomy in trophoblast (P = 3 x 10(-7)) but not with the level of trisomy in CVS or term chorion. The good fit of somatic errors with the expected results could have been observed only if few true meiotic errors were misclassified by these methods as a somatic error. These data indicate that molecular determination of origin is a useful predictor of pregnancy outcome, whereas the level of trisomy observed in cultured CVS is not. In addition, UPD for some chromosomes may affect prenatal, but not postnatal, development, possibly indicating that imprinting effects for these chromosomes are confined to placental tissues.

Cells, Cultured↗

Trisomy 7 CVS mosaicism: pregnancy outcome, placental and DNA analysis in 14 cases.

Prenatal diagnosis by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) documents placental chromosomal mosaicism in approximately 2% of viable pregnancies at 9-12 weeks of gestation and can involve various chromosomes and placental cell lineages. Confined placental mosaicism (CPM) is the result of postzygotic mitotic errors occurring in either diploid or trisomic zygotes. With trisomic zygote rescue, depending on the parental origin of the chromosome which is lost, uniparental disomy (UPD) or biparental disomy (BPD) may arise [Kalousek et al., Am J Hum Genet 52: 8-16, 1993]. In this paper, we present 14 pregnancies which were diagnosed by CVS as mosaic trisomy 7. All follow-up amniocenteses showed a normal diploid karyotype. Using both classical cytogenetics and interphase analysis, studies of term placentae showed variable levels of trisomy 7. DNA analysis was performed in nine cases to determine whether the diploid fetus had BPD 7 or UPD 7. Fetal UPD 7 was present only in one case; in eight other cases biparental inheritance was demonstrated. DNA analysis to establish the origin of trisomy 7 in the placenta was fully informative in six cases. One trisomy resulted from a meiotic error and was associated with fetal UPD 7, while the rest were somatic in origin. It is difficult to compare the effect of CPM for trisomy 7 to other trisomies confined to the placenta, as for most chromosomes there are few available cases. It appears that intrauterine fetal growth is not greatly affected by the presence of a trisomy 7 cell line in the placenta. This finding is in contrast to the serious effect of high levels of trisomy 16 within the placenta on fetal intrauterine growth in a series of well-documented cases of CPM 16 [Kalousek et al. 1993].

Chorionic Villi Sampling↗

Analysis of nine pregnancies with confined placental mosaicism for trisomy 2.

Karyotypically normal fetuses with completely trisomic or mosaic placentae may be at increased risk for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). Molecular and cytogenetic analyses on nine pregnancies with confined placental mosaicism (CPM) for trisomy 2 were performed at two collaborating centres. Seven cases were identified through prenatal testing of chorionic villi (CVS). Two of these seven cases demonstrated complete trisomy 2 while the remaining five cases showed various levels of trisomy 2 (33 per cent-75 per cent cells). Two cases identified after IUGR was observed in newborn infants demonstrated 65 per cent and 100 per cent trisomy 2 in cultured villi from term placentae. In all nine cases, blood chromosome analysis (n = 4), chromosome analysis of amniotic fluid cultures (n = 4), and cultured amnion (n = 5) were normal, failing to demonstrate any trisomic cells in tissues of fetal origin. Molecular studies on the fetal or newborn tissues using dinucleotide repeat polymorphisms on chromosome 2 revealed normal biparental inheritance of chromosome 2 in all nine cases. The parental origin studies of the extra chromosome 2 in the placenta showed that three cases were maternal in origin, at least two of which were consistent with a maternal meiotic non-disjunction giving rise to the trisomy 2, while in one case a paternal origin of the extra chromosome 2 was established.

Adult↗