OBJECTIVE:The molecular events underlying ear development involve numerous regulatory molecules; however, the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) has not been explored in patients with ear atresia. Here, we aimed to investigate the expressions of 20–22 nucleotide noncoding RNAs.METHODS:We selected 12 miRNAs that function to control post-transcriptional gene expression in different pathways, including apoptosis, angiogenesis, and chondrogenesis. The altered miRNA expressions were analyzed by real-time PCR from serum samples of 7 patients with ear atresia and 8 controls.RESULTS:We found that the expression of apoptosis-regulating miRNAs was significantly downregulated in patients with ear atresia. TThe expressions of miR126, miR146a, miR222, and miR21 were significantly decreased by 76.2-(p=0.041), 61.8-(p=0.000), 30.5-(p=0.009), and 71.21-fold (p=0.042), respectively, compared with controls.CONCLUSION:Abnormal ear development in ear atresia patients, could possibly be due to the reduced expression of apoptosis regulating miRNAs. Changes in the regulation of tumor protein p53 (TP53), p53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS), FAS ligand (FasL), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) directly or within the apoptosis-related cascades may play important roles during development, particularly in the external ear. This is the first report to present the possible association between apoptosis-regulating miRNAs and ear atresia/microtia.
Background
Cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST) is a very rare disease and can occur as a result of pharyngitis, a face infection, sinusitis, orbital cellulitis, otitis, traumatic injury, or surgery, particularly if the patient has a thrombophilic disease. So far, no myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cases with CST have been recorded. We describe a case of CST induced by Covid-19 in a patient with MDS.
Case presentation
A 71-year-old woman with MDS was admitted to the hospital due to headache, weakness, diplopia, and drooping of the left eyelid. Pancytopenia was found. Left cavernous sinus thrombosis and encephalitis were also confirmed by Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A thorax Computed Tomography (CT) revealed bilateral patchy ground-glass opacities consistent with Covid-19. The patient was treated with low molecular weight heparin and discharged with partial recovery.
Conclusions
It's important to remember that CST can occur in people with Covid-19 infection, even if they have severe thrombocytopenia like MDS.
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