Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a rare congenital disorder of the connective tissue, leading to thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) and dissection, among other complications. Currently, the most efficient strategy to prevent life-threatening dissection is preventive surgery. Periodic imaging applying complex techniques is required to monitor TAA progression and to guide the timing of surgical intervention. Thus, there is an acute demand for non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as for innovative therapeutic targets of MFS. Unraveling the intricate pathomolecular mechanisms underlying the syndrome is vital to address these needs. High-throughput platforms are particularly well-suited for this purpose, as they enable the integration of different datasets, such as transcriptomic and epigenetic profiles. In this narrative review, we summarize relevant studies investigating changes in both the coding and non-coding transcriptome and epigenome in MFS-induced TAA. The collective findings highlight the implicated pathways, such as TGF-β signaling, extracellular matrix structure, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Potential candidates as biomarkers, such as miR-200c, as well as therapeutic targets emerged, like Tfam, associated with mitochondrial respiration, or miR-632, stimulating endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition. While these discoveries are promising, rigorous and extensive validation in large patient cohorts is indispensable to confirm their clinical relevance and therapeutic potential.

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Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a well-described genetic connective tissue disease that heightens the risk of cardiovascular, ocular, pulmonary, and other emergencies in affected individuals. The wide range of phenotypic presentations, spanning from mild, chronic, and asymptomatic to acute and life-threatening, can pose challenges in diagnosing MFS when disease manifestations are subtle. We report a pathogenetic variant of MFS characterized by subtle systemic findings that was identified only after the patient presented with visual changes and pain associated with angle closure, despite a medical history indicating other pathologies linked to this condition. This case underscores the importance of recognizing the varied and sometimes subtle clinical features of MFS. Vigilance in identifying the constellation of findings associated with MFS can enhance its diagnosis and treatment outcomes by enabling appropriate and timely referrals for prophylactic evaluation and care to address potentially life-threatening complications.

Congenital subluxation of the lens as a complication of Marfan syndrome, Weill-Marchesani syndrome, microspherophakia, etc. leads to the development of amblyopia and requires timely surgical treatment with removal of the subluxated lens and implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). IOL implantation in children with pathology of the ligamentous apparatus of the lens remains an urgent problem of ophthalmic surgery due to the lack of a consensus regarding the IOL fixation method among practitioners.
OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of IOL implantation with transscleral fixation using the knotless Z-suture technique in pediatric patients with congenital lens subluxation.
METHODS: The study included 24 children (36 eyes) with grade III congenital subluxation of the lens who underwent phacoaspiration of the subluxated lens with IOL implantation with transscleral fixation using the knotless Z-suture performed in the Kazakh Research Institute of Eye Diseases in Almaty in the period from 2017 to 2021. The average observation period was 31.7±11.3 months (2.0 to 4.5 years). The stability of the IOL position, the state of the intrascleral sutures, visual acuity after surgery, the presence and severity of complications in the long-term period were evaluated.
RESULTS: All patients (100%) had a significant improvement in visual acuity after surgery. No intraoperative complications were registered in any of the cases. Postoperative complications were noted in 8.3% of cases (n=3). The final functional outcome of surgical treatment depended on the presence of concomitant pathology, the main cause of low vision was the development of refractive amblyopia due to refractive errors.
CONCLUSIONS: The presented technique of transscleral fixation of IOL has proven to be reliable, which is especially important for pediatric patients considering their high physical activity and expected lifespan.
Врожденная сублюксация хрусталика в детском возрасте при таких состояниях, как синдромы Марфана, Вейля—Марчезани, микросферофакия и др., приводит к развитию амблиопии и требует своевременного хирургического лечения с удалением сублюксированного хрусталика и имплантацией интраокулярной линзы (ИОЛ). Имплантация ИОЛ у детей с патологией связочного аппарата хрусталика остается актуальной проблемой офтальмохирургии ввиду отсутствия на сегодняшний день единого подхода к методу фиксации ИОЛ в мировой практике.
UNASSIGNED: Оценка эффективности и безопасности имплантации ИОЛ с транссклеральной фиксацией с использованием метода безузлового Z-образного шва у пациентов детского возраста с врожденной сублюксацией хрусталика.
UNASSIGNED: В исследование включено 24 ребенка (36 глаз) с врожденной сублюксацией хрусталика III степени, которым была проведена факоаспирация сублюксированного хрусталика с имплантацией ИОЛ с транссклеральной фиксацией безузловым Z-образным швом на базе КазНИИ глазных болезней (Алматы, Казахстан) в период с 2017 по 2021 г. Средний срок наблюдения составил 31,7±11,3 мес (от 2,0 до 4,5 года). Оценивали стабильность положения ИОЛ, состоятельность интрасклеральных швов, остроту зрения после операции, наличие и степень тяжести осложнений в отдаленном периоде.
UNASSIGNED: У всех пациентов (100%) отмечалось достоверное улучшение остроты зрения после операции. Интраоперационных осложнений не было зарегистрировано ни в одном случае. Послеоперационные осложнения отмечены в 8,3% случаев (n=3). Окончательный функциональный результат хирургического лечения зависел от наличия сопутствующей патологии, основной причиной низкого зрения являлось развитие рефракционной амблиопии вследствие аномалий рефракции.
UNASSIGNED: Представленная методика транссклеральной фиксации ИОЛ обеспечивает надежную фиксацию, что особенно актуально для пациентов детского возраста, учитывая их высокую физическую активность и предполагаемую продолжительность жизни.

BACKGROUND: Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a hereditary connective tissue disorder involving multiple systems, including ophthalmologic abnormalities. Most cases are due to heterozygous mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene (FBN1). Other associated genes include LTBP2, MYH11, MYLK, and SLC2A10. There is significant clinical overlap between MFS and other Marfan-like disorders.
OBJECTIVE: To expand the mutation spectrum of FBN1 gene and validate the pathogenicity of Marfan-related genes in patients with MFS and ocular manifestations.
METHODS: We recruited 318 participants (195 cases, 123 controls), including 59 sporadic cases and 88 families. All patients had comprehensive ophthalmic examinations showing ocular features of MFS and met Ghent criteria. Additionally, 754 cases with other eye diseases were recruited. Panel-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) screened mutations in 792 genes related to inherited eye diseases.
RESULTS: We detected 181 mutations with an 84.7% detection rate in sporadic cases and 87.5% in familial cases. The overall detection rate was 86.4%, with FBN1 accounting for 74.8%. In cases without FBN1 mutations, 23 mutations from seven Marfan-related genes were identified, including four pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations in LTBP2. The 181 mutations included 165 missenses, 10 splicings, three frameshifts, and three nonsenses. FBN1 accounted for 53.0% of mutations. The most prevalent pathogenic mutation was FBN1 c.4096G>A. Additionally, 94 novel mutations were detected, with 13 de novo mutations in 14 families.
CONCLUSIONS: We expanded the mutation spectrum of the FBN1 gene and provided evidence for the pathogenicity of other Marfan-related genes. Variants in LTBP2 may contribute to the ocular manifestations in MFS, underscoring its role in phenotypic diversity.

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of posterior segment lesions in Marfan syndrome (MFS) patients and their relationship with anterior segment biometric parameters and FBN1 genotype. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 121 MFS patients, 76 males and 45 females, with an average age of (11.72±11.66) years, who visited the Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University from January 2013 to March 2023 were included. The presence of posterior scleral staphyloma was observed using B-mode ultrasound, and macular lesions were identified and classified using the atrophy-traction-neovascularization system based on ultra-widefield fundus images, color fundus images, and optical coherence tomography scans. Anterior segment biometric parameters, including axial length of the eye, average corneal curvature, corneal astigmatism, horizontal corneal diameter, anterior chamber depth, and lens thickness, were collected, and the direction and extent of lens dislocation were observed. Molecular genetic analysis of FBN1 gene mutations in patients was performed using next-generation sequencing based on a panel of ocular genetic diseases, and the impact of the genotype and anterior segment biometric parameters on the posterior segment manifestations was analyzed. Results: Sixty patients exhibited posterior segment lesions, including retinal detachment (4 cases, 3.31%), macular lesions (47 cases, 38.84%), and posterior scleral staphyloma (54 cases, 44.63%). There was statistically significant difference in axial length of the eye between patients with and without posterior scleral staphyloma [23.09 (22.24, 24.43) and 27.04 (25.44, 28.88) mm], between patients with and without macular lesions [23.16 (22.24, 24.61) and 27.04 (25.74, 28.78) mm], and between patients with and without atrophic macular lesions [23.16 (22.24, 24.61) and 27.04 (25.74, 28.79) mm] (all P<0.001). There was statistically significant difference in anterior chamber depth between patients with and without macular lesions [3.11 (2.75, 3.30) and 3.34 (3.09, 3.60) mm] (P<0.05). There was also statistically significant difference in corneal astigmatism between patients with and without posterior scleral staphyloma [2.15 (1.20, 2.93) and 1.40 (1.00, 2.20) diopters] (P<0.05). The location and region of the FBN1 gene mutation not only showed statistically significant difference from the positive rates of posterior scleral staphyloma and macular lesions (all P<0.05), but also influenced the occurrence of atrophic macular lesions (both P<0.05). Patients with FBN1 mutations located in the transforming growth factor β regulatory sequence had the highest proportion of posterior scleral staphyloma and macular lesions (both 10/11). Conclusions: Posterior scleral staphyloma and macular lesions have a relatively high incidence in MFS patients and tend to progress to more severe grades. The age, axial length of the eye, anterior chamber depth, corneal astigmatism, and location and region of the FBN1 gene mutation are factors affecting the posterior segment lesions in MFS patients.
目的： 探讨马方综合征（MFS）患者眼后节病变的特征及其与眼前节生物学参数及FBN1基因型的关系。 方法： 横断面研究。收集2013年1月至2023年3月于复旦大学附属眼耳鼻喉科医院眼科就诊的MFS患者121例，其中男性76例，女性45例；年龄为（11.72±11.66）岁。采用B超观察是否存在后巩膜葡萄肿，根据超广角眼底像、彩色眼底像和相干光层析扫描结果观察是否存在黄斑病变并判断其类型。黄斑病变按照萎缩-牵引-新生血管分级系统进行分类。收集患眼眼前节生物学参数，包括眼轴长度、角膜平均曲率、角膜散光度数、角膜水平径、前房深度及晶状体厚度，并观察晶状体脱位的方向和范围。采用基于面板的全眼科遗传病基因组进行下一代测序对患者的FBN1基因突变进行了分子遗传学分析，并分析基因型和眼前节生物学参数对眼后节表现的影响。 结果： 共有60例患者出现眼后节病变，包括视网膜脱离（4例，3.31%），黄斑病变（47例，38.84%）和后巩膜葡萄肿（54例，44.63%）。是否合并后巩膜葡萄肿［23.09（22.24，24.43）和27.04（25.44，28.88）mm］，以及是否合并黄斑病变［23.16（22.24，24.61）和27.04（25.74，28.78）mm］的患者间，眼轴长度的差异均有统计学意义（均P<0.001）；是否合并萎缩性黄斑病变的患者，眼轴长度差异亦有统计学意义［23.16（22.24，24.61）和27.04（25.74，28.79）mm，P<0.001］。是否合并黄斑病变的患者中，前房深度［3.11（2.75，3.30）和3.34（3.09，3.60）mm］的差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）；是否合并后巩膜葡萄肿的患者中，角膜散光度数［2.15（1.20，2.93）和1.40（1.00，2.20）D］的差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。FBN1基因突变的位置和区域与后巩膜葡萄肿及黄斑病变的阳性率之间的差异有统计学意义（均P<0.05）。FBN1突变的位置和区域会影响萎缩性黄斑病变的发生（均P<0.05）。FBN1突变位于转化生长因子β调节序列的患者后巩膜葡萄肿和黄斑病变的占比最高，均为10/11。 结论： MFS患者后巩膜葡萄肿和黄斑病变的发生率较高，并且倾向于向严重程度更高的分级发展。年龄、眼轴长度、前房深度、角膜散光度数，以及FBN1基因突变位点所在位置及区域均是MFS患者眼后节病变的影响因素。.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of MRI-derived 3D volumetry of lower lumbar vertebrae and dural sac segments using shape-based machine learning for the detection of Marfan syndrome (MFS) compared with dural sac diameter ratios (the current clinical standard).
METHODS: The final study sample was 144 patients being evaluated for MFS from 01/2012 to 12/2016, of whom 81 were non-MFS patients (46 [67%] female, 36 ± 16 years) and 63 were MFS patients (36 [57%] female, 35 ± 11 years) according to the 2010 Revised Ghent Nosology. All patients underwent 1.5T MRI with isotropic 1 × 1 × 1 mm3 3D T2-weighted acquisition of the lumbosacral spine. Segmentation and quantification of vertebral bodies L3-L5 and dural sac segments L3-S1 were performed using a shape-based machine learning algorithm. For comparison with the current clinical standard, anteroposterior diameters of vertebral bodies and dural sac were measured. Ratios between dural sac volume/diameter at the respective level and vertebral body volume/diameter were calculated.
RESULTS: Three-dimensional volumetry revealed larger dural sac volumes (p < 0.001) and volume ratios (p < 0.001) at L3-S1 levels in MFS patients compared with non-MFS patients. For the detection of MFS, 3D volumetry achieved higher AUCs at L3-S1 levels (0.743, 0.752, 0.808, and 0.824) compared with dural sac diameter ratios (0.673, 0.707, 0.791, and 0.848); a significant difference was observed only for L3 (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: MRI-derived 3D volumetry of the lumbosacral dural sac and vertebral bodies is a feasible method for quantifying dural ectasia using shape-based machine learning. Non-inferior diagnostic accuracy was observed compared with dural sac diameter ratio (the current clinical standard for MFS detection).

Hereditary aortic aneurysms and dissections, such as Marfan syndrome, differ in that they occur in younger patients without generally recognized risk factors, have a predilection for the thoracic rather than the abdominal aorta, and are at risk for dissection even at smaller aortic diameters. Early diagnosis, careful follow-up, and early intervention, such as medication to reduce aortic root growth and prophylactic aortic replacement to prevent fatal aortic dissection, are essential for a better prognosis. Molecular genetic testing is extremely useful for early diagnosis. However, in actual clinical practice, the question often arises as to when and to which patient genetic testing should be offered since the outcome of the tests can have important implications for the patient and the relatives. Pre- and post-test genetic counseling is essential for early intervention to be effective. (This article is a secondary translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2023; 32: 261-267.).

OBJECTIVE: Subluxation of the crystalline lens (Ectopia Lentis, EL) can lead to significant visual impairment and serves as a diagnostic criterion for genetic disorders such as the Marfan syndrome. There is no established criterion to diagnose and quantify EL. We prospectively investigated the distance between the zonular fibre insertion and the limbus (ZLD) in healthy subjects as a parameter to assess the position of the lens, quantify EL and provide normative data.
METHODS: This prospective, observational, cross-sectional study includes one-hundred-fifty eyes of 150 healthy participants (mean age 28 years, range 4-68). Pupils were dilated with tropicamide 0.5% and phenylephrine 2.5% eyedrops. ZLD was measured in mydriasis at the slit lamp as the distance between the most central visible insertions of the zonular fibres on the lens surface and the corneoscleral limbus. Vertical pupil diameter (PD) and refractive error were recorded. If zonular fibre insertions were not visible, the distance between limbus and the pupillary margin was recorded as ZLD.
RESULTS: 145 right and 5 left eyes were examined. 93% of study subjects were Caucasian, 7% were Asian. In eyes with visible zonular fibre insertions (n = 76 eyes), ZLD was 1.30 ± 0.28 mm (mean ± SD, range 0.7-2.1) and PD was 8.79 ± 0.57 mm (7.5-9.8). In the remaining 74 eyes, ZLD was 1.38 ± 0.28 mm (0.7-2.1), and PD was 8.13 ± 0.58 mm (6.7-9.4). For all eyes, ZLD was 1.34 ± 0.29 mm (0.7-2.1), and PD was 8.47 ± 0.66 mm (6.7-9.8). Refractive error and sex did not significantly affect ZLD. Smaller PD and older age were associated with larger ZLD (P < 0.001 and P = 0.036, respectively).
CONCLUSIONS: Average ZLD was 1.34 mm in eyes of healthy subjects. Older age correlated with larger ZLD. These normative data will aid in diagnosing and quantifying EL.

Ventricular septal defects (VSDs) are recognized as one of the commonest congenital heart diseases (CHD), accounting for up to 40% of all cardiac malformations, and occur as isolated CHDs as well as together with other cardiac and extracardiac congenital malformations in individual patients and families. The genetic etiology of VSD is complex and extraordinarily heterogeneous. Chromosomal abnormalities such as aneuploidy and structural variations as well as rare point mutations in various genes have been reported to be associated with this cardiac defect. This includes both well-defined syndromes with known genetic cause (e.g., DiGeorge syndrome and Holt-Oram syndrome) and so far undefined syndromic forms characterized by unspecific symptoms. Mutations in genes encoding cardiac transcription factors (e.g., NKX2-5 and GATA4) and signaling molecules (e.g., CFC1) have been most frequently found in VSD cases. Moreover, new high-resolution methods such as comparative genomic hybridization enabled the discovery of a high number of different copy number variations, leading to gain or loss of chromosomal regions often containing multiple genes, in patients with VSD. In this chapter, we will describe the broad genetic heterogeneity observed in VSD patients considering recent advances in this field.