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Williams TA, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Rainey WE, Giordano TJ, Lam AK, Marker A, Mete O, Yamazaki Y, Zerbini MCN, Beuschlein F, Satoh F, Burrello J, Schneider H, Lenders JWM, Mulatero P, Castellano I, Knösel T, Papotti M, Saeger W, Sasano H, Reincke M. International Histopathology Consensus for Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:42-54. [PMID: 32717746 PMCID: PMC7765663 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Develop a consensus for the nomenclature and definition of adrenal histopathologic features in unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA). CONTEXT Unilateral PA is the most common surgically treated form of hypertension. Morphologic examination combined with CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) immunostaining reveals diverse histopathologic features of lesions in the resected adrenals. PATIENTS AND METHODS Surgically removed adrenals (n = 37) from 90 patients operated from 2015 to 2018 in Munich, Germany, were selected to represent the broad histologic spectrum of unilateral PA. Five pathologists (Group 1 from Germany, Italy, and Japan) evaluated the histopathology of hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and CYP11B2 immunostained sections, and a consensus was established to define the identifiable features. The consensus was subsequently used by 6 additional pathologists (Group 2 from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, United States) for the assessment of all adrenals with disagreement for histopathologic diagnoses among group 1 pathologists. RESULTS Consensus was achieved to define histopathologic features associated with PA. Use of CYP11B2 immunostaining resulted in a change of the original HE morphology-driven diagnosis in 5 (14%) of 37 cases. Using the consensus criteria, group 2 pathologists agreed for the evaluation of 11 of the 12 cases of disagreement among group 1 pathologists. CONCLUSION The HISTALDO (histopathology of primary aldosteronism) consensus is useful to standardize nomenclature and achieve consistency among pathologists for the histopathologic diagnosis of unilateral PA. CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry should be incorporated into the routine clinical diagnostic workup to localize the likely source of aldosterone production.
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Kay C, Williams TA, Gibson W. Mitochondrial DNAs provide insight into trypanosome phylogeny and molecular evolution. BMC Evol Biol 2020; 20:161. [PMID: 33297939 PMCID: PMC7724854 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-020-01701-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trypanosomes are single-celled eukaryotic parasites characterised by the unique biology of their mitochondrial DNA. African livestock trypanosomes impose a major burden on agriculture across sub-Saharan Africa, but are poorly understood compared to those that cause sleeping sickness and Chagas disease in humans. Here we explore the potential of the maxicircle, a component of trypanosome mitochondrial DNA to study the evolutionary history of trypanosomes. Results We used long-read sequencing to completely assemble maxicircle mitochondrial DNA from four previously uncharacterized African trypanosomes, and leveraged these assemblies to scaffold and assemble a further 103 trypanosome maxicircle gene coding regions from published short-read data. While synteny was largely conserved, there were repeated, independent losses of Complex I genes. Comparison of pre-edited and non-edited genes revealed the impact of RNA editing on nucleotide composition, with non-edited genes approaching the limits of GC loss. African tsetse-transmitted trypanosomes showed high levels of RNA editing compared to other trypanosomes. The gene coding regions of maxicircle mitochondrial DNAs were used to construct time-resolved phylogenetic trees, revealing deep divergence events among isolates of the pathogens Trypanosoma brucei and T. congolense. Conclusions Our data represents a new resource for experimental and evolutionary analyses of trypanosome phylogeny, molecular evolution and function. Molecular clock analyses yielded a timescale for trypanosome evolution congruent with major biogeographical events in Africa and revealed the recent emergence of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and T. equiperdum, major human and animal pathogens.
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Yang Y, Williams TA, Song Y, Yang S, He W, Wang K, Cheng Q, Ma L, Luo T, Yang J, Reincke M, Burrello J, Li Q, Mulatero P, Hu J. Nomogram-Based Preoperative Score for Predicting Clinical Outcome in Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5902972. [PMID: 32898224 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT More than half of patients diagnosed with unilateral primary aldosteronism (UPA) suffer from persisting hypertension after unilateral adrenalectomy. OBJECTIVE The objective of this work is to develop and validate a nomogram-based preoperative score (NBPS) to predict clinical outcomes after unilateral adrenalectomy for UPA. DESIGN AND SETTING The NBPS was developed in an Asian cohort by incorporating predictors independently associated with remission of hypertension after unilateral adrenalectomy for UPA and validated in a Caucasian cohort. PARTICIPANTS Participants comprised patients with UPA achieving complete biochemical success after unilateral adrenalectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Measurements included the predictive performance of the NBPS compared with 2 previously developed outcome prediction scores: aldosteronoma resolution score (ARS) and primary aldosteronism surgical outcome (PASO) score. RESULTS Ninety-seven of 150 (64.7%) patients achieved complete clinical success after unilateral adrenalectomy in the training cohort and 57 out of 165 (34.5%) in the validation cohort. A nomogram was established incorporating sex, duration of hypertension, aldosterone-to-renin ratio, and target organ damage. The nomogram showed good C indices and calibration curves both in Asian and Caucasian cohorts. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of the NBPS for predicting hypertension remission in the training cohort was 0.853 (0.786-0.905), which was superior to the ARS (0.745 [0.667-0.812], P = .019) and PASO score (0.747 [0.670-0.815], P = .012). The AUC of the NBPS in the validation cohort was 0.830 (0.764-0.884), which was higher than the ARS (0.745 [95% CI, 0.672-0.810], P = .045), but not significantly different from the PASO score (0.825 [95% CI, 0.758-0.880], P = .911). CONCLUSION The NBPS is useful in predicting clinical outcome for UPA patients, especially in the Asian population.
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Vohra T, Kemter E, Sun N, Dobenecker B, Hinrichs A, Burrello J, Gomez-Sanchez EP, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Wang J, Kinker IS, Teupser D, Fischer K, Schnieke A, Peitzsch M, Eisenhofer G, Walch A, Reincke M, Wolf E, Williams TA. Effect of Dietary Sodium Modulation on Pig Adrenal Steroidogenesis and Transcriptome Profiles. Hypertension 2020; 76:1769-1777. [PMID: 33070662 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.15998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is a frequent form of endocrine hypertension caused by aldosterone overproduction from the adrenal cortex. Regulation of aldosterone biosynthesis has been studied in rodents despite differences in adrenal physiology with humans. We, therefore, investigated pig adrenal steroidogenesis, morphology, and transcriptome profiles of the zona glomerulosa (zG) and zona fasciculata in response to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by dietary sodium restriction. Six-week-old pigs were fed a low- or high-sodium diet for 14 days (3 pigs per group, 0.4 g sodium/kg feed versus 6.8 g sodium/kg). Plasma aldosterone concentrations displayed a 43-fold increase (P=0.011) after 14 days of sodium restriction (day 14 versus day 0). Low dietary sodium caused a 2-fold increase in thickness of the zG (P<0.001) and an almost 3-fold upregulation of CYP11B (P<0.05) compared with high dietary sodium. Strong immunostaining of the KCNJ5 (G protein-activated inward rectifier potassium channel 4), which is frequently mutated in primary aldosteronism, was demonstrated in the zG. mRNA sequencing transcriptome analysis identified significantly altered expression of genes modulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in the zG (n=1172) and zona fasciculata (n=280). These genes included many with a known role in the regulation of aldosterone synthesis and adrenal function. The most highly enriched biological pathways in the zG were related to cholesterol biosynthesis, steroid metabolism, cell cycle, and potassium channels. This study provides mechanistic insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of aldosterone production in a species closely related to humans and shows the suitability of pigs as a translational animal model for human adrenal steroidogenesis.
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Burrello J, Burrello A, Pieroni J, Sconfienza E, Forestiero V, Rabbia P, Adolf C, Reincke M, Veglio F, Williams TA, Monticone S, Mulatero P. Development and Validation of Prediction Models for Subtype Diagnosis of Patients With Primary Aldosteronism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5860167. [PMID: 32561919 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Primary aldosteronism (PA) comprises unilateral (lateralized [LPA]) and bilateral disease (BPA). The identification of LPA is important to recommend potentially curative adrenalectomy. Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is considered the gold standard for PA subtyping, but the procedure is available in few referral centers. OBJECTIVE To develop prediction models for subtype diagnosis of PA using patient clinical and biochemical characteristics. DESIGN, PATIENTS AND SETTING Patients referred to a tertiary hypertension unit. Diagnostic algorithms were built and tested in a training (N = 150) and in an internal validation cohort (N = 65), respectively. The models were validated in an external independent cohort (N = 118). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Regression analyses and supervised machine learning algorithms were used to develop and validate 2 diagnostic models and a 20-point score to classify patients with PA according to subtype diagnosis. RESULTS Six parameters were associated with a diagnosis of LPA (aldosterone at screening and after confirmatory testing, lowest potassium value, presence/absence of nodules, nodule diameter, and computed tomography results) and were included in the diagnostic models. Machine learning algorithms displayed high accuracy at training and internal validation (79.1%-93%), whereas a 20-point score reached an area under the curve of 0.896, and a sensitivity/specificity of 91.7/79.3%. An integrated flowchart correctly addressed 96.3% of patients to surgery and would have avoided AVS in 43.7% of patients. The external validation on an independent cohort confirmed a similar diagnostic performance. CONCLUSIONS Diagnostic modelling techniques can be used for subtype diagnosis and guide surgical decision in patients with PA in centers where AVS is unavailable.
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Mulatero P, Sechi LA, Williams TA, Lenders JWM, Reincke M, Satoh F, Januszewicz A, Naruse M, Doumas M, Veglio F, Wu VC, Widimsky J. Subtype diagnosis, treatment, complications and outcomes of primary aldosteronism and future direction of research: a position statement and consensus of the Working Group on Endocrine Hypertension of the European Society of Hypertension. J Hypertens 2020; 38:1929-1936. [PMID: 32890265 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000002520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
: Primary aldosteronism is a frequent cause of secondary hypertension requiring a specific pharmacological treatment with mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist or with unilateral adrenalectomy. These treatments have shown to reduce the excess of cardiovascular risk characteristically associated with this disease. In part I of this consensus, we discussed the procedures for the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism. In the present part II, we address the strategies for the differential diagnosis of primary aldosteronism subtypes and therapy. We also discuss the evaluation of outcomes and provide suggestions for follow-up as well as cardiovascular and metabolic complications specifically associated with primary aldosteronism. Finally, we analyse the principal gaps of knowledge and future challenges for research in this field.
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Constantinescu G, Langton K, Conrad C, Amar L, Assié G, Gimenez-Roqueplo AP, Blanchard A, Larsen CK, Mulatero P, Williams TA, Prejbisz A, Fassnacht M, Bornstein S, Ceccato F, Fliedner S, Dennedy M, Peitzsch M, Sinnott R, Januszewicz A, Beuschlein F, Reincke M, Zennaro MC, Eisenhofer G, Deinum J. Glucocorticoid Excess in Patients with Pheochromocytoma Compared with Paraganglioma and Other Forms of Hypertension. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5866040. [PMID: 32609829 PMCID: PMC7413598 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Catecholamines and adrenocortical steroids are important regulators of blood pressure. Bidirectional relationships between adrenal steroids and catecholamines have been established but whether this is relevant to patients with pheochromocytoma is unclear. OBJECTIVE This study addresses the hypothesis that patients with pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) have altered steroid production compared with patients with primary hypertension. DESIGN Multicenter cross-sectional study. SETTING Twelve European referral centers. PATIENTS Subjects included 182 patients with pheochromocytoma, 36 with paraganglioma and 270 patients with primary hypertension. Patients with primary aldosteronism (n = 461) and Cushing syndrome (n = 124) were included for additional comparisons. INTERVENTION In patients with PPGLs, surgical resection of tumors. OUTCOME MEASURES Differences in mass spectrometry-based profiles of 15 adrenal steroids between groups and after surgical resection of PPGLs. Relationships of steroids to plasma and urinary metanephrines and urinary catecholamines. RESULTS Patients with pheochromocytoma had higher (P < .05) circulating concentrations of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, 11-deoxycorticosterone, and corticosterone than patients with primary hypertension. Concentrations of cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, and corticosterone were also higher (P < .05) in patients with pheochromocytoma than with paraganglioma. These steroids correlated positively with plasma and urinary metanephrines and catecholamines in patients with pheochromocytoma, but not paraganglioma. After adrenalectomy, there were significant decreases in cortisol, 11-deoxycortisol, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, aldosterone, and 18-oxocortisol. CONCLUSIONS This is the first large study in patients with PPGLs that supports in a clinical setting the concept of adrenal cortical-medullary interactions involving an influence of catecholamines on adrenal steroids. These findings could have implications for the cardiovascular complications of PPGLs and the clinical management of patients with the tumors.
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Eisenhofer G, Durán C, Cannistraci CV, Peitzsch M, Williams TA, Riester A, Burrello J, Buffolo F, Prejbisz A, Beuschlein F, Januszewicz A, Mulatero P, Lenders JWM, Reincke M. Use of Steroid Profiling Combined With Machine Learning for Identification and Subtype Classification in Primary Aldosteronism. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3:e2016209. [PMID: 32990741 PMCID: PMC7525346 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.16209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Most patients with primary aldosteronism, a major cause of secondary hypertension, are not identified or appropriately treated because of difficulties in diagnosis and subtype classification. Applications of artificial intelligence combined with mass spectrometry-based steroid profiling could address this problem. OBJECTIVE To assess whether plasma steroid profiling combined with machine learning might facilitate diagnosis and treatment stratification of primary aldosteronism, particularly for patients with unilateral adenomas due to pathogenic KCNJ5 sequence variants. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This diagnostic study was conducted at multiple tertiary care referral centers. Steroid profiles were measured from June 2013 to March 2017 in 462 patients tested for primary aldosteronism and 201 patients with hypertension. Data analyses were performed from September 2018 to August 2019. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The aldosterone to renin ratio and saline infusion tests were used to diagnose primary aldosteronism. Subtyping was done by adrenal venous sampling and follow-up of patients who underwent adrenalectomy. Statistical tests and machine-learning algorithms were applied to plasma steroid profiles. Areas under receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivity, specificity, and other diagnostic performance measures were calculated. RESULTS Primary aldosteronism was confirmed in 273 patients (165 men [60%]; mean [SD] age, 51 [10] years), including 134 with bilateral disease and 139 with unilateral adenomas (58 with and 81 without somatic KCNJ5 sequence variants). Plasma steroid profiles varied according to disease subtype and were particularly distinctive in patients with adenomas due to KCNJ5 variants, who showed better rates of biochemical cure after adrenalectomy than other patients. Among patients tested for primary aldosteronism, a selection of 8 steroids in combination with the aldosterone to renin ratio showed improved effectiveness for diagnosis over either strategy alone. In contrast, the steroid profile alone showed superior performance over the aldosterone to renin ratio for identifying unilateral disease, particularly adenomas due to KCNJ5 variants. Among 632 patients included in the analysis, machine learning-designed combinatorial marker profiles of 7 steroids alone both predicted primary aldosteronism in 1 step and subtyped patients with unilateral adenomas due to KCNJ5 variants at diagnostic sensitivities of 69% (95% CI, 68%-71%) and 85% (95% CI, 81%-88%), respectively, and at specificities of 94% (95% CI, 93%-94%) and 97% (95% CI, 97%-98%), respectively. The validation series yielded comparable diagnostic performance. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Machine learning-designed combinatorial plasma steroid profiles may facilitate both screening for primary aldosteronism and identification of patients with unilateral adenomas due to pathogenic KCNJ5 variants, who are most likely to show benefit from surgical intervention.
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Mulatero P, Burrello J, Williams TA, Monticone S. Primary Aldosteronism in the Elderly. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5821545. [PMID: 32303754 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The clinical spectrum and knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying primary aldosteronism (PA), the most frequent form of endocrine hypertension, has evolved over recent years. In accordance with the Endocrine Society guidelines and in light of the growing evidence showing adverse cardiovascular outcomes, it is expected that a progressively wider population of patients affected by hypertension will be screened for PA, including the elderly. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic search of PubMed was undertaken for studies related to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), PA, and adrenal histopathology in the elderly population. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Several studies showed an age-dependent decrease in the activity of RAAS, together with a progressive decrease of the aldosterone response to sodium intake, particularly after the sixth decade of life. The positive correlation between age and serum aldosterone during liberal sodium intake over serum aldosterone during sodium restriction is paralleled by histological changes in adrenal aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2) expression patterns. Immunohistochemical studies showed a progressive loss of the continuous expression of CYP11B2 in the adrenal zona glomerulosa with aging and a concomitant increase of aldosterone-producing cell clusters, which might be responsible for relatively autonomous aldosterone production. Additionally, following PA confirmation and subtype diagnosis, older age is correlated with a lower benefit after adrenalectomy for unilateral PA. CONCLUSIONS Accumulating evidence suggests that RAAS physiology and regulation show age-related changes. Further studies may investigate to what extent these variations might affect the diagnostic workup of patients affected by PA.
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Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common form of endocrine hypertension. Agonistic autoantibodies against the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R-Abs) have been described in transplantation medicine and women with pre-eclampsia and more recently in patients with PA. Any functional role of AT1R-Abs in either of the two main subtypes of PA (aldosterone-producing adenoma or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia) requires clarification. In this review, we discuss the studies performed to date on AT1R-Abs in PA.
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Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is characterized by hypertension caused by inappropriately high adrenal aldosterone secretion, consecutively low plasma renin, and an elevated aldosterone to renin ratio. It is nowadays the universally accepted main cause of endocrine hypertension. According to the most recent epidemiological data, PA is present in 5.8% of unselected hypertensives in primary care, 6-12% of hypertensives treated in hypertension centers, and up to 30% in subjects with resistant hypertension 1. Despite this high prevalence, a recent survey demonstrated that screening for PA is not universally followed. Renin and aldosterone measurements, the basis for PA screening, are currently performed by only 7% of general practitioners in Italy and 8% in Germany 2. Accordingly, the prevalence of PA was low with 1% among hypertensives in Italy and 2% in Germany. In a retrospective cohort study of 4660 patients with resistant hypertension in California the screening rate for PA was 2.1% 3. Based on these data, it is clear that we still miss the majority of PA cases, despite advances in diagnosis and therapy.
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Baker JE, Nanba K, Blinder AR, Bick N, Wachtel H, Cohen DL, Williams TA, Reincke M, Else T, Tomlins SA, Giordano TJ, Rainey WE. SAT-554 Genetic Profile of Early-Onset Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas. J Endocr Soc 2020. [PMCID: PMC7208325 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) is a major subtype of primary aldosteronism (PA) which is the most common cause of endocrine-related hypertension. The Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline suggests that young patients (< 35 years old) with a CT-detected adrenocortical adenoma and typical phenotype of PA may not need adrenal venous sampling prior to adrenalectomy. In recent years, aldosterone-driver somatic mutations have been identified in APA, and prevalence studies suggest potential effects of patient age and sex. However, the rare nature of early-onset PA has prevented a detailed study of the histologic characteristics and aldosterone-driver somatic mutations in adrenal tumors from these patients. Objective: To determine histologic and somatic mutation profile in early-onset APA. Methods: Fifty-five formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) adrenals from patients at the age of 35 years old or younger who underwent adrenalectomy at the participating centers were studied (45 women, 9 men, and 1 unknown sex). CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry (IHC)-guided tumor capturing was used to selectively obtain DNA from APA. Mutation status was determined either by Sanger sequencing or targeted next-generation sequencing. Results: CYP11B2 IHC identified APAs in all adrenal specimens. Solitary APAs were found in 53 adrenals. One adrenal had multiple APAs and one had a dominant CYP11B2-negative tumor and a smaller APA. In total, DNA from 57 APAs were sequenced. Two APAs were excluded from the analysis due to low sample quality. In 52 of the 55 APAs, somatic mutations were identified in one of the aldosterone-driver genes or CTNNB1 gene, encoding β-catenin. The most common genetic alteration was seen in KCNJ5 (37/55, 67%), followed by CACNA1D (7/55, 13%), ATP1A1 (3/55, 5%), CTNNB1 (3/55, 5%), and ATP2B3 (2/55, 4%). No sex difference in the prevalence of KCNJ5 mutation was observed in this age group. Conclusion: The majority of adrenals from early-onset PA patients had a solitary APA. Regardless of sex, the most common genetic cause of early-onset APA was somatic mutations in KCNJ5.
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Burrello J, Monticone S, Losano I, Cavaglià G, Buffolo F, Tetti M, Covella M, Rabbia F, Veglio F, Pasini B, Williams TA, Mulatero P. Prevalence of Hypokalemia and Primary Aldosteronism in 5100 Patients Referred to a Tertiary Hypertension Unit. Hypertension 2020; 75:1025-1033. [PMID: 32114853 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.14063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) was considered a rare disorder almost always associated with hypokalemia. The widespread screening of patients with hypertension unveiled an increased prevalence of PA with normokalemic hypertension the prevailing phenotype. Many studies have reported the prevalence of hypokalemia in patients with PA; conversely, the prevalence of PA in patients with hypokalemia is unknown. In this retrospective observational study, we define the prevalence of hypokalemia in referred patients with hypertension and the prevalence of PA in patients with hypokalemia and hypertension. Hypokalemia was present in 15.8% of 5100 patients with hypertension, whereas 76.9% were normokalemic, and 7.3% hyperkalemic. The prevalence of PA in patients with hypokalemia was 28.1% and increased with decreasing potassium concentrations up to 88.5% of patients with spontaneous hypokalemia and potassium concentrations <2.5 mmol/L. A multivariate regression analysis demonstrated the association of hypokalemia with the occurrence of cardiovascular events independent of PA diagnosis. An association of PA with the occurrence of cardiovascular events and target organ damage independent of hypokalemia was also demonstrated. In conclusion, our results confirm that PA is a frequent cause of secondary hypertension in patients with hypokalemia, and the presence of hypertension and spontaneous hypokalemia are strong indications for PA diagnosis. Finally, we show that PA and hypokalemia are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
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Ono Y, Yamazaki Y, Omata K, Else T, Tomlins SA, Rhayem Y, Williams TA, Reincke M, Carling T, Monticone S, Mulatero P, Beuschlein F, Ito S, Satoh F, Rainey WE, Sasano H. Histological Characterization of Aldosterone-producing Adrenocortical Adenomas with Different Somatic Mutations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5649299. [PMID: 31789380 PMCID: PMC7048684 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgz235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Aldosterone-producing adrenocortical adenomas (APAs) are mainly composed of clear (lipid rich) and compact (eosinophilic) tumor cells. The detailed association between these histological features and somatic mutations (KCNJ5, ATP1A1, ATP2B3, and CACNA1D) in APAs is unknown. OBJECTIVE To examine the association between histological features and individual genotypes in APAs. METHODS Examination of 39 APAs subjected to targeted next-generation sequencing (11 KCNJ5, 10 ATP1A1, 10 ATP2B3, and 8 CACNA1D) and quantitative morphological and immunohistochemical (CYP11B2 and CYP17A1) analyses using digital imaging software. RESULTS KCNJ5- and ATP2B3-mutated APAs had clear cell dominant features (KCNJ5: clear 59.8% [54.4-64.6%] vs compact 40.2% (35.4-45.6%), P = .0022; ATP2B3: clear 54.3% [48.2-62.4 %] vs compact 45.7% (37.6-51.8 %), P = .0696). ATP1A1- and CACNA1D-mutated APAs presented with marked intratumoral heterogeneity. A significantly positive correlation of immunoreactivity was detected between CYP11B2 and CYP17A1 in tumor cells of KCNJ5-mutated APAs (P = .0112; ρ = 0.7237), in contrast, significantly inverse correlation was detected in ATP1A1-mutated APAs (P = .0025; ρ = -0.8667). CONCLUSION KCNJ5-mutated APAs, coexpressing CYP11B2 and CYP17A1, were more deviated in terms of zonation-specific differentiation of adrenocortical cells than ATP1A1- and ATP2B3-mutated APAs.
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Yang Y, Reincke M, Williams TA. Prevalence, diagnosis and outcomes of treatment for primary aldosteronism. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 34:101365. [PMID: 31837980 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2019.101365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common potentially curable form of hypertension. The overproduction of aldosterone leads to an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events as well as adverse effects to the heart and kidney and psychological disorders. PA is mainly caused by unilateral aldosterone excess due to an aldosterone-producing adenoma or bilateral excess due to bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia. The diagnostic work-up of PA comprises three steps: screening, confirmatory testing and differentiation of unilateral surgically-correctable forms from medically treated bilateral PA. These specific treatments can mitigate or reverse the increased risks associated with PA. Herein we summarise the prevalence, outcomes and current and future clinical approaches for the diagnosis of primary aldosteronism.
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Sun N, Meyer LS, Feuchtinger A, Kunzke T, Knösel T, Reincke M, Walch A, Williams TA. Mass Spectrometry Imaging Establishes 2 Distinct Metabolic Phenotypes of Aldosterone-Producing Cell Clusters in Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension 2020; 75:634-644. [PMID: 31957522 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are one of the main causes of primary aldosteronism and the most prevalent surgically correctable form of hypertension. Aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs) comprise tight nests of zona glomerulosa cells, strongly positive for CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) in immunohistochemistry. APCCs have been suggested as possible precursors of APAs because they frequently carry driver mutations for constitutive aldosterone production, and a few adrenal lesions with histopathologic features of both APCCs and APAs have been identified. Our objective was to investigate the metabolic phenotypes of APCCs (n=27) compared with APAs (n=6) using in situ matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded adrenals from patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism. Specific distribution patterns of metabolites were associated with APCCs and classified 2 separate APCC subgroups (subgroups 1 and 2) indistinguishable by CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry. Metabolic profiles of APCCs in subgroup 1 were tightly clustered and distinct from subgroup 2 and APAs. Multiple APCCs from the same adrenal displayed metabolic profiles of the same subgroup. Metabolites of APCC subgroup 2 were highly similar to the APA group and indicated enhanced metabolic pathways favoring cell proliferation compared with APCC subgroup 1. In conclusion, we demonstrate specific subgroups of APCCs with strikingly divergent distribution patterns of metabolites. One subgroup displays a metabolic phenotype convergent with APAs and may represent the progression of APCCs to APAs.
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Williams TA. Translational Control of Aldosterone Production in Aldosterone-Producing Adenomas. Hypertension 2019; 75:299-301. [PMID: 31865787 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.14196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Williams TA, Lenders JW, Reincke M. Assessing outcomes after adrenalectomy for unilateral primary aldosteronism. Surgery 2019; 166:1199-1200. [DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2019.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Murakami M, Rhayem Y, Kunzke T, Sun N, Feuchtinger A, Ludwig P, Strom TM, Gomez-Sanchez C, Knösel T, Kirchner T, Williams TA, Reincke M, Walch AK, Beuschlein F. In situ metabolomics of aldosterone-producing adenomas. JCI Insight 2019; 4:130356. [PMID: 31484828 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.130356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent genetic examinations and multisteroid profiles have provided the basis for subclassification of aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs). The objective of the current study was to produce a comprehensive, high-resolution mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) map of APAs in relation to morphometry, immunohistochemical profiles, mutational status, and clinical outcome. The study cohort comprised 136 patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-Fourier transform-ion cyclotron resonance MSI was conducted, and metabolite profiles were analyzed with genotype/phenotype information, including digital image analysis from morphometry and IHC of steroidogenic enzymes. Distinct molecular signatures between KCNJ5- and CACNA1D-mutated APAs with significant differences of 137 metabolites, including metabolites of purine metabolism and steroidogenesis, were observed. Intratumor concentration of 18-oxocortisol and 18-hydroxycortisol were inversely correlated with the staining intensity of CYP11B1. Lower staining intensity of CYP11B1 and higher levels of 18-oxocortisol were associated with a higher probability of complete clinical success after surgery. The present study demonstrates distinct metabolomic profiles of APAs in relation to tumor genotype. In addition, we reveal an inverse correlation between cortisol derivatives and CYP11B1 and the impact of 18-oxocortisol and CYP11B1 on clinical outcome, which provides unprecedented insights into the pathophysiology, clinical features, and steroidogenesis of APAs.
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Williams TA, Jaquin D, Burrello J, Philippe A, Yang Y, Rank P, Nirschl N, Sturm L, Hübener C, Dragun D, Bidlingmaier M, Beuschlein F, Reincke M. Diverse Responses of Autoantibodies to the Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor in Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension 2019; 74:784-792. [PMID: 31476909 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.13156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is a common form of endocrine hypertension mainly caused by a unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) or bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH). AT1R-Abs (autoantibodies to the angiotensin II type 1 receptor) have been reported in patients with disorders associated with hypertension. Our objective was to assess AT1R-Ab levels in patients with primary aldosteronism (APA, n=40 and BAH, n=40) relative to patients with primary hypertension (n=40), preeclampsia (n=23), and normotensive individuals (n=25). AT1R-Abs in whole sera were measured using 2 different ELISAs which gave contrasting results. A functional cell-based assay was used to quantify activation of the AT1R (angiotensin II type 1 receptor) using whole sera or affinity-purified antibodies in the absence or presence of losartan (a specific AT1R antagonist). Serum samples from all groups displayed different levels of AT1R activation with different responses to losartan. Patients with BAH displayed higher losartan-independent affinity-isolated agonistic AT1R-Ab levels compared with patients with APA (P<0.01) and with normotensive individuals (P<0.0001). In patients with APA, BAH, and primary hypertension combined, higher aldosterone-to-renin ratios and lower plasma renin concentrations were associated with higher compared with lower agonistic AT1R-Ab levels. In patients with primary aldosteronism, higher AT1R-Ab activity was associated with an increased likelihood of a diagnosis of BAH compared with APA and with the presence of adrenal hyperplasia detected by computed tomography. Taken together, these data suggest that agonistic AT1R-Abs may have a functional role in a subgroup of patients with primary aldosteronism.
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Yang Y, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Jaquin D, Aristizabal Prada ET, Meyer LS, Knösel T, Schneider H, Beuschlein F, Reincke M, Williams TA. Primary Aldosteronism: KCNJ5 Mutations and Adrenocortical Cell Growth. Hypertension 2019; 74:809-816. [PMID: 31446799 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.13476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aldosterone-producing adenomas with somatic mutations in the KCNJ5 G-protein-coupled inwardly rectifying potassium channel are a cause of primary aldosteronism. These mutations drive aldosterone excess, but their role in cell growth is undefined. Our objective was to determine the role of KCNJ5 mutations in adrenal cell proliferation and apoptosis. The Ki67 proliferative index was positively correlated with adenoma diameter in aldosterone-producing adenomas with a KCNJ5 mutation (r=0.435, P=0.007), a negative correlation was noted in adenomas with no mutation detected (r=-0.548, P=0.023). Human adrenocortical cell lines were established with stable expression of cumate-inducible wild-type or mutated KCNJ5. Increased cell proliferation was induced by low-level induction of KCNJ5-T158A expression compared with control cells (P=0.009), but increased induction ablated this difference. KCNJ5-G151R displayed no apparent proliferative effect, but KCNJ5-G151E and L168R mutations each resulted in decreased cell proliferation (difference P<0.0001 from control cells, both comparisons). Under conditions tested, T158A had no effect on apoptosis, but apoptosis increased with expression of G151R (P<0.0001), G151E (P=0.008), and L168R (P<0.0001). We generated a specific KCNJ5 monoclonal antibody which was used in immunohistochemistry to demonstrate strong KCNJ5 expression in adenomas without a KCNJ5 mutation and in the zona glomerulosa adjacent to adenomas irrespective of genotype as well as in aldosterone-producing cell clusters. Double immunofluorescence staining for KCNJ5 and CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) showed markedly decreased KCNJ5 immunostaining in CYP11B2-positive cells compared with CYP11B2-negative cells in aldosterone-producing adenomas with a KCNJ5 mutation. Together, these findings support the concept that cell growth effects of KCNJ5 mutations are determined by the expression level of the mutated channel.
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Yang Y, Burrello J, Burrello A, Eisenhofer G, Peitzsch M, Tetti M, Knösel T, Beuschlein F, Lenders JWM, Mulatero P, Reincke M, Williams TA. Classification of microadenomas in patients with primary aldosteronism by steroid profiling. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 189:274-282. [PMID: 30654107 PMCID: PMC6876277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
In primary aldosteronism (PA) the differentiation of unilateral aldosterone-producing adenomas (APA) from bilateral adrenal hyperplasia (BAH) is usually performed by adrenal venous sampling (AVS) and/or computed tomography (CT). CT alone often lacks the sensitivity to identify micro-APAs. Our objectives were to establish if steroid profiling could be useful for the identification of patients with micro-APAs and for the development of an online tool to differentiate micro-APAs, macro-APAs and BAH. The study included patients with PA (n = 197) from Munich (n = 124) and Torino (n = 73) and comprised 33 patients with micro-APAs, 95 with macro-APAs, and 69 with BAH. Subtype differentiation was by AVS, and micro- and macro-APAs were selected according to pathology reports. Steroid concentrations in peripheral venous plasma were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. An online tool using a random forest model was built for the classification of micro-APA, macro-APA and BAH. Micro-APA were classified with low specificity (33%) but macro-APA and BAH were correctly classified with high specificity (93%). Improved classification of micro-APAs was achieved using a diagnostic algorithm integrating steroid profiling, CT scanning and AVS procedures limited to patients with discordant steroid and CT results. This would have increased the correct classification of micro-APAs to 68% and improved the overall classification to 92%. Such an approach could be useful to select patients with CT-undetectable micro-APAs in whom AVS should be considered mandatory.
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Meyer LS, Wang X, Sušnik E, Burrello J, Burrello A, Castellano I, Eisenhofer G, Fallo F, Kline GA, Knösel T, Kocjan T, Lenders JWM, Mulatero P, Naruse M, Nishikawa T, Peitzsch M, Rump LC, Beuschlein F, Hahner S, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Reincke M, Williams TA. Immunohistopathology and Steroid Profiles Associated With Biochemical Outcomes After Adrenalectomy for Unilateral Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension 2019; 72:650-657. [PMID: 30012870 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.118.11465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Unilateral primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most common surgically curable form of hypertension that must be accurately differentiated from bilateral PA for therapeutic management (surgical versus medical). Adrenalectomy results in biochemical cure (complete biochemical success) in almost all patients diagnosed with unilateral PA; the remaining patients with partial or absent biochemical success comprise those with persisting aldosteronism who were misdiagnosed as unilateral PA preoperatively. To identify determinants of postsurgical biochemical outcomes, we compared the adrenal histopathology and the peripheral venous steroid profiles of patients with partial and absent or complete biochemical success after adrenalectomy for unilateral PA. A large multicenter cohort of adrenals from patients with absent and partial biochemical success (n=43) displayed a higher prevalence of hyperplasia (49% versus 21%; P=0.004) and a lower prevalence of solitary functional adenoma (44% versus 79%; P<0.001) compared with adrenals from age- and sex-matched patients with PA with complete biochemical success (n=52). We measured the peripheral plasma steroid concentrations in a subgroup of these patients (n=43) and in a group of patients with bilateral PA (n=27). Steroid profiling was associated with histopathologic phenotypes (solitary functional adenoma, hyperplasia, and aldosterone-producing cell clusters) and classified patients according to biochemical outcome or diagnosis of bilateral PA. If validated, peripheral venous steroid profiling may be a useful tool to guide the decision to perform surgery based on expectations of biochemical outcome after the procedure.
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Reincke M, Beuschlein F, Bornstein S, Eisenhofer G, Fassnacht M, Reisch N, Williams TA. The Adrenal Gland: Central Relay in Health and Disease. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2019; 127:81-83. [PMID: 30812048 DOI: 10.1055/a-0752-4176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Diseases of the adrenal gland are as important for the general practitioner as for the endocrine specialist. The high prevalence of some adrenal endocrinopathies, such as adrenal incidentalomas (1-2% of the population) and primary aldosteronism (6% of hypertensives), which affect millions of patients, makes adrenal diseases a relevant health issue. The high morbidity and mortality of some of the rarer adrenal diseases, i. e., Addison's disease and Cushing's syndrome (Table 1), make early detection and appropriate treatment such a challenge for the health care system.
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Meyer LS, Reincke M, Williams TA. Timeline of Advances in Genetics of Primary Aldosteronism. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2019; 111:213-243. [PMID: 31588534 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-25905-1_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The overwhelming majority of cases of primary aldosteronism (PA) occur sporadically due to a unilateral aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) or bilateral idiopathic adrenal hyperplasia. Familial forms of PA are rare with four subtypes defined to date (familial hyperaldosteronism types I-IV). The molecular basis of familial hyperaldosteronism type I (FH type I or glucocorticoid-remediable aldosteronism) was established in 1992; two decades later the genetic variant causing FH type III was identified and germline mutations causing FH type IV and FH type II were determined soon after. Effective diagnostic protocols and methods to detect the overactive gland in unilateral PA by adrenal venous sampling followed by laparoscopic adrenalectomy have made available APAs for scientific studies. In rapid succession, following the widespread use of next-generation sequencing, recurrent somatic driver mutations in APAs were identified in genes encoding ion channels and transporters. The development of highly specific monoclonal antibodies against key enzymes in adrenal steroidogenesis has unveiled the heterogeneous features of the diseased adrenal in PA and helped reveal the high proportion of APAs with driver mutations. We discuss what is known about the genetics of PA that has led to a clearer understanding of the disease pathophysiology.
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