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Hattori A, Fukami M. Nuclear Receptor Gene Variants Underlying Disorders/Differences of Sex Development through Abnormal Testicular Development. Biomolecules 2023; 13:691. [PMID: 37189438 PMCID: PMC10135730 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gonadal development is the first step in human reproduction. Aberrant gonadal development during the fetal period is a major cause of disorders/differences of sex development (DSD). To date, pathogenic variants of three nuclear receptor genes (NR5A1, NR0B1, and NR2F2) have been reported to cause DSD via atypical testicular development. In this review article, we describe the clinical significance of the NR5A1 variants as the cause of DSD and introduce novel findings from recent studies. NR5A1 variants are associated with 46,XY DSD and 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD. Notably, both 46,XX DSD and 46,XY DSD caused by the NR5A1 variants show remarkable phenotypic variability, to which digenic/oligogenic inheritances potentially contribute. Additionally, we discuss the roles of NR0B1 and NR2F2 in the etiology of DSD. NR0B1 acts as an anti-testicular gene. Duplications containing NR0B1 result in 46,XY DSD, whereas deletions encompassing NR0B1 can underlie 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD. NR2F2 has recently been reported as a causative gene for 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular DSD and possibly for 46,XY DSD, although the role of NR2F2 in gonadal development is unclear. The knowledge about these three nuclear receptors provides novel insights into the molecular networks involved in the gonadal development in human fetuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Hattori
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
- Division of Diversity Research, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Maki Fukami
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan;
- Division of Diversity Research, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
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Ferrigno R, Cioffi D, Pellino V, Savanelli MC, Klain A. Growth alterations in rare forms of primary adrenal insufficiency: a neglected issue in paediatric endocrinology. Endocrine 2023; 80:1-9. [PMID: 36309634 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03236-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is an endocrine disorder characterized by direct adrenal failure, with consequent glucocorticoid, and eventually mineralocorticoid, deficiency. In children, the main cause of PAI is congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), due to a loss of function of adrenal steroidogenic enzymes, but also rarer forms, including autoimmune polyglandular syndrome, adrenoleucodistrophy, adrenal hypoplasia congenita, familial glucocorticoid deficiency, and Allgrove's Syndrome, may be observed. In PAI children, growth alterations represent a major issue, as both inadequate and excessive glucocorticoid replacement treatment may lead to reduced growth rate and adult height impairment. However, growth abnormalities are poorly studied in rare forms of paediatric PAI, and specific studies on growth rate in these children are currently lacking. In the present review, the currently available evidence on growth alterations in children with rare PAI forms will be summarized, with a major focus on comorbidities with a potential impact on patients' growth rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Ferrigno
- UOSD di Endocrinologia e Auxologia, Dipartimento di Pediatria, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Napoli, Italy.
| | - Daniela Cioffi
- UOSD di Endocrinologia e Auxologia, Dipartimento di Pediatria, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Napoli, Italy
| | - Valeria Pellino
- UOSD di Endocrinologia e Auxologia, Dipartimento di Pediatria, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Savanelli
- UOSD di Endocrinologia e Auxologia, Dipartimento di Pediatria, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonella Klain
- UOSD di Endocrinologia e Auxologia, Dipartimento di Pediatria, AORN Santobono-Pausilipon, Napoli, Italy
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Tao X, Xu T, Liu L, Lin X, Zhang Z, Yue H. Case report: Clinical characteristics and treatment of secondary osteoporosis induced by X-linked congenital adrenal dysplasia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:961322. [PMID: 36568103 PMCID: PMC9772268 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.961322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the clinical features and bone complications in a patient from a large family with X-linked congenital adrenocortical hypoplasia (AHC) and evaluate the efficacy of different treatment regimens on the prognosis of secondary osteoporosis caused by AHC at a 5-year follow-up. METHODS A large family with AHC was recruited, and the causative gene mutation was identified by Sanger sequencing in the proband. Clinical features as well as radiological examinations and laboratory indices of osteoporosis secondary to AHC were analyzed in this study. Meanwhile, the proband was treated with classical antiresorptive drugs (bisphosphonates) for 2 years and switched to a vitamin K2 analogue for another 3 years, during which the efficacy of the drugs was evaluated. RESULTS The proband was identified as carrying a homozygous insertion mutation (p. Thr193GlyfsX13) in the NR0B1 (nuclear receptor subfamily 0, group B, member 1) gene, resulting in a premature stop codon due to a frameshift mutation. During treatment and follow-up, the proband did not respond well to bisphosphonate and developed atypical femoral fractures. Vitamin K2 improved clinical symptoms. In terms of bone mineral density (BMD), there is no evidence of any effect of vitamin K2 on the neck of femur, though some minor effects on spinal BMD cannot be excluded. CONCLUSIONS Secondary osteoporosis induced by AHC deserves clinical attention. Unlike in primary osteoporosis, the curative effect of bisphosphonates was unsatisfactory and was more likely to cause atypical femoral fractures in long-term treatment. It is suggested that bone anabolic drugs may be better alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hua Yue
- *Correspondence: Hua Yue, ; Zhenlin Zhang,
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nr0b1 (DAX1) loss of function in zebrafish causes hypothalamic defects via abnormal progenitor proliferation and differentiation. J Genet Genomics 2021; 49:217-229. [PMID: 34606992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2021.08.019] [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] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear receptor DAX-1 (encoded by the NR0B1 gene) is presented in the hypothalamic tissues in humans and other vertebrates. Human patients with NR0B1 mutations often have hypothalamic-pituitary defects, but the involvement of NR0B1 in hypothalamic development and function is not well understood. Here, we report the disruption of the nr0b1 gene in zebrafish causes abnormal expression of gonadotropins, a reduction in fertilization rate, and an increase in post-fasting food intake, which is indicative of abnormal hypothalamic functions. We find that loss of nr0b1 increases the number of prodynorphin (pdyn)-expressing neurons but decreases the number of pro-opiomelanocortin (pomcb)-expressing neurons in the zebrafish hypothalamic arcuate region (ARC). Further examination reveals that the proliferation of progenitor cells is reduced in the hypothalamus of nr0b1 mutant embryos accompanying with the decreased expression of genes in the Notch signaling pathway. Additionally, the inhibition of Notch signaling in wild-type embryos increases the number of pdyn neurons, mimicking the nr0b1 mutant phenotype. In contrast, ectopic activation of Notch signaling in nr0b1 mutant embryos decreases the number of pdyn neurons. Taken together, our results suggest that nr0b1 regulates neural progenitor proliferation and maintenance to ensure normal hypothalamic neuron development.
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Ouyang H, Chen B, Wu N, Li L, Du R, Qian M, Yu W, He Y, Liu X. X-linked congenital adrenal hypoplasia: a case presentation. BMC Endocr Disord 2021; 21:118. [PMID: 34130666 PMCID: PMC8204446 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-021-00785-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most patients with congenital adrenal hypoplasia (AHC) develop symptoms during infantile and juvenile periods, with varying clinical manifestations. AHC is a disease that is easily misdiagnosed as Addison's disease or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). There was also a significant time difference between the age at which patients developed symptoms and the age at which they were diagnosed with AHC. Most patients showed early symptoms during infantile and juvenile periods, but were diagnosed with AHC many years later. CASE PRESENTATION We are currently reporting a male patient who developed systemic pigmentation at age 2 and was initially diagnosed with Addison's disease. At 22 years of age, he experienced a slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE), a disease mostly seen in adolescents aged 8-15 years, an important cause of which is endocrine disorder. Testes evaluated using color Doppler Ultrasonography suggested microcalcifications. Further genetic testing and auxiliary examinations revealed that the patient had hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) and DAX-1 gene disorders, at which time he was diagnosed with AHC complicated by HH. He was given hormone replacement therapy, followed by regular outpatient review to adjust the medication. CONCLUSIONS The typical early symptoms of AHC are hyperpigmentation and ion disturbance during infantile and juvenile periods, while few patients with AHC develop puberty disorders as early symptoms. AHC is prone to being misdiagnosed as Addison's disease, and then gradually develops the symptoms of HH in adolescence. The definitive diagnosis of AHC ultimately is based on the patient's clinical presentation, laboratory results and genetic testing results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Ouyang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First People's Hospital of Kerqin District, Tongliao, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Na Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Clinical Skills Practice Teaching Center, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Runyu Du
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Meichen Qian
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenshu Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yujing He
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinyan Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Butz H, Nyírő G, Kurucz PA, Likó I, Patócs A. Molecular genetic diagnostics of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: from panel design towards result interpretation in clinical practice. Hum Genet 2020; 140:113-134. [PMID: 32222824 PMCID: PMC7864839 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-020-02148-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a clinically and genetically heterogeneous congenital disease. Symptoms cover a wide spectrum from mild forms to complex phenotypes due to gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency. To date, more than 40 genes have been identified as pathogenic cause of CHH. These genes could be grouped into two major categories: genes controlling development and GnRH neuron migration and genes being responsible for neuroendocrine regulation and GnRH neuron function. High-throughput, next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows to analyze numerous gene sequences at the same time. Nowadays, whole exome or whole genome datasets could be investigated in clinical genetic diagnostics due to their favorable cost-benefit. The increasing genetic data generated by NGS reveal novel candidate genes and gene variants with unknown significance (VUSs). To provide clinically valuable genetic results, complex clinical and bioinformatics work are needed. The multifaceted genetics of CHH, the variable mode of inheritance, the incomplete penetrance, variable expressivity and oligogenic characteristics further complicate the interpretation of the genetic variants detected. The objective of this work, apart from reviewing the currently known genes associated with CHH, was to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of the NGS-based platforms and through the authors' own practice to guide through the whole workflow starting from gene panel design, performance analysis and result interpretation. Based on our results, a genetic diagnosis was clearly identified in 21% of cases tested (8/38).
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriett Butz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, Budapest, 1089, Hungary.,Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Nyírő
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, Budapest, 1089, Hungary.,Molecular Medicine Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.,2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Petra Anna Kurucz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, Budapest, 1089, Hungary
| | - István Likó
- Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Patócs
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, Budapest, 1089, Hungary. .,Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
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