1
|
Costanzo G, Naselli A, Arpi ML, Piticchio T, Le Moli R, Belfiore A, Frasca F. Very low serum IGF-1 levels are associated with vertebral fractures in adult males with beta-thalassemia major. J Endocrinol Invest 2024; 47:1691-1700. [PMID: 38526837 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02270-6] [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: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with beta-thalassemia major (BTM) often develop several endocrine disorders due to chronic iron overload. They are also prone to osteoporosis and vertebral fractures. Plasmatic insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels are often low in subjects with BTM, which origin is multifactorial. The aim of this study was to evaluate a possible relationship between serum IGF-1 levels and the presence of osteoporosis and/or vertebral fractures. METHODS We retrospectively evaluated the occurrence of vertebral fractures in 30 adult male patients affected by BTM (mean age 43.3 ± 7.9 years) with low serum IGF-1 (median value 52.4 ng/ml, 38.5-83.4). Only 6 of them (20.0%) were diagnosed with GH deficiency (GHD) after GHRH/arginine stimulation test, while 23 (76.7%) had osteoporosis and 12 (40.0%) had known vertebral fractures. All patients except one also showed at least one endocrine disorder. RESULTS Serum IGF-1 was significantly lower in BTM patients with vertebral fractures compared to patients without vertebral fractures (U = 41.0, p = 0.005) while it was not significantly different between patients with low bone mass compared to patients without low bone mass. The diagnosis of GHD was significantly associated with lower serum IGF-1 (p = 0.001) and vertebral fractures (p = 0.002) but not with low bone mass. After ROC analysis, we found that very low IGF-1 (≤ 50.0 ng/dl) was associated with vertebral fractures (sensitivity 83.3%, specificity 75.0%) and was also predictive of GHD (sensitivity 75.0%, specificity 100.0%). CONCLUSION Our study shows that, in male patients with BTM, serum IGF-1 ≤ 50.0 ng/dl is a marker of vertebral fractures and it is predictive of a diagnosis of GHD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Costanzo
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - A Naselli
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - M L Arpi
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - T Piticchio
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - R Le Moli
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - A Belfiore
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy
| | - F Frasca
- Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Hospital, 95122, Catania, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tenuta M, Cangiano B, Rastrelli G, Carlomagno F, Sciarra F, Sansone A, Isidori AM, Gianfrilli D, Krausz C. Iron overload disorders: Growth and gonadal dysfunction in childhood and adolescence. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2024; 71:e30995. [PMID: 38616355 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.30995] [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: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Hemochromatosis (HC) is characterized by the progressive accumulation of iron in the body, resulting in organ damage. Endocrine complications are particularly common, especially when the condition manifests in childhood or adolescence, when HC can adversely affect linear growth or pubertal development, with significant repercussions on quality of life even into adulthood. Therefore, a timely and accurate diagnosis of these disorders is mandatory, but sometimes complex for hematologists without endocrinological support. This is a narrative review focused on puberty and growth disorders during infancy and adolescence aiming to offer guidance for diagnosis, treatment, and proper follow-up. Additionally, it aims to highlight gaps in the existing literature and emphasizes the importance of collaboration among specialists, which is essential in the era of precision medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tenuta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Biagio Cangiano
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Medicine, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Sciarra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sansone
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gagliardi I, Mungari R, Gamberini MR, Fortini M, Dassie F, Putti MC, Maffei P, Aliberti L, Bondanelli M, Zatelli MC, Ambrosio MR. GH/IGF-1 axis in a large cohort of ß-thalassemia major adult patients: a cross-sectional study. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:1439-1445. [PMID: 35305249 PMCID: PMC9184367 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-022-01780-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE GH deficit (GHD) could represent an endocrine issue in ß-Thalassemia Major (ßTM) patients. GH/IGF-1 axis has not been extensively explored in ßTM adults, so far. We aim to assess GHD and IGF-1 deficiency prevalence in ßTM adult population, focusing on the relationship with liver disease. METHODS Cross-sectional multi-centre study conducted on 81 adult ßTM patients (44 males, mean age 41 ± 8 years) on transfusion and chelation therapy. GHD was investigated by GHRH + arginine test. IGF-1 levels, routine biochemical exams, Fibroscan, Hepatic Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and pituitary MRI were collected. RESULTS Eighteen patients were affected by GHD and 63 were not (nGHD) according to GHRH + arginine test, while basal GH levels did not differ. GHD was associated with a higher BMI and a worse lipid profile (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed regarding liver function between the two groups. Pituitary MRI scan was normal except for one case of empty sella. The 94.4% and 93.6% of GHD and nGHD, respectively, presented lower IGF-1 levels than the reference range, and mean IGF-1 SDS was significantly lower in GHD patients. CONCLUSION GHD is frequent in adult ßTM patients and is associated with higher BMI and worse lipid profile. nGHD patients present lower IGF-1 levels as well. There was no relationship between IGF-1 levels and liver disease. Further, multicentric studies with larger cohorts and standardized diagnostic protocols are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Gagliardi
- Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64/B, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - R Mungari
- Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64/B, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M R Gamberini
- Unit of Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathies Day Hospital, Regional HUB Centre, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Anna, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Fortini
- Unit of Thalassaemia and Haemoglobinopathies Day Hospital, Regional HUB Centre, Department of Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria S. Anna, Cona, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Dassie
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Clinica Medica 3, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - M C Putti
- Dipartimento di Salute della Donna e del Bambino (SDB), Clinica Oncoematologica, Padua University Hospital, Padua, Italy
| | - P Maffei
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Clinica Medica 3, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - L Aliberti
- Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64/B, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M Bondanelli
- Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64/B, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M C Zatelli
- Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64/B, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - M R Ambrosio
- Section of Endocrinology, Geriatrics and Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 64/B, 44121, Ferrara, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Iron overload, a state with excessive iron storage in the body, is a common complication in thalassemia patients which leads to multiple organ dysfunctions including the bone. Iron overload-induced bone disease is one of the most common and severe complications of thalassemia including osteoporosis. Currently, osteoporosis is still frequently found in thalassemia even with widely available iron chelation therapy. STUDY SELECTION Relevant publications published before December 2019 in PubMed database were reviewed. Both pre-clinical studies and clinical trials were obtained using iron overload, thalassemia, osteoporosis, osteoblast, and osteoclast as keywords. RESULTS Increased ROS production is a hallmark of iron overload-induced impaired bone remodeling. At the cellular level, oxidative stress affects bone remodeling by both osteoblast inhibition and osteoclast activation via many signaling pathways. In thalassemia patients, it has been shown that bone resorption was increased while bone formation was concurrently reduced. CONCLUSION In this review, reports on the cellular mechanisms of iron overload-associated bone remodeling are comprehensively summarized and presented to provide current understanding this pathological condition. Moreover, current treatments and potential interventions for attenuating bone remodeling in iron overload are also summarized to pave ways for the future discoveries of novel agents that alleviate this condition.
Collapse
|
5
|
Zofkova I, Nemcikova P. Osteoporosis complicating some inborn or acquired diseases. Physiol Res 2018; 67:S441-S454. [PMID: 30484671 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis in chronic diseases is very frequent and pathogenetically varied. It complicates the course of the underlying disease by the occurrence of fractures, which aggravate the quality of life and increase the mortality of patients from the underlying disease. The secondary deterioration of bone quality in chronic diseases, such as diabetes of type 1 and type 2 and/or other endocrine and metabolic disorders, as well as inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis - are mostly associated with structural changes to collagen, altered bone turnover, increased cortical porosity and damage to the trabecular and cortical microarchitecture. Mechanisms of development of osteoporosis in some inborn or acquired disorders are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Zofkova
- Institute of Endocrinology, Prague, Czech Republic, Department of Nuclear Medicine, České Budějovice Hospital, Czech Republic.
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ambrogio AG, Danesi L, Baldini M, Radin R, Cassinerio E, Graziadei G, Mirra N, D'Angelo E, Marcon A, Mancarella M, Orsatti A, Bonetti F, Scacchi M, Cappellini MD, Persani L, Pecori Giraldi F. Low-dose Synachten test with measurement of salivary cortisol in adult patients with β-thalassemia major. Endocrine 2018; 60:348-354. [PMID: 29572711 PMCID: PMC5893656 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1562-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Beta-thalassemia major is a severe, congenital hematological disorder and, if untreated, leads to early mortality. Progress in therapeutical strategies improved clinical outcomes and life expectancy; however, increased survival led to the development of new disorders, including endocrinopathies. Little is known on the possible impairment of adrenocortical function, a potentially life-threatening condition, in long-term thalassaemic survivors. We therefore decided to assess adrenal reserve and the value of salivary cortisol during ACTH stimulation in the diagnosis of adrenocortical insufficiency in adult patients with β-thalassemia major. METHODS Cross-sectional study including 72 adults with β-thalassemia major. Patients were tested with 1 µg ACTH for serum and salivary cortisol. RESULTS Subnormal serum cortisol responses to ACTH stimulation (i.e., <500 nmol/l) were registered in 15 out of 72 patients. Salivary cortisol increased in parallel with serum cortisol and a clear-cut positive correlation was detected at each timepoint. Moreover, peak salivary cortisol values after ACTH stimulation were significantly lower in patients with impaired adrenal reserve (513.6 ± 52.33 vs. 914.1 ± 44.04 nmol/l p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our results attest to the need for testing for adrenal insufficiency among adult thalassaemic patients, as up to 20% presented impaired adrenal reserve. Salivary and serum cortisol levels during stimulation with ACTH were closely correlated and the use of salivary cortisol sampling during ACTH testing may represent a surrogate to serum cortisol in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto G Ambrogio
- Neuroendocrine Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Leila Danesi
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ospedale San Luca, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Baldini
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Rare Diseases Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Radin
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ospedale San Luca, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Cassinerio
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Rare Diseases Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanna Graziadei
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Rare Diseases Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Nadia Mirra
- Fondazione Policlinico Mangiagalli Regina Elena, Second Pediatric Clinic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela D'Angelo
- Fondazione Policlinico Mangiagalli Regina Elena, Second Pediatric Clinic, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessia Marcon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Rare Diseases Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Mancarella
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Rare Diseases Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Orsatti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Bonetti
- Pediatric Haematology Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimo Scacchi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of General Medicine, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo-Verbania, Via San Vittore, Italy
| | - Maria Domenica Cappellini
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialties, Rare Diseases Center, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Division of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ospedale San Luca, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Neuroendocrine Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
De Sanctis V, Soliman AT, Elsefdy H, Soliman N, Bedair E, Fiscina B, Kattamis C. Bone disease in β thalassemia patients: past, present and future perspectives. Metabolism 2018; 80:66-79. [PMID: 28987275 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2017.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [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] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Bone disorders in patients with thalassemia major (TM) and intermedia (TI) constitute complex conditions that result from various factors affecting the growing skeleton. Although much progress has been made in our understanding of the natural history, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of β- and δβ-thalassemia, bone manifestations remain a puzzle for the clinician. In this review, we outline the key points in the current literature on the pathogenesis and management of bone disease in patients with TM and TI who were conventionally treated in recent decades with frequent blood transfusions and iron chelation. Prevention, early recognition and treatment are the most effective strategies for the management of bone disease in these patients. However, further studies are required to maintain optimal bone health for both TM and TI patients. Studying bone disease in patients with non-transfusion dependent TI, which seems to worsen considerably with age, is important to delineate the effect of the disease itself on bone health without the intervening factors of transfusions, iron intoxication and chelation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo De Sanctis
- Pediatric and Adolescent Outpatient Clinic, Quisisana Hospital, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Ashraf T Soliman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Alexandria University Children's Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba Elsefdy
- Department of Pediatrics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nada Soliman
- Primary Health Care, Ministry of Health, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Elsaid Bedair
- Department of Radiology, AlKhor Hospital, Hamad Medical Center, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Christos Kattamis
- First Department of Paediatrics, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Piga A. Impact of bone disease and pain in thalassemia. HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2017; 2017:272-277. [PMID: 29222266 PMCID: PMC6142535 DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2017.1.272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Conventional treatment of thalassemia, namely regular blood transfusion and iron chelation, improves perspectives and quality of life; however, successful treatment leads to more time in which long-term complications such as bone disease can develop. Thalassemia bone disease (TBD) is unique: all aspects, from bone anatomy and bone quality to mineral density, may be affected, with important morbidity including osteoporosis, fractures, spinal deformities, nerve compression, and pain. Clinical presentations include growth impairment, rickets-like features, back pain, spinal deformities, any sign of nerve compression, severe osteoporosis, and fragility fractures. Age, history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests support orientation on risk factors. These include bone marrow expansion, toxicity from iron overload and iron chelation, endocrine dysfunctions (hypogonadism, hypohyperparathyroidism, hypothyroidism, growth hormone deficiency, diabetes), and vitamin (D, C, K) and zinc deficiencies. Several of these may coexist in an individual for a long time and at different degrees, making clarification of the relative contribution and selection of the best therapeutic options a challenge. Milestones for prevention of TBD are early and full inhibition of bone marrow hyperplasia and iron toxicity. Empowering patients' positive resources is key for achieving long-term healthy habits with regard to diet, physical activity, sunlight exposure, and lifestyle. Pain, related or unrelated to bone disease, is frequent in thalassemia. The most important targets for the hematologist include having an expert orientation on disease-related causes of pain, driving differential diagnosis, providing effective pain relief and, where feasible, removing the cause.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Piga
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|