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Li R, Foland-Ross LC, Jordan T, Marzelli MJ, Ross JL, Reiss AL. Associations between brain network, puberty, and behaviors in boys with Klinefelter syndrome. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02501-y. [PMID: 38904702 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02501-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Klinefelter syndrome (KS), also referred to as XXY syndrome, is a significant but inadequately studied risk factor for neuropsychiatric disability. Whether alterations in functional brain connectivity or pubertal delays are associated with aberrant cognitive-behavioral outcomes in individuals with KS is largely unknown. In this observational study, we investigated KS-related alterations in the resting-state brain network, testosterone level, and cognitive-behavioral impairment in adolescents with Klinefelter syndrome. METHODS We recruited 46 boys with KS, ages 8 to 17 years, and 51 age-matched typically developing (TD) boys. All participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans, pubertal, and cognitive-behavioral assessments. Resting-state functional connectivity and regional brain activity of the participants were assessed. RESULTS We found widespread alterations in global functional connectivity among the inferior frontal gyrus, temporal-parietal area, and hippocampus in boys with KS. Aberrant regional activities, including enhanced fALFF in the motor area and reduced ReHo in the caudate, were also found in the KS group compared to the TD children. Further, using machine learning methods, brain network alterations in these regions accurately differentiated boys with KS from TD controls. Finally, we showed that the alterations of brain network properties not only effectively predict cognitive-behavioral impairment in boys with KS, but also appear to mediate the association between total testosterone level and language ability, a cognitive domain at particular risk for dysfunction in this condition. CONCLUSION Our results offer an informatic neurobiological foundation for understanding cognitive-behavioral impairments in individuals with KS and contribute to our understanding of the interplay between pubertal status, brain function, and cognitive-behavioral outcome in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rihui Li
- Center for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Institute of Collaborative Innovation, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao S.A.R., China.
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 74305, USA.
| | - Lara C Foland-Ross
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 74305, USA
| | - Tracy Jordan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 74305, USA
| | - Matthew J Marzelli
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 74305, USA
| | - Judith L Ross
- Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- Nemours duPont Hospital for Children, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Allan L Reiss
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 74305, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 74305, USA
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 74305, USA
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2
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Samango-Sprouse C, Brooks MR, Counts D, Hamzik MP, Song S, Powell S, Sadeghin T, Gropman AL. A longitudinal perspective of hormone replacement therapies (HRTs) on neuromotor capabilities in males with 47,XXY (Klinefelter syndrome). Genet Med 2022; 24:1274-1282. [PMID: 35341653 DOI: 10.1016/j.gim.2022.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to delineate the effects of variable hormone replacement therapies on neuromotor function in a large cohort of males with 47,XXY from birth to adulthood. METHODS A total of 270 participants aged 16 days to 17 years 11 months prenatally diagnosed with 47,XXY were assessed by their pediatric endocrinologist and were administered hormone replacement therapies accordingly. Infants and school-aged children with 47,XXY were administered neuromotor assessments during routine neurodevelopmental evaluations. For statistical analysis, participants were segregated on the basis of treatment status. Two-tailed t tests, 1-way analysis of variance, and post hoc analysis determined significant group differences on each assessment. RESULTS In infants, the early hormonal treatment (EHT) group performed significantly better than the untreated group on fine motor and motor composite domains. In school-aged children, we observed significantly improved scores on fine motor control, coordination, agility, and strength domains among males treated with EHT (or any combination thereof) compared with those who did not receive early treatment. CONCLUSION The highest treated combination group was associated with the highest neuromotor function, although the EHT group also often performed better than the other groups. This suggests EHT may be essential in promoting long-term optimal neuromotor outcome in males with an additional X.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Samango-Sprouse
- The Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC; Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL; Department of Research, The Focus Foundation, Davidsonville, MD.
| | | | - Debra Counts
- Pediatric Endocrinology, The Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital, Baltimore, MD
| | - Mary Pat Hamzik
- Department of Research, The Focus Foundation, Davidsonville, MD
| | - Sophia Song
- Department of Research, The Focus Foundation, Davidsonville, MD
| | - Sherida Powell
- Department of Economics, Columbian College of Arts and Science, The George Washington University, Washington, DC
| | - Teresa Sadeghin
- Department of Research, The Focus Foundation, Davidsonville, MD
| | - Andrea L Gropman
- Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC; Division of Neurodevelopmental Pediatrics & Neurogenetics, Children's National Health System, Washington, DC
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3
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Chilosi AM, Brovedani P, Cipriani P, Casalini C. Sex differences in early language delay and in developmental language disorder. J Neurosci Res 2021; 101:654-667. [PMID: 34822733 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a neurodevelopmental condition, occurring in about 3% to 7% of preschoolers, that can impair communication and negatively impact educational and social attainments, in spite of adequate neurological, cognitive, emotional, social development, and educational opportunities for language learning. Significant risk factors for DLD are male sex, familial history of early language delay, low parental education, and various perinatal factors. A strong sex effect with a higher prevalence of language delay and DLD in males than in females has been consistently reported. Neurobiological and environmental risk factors, interacting with each other, are probably responsible for the phenotypic expression of DLD. The aim of this brief review is to further the knowledge of the role of sex in early language delay and DLD by analyzing the evidence from four significant sources: epidemiological studies, studies on twins, family aggregation studies, and studies on sex chromosome trisomies. Data pertaining only to sex differences (biological and physiological characteristics of females and males) will be analyzed. Studies on family aggregations and twins confirm the role of genetic factors and of sex in determining language abilities and disabilities, but genes alone do not determine outcomes. Sex chromosome trisomies represent a unique example of the relationship between a genetic alteration and a language disorder. Clarification of how sex acts in determining DLD could provide new information on early risk factors and, thus, contribute to improve diagnosis and clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Chilosi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Brovedani
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Cipriani
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Casalini
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Department of Developmental Neuroscience, Pisa, Italy
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4
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Simonetti L, Ferreira LGA, Vidi AC, de Souza JS, Kunii IS, Melaragno MI, de Mello CB, Carvalheira G, Dias da Silva MR. Intelligence Quotient Variability in Klinefelter Syndrome Is Associated With GTPBP6 Expression Under Regulation of X-Chromosome Inactivation Pattern. Front Genet 2021; 12:724625. [PMID: 34616429 PMCID: PMC8488338 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.724625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) displays a broad dysmorphological, endocrinological, and neuropsychological clinical spectrum. We hypothesized that the neurocognitive dysfunction present in KS relies on an imbalance in X-chromosome gene expression. Thus, the X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) pattern and neurocognitive X-linked gene expression were tested and correlated with intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. We evaluated 11 KS patients by (a) IQ assessment, (b) analyzing the XCI patterns using both HUMARA and ZDHHC15 gene assays, and (c) blood RT-qPCR to investigate seven X-linked genes related to neurocognitive development (GTPBP6, EIF2S3, ITM2A, HUWE1, KDM5C, GDI1, and VAMP7) and XIST in comparison with 14 (male and female) controls. Considering IQ 80 as the standard minimum reference, we verified that the variability in IQ scores in KS patients seemed to be associated with the XCI pattern. Seven individuals in the KS group presented a random X-inactivation (RXI) and lower average IQ than the four individuals who presented a skewed X-inactivation (SXI) pattern. The evaluation of gene expression showed higher GTPBP6 expression in KS patients with RXI than in controls (p = 0.0059). Interestingly, the expression of GTPBP6 in KS patients with SXI did not differ from that observed in controls. Therefore, our data suggest for the first time that GTPBP6 expression is negatively associated with full-scale IQ under the regulation of the type of XCI pattern. The SXI pattern may regulate GTPBP6 expression, thereby dampening the impairment in cognitive performance and playing a role in intelligence variability in individuals with KS, which warrants further mechanistic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciane Simonetti
- Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas G A Ferreira
- Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angela Cristina Vidi
- Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Janaina Sena de Souza
- Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ilda S Kunii
- Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Isabel Melaragno
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudia Berlim de Mello
- Department of Psychobiology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gianna Carvalheira
- Department of Morphology and Genetics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Magnus R Dias da Silva
- Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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5
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Janusz J, Harrison C, Boada C, Cordeiro L, Howell S, Tartaglia N, Boada R. Executive function in XXY: Comparison of performance-based measures and rating scales. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:469-481. [PMID: 32519473 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have systematically assessed executive functioning (EF) skills in boys with XXY, and these are limited by small samples and restricted EF assessment. This study used a broader battery of performance-based measures as well as parent-rating scales of EF in 77 boys and adolescents with XXY (mean age = 12.5 years), recruited from a clinical trial and an outpatient clinic. Exploratory factor analyses were used to create EF domains from performance-based measures, and similar domains were measured using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function and Conners Parent-Rating Scales. The boys with XXY showed a distinct EF profile, with the greatest deficit in attention and more moderate deficits in working memory, switching, and planning/problem solving. Parent ratings showed similar challenges, as well as impaired inhibition. Independent sample t-tests showed no difference on performance measures between boys diagnosed or not diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although parents of boys diagnosed with ADHD reported more difficulties. There were no differences on performance-based tests between those diagnosed pre- and postnatally, although parents of postnatally diagnosed boys reported more metacognitive problems. Language deficits, cognition, and socio-economic status did not account for EF deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Janusz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,eXtraordinarY Kids Program, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Caroline Harrison
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Cristina Boada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Lisa Cordeiro
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Susan Howell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,eXtraordinarY Kids Program, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,eXtraordinarY Kids Program, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Richard Boada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,eXtraordinarY Kids Program, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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6
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Skakkebæk A, Gravholt CH, Chang S, Moore PJ, Wallentin M. Psychological functioning, brain morphology, and functional neuroimaging in Klinefelter syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:506-517. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Skakkebæk
- Department of Clinical GeneticsAarhus University Hospital Aarhus Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineAarhus University Hospital Aarhus Denmark
| | - Claus H. Gravholt
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineAarhus University Hospital Aarhus Denmark
- Department of Molecular MedicineAarhus University Hospital Aarhus Denmark
| | - Simon Chang
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineAarhus University Hospital Aarhus Denmark
- Department of Internal MedicineLillebaelt Hospital Kolding Denmark
| | - Philip J. Moore
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesThe George Washington University Washington DC USA
| | - Mikkel Wallentin
- Department of Linguistics, Cognitive Science, and SemioticsAarhus University Aarhus Denmark
- Center of Functionally Integrative NeuroscienceAarhus University Hospital Aarhus Denmark
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7
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Karipidis II, Hong DS. Specific learning disorders in sex chromosome aneuploidies: Neural circuits of literacy and mathematics. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:518-530. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 05/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Iliana I. Karipidis
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesSchool of Medicine, Stanford University Stanford California USA
| | - David S. Hong
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesSchool of Medicine, Stanford University Stanford California USA
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8
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Wallentin M. Gender differences in language are small but matter for disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 175:81-102. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64123-6.00007-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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9
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Sex differences in post-stroke aphasia rates are caused by age. A meta-analysis and database query. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0209571. [PMID: 30571747 PMCID: PMC6301787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have suggested that aphasia rates are different in men and women following stroke. One hypothesis says that men have more lateralized language function than women. Given unilateral stroke, this would lead to a prediction of men having higher aphasia rates than women. Another line of observations suggest that women are more severely affected by stroke, which could lead to a higher aphasia rate among women. An additional potential confounding variable could be age, given that women are typically older at the time of stroke. METHODS & PROCEDURES This study consists of two parts. First, a meta-analysis of the available reports of aphasia rates in the two sexes was conducted. A comprehensive literature search yielded 25 studies with sufficient information about both aphasia and gender. These studies included a total of 48,362 stroke patients for which aphasia rates were calculated. Second, data were extracted from an American health database (with 1,967,038 stroke patients), in order to include age and stroke severity into a regression analysis of sex differences in aphasia rates. OUTCOMES & RESULTS Both analyses revealed significantly larger aphasia rates in women than in men (1.1-1.14 ratio). This speaks against the idea that men should be more lateralized in their language function. When age and stroke severity were included as covariates, sex failed to explain any aphasia rate sex difference above and beyond that which is explained by age differences at time of stroke.
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10
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Gravholt CH, Chang S, Wallentin M, Fedder J, Moore P, Skakkebæk A. Klinefelter Syndrome: Integrating Genetics, Neuropsychology, and Endocrinology. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:389-423. [PMID: 29438472 DOI: 10.1210/er.2017-00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Although first identified over 70 years ago, Klinefelter syndrome (KS) continues to pose substantial diagnostic challenges, as many patients are still misdiagnosed, or remain undiagnosed. In fact, as few as 25% of patients with KS are accurately diagnosed and most of these diagnoses are not made until adulthood. Classic characteristics of KS include small testes, infertility, hypergonadothropic hypogonadism, and cognitive impairment. However, the pathophysiology behind KS is not well understood, although genetic effects are also thought to play a role. For example, recent developments in genetics and genomics point to a fundamental change in our understanding of KS, with global epigenetic and RNA expression changes playing a central role for the phenotype. KS is also associated with more general health markers, including higher morbidity and mortality rates and lower socioeconomic status (which likely affect both morbidity and mortality). In addition, hypogonadism is associated with greater risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, and extragonadal germ cell tumors. Medical treatment typically focuses on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), although the effects of this therapy have not been studied rigorously, and future studies need to evaluate the effects of TRT on metabolic risk and neurocognitive outcomes. This review presents a comprehensive interdisciplinary examination of recent developments in genetic, endocrine, and neurocognitive science, including the study of animal models. It provides a number of recommendations for improving the effectiveness of research and clinical practice, including neonatal KS screening programs, and a multidisciplinary approach to KS treatment from childhood until senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus H Gravholt
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine (MEA), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Simon Chang
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine (MEA), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Esbjerg Sygehus, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Wallentin
- Department of Linguistics, Cognitive Science, and Semiotics, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Philip Moore
- Department of Psychology, The George Washington University, Washington DC
| | - Anne Skakkebæk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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11
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Aberrant ocular architecture and function in patients with Klinefelter syndrome. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13130. [PMID: 29030589 PMCID: PMC5640645 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13528-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter Syndrome (KS), the most common chromosomal disorder in men (47,XXY), is associated with numerous comorbidities. Based on a number of isolated case reports, we performed the first systematic and comprehensive evaluation of eye health in KS patients with a focus on ocular structure and vascularization. Twenty-one KS patients and 26 male and 38 female controls underwent a variety of non-invasive examinations investigating ocular morphology (examination of retinal thickness, optic nerve head, and cornea) and function (visual field testing and quantification of ocular vessel density by optical coherence tomography angiography). In comparison to healthy controls, KS patients exhibited a smaller foveal avascular zone and a decreased retinal thickness due to a drastically thinner outer nuclear layer. The cornea of KS patients showed a decreased peripheral thickness and volume. In perimetry evaluation, KS patients required brighter stimuli and gave more irregular values. KS patients show an ocular phenotype including morphological and functional features, which is very likely caused by the supernumerary X chromosome. Thus, KS should not be limited to infertility, endocrine dysfunction, neurocognitive and psychosocial comorbidities. Defining an aberrant ocular morphology and function, awareness for possible eye problems should be raised.
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12
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Belling K, Russo F, Jensen AB, Dalgaard MD, Westergaard D, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Skakkebæk NE, Juul A, Brunak S. Klinefelter syndrome comorbidities linked to increased X chromosome gene dosage and altered protein interactome activity. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:1219-1229. [PMID: 28369266 PMCID: PMC5390676 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) is the most common male sex chromosome aneuploidy. Diagnosis and clinical supervision remain a challenge due to varying phenotypic presentation and insufficient characterization of the syndrome. Here we combine health data-driven epidemiology and molecular level systems biology to improve the understanding of KS and the molecular interplay influencing its comorbidities. In total, 78 overrepresented KS comorbidities were identified using in- and out-patient registry data from the entire Danish population covering 6.8 million individuals. The comorbidities extracted included both clinically well-known (e.g. infertility and osteoporosis) and still less established KS comorbidities (e.g. pituitary gland hypofunction and dental caries). Several systems biology approaches were applied to identify key molecular players underlying KS comorbidities: Identification of co-expressed modules as well as central hubs and gene dosage perturbed protein complexes in a KS comorbidity network build from known disease proteins and their protein–protein interactions. The systems biology approaches together pointed to novel aspects of KS disease phenotypes including perturbed Jak-STAT pathway, dysregulated genes important for disturbed immune system (IL4), energy balance (POMC and LEP) and erythropoietin signalling in KS. We present an extended epidemiological study that links KS comorbidities to the molecular level and identify potential causal players in the disease biology underlying the identified comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine Belling
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francesco Russo
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders B Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marlene D Dalgaard
- Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - David Westergaard
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Brunak
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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13
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Caffarelli C, Santamaria F, Di Mauro D, Mastrorilli C, Mirra V, Bernasconi S. Progress in pediatrics in 2015: choices in allergy, endocrinology, gastroenterology, genetics, haematology, infectious diseases, neonatology, nephrology, neurology, nutrition, oncology and pulmonology. Ital J Pediatr 2016; 42:75. [PMID: 27566421 PMCID: PMC5002164 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-016-0288-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses key advances in different pediatric fields that were published in Italian Journal of Pediatrics and in international journals in 2015. Weaning studies continue to show promise for preventing food allergy. New diagnostic tools are available for identifying the allergic origin of allergic-like symptoms. Advances have been reported in obesity, short stature and autoimmune endocrine disorders. New molecules are offered to reduce weight gain and insulin-resistance in obese children. Regional investigations may provide suggestions for preventing short stature. Epidemiological studies have evidenced the high incidence of Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis in patients with Down syndrome. Documentation of novel risk factors for celiac disease are of use to develop strategies for prevention in the population at-risk. Diagnostic criteria for non-celiac gluten sensitivity have been reported. Negative effect on nervous system development of the supernumerary X chromosome in Klinefelter syndrome has emerged. Improvements have been made in understanding rare diseases such as Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome. Eltrombopag is an effective therapy for immune trombocytopenia. Children with sickle-cell anemia are at risk for nocturnal enuresis. Invasive diseases caused by Streptococcus pyogenes are still common despite of vaccination. No difference in frequency of antibiotic prescriptions for acute otitis media between before the publication of the national guideline and after has been found. The importance of timing of iron administration in low birth weight infants, the effect of probiotics for preventing necrotising enterocolitis and perspectives for managing jaundice and cholestasis in neonates have been highlighted. New strategies have been developed to reduce the risk for relapse in nephrotic syndrome including prednisolone during upper respiratory infection. Insights into the pathophysiology of cerebral palsy, arterial ischemic stroke and acute encephalitis may drive advances in treatment. Recommendations on breastfeeding and complementary feeding have been updated. Novel treatments for rhabdomyosarcoma should be considered for paediatric patients. Control of risk factors for bronchiolitis and administration of pavilizumab for preventing respiratory syncytial virus infection may reduce hospitalization. Identification of risk factors for hospitalization in children with wheezing can improve the management of this disease. Deletions or mutations in genes encoding proteins for surfactant function may cause diffuse lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Caffarelli
- Clinica Pediatrica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Santamaria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Dora Di Mauro
- Clinica Pediatrica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carla Mastrorilli
- Clinica Pediatrica, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Virginia Mirra
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Sergio Bernasconi
- Pediatrics Honorary Member University Faculty, G D’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
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