The natural history of Klinefelter's syndrome

Klinefelter's Syndrome with Maternal Uniparental Disomy X, Interstitial Xp22.31 Deletion, X-linked Ichthyosis, and Severe Central Nervous System Regression

We presented in this article a patient with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) who had maternal nondisjunction and uniparental disomy of the X chromosome with regions of heterodisomy and isodisomy, an interstitial Xp22.31 deletion of both X chromosomes, and other problems. His mother also possesses the same Xp22.31 deletion. The patient presented with status epilepticus and stroke, followed by severe brain atrophy and developmental regression. His unusual clinical and cytogenetic findings apparently have not been reported with either KS or Xp22.31 deletions. Based on the patient's available genetic and biochemical information, we cannot satisfactorily explain his seizures, strokes, or catastrophic brain regression.

Androgenetic Alopecia in a Patient with Klinefelter Syndrome: Case Report and Literature Review

Introduction

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is defined as (a chromosomal disorder in which males have an extra X chromosome). KS presents clinically with signs of androgen deficiency including low testosterone. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) develops as a response of the hair follicle cells to androgens in individuals with genetic predisposition.

Case Presentation

We describe a 17-year-old male patient with KS who developed AGA with a Ludwig pattern.

Conclusion

Our patient had a good response to oral minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level light therapy.

Testicular Mapping: A Roadmap to Sperm Retrieval in Nonobstructive Azoospermia?

Guiding a couple with nonobstructive azoospermia requires an integrated approach to care by the urologist and the reproductive endocrinologist. After informing the couple of the implications of the diagnosis, care must be taken to outline the options of parenthood. Most experts agree that sperm retrieval in men can be challenging. This article describes various options of sperm retrieval, historic and contemporary, and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of each. The authors find that using a testicular map can invariably help guide sperm retrieval and overall fertility care. The right approach is one that involves a shared decision with the couple.

Klinefelter Syndrome and Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is associated with increased insulin resistance and high rates of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Our aim was to review what is known about the prevalence of diabetes in men with KS, potential mechanisms underlying the observed metabolic phenotype, and the data that are available to guide treatment decisions.

RECENT FINDINGS

The increased prevalence of T2DM seen in men with KS appears to be the result of multiple mechanisms including increased truncal adiposity and socioeconomic disadvantages, but it is likely not a direct consequence of hypogonadism alone. No randomized trials have been conducted to evaluate the impact of testosterone replacement therapy on T2DM in men with KS, but observational data suggest that testosterone replacement is not associated with lower rates of diabetes or improved glycemic control. Metabolic derangements are common in KS, but treatment strategies specific to this population are lacking. Early lifestyle and dietary interventions are likely important. Additional research is needed to dissect the complex interaction between genotype and metabolic phenotype. Collaboration between academic centers caring for men with KS is needed to facilitate the development of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, which would inform optimal screening and treatment strategies for this patient population.

Recent advances in the genetics of testicular failure

Infertility affects approximately 15% of couples, and male factor is responsible for 30%-50% of all infertility. The most severe form of male infertility is testicular failure, and the typical phenotype of testicular failure is severely impaired spermatogenesis resulting in azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia. Although the etiology of testicular failure remains poorly understood, genetic factor typically is an underlying cause. Modern assisted reproductive techniques have revolutionized the treatment of male factor infertility, allowing biological fatherhood to be achieved by many men who would otherwise have been unable to become father to their children through natural conception. Therefore, identifying genetic abnormalities in male is critical because of the potential risk of transmission of genetic abnormalities to the offspring. Recently, along with other intense researches ongoing, whole-genome approaches have been used increasingly in the genetic studies of male infertility. In this review, we focus on the genetics of testicular failure and provide an update on the advances in the study of genetics of male infertility.

The genetic basis of male reproductive failure

Evolving therapies have allowed the use of sperm from men with spermatogenic compromise, obstructive azoospermia, and sperm functional deficiency, enabling these men to procreate when unable to do so naturally. The genetic basis of only a portion of these conditions is known and research must be pursued into the genetic underpinnings of those that have not yet been delineated. Education and provision of information to patients is the responsibility of all involved in the care of men with reproductive failure. The author concentrates on some of the known causes of nonobstructive azoospermia and obstructive azoospermia with a well-established genetic cause such as congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens.

Male infertility. 3. Endocrine causes

Endocrine causes of male infertility range from easily manageable disorders such as hypothyroidism to complex problems such as pituitary tumors. Proper management requires a thorough understanding of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Hormonal evaluation is performed only when the patient's history and results of physical examination indicate an endocrine problem. With proper identification and treatment, most of these problems can be successfully managed.

47,XXY Klinefelter's syndrome with low FSH and LH levels and absence of Leydig cells

Examination of testicular biopsy from a patient with 47,XXY Klinefelter's syndrome revealed a diffuse hyalinization of seminiferous tubules as well as absence of mature Leydig cells. Ultrastructural findings showed some immature Leydig cells in the testicular interstitium. Hormone assays revealed low serum FSH and LH levels. The association of both, hormone assays and testicular morphologic pattern, suggests the presence of a Klinefelter's syndrome with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.