Mutational analysis of HOXA10 gene in Chinese patients with cryptorchidism

[Hormonal and genetic causes of cryptorchidism]

Cryptorchidism is the most frequent congenital disorders of the reproductive system, is present in 2-3% of term newborn boys. Genes involved in embryonic testicular migration are known but their role in cryptorchidism development are not investigated enough. Genetical causes of cryptorchidism are identified in 5-7% of patients. The article contains data on the role of insulin-like peptide 3 and its receptor, anti-Müllerian hormone, gonadotropins, androgens in embryonic testicular migration. INSL3 and AMH are presented as markers of testicular dysfunction associated with cryptorchidism. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is also associated with cryptorchidism and can be diagnosed based on it. Results of modern investigations determine the necessary of hormonal and genetical examination of patients with isolated cryptorchidism to detect causes of cryptorchidism and manage of patients.

Genetics of cryptorchidism and testicular regression

Cryptorchidism, i.e., undescended testis, is one of the most common genital malformations in newborn male babies. The birth rate of cryptorchidism varies from 1.6 to 9.0 %. Etiology of disrupted testicular descent is complex and predisposing causes include genetic, hormonal, environmental, lifestyle and maternal factors. Testicular descent occurs in two major steps and testicular hormones and normal function of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis are important for normal descent. Several gene mutations are associated with syndromic cryptorchidism but they are rarely found in boys with isolated undescended testis. Testicular regression can also cause an empty scrotum. Normal male genital phenotype indicates that the boy has had functioning testis during development. Torsion of the testis can cause testicular regression but in many cases the reason for vanishing testis remains elusive. In this narrative review we discuss genetics of cryptorchidism and testicular regression.

Immunolocalization of some HOX proteins in immature and mature feline testes

Homeobox (HOX) proteins are known for their critical role in body shape formation and tissue differentiation of developing vertebrate embryos. Recent research has shown that HOX proteins have many physiological roles such as cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and cell differentiation in adults, as well as the development of the vertebrate nerve and reproductive system. This study was conducted to determine the possible physiological functions and expression intensities of HOXA10, HOXA11, HOXB6 and HOXC6 proteins in the male reproductive system (testes, epididymis and deferens ducts), which are important for the continuity of some specific cat breeds in different age ranges. In the study, a total of 18 testicular tissues were used, divided into two groups: less than 6 months (immature) and more than 1 year (mature). Tissue samples were then subjected to immunohistochemical staining with protein-specific antibodies examined in the study. In the findings obtained in the research; it was observed that HOXA10, HOXA11, HOXB6 and HOXC6 produced different intensities of immunolocalization in the epididymis and ductus deferens layers in the immature and mature testicular cells. In addition, it was found that HOXA10 immunoreaction was also seen in some vascular endothelial cells. As a result, it was concluded that the HOX proteins could contribute to the physiological functions of testes, epididymis and ductus deferens and affect male fertility.

Congenital bilateral cryptorchidism in an infant conceived after maternal breast cancer treatment: A case report

BACKGROUND

The incidence of breast cancer among women of reproductive age is increasing, as well as the desire for children at late childbearing age. Identifying factors that may be associated with fetal malformation and maternal and fetal prognosis has gained importance. We describe a 32-year-old woman with breast cancer who gave birth to a son with congenital bilateral cryptorchidism after treatment, with a literature review performed.

CASE SUMMARY

A 32-year-old woman with breast cancer who had been treated by surgery and radiotherapy experienced recurrence and underwent a second surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Her tumor cells were negative for estrogen receptor (ER) α, progesterone receptor (PR), and p53; positive for ERβ, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and Ki67. She had pathogenic BRCA gene mutations. She became pregnant within 2 years and delivered a boy with congenital bilateral cryptorchidism. The boy underwent bilateral orchidopexy. As of this writing, the woman and her son are both healthy.

CONCLUSION

HER2 overexpression, positivity for EGFR, Ki67, and ER, and PR negativity are associated with a poor prognosis in breast cancer. While no link has been established statistically between treatment for breast cancer and cryptorchidism in a subsequent pregnancy, this case suggests the possibility that ERβ and gene mutations may be contributing factors.

A Systematic Review of Anogenital Distance and Gynecological Disorders: Endometriosis and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Anogenital distance (AGD) can serve as a life-long indicator of androgen action in gestational weeks 8-14. AGD has been used as an important tool to investigate the exposure to endocrine-disrupting compounds in newborns and in individuals with male reproductive disorder. Endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two common gynecological disorders and both are related to prenatal androgen levels. Therefore, we performed a systematic review to evaluate the relationships of AGD with these gynecological disorders.

METHODS

PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were searched for published studies up to January 25, 2021. No language restriction was implemented.

RESULTS

Ten studies were included in this review. Five focused on women with endometriosis, and six investigated women with PCOS. According to these studies, PCOS patients had longer AGD than controls, while endometriosis patients had shorter AGD than controls. In conclusion, this study provides a detailed and accurate review of the associations of AGD with endometriosis and PCOS.

CONCLUSION

The current findings indicate the longer AGD was related to PCOS and shorter AGD was related to endometriosis. However, further well-designed studies are needed to corroborate the current findings.

Exomic and Epigenomic Analyses in a Pair of Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Cryptorchidism

Cryptorchidism represents one of the most common human congenital anomalies. In most cases, its etiology remains unclear and seems to be multifactorial. In the present study, a pair of monozygotic twins discordant for cryptorchidism was identified. Twin zygosity was confirmed by microsatellite genotyping. Whole exome sequencing and methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-Seq) of DNA extract from leucocytes were performed to, respectively, evaluate their exomes and epigenomes. No differences in exome sequencing data were found between the twins after validation. MeDIP-Seq analysis detected 5,410 differentially hypermethylated genes and 2,383 differentially hypomethylated genes. Bioinformatic analysis showed that these genes belonged to several biological processes and signaling pathways, including regulation of actin cytoskeleton, which has been previously implicated in the etiology of cryptorchidism. The findings of the present study suggest that non-genetic factors might contribute to the pathogenesis of cryptorchidism.