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Hietamäki J, Hero M, Holopainen E, Känsäkoski J, Vaaralahti K, Iivonen AP, Miettinen PJ, Raivio T. GnRH receptor gene mutations in adolescents and young adults presenting with signs of partial gonadotropin deficiency. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0188750. [PMID: 29182666 PMCID: PMC5705112 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0188750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Biallelic, partial loss-of-function mutations in GNRHR cause a wide spectrum of reproductive phenotypes from constitutional delay of growth and puberty to complete congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. We studied the frequency of GNRHR, FGFR1, TAC3, and TACR3 mutations in nine adolescent and young adult females with clinical cues consistent with partial gonadotropin deficiency (stalled puberty, unexplained secondary amenorrhea), and describe phenotypic features and molecular genetic findings of monozygotic twin brothers with stalled puberty. Two girls out of nine (22%, 95%CI 6–55%) carried biallelic mutations in GNRHR. The girl with compound heterozygous c.317A>G p.(Gln106Arg) and c.924_926delCTT p.(Phe309del) GNRHR mutations displayed incomplete puberty and clinical signs of hypoestrogenism. The patient carrying a homozygous c.785G>A p.(Arg262Gln) mutation presented with signs of hypoestrogenism and unexplained secondary amenorrhea. None of the patients exhibited mutations in FGFR1, TAC3, or TACR3. The twin brothers, compound heterozygous for GNRHR mutations c.317A>G p.(Gln106Arg) and c.785G>A p.(Arg262Gln), presented with stalled puberty and were discordant for weight, and the heavier of them had lower testosterone levels. These results suggest that genetic testing of the GNRHR gene should be offered to adolescent females with low-normal gonadotropins and unexplained stalled puberty or menstrual dysfunction. In male patients with partial gonadotropin deficiency, excess adipose tissue may suppress hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Hietamäki
- Pediatric Research Center, Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail: (JH); (TR)
| | - Matti Hero
- Pediatric Research Center, Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elina Holopainen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Känsäkoski
- Pediatric Research Center, Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kirsi Vaaralahti
- Pediatric Research Center, Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna-Pauliina Iivonen
- Pediatric Research Center, Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi J. Miettinen
- Pediatric Research Center, Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Research Programs Unit, Molecular Neurology, and Biomedicum Stem Cell Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taneli Raivio
- Pediatric Research Center, Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- * E-mail: (JH); (TR)
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Dwyer AA, Raivio T, Pitteloud N. MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Reversible hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Eur J Endocrinol 2016; 174:R267-74. [PMID: 26792935 DOI: 10.1530/eje-15-1033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is characterized by lack of puberty and infertility. Traditionally, it has been considered a life-long condition yet cases of reversibility have been described wherein patients spontaneously recover function of the reproductive axis following treatment. Reversibility occurs in both male and female CHH cases and appears to be more common (~10-15%) than previously thought. These reversal patients span a range of GnRH deficiency from mild to severe and many reversal patients harbor mutations in genes underlying CHH. However, to date there are no clear factors for predicting reversible CHH. Importantly, recovery of reproductive axis function may not be permanent. Thus, CHH is not always life-long and the incidence of reversal warrants periodic treatment withdrawal with close monitoring and follow-up. Reversible CHH highlights the importance of environmental (epigenetic) factors such as sex steroid treatment on the reproductive axis in modifying the phenotype. This review provides an overview and an update on what is known about this phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew A Dwyer
- EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism Service of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandFaculty of Medicine/PhysiologyUniversity of Helsinki, Helsinki, FinlandThe Children's HospitalHelsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH), Helsinki, FinlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Taneli Raivio
- EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism Service of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandFaculty of Medicine/PhysiologyUniversity of Helsinki, Helsinki, FinlandThe Children's HospitalHelsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH), Helsinki, FinlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism Service of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandFaculty of Medicine/PhysiologyUniversity of Helsinki, Helsinki, FinlandThe Children's HospitalHelsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH), Helsinki, FinlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism Service of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandFaculty of Medicine/PhysiologyUniversity of Helsinki, Helsinki, FinlandThe Children's HospitalHelsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH), Helsinki, FinlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism Service of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, SwitzerlandFaculty of Medicine/PhysiologyUniversity of Helsinki, Helsinki, FinlandThe Children's HospitalHelsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH), Helsinki, FinlandDepartment of PhysiologyFaculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 7, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
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Boehm U, Bouloux PM, Dattani MT, de Roux N, Dodé C, Dunkel L, Dwyer AA, Giacobini P, Hardelin JP, Juul A, Maghnie M, Pitteloud N, Prevot V, Raivio T, Tena-Sempere M, Quinton R, Young J. Expert consensus document: European Consensus Statement on congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism--pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2015; 11:547-64. [PMID: 26194704 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2015.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 498] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare disorder caused by the deficient production, secretion or action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is the master hormone regulating the reproductive axis. CHH is clinically and genetically heterogeneous, with >25 different causal genes identified to date. Clinically, the disorder is characterized by an absence of puberty and infertility. The association of CHH with a defective sense of smell (anosmia or hyposmia), which is found in ∼50% of patients with CHH is termed Kallmann syndrome and results from incomplete embryonic migration of GnRH-synthesizing neurons. CHH can be challenging to diagnose, particularly when attempting to differentiate it from constitutional delay of puberty. A timely diagnosis and treatment to induce puberty can be beneficial for sexual, bone and metabolic health, and might help minimize some of the psychological effects of CHH. In most cases, fertility can be induced using specialized treatment regimens and several predictors of outcome have been identified. Patients typically require lifelong treatment, yet ∼10-20% of patients exhibit a spontaneous recovery of reproductive function. This Consensus Statement summarizes approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of CHH and discusses important unanswered questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Boehm
- University of Saarland School of Medicine, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Andrew A Dwyer
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Sevice of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), du Bugnon 46, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | | | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Sevice of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), du Bugnon 46, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
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Dwyer A, Raivio T. Comment on reversal of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in a Chinese cohort. Asian J Androl 2015; 17:508. [PMID: 25814161 PMCID: PMC4430960 DOI: 10.4103/1008-682x.151399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Taneli Raivio
- University of Helsinki, Department of Physiology and the Children's Hospital of Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
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Santhakumar A, Balasubramanian R, Miller M, Quinton R. Reversal of isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: long-term integrity of hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis in two men is dependent on intermittent androgen exposure. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2014; 81:473-6. [PMID: 24118132 DOI: 10.1111/cen.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Anjali Santhakumar
- Endocrine Unit, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-upon-Tyne Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
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Beneduzzi D, Trarbach EB, Min L, Jorge AAL, Garmes HM, Renk AC, Fichna M, Fichna P, Arantes KA, Costa EMF, Zhang A, Adeola O, Wen J, Carroll RS, Mendonça BB, Kaiser UB, Latronico AC, Silveira LFG. Role of gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor mutations in patients with a wide spectrum of pubertal delay. Fertil Steril 2014; 102:838-846.e2. [PMID: 25016926 PMCID: PMC4149947 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.05.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To analyze the GNRHR in patients with normosmic isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP). DESIGN Molecular analysis and in vitro experiments correlated with phenotype. SETTING Academic medical center. PATIENT(S) A total of 110 individuals with normosmic IHH (74 male patients) and 50 with CDGP. INTERVENTION(S) GNRHR coding region was amplified and sequenced. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Novel variants were submitted to in vitro analysis. Frequency of mutations and genotype-phenotype correlation were analyzed. Microsatellite markers flanking GNRHR were examined in patients carrying the same mutation to investigate a possible founder effect. RESULT(S) Eleven IHH patients (10%) carried biallelic GNRHR mutations. In vitro analysis of novel variants (p.Y283H and p.V134G) demonstrated complete inactivation. The founder effect study revealed that Brazilian patients carrying the p.R139H mutation shared the same haplotype. Phenotypic spectrum in patients with GNRHR mutations varied from complete GnRH deficiency to partial and reversible IHH, with a relatively good genotype-phenotype correlation. One boy with CDGP was heterozygous for the p.Q106R variant, which was not considered to be pathogenic. CONCLUSION(S) GNRHR mutations are a frequent cause of congenital normosmic IHH and should be the first candidate gene for genetic screening in this condition, especially in autosomal recessive familial cases. The founder effect study suggested that the p.R139H mutation arises from a common ancestor in the Brazilian population. Finally, mutations in GNRHR do not appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of CDGP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane Beneduzzi
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ericka B Trarbach
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; Unidade de Endocrinologia Genética/LIM 25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Le Min
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alexander A L Jorge
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genética/LIM 25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heraldo M Garmes
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Universidade de Campinas, Campinas, Brazil
| | | | - Marta Fichna
- Institute of Human Genetics, Polish Academy of Sciences and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Piotr Fichna
- Department of Pediatric Diabetes and Obesity, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Karina A Arantes
- Unidade de Endocrinologia Genética/LIM 25, Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine M F Costa
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Zhang
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Oluwaseun Adeola
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Junping Wen
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Rona S Carroll
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Berenice B Mendonça
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ana Claudia Latronico
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Letícia F G Silveira
- Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratório de Hormônios e Genética Molecular/LIM42, Disciplina de Endocrinologia e Metabologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Genetic disorders can be identified in about 15% of cases of male infertility. With the widespread application of assisted reproductive technology, infertile patients are now given the possibility of having their biological children; however, a genetic risk exists for assisted reproductive technology-born offspring, implying the necessity for future parents to be appropriately informed about potential consequences. In this review, we provide current recommendations on clinical genetic testing and genetic counselling. RECENT FINDINGS New insights are presented concerning Klinefelter syndrome, X and Y chromosome-linked deletions, monogenic diseases and pharmacogenetics. SUMMARY As for Klinefelter patients, novel preventive measures to preserve fertility have been proposed although they are not yet applicable in the routine setting. Y-chromosome deletions have both diagnostic and prognostic values and their testing is advised to be performed according to the new European Academy of Andrology/European Molecular Genetics Quality Network guidelines. Among monogenic diseases, major advances have been obtained in the identification of novel genes of hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism. Pharmacogenetic approaches of hormonal treatment in infertile men with normal values of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are promising and based on FSHR and FSHB polymorphisms. X chromosome-linked deletions are relevant for impaired spermatogenesis. In about 40% of male infertility, the cause is unknown and novel genetic factors are expected to be discovered in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, Florence, Italy
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Tommiska J, Känsäkoski J, Christiansen P, Jørgensen N, Lawaetz JG, Juul A, Raivio T. Genetics of congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in Denmark. Eur J Med Genet 2014; 57:345-8. [PMID: 24732674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2014.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare disorder characterized by incomplete/absent puberty caused by deficiency or defective action of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). The phenotypic features of patients with CHH vary from genital hypoplasia and absent puberty to reversal of HH later in life. We examined the genetics and clinical features of CHH in Denmark. Forty-one male patients were screened for mutations in KAL1, FGFR1, FGF8, PROK2, PROKR2, GNRHR, TAC3, TACR3, and KISS1R. CHD7 was screened in two patients with hearing loss. In 12 patients, a molecular genetic cause for CHH was found. Four patients had mutations in KAL1 (C105VfsX13, C53X, ex5-8del, R257X), and five in FGFR1 (G97S, R209C, A512V, R646W, and c.1614C>T, (p.I538I), predicted to affect splicing). All 9 had severe HH (cryptorchidism and/or micropenis), and 2 had cleft lip/palate. One patient with a previously reported homozygous R262Q mutation in GNRHR displayed fascinating temporal variation in his phenotype. Two patients with hearing loss had CHD7 mutations (c.7832_7841del (p.K2611MfsX25) and c.2443-2A>C), confirming that CHH patients with CHARGE syndrome-associated features should be screened for mutations in CHD7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Tommiska
- Institute of Biomedicine/Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH), Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Johanna Känsäkoski
- Institute of Biomedicine/Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Peter Christiansen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jacob Gerner Lawaetz
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Taneli Raivio
- Institute of Biomedicine/Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital (HUCH), Helsinki, Finland
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Sidhoum VF, Chan YM, Lippincott MF, Balasubramanian R, Quinton R, Plummer L, Dwyer A, Pitteloud N, Hayes FJ, Hall JE, Martin KA, Boepple PA, Seminara SB. Reversal and relapse of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: resilience and fragility of the reproductive neuroendocrine system. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:861-70. [PMID: 24423288 PMCID: PMC3942233 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-2809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT A subset of patients diagnosed with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) later achieves activation of their hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis with normalization of steroidogenesis and/or gametogenesis, a phenomenon termed reversal. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the natural history of reversal and to identify associated phenotypes and genotypes. DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS This was a retrospective review of clinical, biochemical, and genetic features of patients with IHH evaluated at an academic medical center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES History of spontaneous fertility, regular menses, testicular growth, or normalization of serum sex steroids, LH secretory profiles, brain imaging findings, and sequences of 14 genes associated with IHH were reviewed. RESULTS Of 308 patients with IHH, 44 underwent reversal. Time-to-event analysis estimated a lifetime incidence of reversal of 22%. There were no differences in the rates of cryptorchidism, micropenis, or partial pubertal development in patients with reversal vs IHH patients without reversal. Fifteen patients with reversal (30%) had Kallmann syndrome (IHH and anosmia); one had undetectable olfactory bulbs on a brain magnetic resonance imaging scan. Subjects with reversal were enriched for mutations affecting neurokinin B signaling compared with a cohort of IHH patients without reversal (10% vs 3%, P = .044), had comparable frequencies of mutations in FGFR1, PROKR2, and GNRHR, and had no mutations in KAL1. Five men did not sustain their reversal and again developed hypogonadotropism. CONCLUSIONS Reversal of IHH may be more widespread than previously appreciated and occurs across a broad range of genotypes and phenotypes. Enrichment for mutations that disrupt neurokinin B signaling in patients who reversed indicates that, despite the importance of this signaling pathway for normal pubertal timing, its function is dispensable later in life. The occurrence of reversal in a patient with no olfactory bulbs demonstrates that these structures are not essential for normal reproductive function. Patients with IHH require lifelong monitoring for reversal and, if reversal occurs, subsequent relapse also may occur.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie F Sidhoum
- Harvard Center for Reproductive Endocrine Sciences and Reproductive Endocrine Unit (V.F.S., Y.-M.C., M.F.L., R.B., L.P., A.D., N.P., F.J.H., J.E.H., K.A.M., P.A.B., S.B.S.), Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114; Division of Endocrinology (Y.-M.C.), Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; and Department of Endocrinology (R.Q.), Institute for Human Genetics, University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE1 3BZ, United Kingdom
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