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Kalfa N, Nordenström J, De Win G, Hoebeke P. Adult outcomes of urinary, sexual functions and fertility after pediatric management of differences in sex development: Who should be followed and how? J Pediatr Urol 2024; 20:367-375. [PMID: 38423920 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2024.01.022] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
The management of Differences of Sex Development (DSD) has evolved considerably in recent years. The questioning of systematic early childhood treatment of DSD requires a better understanding of the outcomes of such treatments and long-term studies are therefore essential to better evaluate the prognosis of DSD. Unfortunately, limitations are numerous including the limited size of the series, the absence of standardized methodology, the evaluation of managements that no longer take place today and the absence of prospective and comparative studies. Despite these difficulties, the purpose of this paper is to present the current data on the long-term follow-up of patients with DSD from the urological, sexual and fertility points of view. Even if it remains difficult at present to establish precise recommendations, we recapitulate the most important points that should drive follow-up of these patients especially the constitution of a multidisciplinary team with a holistic approach, the organization of the transition between adolescence and adulthood, a particular attention to psychological care, a careful communication with the patients and his/her family and the use of standardized data collection systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Kalfa
- Département de Chirurgie Infantile, Service de Chirurgie Viscérale et Urologie Pédiatrique, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Centre de Référence Maladies Rares DEVGEN Constitutif Sud, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France; UMR 1302 Institute Desbrest of Epidemiology and Public Health, INSERM, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France.
| | - Josefin Nordenström
- Department of Pediatric Surgery/Urology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Gunter De Win
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium; Astarc, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, University of Antwerp, Belgium; Adolescenty Urology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Piet Hoebeke
- Department of Urology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
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Stancampiano MR, Meroni SLC, Bucolo C, Russo G. 46,XX Differences of Sex Development outside congenital adrenal hyperplasia: pathogenesis, clinical aspects, puberty, sex hormone replacement therapy and fertility outcomes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1402579. [PMID: 38841305 PMCID: PMC11150773 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1402579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The term 'differences of sex development' (DSD) refers to a group of congenital conditions that are associated with atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, and/or anatomical sex. DSD in individuals with a 46,XX karyotype can occur due to fetal or postnatal exposure to elevated amount of androgens or maldevelopment of internal genitalia. Clinical phenotype could be quite variable and for this reason these conditions could be diagnosed at birth, in newborns with atypical genitalia, but also even later in life, due to progressive virilization during adolescence, or pubertal delay. Understand the physiological development and the molecular bases of gonadal and adrenal structures is crucial to determine the diagnosis and best management and treatment for these patients. The most common cause of DSD in 46,XX newborns is congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, determining primary adrenal insufficiency and androgen excess. In this review we will focus on the other rare causes of 46,XX DSD, outside CAH, summarizing the most relevant data on genetic, clinical aspects, puberty and fertility outcomes of these rare diseases.
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Yavas Abalı Z, Guran T. Diagnosis and management of non-CAH 46,XX disorders/differences in sex development. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1354759. [PMID: 38812815 PMCID: PMC11134272 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1354759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Prenatal-onset androgen excess leads to abnormal sexual development in 46,XX individuals. This androgen excess can be caused endogenously by the adrenals or gonads or by exposure to exogenous androgens. The most common cause of 46,XX disorders/differences in sex development (DSD) is congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency, comprising >90% of 46,XX DSD cases. Deficiencies of 11β-hydroxylase, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and P450-oxidoreductase (POR) are rare types of CAH, resulting in 46,XX DSD. In all CAH forms, patients have normal ovarian development. The molecular genetic causes of 46,XX DSD, besides CAH, are uncommon. These etiologies include primary glucocorticoid resistance (PGCR) and aromatase deficiency with normal ovarian development. Additionally, 46,XX gonads can differentiate into testes, causing 46,XX testicular (T) DSD or a coexistence of ovarian and testicular tissue, defined as 46,XX ovotesticular (OT)-DSD. PGCR is caused by inactivating variants in NR3C1, resulting in glucocorticoid insensitivity and the signs of mineralocorticoid and androgen excess. Pathogenic variants in the CYP19A1 gene lead to aromatase deficiency, causing androgen excess. Many genes are involved in the mechanisms of gonadal development, and genes associated with 46,XX T/OT-DSD include translocations of the SRY; copy number variants in NR2F2, NR0B1, SOX3, SOX9, SOX10, and FGF9, and sequence variants in NR5A1, NR2F2, RSPO1, SOX9, WNT2B, WNT4, and WT1. Progress in cytogenetic and molecular genetic techniques has significantly improved our understanding of the etiology of non-CAH 46,XX DSD. Nonetheless, uncertainties about gonadal function and gender outcomes may make the management of these conditions challenging. This review explores the intricate landscape of diagnosing and managing these conditions, shedding light on the unique aspects that distinguish them from other types of DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tulay Guran
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Ferreira LGA, Kizys MML, Gama GAC, Pachernegg S, Robevska G, Sinclair AH, Ayers KL, Dias-da-Silva MR. COUP-TFII regulates early bipotential gonad signaling and commitment to ovarian progenitors. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:3. [PMID: 38178246 PMCID: PMC10768475 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01182-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The absence of expression of the Y-chromosome linked testis-determining gene SRY in early supporting gonadal cells (ESGC) leads bipotential gonads into ovarian development. However, genetic variants in NR2F2, encoding three isoforms of the transcription factor COUP-TFII, represent a novel cause of SRY-negative 46,XX testicular/ovotesticular differences of sex development (T/OT-DSD). Thus, we hypothesized that COUP-TFII is part of the ovarian developmental network. COUP-TFII is known to be expressed in interstitial/mesenchymal cells giving rise to steroidogenic cells in fetal gonads, however its expression and function in ESGCs have yet to be explored. RESULTS By differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells into bipotential gonad-like cells in vitro and by analyzing single cell RNA-sequencing datasets of human fetal gonads, we identified that NR2F2 expression is highly upregulated during bipotential gonad development along with markers of bipotential state. NR2F2 expression was detected in early cell populations that precede the steroidogenic cell emergence and that retain a multipotent state in the undifferentiated gonad. The ESGCs differentiating into fetal Sertoli cells lost NR2F2 expression, whereas pre-granulosa cells remained NR2F2-positive. When examining the NR2F2 transcript variants individually, we demonstrated that the canonical isoform A, disrupted by frameshift variants previously reported in 46,XX T/OT-DSD patients, is nearly 1000-fold more highly expressed than other isoforms in bipotential gonad-like cells. To investigate the genetic network under COUP-TFII regulation in human gonadal cell context, we generated a NR2F2 knockout (KO) in the human granulosa-like cell line COV434 and studied NR2F2-KO COV434 cell transcriptome. NR2F2 ablation downregulated markers of ESGC and pre-granulosa cells. NR2F2-KO COV434 cells lost the enrichment for female-supporting gonadal progenitor and acquired gene signatures more similar to gonadal interstitial cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that COUP-TFII has a role in maintaining a multipotent state necessary for commitment to the ovarian development. We propose that COUP-TFII regulates cell fate during gonad development and impairment of its function may disrupt the transcriptional plasticity of ESGCs. During early gonad development, disruption of ESGC plasticity may drive them into commitment to the testicular pathway, as observed in 46,XX OT-DSD patients with NR2F2 haploinsufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas G A Ferreira
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology (LEMT), Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marina M L Kizys
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology (LEMT), Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel A C Gama
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology (LEMT), Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Svenja Pachernegg
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Andrew H Sinclair
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Katie L Ayers
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Magnus R Dias-da-Silva
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Endocrinology (LEMT), Endocrinology Division, Department of Medicine, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Gold S, Huang C, Radi R, Gupta P, Felner EI, Haw JS, Childress K, Sokkary N, Tangpricha V, Goodman M, Yeung H. Dermatologic care of patients with differences of sex development. Int J Womens Dermatol 2023; 9:e106. [PMID: 37671254 PMCID: PMC10473340 DOI: 10.1097/jw9.0000000000000106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Differences of sex development (DSD or disorders of sex development) are uncommon congenital conditions, characterized by atypical development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomic sex. Objective Dermatologic care is an important component of the multidisciplinary care needed for individuals with DSD. This article discusses the most common primary dermatologic manifestations of DSD in addition to the cutaneous manifestations of hormonal and surgical therapies in individuals with DSD. Data sources Published articles including case series and case reports on PubMed. Study selections Selection was conducted by examining existing literature with a team of multidisciplinary specialists. Methods Narrative review. Limitations This article was not conducted as a systematic review. Results In Klinefelter syndrome, refractory leg ulcers and incontinentia pigmenti have been described. Turner syndrome is associated with lymphatic malformations, halo nevi, dermatitis, and psoriasis. Virilization can be seen in some forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, where acne and hirsutism are common. Conclusion Dermatologists should consider teratogenic risk for treatments of skin conditions in DSD depending on pregnancy potential. Testosterone replacement, commonly used for Klinefelter syndrome, androgen insensitivity syndrome, 5-alpha reductase deficiency, gonadal dysgenesis, or ovotesticular DSD, may cause acne.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gold
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christina Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Rakan Radi
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Pranav Gupta
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Eric I. Felner
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jeehea Sonya Haw
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Krista Childress
- Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, University of Utah, Primary Children’s Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Nancy Sokkary
- Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Vin Tangpricha
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Lipids, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michael Goodman
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Howa Yeung
- Department of Dermatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Clinical Resource Hub, Veterans Administration Veterans Integrated Service Network 7 Southeast Network, Decatur, Georgia
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Reyes AP, León NY, Frost ER, Harley VR. Genetic control of typical and atypical sex development. Nat Rev Urol 2023:10.1038/s41585-023-00754-x. [PMID: 37020056 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-023-00754-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Sex development relies on the sex-specific action of gene networks to differentiate the bipotential gonads of the growing fetus into testis or ovaries, followed by the differentiation of internal and external genitalia depending on the presence or absence of hormones. Differences in sex development (DSD) arise from congenital alterations during any of these processes, and are classified depending on sex chromosomal constitution as sex chromosome DSD, 46,XY DSD or 46,XX DSD. Understanding the genetics and embryology of typical and atypical sex development is essential for diagnosing, treating and managing DSD. Advances have been made in understanding the genetic causes of DSD over the past 10 years, especially for 46,XY DSD. Additional information is required to better understand ovarian and female development and to identify further genetic causes of 46,XX DSD, besides congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Ongoing research is focused on the discovery of further genes related to typical and atypical sex development and, therefore, on improving diagnosis of DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra P Reyes
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Genetics Department, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nayla Y León
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emily R Frost
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vincent R Harley
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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de Oliveira FM, Barros BA, Dos Santos AP, Campos NLV, Mazzola TN, Filho PL, Andrade LALDA, Guaragna MS, de Mello MP, Guerra-Junior G, Vieira TAP, Maciel-Guerra AT. SOX3 duplication in a boy with 46,XX ovotesticular disorder of sex development and his 46,XX sister with atypical genitalia: Probable germline mosaicism. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:592-598. [PMID: 36416214 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63051] [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: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Ovotesticular disorders of sex development (OT-DSD) are characterized by ovarian follicles and seminiferous tubules in the same individual, with a wide range of atypical genitalia. We report on two sibs with atypical genitalia and SRY-negative 46,XX DSD, OT-DSD was confirmed only in the boy, while the girl had bilateral ovaries. Chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) showed a 737-kb duplication at Xq27.1 including the entire SOX3 gene in both sibs, which was confirmed by quantitative real time PCR. Also, X chromosome inactivation assay showed random inactivation in both sibs. Whole exome sequencing revealed no pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant. CMA of the parents showed normal results for both, suggesting that germline mosaicism could be the reason of recurrence of this duplication in the siblings. Our results support a pathogenic role of SOX3 overexpression in 46,XX subjects leading to variable DSD phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Marcorin de Oliveira
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences (FCM), University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Paula Dos Santos
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences (FCM), University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nilma Lúcia Viguetti Campos
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences (FCM), University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Taís Nitsch Mazzola
- Pediatric Research Center - Ciped, FCM, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Latuf Filho
- Pediatric Research Center - Ciped, FCM, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Mara Sanches Guaragna
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG), University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maricilda Palandi de Mello
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering (CBMEG), University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gil Guerra-Junior
- Department of Pediatrics, FCM, University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Társis Antonio Paiva Vieira
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences (FCM), University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andréa Trevas Maciel-Guerra
- Department of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences (FCM), University of Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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