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Tenuta M, Mazzotta P, Sesti F, Angelini F, Gelibter AJ, Speranza I, Paoli D, Lombardo F, Anzuini A, Magliocca FM, Franco G, Cortesi E, Santini D, Lenzi A, Gianfrilli D, Isidori AM, Pozza C. Testicular ultrasonographic features predict future risk for bilateral testicular germ cell tumour: A long-term single centre follow-up study. Andrology 2024. [PMID: 39078248 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13704] [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: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bilateral testicular germ cell tumours (B-GCT) are rare, with an incidence of 2-5%, and can be classified as synchronous (sB-GCT) or metachronous (mB-GCT). Our study aimed to identify clinical, biochemical, and radiological risk factors for mB-GCT in a cohort of patients with GCT at a single tertiary referral centre. METHODS This retrospective case-control study included patients with GCT referred to Policlinico Umberto I-Sapienza University of Rome, from 2005 to 2023. We evaluated clinical history, testicular ultrasound features, hormone levels, semen analysis, histological characteristics, staging, and treatments. mB-GCTs were compared with unilateral GCT patients with a follow-up longer than the median time-to-onset of the second tumour. RESULTS Of 319 patients, 52 experienced B-GCT, with a median time-to-onset of the second tumour of 62 months (range: 8-229). The mB-GCT group showed higher gonadotropin levels (FSH 13.6mUI/mL vs. 7.4mUI/mL, p < 0.001; LH 6.6mUI/mL vs. 3.9mUI/mL, p = 0.004), lower sperm concentration (27 × 106/ejaculate vs. 78 × 106/ejaculate, p = 0.009), smaller residual testis volume (10.4 mL vs. 16.3 mL, p < 0.001), more inhomogeneous echotexture [57.5% vs. 14%, p < 0.001], and presence of microlithiasis (75% vs. 19.5%, p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier curves confirmed that ultrasound features of the residual testis increased the cumulative risk of developing a second tumour. Microlithiasis was a strong independent predictor (OR 30.712, 95% CI 3.357-280.942, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS Histological features of the first tumour or its treatment do not influence the onset of a second tumour. However, low residual testis volume, inhomogeneous echotexture, and microlithiasis significantly increase this risk. A comprehensive evaluation of the residual testis at baseline is essential for developing a personalised surveillance programme in GCT survivors, with regular ultrasound follow-up recommended beyond the conventional 5-year limit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Tenuta
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Mazzotta
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Franz Sesti
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Angelini
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alain J Gelibter
- Division of Oncology B, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Iolanda Speranza
- Division of Oncology A, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - Donatella Paoli
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Lombardo
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Anzuini
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Massimo Magliocca
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Franco
- Department of Maternal and Child Health and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Cortesi
- Division of Oncology B, Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Santini
- Division of Oncology A, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pozza
- Division of Endocrinology and Andrology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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2
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Spaziani M, Carlomagno F, Tarantino C, Angelini F, Paparella R, Tarani L, Putotto C, Badagliacca R, Pozza C, Isidori AM, Gianfrilli D. From Klinefelter Syndrome to High Grade Aneuploidies: Expanding the Gene-dosage Effect of Supernumerary X Chromosomes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e1564-e1573. [PMID: 38193351 PMCID: PMC11244175 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High-grade aneuploidies of X and Y sex chromosomes (HGAs) are exceedingly rare and complex conditions. We aimed to investigate the effect of supernumerary X chromosomes (extra-Xs) on the clinical, hormonal, metabolic, and echocardiographic features of patients with HGAs. DESIGN AND METHODS In a cross-sectional study, we compared 23 subjects with HGAs and 46 age-matched subjects with 47,XXY Klinefelter syndrome (KS), according to the number of extra-Xs: two (47,XXY and 48,XXYY), three (48,XXXY and 49,XXXYY), or four supernumerary Xs (49,XXXXY). A second cohort consisting of 46 pubertal stage-matched KS subjects was employed for validation. Clinical, hormonal, metabolic and ultrasonographic parameters were collected and analyzed. RESULTS The increase in the number of extra-Xs was associated with a progressive adverse effect on height, pubertal development, testicular volume and function, adrenal steroidogenesis, and thyroid function. A progressive linear increase in ACTH and a decrease in cortisol/ACTH ratios were found. Weight and body mass index, Sertoli cell function, lipid profile, and glucose tolerance post-oral glucose tolerance test were all worse in the HGA cohort compared to KS. Cardiac evaluation revealed a linear association with reduced left and right end-diastolic diameters and reduced ejection fraction. CONCLUSION The increase in the number of extra-Xs is associated with a "dose-dependent" progressive impairment in steroid producing glands, thyroid function, cardiac structure, and performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Spaziani
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Carlomagno
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Tarantino
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Angelini
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Paparella
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carolina Putotto
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Badagliacca
- Department of Clinical, Anaesthesiologic and Cardiological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pozza
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Endocrine and Andrological Regional Rare Disease Center (Endo-ERN accredited), Policlinico Umberto I, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Section of Medical Pathophysiology and Endocrinology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Johannsen EB, Skakkebæk A, Kalucka JM, Fedder J, Gravholt CH, Just J. The testicular microvasculature in Klinefelter syndrome is immature with compromised integrity and characterized by excessive inflammatory cross-talk. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:2339-2349. [PMID: 37910660 PMCID: PMC10694403 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dead224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does Klinefelter syndrome (KS) lead to a distinct gene expression pattern at single-cell level in the testes that could provide insight into the reported microvascular dysfunction in the testes? SUMMARY ANSWER A distinct gene expression pattern within microvascular-associated cells of males with KS suggests excessive endothelial cell (EC) activation, disorganized vessel formation, and the presence of immature vessels with compromised integrity. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Recent studies show that males with KS exhibit microvascular dysfunction in their testes, which affects blood flow and is associated with lower circulating levels of testosterone. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A comparative cross-sectional study of males with KS (n = 6), non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) (n = 5), cryptozoospermia (n = 3), and controls (n = 15) was carried out. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We analyzed publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data of testicular cells from males with KS, males with NOA, males with cryptozoospermia, and controls. The integration of these datasets allowed us to analyze gene expression profiles and communication patterns among the cell types within the testis and to identify capillary ECs to investigate changes at the microvascular level. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Rooted in changes at the single-cell level, our study demonstrates a shift in gene expression forming the foundation for altered cellular communication, microvascular remodeling, and pro-inflammatory responses within the testes of males with KS. We identified genes that were dysregulated in capillary ECs from males with KS (Padj < 0.05). Specifically, the unique microvascular gene expression in males with KS indicated enhanced capillary EC activation and increased inflammatory cross-talk, leading to impaired vessel maturation and increased EC barrier permeability. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Our study is constrained by an unbalanced design, with varying sample sizes and number of cells within each group. We acknowledge the restricted access to clinical information. In addition, our findings were deduced from changes in gene expression, which limits us to infer potential biological consequences arising from these alterations. Furthermore, the absence of a pre-pubertal age group limits the generalizability of our findings and warrants further investigation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study offers novel insights into the testicular pathophysiology in KS and underscores the potential contribution of microvascular dysfunction to the hypogonadism and infertility observed in males with KS. While this study aims to better understand the microvascular dysfunction in KS, the precise connections to testosterone deficiency and testicular atrophy remain to be fully elucidated. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) A.S. was supported by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (0134-00130B). C.H.G. was supported by Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF15OC0016474, NNF20OC0060610), 'Fonden til lægevidenskabens fremme', the Familien Hede Nielsen foundation and the Independent Research Fund Denmark (0134-00406A). E.B.J. was supported by Aarhus University and E.B.J. and C.H.G by the Independent Research Fund Denmark (2096-00165A). J.M.K. was supported by Lundbeckfonden (R307-2018-3667), Carlsberg Fonden (CF19-0687), Novo Nordisk Fonden (0073440) and Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus (SDCA). The authors declare no conflicts of interest. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma B Johannsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Anne Skakkebæk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Joanna M Kalucka
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jens Fedder
- Centre of Andrology and Fertility Clinic, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Research Unit of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Claus H Gravholt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jesper Just
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Mengozzi A, de Ciuceis C, Dell'oro R, Georgiopoulos G, Lazaridis A, Nosalski R, Pavlidis G, Tual-Chalot S, Agabiti-Rosei C, Anyfanti P, Camargo LL, Dąbrowska E, Quarti-Trevano F, Hellmann M, Masi S, Mavraganis G, Montezano AC, Rios FJ, Winklewski PJ, Wolf J, Costantino S, Gkaliagkousi E, Grassi G, Guzik TJ, Ikonomidis I, Narkiewicz K, Paneni F, Rizzoni D, Stamatelopoulos K, Stellos K, Taddei S, Touyz RM, Triantafyllou A, Virdis A. The importance of microvascular inflammation in ageing and age-related diseases: a position paper from the ESH working group on small arteries, section of microvascular inflammation. J Hypertens 2023; 41:1521-1543. [PMID: 37382158 DOI: 10.1097/hjh.0000000000003503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Microcirculation is pervasive and orchestrates a profound regulatory cross-talk with the surrounding tissue and organs. Similarly, it is one of the earliest biological systems targeted by environmental stressors and consequently involved in the development and progression of ageing and age-related disease. Microvascular dysfunction, if not targeted, leads to a steady derangement of the phenotype, which cumulates comorbidities and eventually results in a nonrescuable, very high-cardiovascular risk. Along the broad spectrum of pathologies, both shared and distinct molecular pathways and pathophysiological alteration are involved in the disruption of microvascular homeostasis, all pointing to microvascular inflammation as the putative primary culprit. This position paper explores the presence and the detrimental contribution of microvascular inflammation across the whole spectrum of chronic age-related diseases, which characterise the 21st-century healthcare landscape. The manuscript aims to strongly affirm the centrality of microvascular inflammation by recapitulating the current evidence and providing a clear synoptic view of the whole cardiometabolic derangement. Indeed, there is an urgent need for further mechanistic exploration to identify clear, very early or disease-specific molecular targets to provide an effective therapeutic strategy against the otherwise unstoppable rising prevalence of age-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mengozzi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Health Science Interdisciplinary Center, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa
| | - Carolina de Ciuceis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia
| | - Raffaella Dell'oro
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Georgios Georgiopoulos
- Angiology and Endothelial Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens
| | - Antonios Lazaridis
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ryszard Nosalski
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences; Queen's Medical Research Institute; University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Center for Medical Genomics OMICRON, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - George Pavlidis
- Preventive Cardiology Laboratory and Clinic of Cardiometabolic Diseases, 2 Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Athens
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - Simon Tual-Chalot
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Panagiota Anyfanti
- Second Medical Department, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Livia L Camargo
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Edyta Dąbrowska
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Center of Translational Medicine
- Center of Translational Medicine
| | - Fosca Quarti-Trevano
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Marcin Hellmann
- Department of Cardiac Diagnostics, Medical University, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Stefano Masi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Georgios Mavraganis
- Angiology and Endothelial Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens
| | - Augusto C Montezano
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Francesco J Rios
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Jacek Wolf
- Department of Hypertension and Diabetology, Center of Translational Medicine
| | - Sarah Costantino
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Heart Center, Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich
| | - Eugenia Gkaliagkousi
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Guido Grassi
- Clinica Medica, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Tomasz J Guzik
- Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences; Queen's Medical Research Institute; University of Edinburgh, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Internal Medicine
- Center for Medical Genomics OMICRON, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ignatios Ikonomidis
- Preventive Cardiology Laboratory and Clinic of Cardiometabolic Diseases, 2 Cardiology Department, Attikon Hospital, Athens
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | | | - Francesco Paneni
- Center for Translational and Experimental Cardiology (CTEC), Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- University Heart Center, Cardiology, University Hospital Zurich
- Department of Research and Education, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Damiano Rizzoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia
- Division of Medicine, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Montichiari, Brescia, Italy
| | - Kimon Stamatelopoulos
- Angiology and Endothelial Pathophysiology Unit, Department of Clinical Therapeutics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens
| | - Konstantinos Stellos
- Biosciences Institute, Vascular Biology and Medicine Theme, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung, DZHK), Heidelberg/Mannheim Partner Site
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Manheim, Germany
| | - Stefano Taddei
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Areti Triantafyllou
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Agostino Virdis
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Pozza C, Sesti F, Tenuta M, Spaziani M, Tarantino C, Carlomagno F, Minnetti M, Pofi R, Paparella R, Lenzi A, Radicioni A, Isidori AM, Tarani L, Gianfrilli D. Testicular Dysfunction in 47,XXY Boys: When It All Begins. A Semilongitudinal Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2486-2499. [PMID: 37043499 PMCID: PMC10505551 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Klinefelter syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder in males and the most common cause of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. We describe the natural history of testicular dysfunction in patients with Klinefelter syndrome through the integration of clinical, hormonal, and quantitative ultrasound data in a life-course perspective. DESIGN Prospective semilongitudinal study. METHODS We included 155 subjects with 47,XXY karyotype (age range: 7 months-55 years) naïve to testosterone replacement therapy. Subjects were divided according to pubertal stage and age group (transition age and adults). Serial clinical, hormonal, and testicular ultrasound (US) assessments were performed. RESULTS Testicular development progresses until Tanner stage 4, with subsequent regression, whereas Sertoli and germ cell impairment is not hormonally detected before Tanner stages 3-4, as reflected by normal inhibin B values until stage 4 and the fall in the inhibin B/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio thereafter. The testosterone/luteinizing hormone ratio peaks during Tanner stages 2-3 and declines from Tanner stage 4 onward, preceding the development of overt hypogonadism. US echotexture progressively worsens until transition age, reflecting ongoing gonadal compromise, whereas quantitative US echotexture measures and the presence of both hypoechoic lesions and microlithiasis independently and significantly predict a lower circulating testosterone level. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this large prospective study contribute to our understanding of the natural history of testicular dysfunction in Klinefelter syndrome, underlining the importance of quantitative testicular US in infancy and childhood, as well as during pubertal development and transition age, for the optimal care of Klinefelter syndrome patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlotta Pozza
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Franz Sesti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Tenuta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Spaziani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Tarantino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Minnetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Pofi
- Department of Endocrinology, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism and NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, Churchill Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford OX37LE, UK
| | - Roberto Paparella
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Radicioni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea M Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Gianfrilli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
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6
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Januś D, Wójcik M, Starzyk JB. Testicular microlithiasis in paediatric patients with Klinefelter syndrome from infancy till adolescence: early start of degenerative process in the testes-preliminary results. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:225-235. [PMID: 36282322 PMCID: PMC9829623 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04663-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED To present the results of testicular ultrasonography supported by clinical and hormonal aspects in paediatric patients with Klinefelter syndrome (KS). Prospective analysis of medical files of 20 patients diagnosed with KS between 2016 and 2022. Assessed data included analysis of causes of referral, ultrasound, and clinical characterisation with hormonal evaluation of serum FSH, LH, testosterone, inhibin B, and anti-Müllerian hormone. Non-mosaic Klinefelter syndrome (47, XXY) was diagnosed in 65% of cases (13/20) by the geneticist (including 7 cases prenatally), in 25% (5/20) by the endocrinologist and in 10% (2/20) by the hematologist. Ultrasound assessment revealed bilateral testicular microlithiasis (TM) in all patients. The youngest KS patient with TM was 3 months old. TM patterns have not changed during follow-ups of up to 6 years in any of the patients. In all KS patients markedly reduced echogenicity and in pubertal KS patients, also irregular echostructure of the testes was observed. The hormonal patterns observed in the study group were typical for those already described in KS. Sertoli and Leydig cell function was intact in prepubertal patients and deteriorated after the start of puberty. CONCLUSION Although the degenerative process in the testicular tissue starts very early in the testes in KS and is reflected in morphological changes seen in ultrasonography, Sertoli and Leydig cell hormonal function is normal in prepubertal KS patients. WHAT IS KNOWN • So far, normal Leydig and Sertoli cell function was observed in infants and prepubertal KS patients. WHAT IS NEW • The morphological changes in the testes in KS may already be seen in early infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominika Januś
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Chair of Paediatrics, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka St. 265, 30-663, Krakow, Poland. .,Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University Children's Hospital, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Wójcik
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Chair of Paediatrics, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka St. 265, 30-663 Krakow, Poland ,Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University Children’s Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jerzy B. Starzyk
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, Chair of Paediatrics, Institute of Paediatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Wielicka St. 265, 30-663 Krakow, Poland ,Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology, University Children’s Hospital, Krakow, Poland
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