A Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectometry Profile of 16 Serum Steroids, Including 21-Deoxycortisol and 21-Deoxycorticosterone, for Management of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Adrenal steroids reference ranges in infancy determined by LC-MS/MS

BACKGROUND

Interpretation of the results of steroid hormone measurements is challenging at early infancy. The liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method provides a powerful tool for diagnosing steroidogenesis disorders. We aimed to develop normative data for a 14-steroid panel and four adrenal enzyme activity indices, determined by LC-MS/MS from 3 days to 6 months of age.

METHODS

Age- and sex-specific plasma steroid concentrations were calculated in 324 healthy full-term neonates and infants (151 females). Percentile curves were devised. Steroid ratios were evaluated as biomarkers of adrenal enzyme activities. The steroid profiles of four patients with adrenal enzyme deficiencies were included to test the diagnostic efficiency.

RESULTS

Nine steroids showed age, but none showed sex specificity. The concentrations of progestins and androgens were higher at 7-14 days than at 3-7 days. After the first month, adrenal androgen concentrations decreased significantly. Adrenal enzyme activities changed towards increasing cortisol over the first 6 months. There were several-fold differences in diagnostic steroids and related adrenal enzyme activity indices between the patients and the healthy group.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of adrenal steroids show age-related variations in the neonatal period and early infancy. Our data will enable accurate interpretation of steroid measurements for etiologic diagnosis of disorders of steroidogenesis.

IMPACT

LC-MS/MS method is capable of quantitating numerous analytes simultaneously, which provides an integrated picture of adrenal steroidogenesis in a small amount of sample. The development of LC-MS/MS-based normative data of steroid hormones in healthy infants is crucial to differentiate physiologic alterations from steroidogenic defects during the first 3-6 months of infancy. Previous studies had limitations due to the small numbers of samples available by sex and by age groups. Our detailed normative data and percentile curves will enable accurate interpretation of steroid measurements for etiologic diagnosis of disorders of steroidogenesis without the need for further invasive testing.

Proof of concept and development of a couple-based machine learning model to stratify infertile patients with idiopathic infertility

We aimed to develop and evaluate a machine learning model that can stratify infertile/fertile couples on the basis of their bioclinical signature helping the management of couples with unexplained infertility. Fertile and infertile couples were recruited in the ALIFERT cross-sectional case-control multicentric study between September 2009 and December 2013 (NCT01093378). The study group consisted of 97 infertile couples presenting a primary idiopathic infertility (> 12 months) from 4 French infertility centers compared with 100 fertile couples (with a spontaneously conceived child (< 2 years of age) and with time to pregnancy < 12 months) recruited from the healthy population of the areas around the infertility centers. The study group is comprised of 2 independent sets: a development set (n = 136 from 3 centers) serving to train the model and a test set (n = 61 from 1 center) used to provide an unbiased validation of the model. Our results have shown that: (i) a couple-modeling approach was more discriminant than models in which men's and women's parameters are considered separately; (ii) the most discriminating variables were anthropometric, or related to the metabolic and oxidative status; (iii) a refined model capable to stratify fertile vs. infertile couples with accuracy 73.8% was proposed after the variables selection (from 80 to 13). These influential factors (anthropometric, antioxidative, and metabolic signatures) are all modifiable by the couple lifestyle. The model proposed takes place in the management of couples with idiopathic infertility, for whom the decision-making tools are scarce. Prospective interventional studies are now needed to validate the model clinical use.Trial registration: NCT01093378 ALIFERT https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01093378?term=ALIFERT&rank=1 . Registered: March 25, 2010.

Clinical applications of genetic analysis and liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry in rare types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

BACKGROUND

Our study aims to summarize the clinical characteristics of rare types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) other than 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD), and to explore the clinical applications of genetic analysis and liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in rare CAH.

METHODS

We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 5 rare cases of CAH admitted to our hospital and summarized their clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, diagnosis and mutational spectrum.

RESULTS

After gene sequencing, complex heterozygous variants were detected in all patients (2 cases were lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH), 11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11β-OHD), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (3β-HSD deficiency) and P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD) each accounted for 1 case), which were consistent with their clinical manifestations. Among them, 4 novel variants were detected, including c.650 + 2 T > A of the StAR gene, c.1145 T > C (p. L382P) of the CYP11B1 gene, c.1622C > T (p. A541V) and c.1804C > T (p. Q602 *) of the POR gene. The LC-MS/MS results for steroid hormones in patients were also consistent with their genetic variants: 2 patients with LCAH showed a decrease in all steroid hormones; 11β-OHD patient showed a significant increase in 11-deoxycortisol and 11-deoxycorticosterone; patient with 3β-HSD deficiency showed a significant increase in DHEA; and PORD patient was mainly characterized by elevated 17OHP, progesterone and impaired synthesis of androgen levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical manifestations and classification of CAH are complicated, and there are cases of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. It's necessary to combine the analysis of clinical manifestations and auxiliary examinations for diagnosis; if necessary, LC-MS/MS analysis of steroid hormones or gene sequencing is recommended for confirming diagnosis and typing.

DYRK1A Overexpression in Mice Downregulates the Gonadotropic Axis and Disturbs Early Stages of Spermatogenesis

Down syndrome (DS) is the most common chromosomal disorder. It is responsible for intellectual disability (ID) and several medical conditions. Although men with DS are thought to be infertile, some spontaneous paternities have been reported. The few studies of the mechanism of infertility in men with DS are now dated. Recent research in zebrafish has indicated that overexpression of DYRK1A (the protein primarily responsible for ID in DS) impairs gonadogenesis at the embryonic stage. To better ascertain DYRK1A's role in infertility in DS, we investigated the effect of DYRK1A overexpression in a transgenic mouse model. We found that overexpression of DYRK1A impairs fertility in transgenic male mice. Interestingly, the mechanism in mice differs slightly from that observed in zebrafish but, with disruption of the early stages of spermatogenesis, is similar to that seen in humans. Unexpectedly, we observed hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in the transgenic mice.

The Goto-Kakizaki rat is a spontaneous prototypical rodent model of polycystic ovary syndrome

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by an oligo-anovulation, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian morphology combined with major metabolic disturbances. However, despite the high prevalence and the human and economic consequences of this syndrome, its etiology remains unknown. In this study, we show that female Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, a type 2 diabetes mellitus model, encapsulate naturally all the reproductive and metabolic hallmarks of lean women with PCOS at puberty and in adulthood. The analysis of their gestation and of their fetuses demonstrates that this PCOS-like phenotype is developmentally programmed. GK rats also develop features of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Lastly, a comparison between GK rats and a cohort of women with PCOS reveals a similar reproductive signature. Thus, this spontaneous rodent model of PCOS represents an original tool for the identification of the mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis and for the development of novel strategies for its treatment.

11-Oxygenated Androgens Useful in the Setting of Discrepant Conventional Biomarkers in 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency

Context

Serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) and androstenedione (A4) are the conventional biomarkers used to assess disease control in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). However, discrepancy between the two is not uncommon, limiting interpretation.

Objective

To evaluate 11-oxyandrogens in discriminating good versus poor disease control in 21OHD in the setting of discrepant 17OHP and A4.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of 2738 laboratory assessments obtained as part of Natural History Study of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) at the National Institutes Health Clinical Center. Patients with discrepant 17OHP and A4 and available sera were selected. A 15-steroid mass-spectrometry panel was performed in sera from patients with 21OHD and age- and sex-matched controls. Patients were categorized in "good" or "poor" control based on clinical assessment (bone age advancement, signs and symptoms of precocious puberty, menstrual irregularity, hirsutism, or hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism).

Results

Discrepant 17OHP and A4 was found in 469 (17%) laboratory assessments. Of these, 403 (86%) had elevated 17OHP with A4 in reference range. Of 46 patients with available sera, 30 (65%) were in good control. Median fold elevation relative to controls was higher in patients with poor versus good control for 11-hydroxytestosterone (median [interquartile range], 2.82 [1.25-5.43] vs 0.91 [0.49- 2.07], P = .003), and 11-ketotestosterone (3.57 [2.11-7.41] vs 1.76 [1.24-4.00], P = .047). Fold elevation of 11-hydroxytestosterone between 3.48 (sensitivity 97%, specificity 47%) and 3.88 (sensitivity 100%, specificity 40%) provided the best discrimination between poor vs good control.

Conclusion

11-Oxyandrogens, especially 11-hydroxytestosterone, may be useful in the management of CAH when conventional biomarkers are inconclusive.

Measurement of serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone using isotope dilution liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry candidate reference method and evaluation of the performance for three routine methods

OBJECTIVES

Accurate measurements of serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) are essential for diagnosis and treatment monitoring for congenital adrenal hyperplasia patients. The performance of serum 17OHP routine methods remains highly variable that calls for a candidate reference measurement procedure (cRMP) to improve the standardization of serum 17OHP measurements.

METHODS

Serum samples spiked with internal standards were extracted with a combination of solid-phase extraction and liquid-liquid extraction. The 17OHP was quantified by the isotope dilution coupled with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (ID-LC/MS/MS) with electrospray ionization in positive ion mode. Nine structural analogs of 17OHP were evaluated for interferences. The precision and analytical recovery were assessed. Twenty native and 40 spiked serum for performance evaluation were measured by the cRMP and two clinical LC/MS routine methods.

RESULTS

No apparent interferences were found with the 17OHP measurement. The within-run, between-run, and total precision for our method were 0.4-0.8%, 0.6-2.0%, and 1.0-2.1% for four pooled serum (2.46-102.72 nmol/L), respectively. The recoveries of added 17OHP were 100.0-100.2%. For the performance of two LC/MS routine methods, they showed relative deviation ranges of -22.1 to 1.1% and -6.7 to 12.8%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed and validated a reliable serum 17OHP method using ID-LC/MS/MS. The desirable accuracy and precision of this method enable it to serve as a promising cRMP to improve the standardization for serum 17OHP routine measurements.

The Potential of Steroid Profiling by Mass Spectrometry in the Management of Adrenocortical Carcinoma

Radiological and endocrinological work up of adrenal neoplasms is aimed at distinguishing between frequent non-functioning adenomas and rare but very aggressive adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). Relevant research has addressed the identification of molecular, genetic and hormonal markers that could have clinical significance for malignancy, as well as a prognostic value. Regarding endocrine aspects, attention has been paid to the pattern of steroid secretion that can be affected by altered steroidogenic pathway in ACC. The advent of mass spectrometry techniques has overcome many limitations usually associated with immunoassays, allowing the determination of both common and rarely measured steroids in a single analysis with high specificity and sensitivity. Indeed, mass spectrometry strategies may be able to identify an individualized steroid profile of ACC, allowing a rapid diagnosis and a specific follow-up. In this review, insights, strengths and limitations of mass spectrometry-based approaches in steroid profiling, as well as of immunoassay in steroid measurements, will be specifically discussed. Moreover, the latest findings on steroid profiling by mass spectrometry-based techniques, the most promising analytical tool, will be summarized to evaluate if steroid profiling might be the clue for solving the clinical dilemma in differentiating ACC from non-functioning adrenocortical adenomas (ACA).

Interaction between accumulated 21-deoxysteroids and mineralocorticoid signaling in 21-hydroxylase deficiency

21-Hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is a rare genetic disorder in which salt-wasting syndrome occurs in 75% of cases, due to inability to synthesize cortisol and aldosterone. Recent mass spectrometry progress allowed identification of 21-deoxysteroids, i.e., 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), 21-deoxycortisol (21DF), and 21-deoxycorticosterone (21DB). We hypothesized that they may interfere with mineralocorticoid signaling and fludrocortisone therapy in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) without effective glucocorticoid replacement and ACTH suppression. Our goal was to quantify circulating 21-deoxysteroids in a pediatric cohort with CAH related to 21OHD and to examine their impact on mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) activation. Twenty-nine patients with salt-wasting phenotype were classified in two groups according to their therapeutic control. During routine follow-up, 17OHP, 21DF, 21DB, and cortisol levels were quantified by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry before hydrocortisone intake and 1 and 2.5 h following treatment administration. Luciferase reporter gene assays were performed on transfected HEK293T cells while in silico modeling examined structural interactions between these steroids within ligand-binding domain of MR. Plasma 17OHP, 21DF, and 21DB accumulate in uncontrolled patients reaching micromolar concentrations even after hydrocortisone intake. 21DF and 21DB act as partial MR agonists with antagonist features similar to 17OHP, consistent with altered anchoring to Asn⁷⁷⁰ and unfavorable contact with Ala⁷⁷³ in ligand-binding pocket of MR. Our results demonstrate a complex interaction between all accumulating 21-deoxysteroids in uncontrolled 21OHD patients and mineralocorticoid signaling and suggest that appropriate steroid profiling should optimize management and follow-up of such patients, as keeping those steroids to low plasma levels should attest therapeutic efficacy and prevent interference with MR signaling.

Current strategies for quantification of estrogens in clinical research

Estrogens and their bioactive metabolites play key roles in regulating diverse processes in health and disease. In particular, estrogens and estrogenic metabolites have shown both protective and non-protective effects on disease pathobiology, implicating the importance of this steroid pathway in disease diagnostics and monitoring. All estrogens circulate in a wide range of concentrations, which in some patient cohorts can be extremely low. However, elevated levels of estradiol are reported in disease. For example, in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) elevated levels have been reported in men and postmenopausal women. Conventional immunoassay techniques have come under scrutiny, with their selectivity, accuracy and precision coming into question. Analytical methodologies such as gas and liquid chromatography coupled to single and tandem mass spectrometric approaches (GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-MS and LC-MS/MS) have been developed to quantify endogenous estrogens and in some cases their bioactive metabolites in biological fluids such as urine, serum, plasma and saliva. Liquid-liquid or solid-phase extraction approaches are favoured with derivatization remaining a necessity for detection in lower volumes of sample. The limits of quantitation of individual assays vary but are commonly in the range of 0.5-5 pg/mL for estrone and estradiol, with limits for their bioactive metabolites being higher. This review provides an overview of current approaches for measurement of unconjugated estrogens in biological matrices by MS, highlighting the advances in this field and the challenges remaining for routine use in the clinical and research environment.

Wisconsin's Screening Algorithm for the Identification of Newborns with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) has one of the highest false positive rates of any of the diseases on the Wisconsin panel. This is largely due to the first-tier immune assay cross-reactivity and physiological changes in the concentration of 17-hydroxyprogesterone during the first few days of life. To improve screening for CAH, Wisconsin developed a second-tier assay to quantify four different steroids (17-hydroxyprogesterone, 21-deoxycortisol, androstenedione, and cortisol) by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) in dried blood spots. From validation studies which included the testing of confirmed CAH patients, Wisconsin established its own reporting algorithm that incorporates steroid concentrations as well as two different ratios-the birth weight and the collection time-to identify babies at risk for CAH. Using the newly developed method and algorithm, the false positive rate for the CAH screening was reduced by 95%. Patients with both classical forms of CAH, salt-wasting and simple virilizing, were identified. This study replicates and expands upon previous work to develop a second-tier LC-MSMS steroid profiling screening assay for CAH. The validation and prospective study results provide evidence for an extensive reporting algorithm that incorporates multiple steroids, birth weight, and collection times.

Dried Blood Spot Multiplexed Steroid Profiling Using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Korean Neonates

Background

Screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) using immunoassays for 17α-hydroxyprogesterone generates many false-positive results. We developed and validated a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) assay for simultaneous quantification of nine steroid hormones in dried blood spot (DBS) samples, and established reference intervals for these hormones.

Methods

We examined our method for linearity, precision, accuracy, extraction recovery, and matrix effects and determined the reference intervals of cortisol, 17α-hydroxyproges-terone, 11-deoxycortisol, 21-deoxycortisol, androstenedione, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, testosterone, and progesterone in 1,146 DBS samples (from 272 preterm and 874 full-term neonates). Immunoassay and LC-MS/MS methods were compared for 17α-hydroxyprogesterone. Fourteen additional samples were tested to validate the clinical applicability of the LC-MS/MS method.

Results

The linearity range was 2.8–828.0 nmol/L for cortisol and 0.9–40.0 nmol/L for the other steroids (R²>0.99). Intra-day and inter-day precision CVs were 2.52–12.26% and 3.53–17.12%, respectively. Accuracy was 80.81–99.94%, and extraction recovery and matrix effects were 88.0–125.4% and 61.7–74.2%, respectively. There was a negative bias, with higher values measured by immunoassay compared with LC-MS/MS (r=0.8104, P<0.0001). The LC-MS/MS method was successfully applied to the analysis of nine steroids in DBS for screening and diagnosis of CAH using the 14 additional samples.

Conclusions

Our method enables highly sensitive and specific assessment of nine steroids from DBS and is a promising tool for clinical analysis of CAH.

Assay of steroids by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in monitoring 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Immunoassays of steroid hormones are still used in the diagnosis and monitoring of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. However, cross-reactivity between steroids can give rise to falsely elevated steroid levels. Here, we compare the use of immunoassays and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in the monitoring of patients with classic 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). Steroid profiles in different mutation groups (genotypes) were also compared. Fifty-five patients with classic 21OHD (38 women) were studied. Blood samples were collected in the morning after an overnight medication fast. LC-MS/MS and immunoassays were employed to assay 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP), testosterone and androstenedione. In addition, 21-deoxycortisol (21DF), 11-deoxycortisol (11DF), corticosterone, deoxycorticosterone, cortisone and cortisol were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Testosterone, androstenedione and 17OHP levels were consistently lower (by about 30-50%) when measured by LC-MS/MS compared with immunoassays, with exception of testosterone in men. There was a significant correlation between 21DF and 17OHP (r = 0.87, P < 0.001), but three patients had undetectable 21DF. Subjects with no enzyme activity had significantly lower mean 11DF concentrations than subjects with residual activity. The use of LC-MS/MS gives a more specific view of adrenal steroid levels in 21OHD compared with immunoassays, which seem to considerably overestimate the levels of 17OHP and androstenedione. Falsely elevated levels of 17OHP and androstenedione could lead to overtreatment with glucocorticoids.

Human 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency associated with normal spermatic numeration despite a severe enzyme deficit

Human 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (3b-HSD) is a very rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia resulting from HSD3B2 gene mutations. The estimated prevalence is less than 1/1,000,000 at birth. It leads to steroidogenesis impairment in both adrenals and gonads. Few data are available concerning adult testicular function in such patients. We had the opportunity to study gonadal axis and testicular function in a 46,XY adult patient, carrying a HSD3B2 mutation. He presented at birth a neonatal salt-wasting syndrome. He had a micropenis, a perineal hypospadias and two intrascrotal testes. HSD3B2 gene sequencing revealed a 687del27 homozygous mutation. The patient achieved normal puberty at the age of 15 years. Transition from the paediatric department occurred at the age of 19 years. His hormonal profile under hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone treatments revealed normal serum levels of 17OH-pregnenolone, as well as SDHEA, ACTH, total testosterone, inhibin B and AMH. Pelvic ultrasound identified two scrotal testes of 21 mL each, without any testicular adrenal rest tumours. His adult spermatic characteristics were normal, according to WHO 2010 criteria, with a sperm concentration of 57.6 million/mL (N > 15), 21% of typical forms (N > 4%). Sperm vitality was subnormal (41%; N > 58%). This patient, in contrast to previous reports, presents subnormal sperm parameters and therefore potential male fertility in a 24-years-old patient with severe 3b-HSD deficiency. This case should improve counselling about fertility of male patients carrying HSD3B2 mutation.