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Liang Z, Liu L, Zhou Y, Liu W, Lu Y. Research Progress on Bioactive Metal Complexes against ER-Positive Advanced Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2023; 66:2235-2256. [PMID: 36780448 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in women and represents a serious disease that is harmful to life and health. In 1977, with the approval of tamoxifen, endocrine therapy has become the main clinical treatment for ER-positive (ER+) breast cancer. Although patients initially respond well to endocrine therapies, drug resistance often emerges and side effects can be challenging. To overcome drug resistance, the exploration for new drugs is a priority. Metal complexes have demonstrated significant antitumor activities, and platinum complexes are widely used in the clinic against various cancers, including breast cancer. In this Perspective, the first section describes the classification and mechanism of endocrine therapy drugs for ER+ breast cancer, and the second section summarizes research since 2000 into metal complexes with activity toward ER+ breast cancer. Finally, we discuss the opportunities, challenges, and future directions for metal complexes in the treatment of ER+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlin Liang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yanyu Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Wukun Liu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China.,State key Laboratory of Coordination Chemistry, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
| | - Yunlong Lu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, P. R. China
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2
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Hodax JK, Topor LS, Bialo SR, Quintos JB. Anastrozole Improves Final Adult Height in Severe Hypothyroidism With Rapid Pubertal Progression. J Endocr Soc 2021; 5:bvab025. [PMID: 33928201 PMCID: PMC8064049 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvab025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe prolonged hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto thyroiditis may lead to rapid pubertal progression and compromised adult height after initiation of levothyroxine (LT4) therapy. There are no reports of aromatase inhibitor use to augment height in these patients. We describe a patient with severe hypothyroidism and growth failure who experienced rapid pubertal and bone age maturation on initiation of LT4 therapy. Anastrozole was added after 2 years to delay epiphyseal fusion. A boy aged 12 years and 1 month presented to the endocrine clinic with short stature and a markedly delayed bone age of 6 years. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a 1.5 × 1.0 × 1.2-cm enlarged lobular anterior pituitary. On examination, his height was -3.5 SD score (SDS) and weight was -2.87 SDS. Laboratory studies showed elevated thyrotropin (TSH) 850.6 μIU/mL, low free thyroxine 0.25 ng/dL, and elevated antithyroid antibodies. LT4 was initiated with normalization of TSH after 6 months. After 2 years of treatment he demonstrated catch-up growth with rapid bone age maturation, and his predicted adult height was compromised at 164.6 cm vs a midparental target height of 175.4 cm. Anastrozole 1 mg once daily was initiated. After 1.5 years of anastrozole treatment, the rate of his bone age advancement had slowed and his linear growth remained robust. The patient's near-final height (167 cm) was 2.4 cm taller than his height prediction prior to starting anastrozole. Anastrozole slowed the rate of bone age advancement in a patient with severe hypothyroidism and rapidly progressive puberty during treatment with LT4, leading to improvement in near-final height.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita K Hodax
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Seattle Children's Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98105, USA
| | - Lisa Swartz Topor
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA
| | - Shara R Bialo
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children and Sidney Kimmel Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Wilmington, Delaware 19803, USA
| | - Jose Bernardo Quintos
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Rhode Island Hospital and Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA
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Court L, Balthazart J, Ball GF, Cornil CA. Effect of chronic intracerebroventricular administration of an aromatase inhibitor on the expression of socio-sexual behaviors in male Japanese quail. Behav Brain Res 2021; 410:113315. [PMID: 33901434 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase converts androgens into estrogens in the brain of vertebrates including humans. This enzyme is also expressed in other tissues where its action may result in negative effects on human health (e.g., promotion of tumor growth). To prevent these effects, aromatase inhibitors were developed and are currently used to block human estrogen-dependent tumors. In vertebrates including quail, aromatase is expressed in a highly conserved set of interconnected brain nuclei known as the social behavior network. This network is directly implicated in the expression of a large range of social behaviors. The primary goal of this study was to characterize in Japanese quail the potential impact of brain aromatase on sexual behavior, aggressiveness and social motivation (i.e., tendency to approach and stay close to conspecifics). An additional goal was to test the feasibility and effectiveness of long-term delivery of an aromatase inhibitor directly into the third ventricle via Alzet™ osmotic minipumps using male sexual behavior as the aromatase dependent measure. We demonstrate that this mode of administration results in the strongest inhibition of both copulatory behavior and sexual motivation ever observed in this species, while other social behaviors were variably affected. Sexual motivation and the tendency to approach a group of conspecifics including females clearly seem to depend on brain aromatase, but the effects of central estrogen production on aggressive behavior and on the motivation to approach males remain less clear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Court
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, B-4000, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Gregory F Ball
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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Ocaranza P, Íñiguez G, Johnson MC, Cassorla F. Differential effects of androgens and estrogens over cellular GH sensitivity in HEPG2 cells. Growth Horm IGF Res 2021; 57-58:101390. [PMID: 33975196 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2021.101390] [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: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Testosterone and estrogen concentrations progressively increase during puberty, and in association with growth hormone (GH), lead to the increase in height velocity known as the pubertal growth spurt. Very limited information is available however, regarding the possible effects of sex steroids over GH cellular sensitivity. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of different concentrations of testosterone, estradiol and dihydrotestosterone over the GH intracellular signaling pathway. METHODS We evaluated the effects of these sex steroids on the nuclear phosphorylation of STAT5b and IGF-1 expression, in HEPG2 human hepatoma cells. In addition, we studied whether Tamoxifen (TAM), can modulate these effects. RESULTS The highest concentration of T tested (10 ng/mL) co-incubated with a fixed concentration of GH (40 ng/mL) increased nuclear STAT5b phosphorylation compared with GH alone (1.34 ± 0.2 vs 0.6 ± 0.09 AU; *p < 0.05), as well as IGF-1 expression (0.6 ± 0.03 vs 0.32 ± 0.05 AU; *p < 0.05). This effect was not observed with lower concentrations of T tested (1 and 5 ng/mL). A similar increase in nuclear STAT5b phosphorylation was observed with the lowest concentration of E2 tested (20 pg/mL), co-incubated with the same fixed concentration of GH (3.6 ± 0.5 vs 1.28 ± 0.33 AU; *p < 0.05). This effect was also associated with an increase in IGF-1 expression (0.73 ± 0.02 vs 0.39 ± 0.04 AU; *p < 0.05). These results were not observed with higher concentrations of E2 tested (75 and 200 pg/mL). DHT at concentrations of 0.1, 0.25 and 0.5 ng/mL, co-stimulated with GH, did not change cytoplasmic STAT5b phosphorylation, nuclear STAT5b or IGF-1 expression. In addition, the co-incubation of TAM with the highest concentration of T tested (10 ng/mL) and GH (40 ng/mL) did not change cytoplasmic, nuclear pSTAT5 levels or IGF-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS T and E2 potentiate the GH signaling pathway in a concentration-dependent fashion. The observation that the non-aromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone does not stimulate this pathway, and that the effects of T are blocked with TAM, suggests that the effects of T over the GH signaling pathway appear to be mediated by estrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Ocaranza
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Germán Íñiguez
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - M Cecilia Johnson
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando Cassorla
- Institute of Maternal and Child Research (IDIMI), School of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Wit JM. Should Skeletal Maturation Be Manipulated for Extra Height Gain? Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:812196. [PMID: 34975773 PMCID: PMC8716689 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.812196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Skeletal maturation can be delayed by reducing the exposure to estrogens, either by halting pubertal development through administering a GnRH analogue (GnRHa), or by blocking the conversion of androgens to estrogens through an aromatase inhibitor (AI). These agents have been investigated in children with growth disorders (off-label), either alone or in combination with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). GnRHa is effective in attaining a normal adult height (AH) in the treatment of children with central precocious puberty, but its effect in short children with normal timing of puberty is equivocal. If rhGH-treated children with growth hormone deficiency or those who were born small-for-gestational age are still short at pubertal onset, co-treatment with a GnRHa for 2-3 years increases AH. A similar effect was seen by adding rhGH to GnRHa treatment of children with central precocious puberty with a poor AH prediction and by adding rhGH plus GnRHa to children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia with a poor predicted adult height on conventional treatment with gluco- and mineralocorticoids. In girls with idiopathic short stature and relatively early puberty, rhGH plus GnRHa increases AH. Administration of letrozole to boys with constitutional delay of growth puberty may increase AH, and rhGH plus anastrozole may increase AH in boys with growth hormone deficiency or idiopathic short stature, but the lack of data on attained AH and potential selective loss-of-follow-up in several studies precludes firm conclusions. GnRHas appear to have a good overall safety profile, while for aromatase inhibitors conflicting data have been reported.
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Ratre P, Mishra K, Dubey A, Vyas A, Jain A, Thareja S. Aromatase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Breast Cancer: A Journey from the Scratch. Anticancer Agents Med Chem 2020; 20:1994-2004. [DOI: 10.2174/1871520620666200627204105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background:
Estrogens are essential for the growth of breast cancer in the case of premenopausal as
well as in postmenopausal women. However, most of the breast cancer incidences are reported in postmenopausal
women and the concurrent risk surges with an increase in age. Since the enzyme aromatase catalyses
essential steps in estrogen biosynthesis, Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) are effective targeted therapy in patients
with Estrogen Receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. AIs are more effective than Selective Estrogen Receptor
Modulators (SERMs) because they block both the genomic and nongenomic activities of ER. Till date, first,
second and third-generation AIs have been approved by the FDA. The third-generation AIs, viz. Letrozole,
Anastrozole, Exemestane, are currently used in the standard treatment for postmenopausal breast cancer.
Methods:
Data were collected from Medline, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct through searching of
keywords: ‘aromatase’, ‘aromatase inhibitors’, ‘breast cancer’, ‘steroidal aromatase inhibitors’, ‘non-steroidal
inhibitors’ and ‘generations of aromatase inhibitors’.
Results:
In the current scenario of breast cancer chemotherapy, AIs are the most widely used agents which reveal
optimum efficacy along with the least side effects. Keeping in view the prominence of AIs in breast cancer
therapy, this review covered the detailed description of aromatase including its role in the biosynthesis of estrogen,
biochemistry, gene expression, 3D-structure, and information of reported AIs along with their role in breast
cancer treatment.
Conclusion:
AIs are the mainstream solution of the ER+ breast cancer treatment regimen with the continuous
improvement of human understanding of the importance of a healthy life of women suffering from breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Ratre
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur-495 009 (C.G.), India
| | - Keerti Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur-495 009 (C.G.), India
| | - Amit Dubey
- Chhattisgarh Council of Science and Technology, Raipur-492 014 (C.G.), India
| | - Amber Vyas
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur-492 010 (C.G.), India
| | - Akhlesh Jain
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur-495 009 (C.G.), India
| | - Suresh Thareja
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guru Ghasidas Central University, Bilaspur-495 009 (C.G.), India
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Perper M, Herskovitz I, Tosti A. Aromatase inhibitor-induced hair loss in two adolescents. Pediatr Dermatol 2020; 37:1125-1127. [PMID: 32869880 DOI: 10.1111/pde.14339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Hair loss and thinning are possible complications in those undergoing endocrine therapies with aromatase inhibitors. Alopecia in pediatric patients undergoing endocrine therapy has not been previously reported. We describe two adolescents, 14 and 16 years of age, who developed androgenetic alopecia following treatment with anastrozole for idiopathic short stature. Accordingly, the possible adverse event of alopecia should be considered in the pediatric population undergoing treatment with aromatase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Perper
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Ingrid Herskovitz
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Antonella Tosti
- Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
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8
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Aromatase inhibitors: Role in postmenopausal breast cancer. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2020; 353:e2000081. [DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202000081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Atay Z, Turan S, Buğdaycı O, Guran T, Bereket A. Restoration of Height after 11 Years of Letrozole Treatment in 11β-Hydroxylase Deficiency. Horm Res Paediatr 2020; 92:203-208. [PMID: 31454824 DOI: 10.1159/000501456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11β-OHD) is the second most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Males with 11β-OHD CAH are often diagnosed late with a significantly advanced bone age leading to a poor height prognosis due to early closure of epiphysis. Delaying epiphyseal fusion by treatment of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) might be a useful strategy in patients with very advanced bone ages. However, there are limited data regarding the effect on final height and long-term safety of this approach. We report our experience with 11 years of letrozole treatment and 17 years of follow-up in a boy with 11β-OHD. He presented at 2 years and 11 months of age with a bone age of 13 years (predicted adult height, PAH, 129.5 cm). Letrozole was added after 1 year of glucocorticoid treatment due to no improvement in height prognosis (130 cm), and continued until the age of 14 years and 11 months. He also received GnRH analog treatment at 10 years and 3 months of age for 2.5 years due to central activation of puberty. He reached a final height of 165.2 cm (35.2 cm above his PAH). This long-term treatment with letrozole was associated with changes in vertebral morphology such as vertebral body end-plate changes, Schmorl nodes, and mild protrusions in the intervertebral discs. Testicular volumes, gonadotropins, testosterone, and anti-Müllerian hormone were normal at age 20 years. A spermiogram showed a normal count but impaired sperm motility and morphology. This unique case represents the longest duration of AI treatment reported in CAH and the first case in which letrozole was started before puberty with the final height reported. We conclude that AIs may restore height in selected patients with CAH with very advanced bone age and severely compromised height prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Atay
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, .,Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey,
| | - Serap Turan
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Onur Buğdaycı
- Department of Radiology, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tulay Guran
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Bereket
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Brown MA, Su MA. An Inconvenient Variable: Sex Hormones and Their Impact on T Cell Responses. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 202:1927-1933. [PMID: 30885988 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiologic data demonstrate sex differences in autoimmune diseases, immune responses against infection, and antitumor immunity, and accumulating evidence suggests a major role for sex hormones in mediating these differences. In this study, we review recent advances in understanding how sex hormones regulate T cell responses to alter susceptibility to autoimmunity. Although sex hormones can directly alter gene transcriptional programs of T cells, we focus in this study on how sex hormones alter T cell development and function through their effects on thymic stromal cells and innate cell types. In addition to contributing to our understanding of sex differences, these findings also have implications for the therapeutic use of sex hormones and sex hormone modulators, which are now being prescribed to increasing numbers of patients for a wide variety of indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Brown
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611
| | - Maureen A Su
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, College of Life Sciences, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095; and .,Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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Chen JF, Lin PW, Tsai YR, Yang YC, Kang HY. Androgens and Androgen Receptor Actions on Bone Health and Disease: From Androgen Deficiency to Androgen Therapy. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111318. [PMID: 31731497 PMCID: PMC6912771 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens are not only essential for bone development but for the maintenance of bone mass. Therefore, conditions with androgen deficiency, such as male hypogonadism, androgen-insensitive syndromes, and prostate cancer with androgen deprivation therapy are strongly associated with bone loss and increased fracture risk. Here we summarize the skeletal effects of androgens—androgen receptors (AR) actions based on in vitro and in vivo studies from animals and humans, and discuss bone loss due to androgens/AR deficiency to clarify the molecular basis for the anabolic action of androgens and AR in bone homeostasis and unravel the functions of androgen/AR signaling in healthy and disease states. Moreover, we provide evidence for the skeletal benefits of androgen therapy and elucidate why androgens are more beneficial than male sexual hormones, highlighting their therapeutic potential as osteoanabolic steroids in improving bone fracture repair. Finally, the application of selective androgen receptor modulators may provide new approaches for the treatment of osteoporosis and fractures as well as building stronger bones in diseases dependent on androgens/AR status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Feng Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (P.-W.L.); (Y.-R.T.); (Y.-C.Y.)
| | - Pei-Wen Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (P.-W.L.); (Y.-R.T.); (Y.-C.Y.)
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ru Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (P.-W.L.); (Y.-R.T.); (Y.-C.Y.)
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- An-Ten Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Kaohsiung 802, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chien Yang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (P.-W.L.); (Y.-R.T.); (Y.-C.Y.)
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Yo Kang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan; (P.-W.L.); (Y.-R.T.); (Y.-C.Y.)
- Center for Menopause and Reproductive Medicine Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 833, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-731-7123 (ext. 8898)
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Salonia A, Rastrelli G, Hackett G, Seminara SB, Huhtaniemi IT, Rey RA, Hellstrom WJG, Palmert MR, Corona G, Dohle GR, Khera M, Chan YM, Maggi M. Paediatric and adult-onset male hypogonadism. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2019; 5:38. [PMID: 31147553 PMCID: PMC6944317 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-019-0087-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is of relevance in many processes related to the development, maturation and ageing of the male. Through this axis, a cascade of coordinated activities is carried out leading to sustained testicular endocrine function, with gonadal testosterone production, as well as exocrine function, with spermatogenesis. Conditions impairing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis during paediatric or pubertal life may result in delayed puberty. Late-onset hypogonadism is a clinical condition in the ageing male combining low concentrations of circulating testosterone and specific symptoms associated with impaired hormone production. Testosterone therapy for congenital forms of hypogonadism must be lifelong, whereas testosterone treatment of late-onset hypogonadism remains a matter of debate because of unclear indications for replacement, uncertain efficacy and potential risks. This Primer focuses on a reappraisal of the physiological role of testosterone, with emphasis on the critical interpretation of the hypogonadal conditions throughout the lifespan of the male individual, with the exception of hypogonadal states resulting from congenital disorders of sex development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giulia Rastrelli
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Geoffrey Hackett
- Department of Urology, University of Bedfordshire, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - Stephanie B Seminara
- Harvard Reproductive Sciences Center and Reproductive Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ilpo T Huhtaniemi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Campus, London, UK
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas 'Dr César Bergadá' (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños R. Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Wayne J G Hellstrom
- Department of Urology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Mark R Palmert
- Division of Endocrinology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Departments of Paediatrics and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Giovanni Corona
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Endocrinology Unit, Medical Department, Azienda Usl Bologna Maggiore-Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gert R Dohle
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mohit Khera
- Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yee-Ming Chan
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mario Maggi
- Sexual Medicine and Andrology Unit Department of Experimental Clinical and Biomedical Sciences 'Mario Serio', University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi (INBB), Rome, Italy
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Dattani MT. Letrozole: a new treatment for delayed puberty in boys? THE LANCET. CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH 2019; 3:60-62. [PMID: 30612947 DOI: 10.1016/s2352-4642(18)30405-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mehul T Dattani
- London Centre for Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and University College London (UCL) Hospital, London, UK; Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
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Carswell JM, Roberts SA. Induction and Maintenance of Amenorrhea in Transmasculine and Nonbinary Adolescents. Transgend Health 2017; 2:195-201. [PMID: 29142910 PMCID: PMC5684657 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2017.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The treatment of persistent uterine bleeding in those patients who identify as transmasculine or nonbinary is often straightforward, but can be difficult in a subset of patients. This article reviews the physiology of the normal menstrual cycle and the hormonal influences on the endometrium, and then explores options for the treatment of persistent bleeding for people both already on testosterone and for those who are either not ready for or who do not desire testosterone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremi M. Carswell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stephanie A. Roberts
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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Leschek EW, Flor AC, Bryant JC, Jones JV, Barnes KM, Cutler GB. Effect of Antiandrogen, Aromatase Inhibitor, and Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Analog on Adult Height in Familial Male Precocious Puberty. J Pediatr 2017; 190:229-235. [PMID: 29144249 PMCID: PMC5726420 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2017.07.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2017] [Revised: 07/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antiandrogen, aromatase inhibitor, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) treatment normalizes growth rate and bone maturation and increases predicted adult height (AH) in boys with familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP). To evaluate the effect of long-term antiandrogen, aromatase inhibitor, and GnRHa on AH, boys with FMPP who were treated were followed to AH. STUDY DESIGN Twenty-eight boys with FMPP, referred to the National Institutes of Health, were started on antiandrogen and aromatase inhibitor at 4.9 ± 1.5 years of age; GnRHa was added at 6.9 ± 1.5 years of age. Treatment was discontinued at 12.2 ± 0.5 years of age (bone age, 14.4 ± 1.3). AH was assessed at 16.4 ± 1.3 years of age (bone age, 18.5 ± 0.6). RESULTS AH (mean ± SD) for all treated subjects was 173.6 ± 6.8 cm (-0.4 ± 1.0 SD relative to adult US males). For 25 subjects with pretreatment predicted AH, AH significantly exceeded predicted AH at treatment onset (173.8 ± 6.9 vs 164.9 ± 10.7 cm; P < .001), but fell short of predicted AH at treatment discontinuation (177.3 ± 9.0 cm; P < .001). For 11 subjects with maternal or sporadic inheritance, the mean AH was 3.1 cm (0.4 SD score) below sex-adjusted midparental height (175.4 ± 5.8 vs 178.5 ± 3.1 cm [midparental height]; P = .10). For 16 subjects with affected and untreated fathers, AH was significantly greater than fathers' AH (172.8 ± 7.4 vs 168.8 ± 7.2 cm; P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Long-term treatment with antiandrogen, aromatase inhibitor, and GnRHa in boys with FMPP results in AH modestly below sex-adjusted midparental height and within the range for adult males in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Werber Leschek
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
| | | | - Joy C Bryant
- National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Kevin M Barnes
- The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Hawton K, Walton-Betancourth S, Rumsby G, Raine J, Dattani M. Growth Hormone With Aromatase Inhibitor May Improve Height in CYP11B1 Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Pediatrics 2017; 139:peds.2016-0730. [PMID: 28126912 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2016-0730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With an estimated prevalence of 1 in 100 000 births, 11β-hydroxylase deficiency is the second most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and is caused by mutations in CYP11B1 Clinical features include virilization, early gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty, hypertension, and reduced stature. The current mainstay of management is with glucocorticoids to replace deficient steroids and to minimize adrenal sex hormone overproduction, thus preventing virilization and optimizing growth. We report a patient with CAH who had been suboptimally treated and presented to us at 6 years of age with precocious puberty, hypertension, tall stature, advanced bone age, and a predicted final height of 150 cm. Hormonal profiles and genetic analysis confirmed a diagnosis of 11β-hydroxylase deficiency. In addition to glucocorticoid replacement, the patient was commenced on growth hormone and a third-generation aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole, in an attempt to optimize his growth. After the initiation of this treatment, the patient's growth rate improved significantly and bone age advancement slowed. The patient reached a final height of 177.5 cm (0.81 SD score), 11.5 cm above his mid-parental height. This patient is only the second reported case of the use of an aromatase inhibitor in combination with growth hormone to optimize height in 11β-hydroxylase-deficient CAH. This novel treatment proved to be highly efficacious, with no adverse effects. It may therefore provide a promising option to promote growth in exceptional circumstances in individuals with 11β-hydroxylase deficiency presenting late with advanced skeletal maturation and consequent short stature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandra Walton-Betancourth
- Genetics and Epigenetics in Health and Disease Section, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gill Rumsby
- University College London Hospital, London, United Kingdom; and
| | | | - Mehul Dattani
- Genetics and Epigenetics in Health and Disease Section, Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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Bulsari K, Falhammar H. Clinical perspectives in congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11β-hydroxylase deficiency. Endocrine 2017; 55:19-36. [PMID: 27928728 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-1189-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder. It is caused by reduced or absent activity of 11β-hydroxylase (CYP11B1) enzyme and the resultant defects in adrenal steroidogenesis. The most common clinical features of 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency are ambiguous genitalia, accelerated skeletal maturation and resultant short stature, peripheral precocious puberty and hyporeninemic hypokalemic hypertension. The biochemical diagnosis is based on raised serum 11-deoxycortisol and 11-deoxycorticosterone levels together with increased adrenal androgens. More than 100 mutations in CYP11B1 gene have been reported to date. The level of in-vivo activity of CYP11B1 relates to the degree of severity of 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency. Clinical management of 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency can pose a challenge to maintain adequate glucocorticoid dosing to suppress adrenal androgen excess while avoiding glucocorticoid-induced side effects. The long-term outcomes of clinical and surgical management are not well studied. This review article aims to collate the current available data about 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency and its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krupali Bulsari
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia.
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Endocrinology, Royal Darwin Hospital, Darwin, NT, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Menzies School of Health Research, Darwin, NT, Australia
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Tiboni GM, Ponzano A. Fetal safety profile of aromatase inhibitors: Animal data. Reprod Toxicol 2016; 66:84-92. [PMID: 27697604 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2016.09.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a class of drugs that act by blocking the production of estrogens from androgens. The current review concentrates on the prenatal developmental toxicity of AIs in experimental models. Available data indicate that AIs may affect pregnancy at human therapeutic or lower doses. The window of vulnerability to AIs is not limited to organogenesis, but also includes the preimplantation stage and fetal periods. Decreased embryo/fetal survival was the prominent treatment-related effect. Morphological anomalies noted in fetuses exposed to AIs included skeletal anomalies, abnormal head morphology, increased ano-genital distance in female fetuses, and minor urinary tract system anomalies. Placental enlargement was consistently reported in rats and non-human primates after maternal treatment with several AIs. In conclusion, data from basic scientific research suggest that low intensity exposure to AIs applied during a wide gestational window can profoundly affect prenatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Mario Tiboni
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
| | - Adalisa Ponzano
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Italy.
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Ahmad S, Khan MF, Parvez S, Akhtar M, Raisuddin S. Molecular docking reveals the potential of phthalate esters to inhibit the enzymes of the glucocorticoid biosynthesis pathway. J Appl Toxicol 2016; 37:265-277. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.3355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 05/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shahzad Ahmad
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology; Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University); New Delhi 110062 India
| | - Mohemmed Faraz Khan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy; Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University); New Delhi 110062 India
| | - Suhel Parvez
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology; Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University); New Delhi 110062 India
| | - Mohammad Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy; Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University); New Delhi 110062 India
| | - Sheikh Raisuddin
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology; Jamia Hamdard (Hamdard University); New Delhi 110062 India
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Papadimitriou DT, Dermitzaki E, Papagianni M, Papaioannou G, Papaevangelou V, Papadimitriou A. Anastrozole plus leuprorelin in early maturing girls with compromised growth: the "GAIL" study. J Endocrinol Invest 2016; 39:439-46. [PMID: 26507391 PMCID: PMC4799269 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-015-0399-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Aromatase inhibitors have been used to increase predicted adult height (PAH) in boys but in girls only in McCune-Albright syndrome. We investigated whether anastrozole combined with leuprorelin for up to 2 years is safe and effective in improving PAH in girls with early puberty and compromised growth, compared to leuprorelin alone. METHODS The "GAIL" study: girls treated with an aromatase inhibitor and an LHRH analogue, ISRCTN11469487, was a 7-year prospective phase IIa study with parallel design, performed at Athens Medical Center (C-A), and Attikon University Hospital, Athens, Greece (C-B). Forty girls, consecutively referred for early puberty (onset 7.5-9 years) with a PAH <-2 or >1.5 SD lower than their target height (TH), were included. Twenty started on leuprorelin sc/im 0.3 mg/kg/month plus anastrozole 1 mg/d p.o. (group-A, C-A) and 20 on leuprorelin (group-B, C-B) for 2 years or until the age of 10 years. Groups did not differ in age, height, BMI, bone age advancement (BAA), and distance of PAH from TH. Follow-up was at 6, 12, 18, and 24 m. RESULTS Reduction in BAA was significantly higher in group-A compared to group-B already by 6 m. Despite the transiently significant decrease in height velocity in group-A, gain in PAH SD was almost double by 12 and 18 m vs group-B and reached the maximum of +1.21 ± 0.45 (7.51 cm) vs +0.31 ± 0.37 (1.92 cm, p = 0.001) in group-B at 24 m. Group-A had no clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, unchanged normal bone density, and lumbar spine X-rays. CONCLUSION The co-administration of anastrozole with leuprorelin safely improves PAH in girls with compromised growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- D T Papadimitriou
- Department of Pediatric-Endocrinology and Diabetes, Athens Medical Center, 58, av. Kifissias, Maroussi, 15125, Athens, Greece.
- Third Department of Pediatrics, "Attikon" University Hospital, Haidari, 12462, Athens, Greece.
| | - E Dermitzaki
- Third Department of Pediatrics, "Attikon" University Hospital, Haidari, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - M Papagianni
- Third Department of Pediatrics, Hippokrateion General Hospital of Thessaloniki, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54642, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - G Papaioannou
- Department of Radiology, Mitera Maternity and Children's Hospital, Maroussi, 15123, Athens, Greece
| | - V Papaevangelou
- Third Department of Pediatrics, "Attikon" University Hospital, Haidari, 12462, Athens, Greece
| | - A Papadimitriou
- Third Department of Pediatrics, "Attikon" University Hospital, Haidari, 12462, Athens, Greece
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Abstract
BACKGROUND As a result of the essential role of oestrogens in epiphyseal closure, aromatase inhibitors have been trialled as an intervention to improve height outcomes in male children and adolescents by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to oestradiol. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of aromatase inhibitors in male children and adolescents with short stature. SEARCH METHODS To identify relevant trials, we searched the Cochrane Library (2014, Issue 7), MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the World Health Organization (WHO) ICTRP trial register from their inception until August 2014. In addition, we conducted citation searches and screened reference lists of included trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) if they compared use of an aromatase inhibitor with placebo in male children and adolescents with short stature. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts for relevance. Both authors carried out screening for inclusion, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, with any disagreements resolved following discussion. We assessed trials for quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) instrument. We contacted study authors regarding missing information. Primary outcomes were final or near-final height, adverse events, and health-related quality of life. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, cognitive outcomes, socioeconomic effects, laboratory measures, short-term growth parameters, and assessment of effects on bone health. Meta-analysis was not appropriate due to the substantial clinical heterogeneity between trials; we presented the findings of the review in narrative format. MAIN RESULTS We included four RCTs involving 207 participants (84 on interventions) in the review. Trials included males with constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP), idiopathic short stature (ISS), and growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Three of the trials had an overall low or unclear risk of bias for primary outcomes. Short-term growth outcomes, such as predicted adult height, improved in all trials. Just one trial reported the primary outcome of final and near-final height as an extension under non-randomised conditions. None of the trials assessed health-related quality of life. One publication provided detailed information regarding the incidence of adverse events. A significant proportion (45%) of prepubertal boys with ISS treated with letrozole developed mild morphological abnormalities of their vertebrae, compared with none in the placebo group. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Available evidence suggested that aromatase inhibitors improved short-term growth outcomes. There was no evidence to support an increase in final adult height, based on limited data, with only one of four trials publishing final height data under non-randomised conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh McGrath
- Midland Regional HospitalDepartment of PaediatricsMullingarWestmeathIreland
| | - Michael J O'Grady
- Midland Regional HospitalDepartment of PaediatricsMullingarWestmeathIreland
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Short Stature in Chronic Kidney Disease Treated with Growth Hormone and an Aromatase Inhibitor. Case Rep Pediatr 2015; 2015:738571. [PMID: 26101681 PMCID: PMC4458562 DOI: 10.1155/2015/738571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We describe an alternative strategy for management of severe growth failure in a 14-year-old child who presented with advanced chronic kidney disease close to puberty. The patient was initially treated with growth hormone for a year until kidney transplantation, followed immediately by a year-long course of an aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole, to prevent epiphyseal fusion and prolong the period of linear growth. Outcome was excellent, with successful transplant and anticipated complete correction of height deficit. This strategy may be appropriate for children with chronic kidney disease and short stature who are in puberty.
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Nour MA, Pacaud D. Height augmentation in 11β-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY 2015; 2015:12. [PMID: 25983757 PMCID: PMC4432823 DOI: 10.1186/s13633-015-0008-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2014] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Context 11β-hydroxylase deficiency is the second most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Untreated, this enzyme deficiency leads to virilization, hypertension, and significant height impairment. Patient We describe a patient from abroad who first presented to us at age 7 years for follow-up of ambiguous genitalia. He had been investigated and treated in Pakistan at 3-years-of-age following presentation for bilateral cryptorchidism. He was found to have 46, XX karyotype, elevated 17-OH progesterone and was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In Pakistan, the patient had abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingoophrectomy, and was started on corticosteroid replacement. At 7 years, shortly after immigrating to Canada, height was 138 cm and BMI 19.3 kg/m2 (+2.9 SDS and +1.7 SDS, respectively, male growth chart) and blood pressure was greater than the 99th percentile for age and height. The patient had Prader stage III - IV genital anatomy. Bone age was significantly advanced, yielding a severely compromised predicted final adult height. Biochemical evaluation was consistent with 11β-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Intervention and outcome In an attempt to improve final height, in addition to glucocorticoid replacement, this patient was treated with recombinant growth hormone and a third generation aromatase inhibitor (Letrozole) with an improvement in final height attained as compared with predicted height. Conclusions This case of a 46,XX patient raised as male with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11β-hydroxylase deficiency highlights a number of unique and difficult treatment challenges; specifically, the role of new therapeutic options for optimization of growth in the context of prior suboptimal disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munier A Nour
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada ; Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Royal University Hospital, 103 Hospital Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0W8 Canada
| | - Danièle Pacaud
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Alberta Children's Hospital, Calgary, Alberta Canada ; Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta Canada
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Rothenbuhler A, Linglart A, Bougnères P. A randomized pilot trial of growth hormone with anastrozole versus growth hormone alone, starting at the very end of puberty in adolescents with idiopathic short stature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY 2015; 2015:4. [PMID: 25972902 PMCID: PMC4429943 DOI: 10.1186/1687-9856-2015-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND When given during the course of puberty, anastrozole (A), an aromatase inhibitor, has been shown to increase the predicted adult height (PAH) of GH-deficient (GHD) boys treated with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH). Our study questioned whether this treatment could retain some of its effects in non-GHD adolescent boys if started only at the very end of puberty, a time when rhGH treatment is denied to short adolescents who have almost reached their final height. OBJECTIVE To explore the effect on adult height of a combination of rhGH and A, compared with rhGH alone, at the end of puberty in boys with idiopatic short stature (ISS). METHODS A prospective randomized study comparing rhGH + A and rhGH was conducted in 24 healthy adolescent boys aged 15.2 ± 1.2 yrs with serum testosterone at adult levels and a faltering growth velocity <3.5 cm/yr leading to a predicted adult height (PAH) <2.5 SDS. Treatments were stopped when growth velocity became <10 mm in 6 months or when height was close to 170 cm. A historical group of ISS adolescents (N = 17) matched for puberty and growth was used for comparison. RESULTS IGF1 levels remained within normal limits in all treated patients. Mean treatment duration was 19 months in the rhGH + A group and 11.5 months in the rhGH group (P = 6.10(-4)). Adult height reached 168.4 ± 2.6 cm in the rhGH + A group and 164.2 ± 5.6 cm in the rhGH group (P < 0.02). Adult height was 160.1 ± 2.8 cm in the historical controls. CONCLUSION A combination of rhGH and A, started at the very end of puberty, seems to allow boys with ISS to reach a greater adult height than rhGH alone. Larger trials are needed to confirm this preliminary observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anya Rothenbuhler
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Bicêtre Hospital, Pôle I3E, AP-HP, Paris Sud University, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Agnès Linglart
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Bicêtre Hospital, Pôle I3E, AP-HP, Paris Sud University, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Pierre Bougnères
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Bicêtre Hospital, Pôle I3E, AP-HP, Paris Sud University, 94275 Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
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Soliman A, De Sanctis V, Elalaily R, Bedair S. Advances in pubertal growth and factors influencing it: Can we increase pubertal growth? Indian J Endocrinol Metab 2014; 18:S53-S62. [PMID: 25538878 PMCID: PMC4266869 DOI: 10.4103/2230-8210.145075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Puberty is a period of development characterized by partially concurrent changes which includes growth acceleration, alteration in body composition and appearance of secondary sex characteristics. Puberty is characterized by an acceleration and then deceleration in skeletal growth. The initiation, duration and amount of growth vary considerably during the growth spurt. Pubertal growth and biological maturation are dynamic processes regulated by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Changes in skeletal maturation and bone mineral accretion concomitant with the stage of pubertal development constitute essential components in the evaluation of growth during this pubertal period. Genetic, endocrine and nutritional factors and ethnicity contribute variably to the amount of growth gained during this important period of rapid changes. Many studies investigated the possibility of increasing pubertal growth to gain taller final adult height in adolescents with idiopathic short stature (ISS). The pattern of pubertal growth, its relation to sex maturity rating and factors affecting them has been addressed in this review. The results of different trials to increase final adult height of adolescents using different hormones have been summarized. These data enables Endocrinologists to give in-depth explanations to patients and families about the efficacy and clinical significance as well as the safety of using these therapies in the treatment of adolescents with ISS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashraf Soliman
- Department of Pediatrics, Hamad Medical Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Vincenzo De Sanctis
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric and Adolescent Outpatients Clinic, Quisisana Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Rania Elalaily
- Department of Primary Health Care, AbuNakhla Hospital, Doha, Qatar
| | - Said Bedair
- Department of Radiology AlKhor Hospital, Hamad Medical Center, Doha, Qatar
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Neely EK, Kumar RB, Payne SL, Ranadive SA, Suchet DI. Letrozole vs anastrozole for height augmentation in short pubertal males: first year data. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:4086-93. [PMID: 25137428 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2014-2432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Aromatase inhibitors are used off-label to treat short stature in peripubertal boys. OBJECTIVE To investigate short- and long-term hormonal and auxologic differences in short pubertal boys treated with letrozole (L) or anastrozole (A). DESIGN PATIENTS are seen for laboratory evaluation and physical examination every 6 months, bone age yearly, DEXA and spine film every 2 years. They will be followed until they reach their final height. This is a preliminary report after 1 year of treatment. SETTING A single academic children's hospital outpatient clinic. PATIENTS Boys with age >10 years, bone age ≤ 14 years, clinical and hormonal evidence of central puberty, and either height < fifth percentile or predicted adult height (PAH) more than 10 cm below mid-parental height (MPH). INTERVENTION Letrozole (2.5 mg) or anastrozole (1 mg) was administered orally each day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Hormonal and clinical parameters, growth velocity, and change in bone age and PAH. RESULTS Thirty-nine boys have completed 1 year of treatment. Baseline means were age 14.1 years, PAH 166 cm, and testosterone 198 ng/dL. At 1 year, letrozole resulted in higher LH (L 6.1 ± 2.5 vs A 3.2 ± 1.7 IU/L) and testosterone (1038 ± 348 vs 536 ± 216 ng/dL) with lower estradiol (2.8 ± 2.8 vs 5.6 ± 2.9 pg/mL) and IGF-1 (237 ± 51 vs 331 ± 79 ng/mL). First year growth velocities were identical (7.2 cm/year), but an increase in PAH was greater in the anastrozole group (4.2 ± 3.5 vs 1.4 ± 4.4 cm, p = 0.03) after 1 year. CONCLUSIONS We present first-year data from a direct comparison of anastrozole and letrozole for height augmentation in short pubertal boys. Letrozole was more potent in hormonal manipulation than anastrozole. First-year growth velocities were comparable, but improvement in PAH was greater in the anastrozole group. It remains to be seen if positive PAH trends will translate to increase in final height in either group.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Kirk Neely
- Pediatric Endocrinology (E.K.N., R.B.K., S.L.P.), Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California 94305; and Pediatric Endocrinology (S.A.R., D.I.S.), Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Palo Alto, California 94301
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McGrath N, O'Grady MJ. Aromatase inhibitors for short stature in male children and adolescents. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Pouliot L, Schneider M, DeCristofaro M, Samadfam R, Smith SY, Beckman DA. Assessment of a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, in juvenile rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 98:374-90. [PMID: 24323897 DOI: 10.1002/bdrb.21080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The timing and duration of letrozole administration was designed to encompass the majority of postnatal development in the rat with the intent of evaluating the potential for a broad range of effects but with emphasis on expected effects on skeletal maturation. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were administered letrozole via oral gavage at doses of 0.003, 0.03, and 0.3 mg/kg/day beginning on postpartum day (PPD) 7 through 91 followed by a 6-week recovery period. Clinical signs, body weight, food consumption, developmental endpoints, bone, ophthalmology, behavioral assessments, clinical/anatomic pathology, toxicokinetics, and reproductive assessments were conducted. RESULTS Growth (body weight gain and crown-to-rump length) and food consumption were increased in females at ≥0.03 mg/kg/day and decreased in males at ≥0.003 mg/kg/day. Delayed sexual maturation in both sexes and adverse effects on reproductive function occurred at all doses. Effects on bone growth and maturation were noted in both sexes at all doses. Evidence of recovery was noted for males at 0.003 mg/kg/day and females at 0.003 and 0.03 mg/kg/day upon withdrawal of treatment. Histopathological changes in the pituitary-adrenal-gonadal axis correlated with effects on reproductive function. CONCLUSIONS The observed effects in juvenile rats were considered predictable and primarily related to the mechanism of action of letrozole upon estrogen synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Pouliot
- Charles River Preclinical Services, Senneville, QC, Canada
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Abstract
Bone age (BA) indicates more clearly than chronologic age how far an individual has progressed toward full maturity, and predicts the potential for further growth. Single or serial skeletal age estimations help to confirm the diagnosis of normal puberty and normal pubertal variants such as constitutional delay of growth and puberty, premature therlache, and precocious adrenarche. BA can aid in the clinical workup of children whose sexual maturation is early or delayed. Although BA is considered a qualitative rather than quantitative measure, it serves to round out the clinical picture, providing information without which diagnosis could not be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liora Lazar
- The Jesse Z and Sara Lea Shafer Institute for Endocrinology and Diabetes, National Center for Childhood Diabetes, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva 49202, Israel
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Sims EK, Garnett S, Guzman F, Paris F, Sultan C, Eugster EA. Fulvestrant treatment of precocious puberty in girls with McCune-Albright syndrome. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY 2012; 2012:26. [PMID: 22999294 PMCID: PMC3488024 DOI: 10.1186/1687-9856-2012-26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS) is usually characterized by the triad of precocious puberty (PP), fibrous dysplasia, and café au lait spots. Previous treatments investigated for PP have included aromatase inhibitors and the estrogen receptor modulator, tamoxifen. Although some agents have been partially effective, the optimal pharmacologic treatment of PP in girls with MAS has not been identified. The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fulvestrant (FaslodexTM), a pure estrogen receptor antagonist, in girls with progressive precocious puberty (PP) associated with McCune-Albright Syndrome (MAS). Methods In this prospective international multicenter trial, thirty girls ≤ 10 years old with MAS and progressive PP received fulvestrant 4 mg/kg via monthly intramuscular injections for 12 months. Changes in vaginal bleeding, rates of bone age advancement, growth velocity, Tanner staging, predicted adult heights, and uterine and ovarian volumes were measured. Results Median vaginal bleeding days decreased from 12.0 days per year to 1.0 day per year, with a median change in frequency of -3.6 days, (95% confidence interval (CI) -10.10, 0.00; p = 0.0146). Of patients with baseline bleeding, 74% experienced a ≥50% reduction in bleeding, and 35% experienced complete cessation during the study period (95% CI 51.6%, 89.8%; 16.4%, 57.3%, respectively). Average rates of bone age advancement (ΔBA/ΔCA) decreased from 1.99 pre-treatment to 1.06 on treatment (mean change -0.93, 95% CI -1.43, -0.43; p = 0.0007). No significant changes in uterine volumes or other endpoints or serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions Fulvestrant was well tolerated and moderately effective in decreasing vaginal bleeding and rates of skeletal maturation in girls with MAS. Longer-term studies aimed at further defining potential benefits and risks of this novel therapeutic approach in girls with MAS are needed. Trial registration NCT00278915
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Sims
- Section of Pediatric Endocrinology/Diabetology, Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Room 5960, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
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Pubertad precoz periférica: fundamentos clínicos y diagnóstico-terapéuticos. An Pediatr (Barc) 2012; 76:229.e1-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2011.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2011] [Accepted: 09/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark R Palmert
- Division of Endocrinology, Hospital for Sick Children, and Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Geffner ME. Aromatase inhibitors to augment height: continued caution and study required. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2011; 1:256-61. [PMID: 21274305 PMCID: PMC3005754 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.v1i6.256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2009] [Accepted: 09/04/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are a class of drugs that prevent conversion of androgens to estrogens, and that are approved in the United States as adjunctive treatment of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Because ultimate fusion of the growth plates is estrogen-dependent in both boys and girls, AI administration may help to slow down epiphysial maturation and allow for greater height potential. Research trials in children with short stature have predominantly been done in Finland and Florida. Despite the apparent efficacy described by these groups, only ~110 children worldwide have been treated with AIs in research protocols (and usually concomitant with other growth-promoting agents) as of the end of 2008 (and none to final height). That said, many children are being treated with AI's in the United States outside of research protocols. Furthermore, little is known about the short- and long-term safety of AIs in children. Thus, it is imperative that there be well-designed, long-term studies of efficacy and safety of AI use in pediatric populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell E Geffner
- Saban Research Institute, Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
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Abstract
Aromatase, an enzyme located in the endoplasmic reticulum of estrogen-producing cells, catalyzes the rate-limiting step in the conversion of androgens to estrogens in many tissues. The clinical features of patients with defects in CYP19A1, the gene encoding aromatase, have revealed a major role for this enzyme in epiphyseal plate closure, which has promoted interest in the use of inhibitors of aromatase to improve adult height. The availability of the selective aromatase inhibitors letrozole and anastrozole--currently approved as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer--have stimulated off-label use of aromatase inhibitors in pediatrics for the following conditions: hyperestrogenism, such as aromatase excess syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, McCune-Albright syndrome and functional follicular ovarian cysts; hyperandrogenism, for example, testotoxicosis (also known as familial male-limited precocious puberty) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia; pubertal gynecomastia; and short stature and/or pubertal delay in boys. Current data suggest that aromatase inhibitors are probably effective in the treatment of patients with aromatase excess syndrome or testotoxicosis, partially effective in Peutz-Jeghers and McCune-Albright syndrome, but probably ineffective in gynecomastia. Insufficient data are available in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia or functional ovarian cysts. Although aromatase inhibitors appear effective in increasing adult height of boys with short stature and/or pubertal delay, safety concerns, including vertebral deformities, a decrease in serum HDL cholesterol levels and increase of erythrocytosis, are reasons for caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan M Wit
- Department of Pediatrics, J6S, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333ZA, P. O. Box 9600, 2300RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Muftuoglu Y, Mustata G. Aromatase inhibitors and antiepileptic drugs: a computational systems biology analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2011; 9:92. [PMID: 21693043 PMCID: PMC3129585 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-9-92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The present study compares antiepileptic drugs and aromatase (CYP19) inhibitors for chemical and structural similarity. Human aromatase is well known as an important pharmacological target in anti-breast cancer therapy, but recent research demonstrates its role in epileptic seizures, as well. The current antiepileptic treatment methods cause severe side effects that endanger patient health and often preclude continued use. As a result, less toxic and more tolerable antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are needed, especially since every individual responds differently to given treatment options. METHODS Through a pharmacophore search, this study shows that a model previously designed to search for new classes of aromatase inhibitors is able to identify antiepileptic drugs from the set of drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Chemical and structural similarity analyses were performed using five potent AIs, and these studies returned a set of AEDs that the model identifies as hits. RESULTS The pharmacophore model returned 73% (19 out of 26) of the drugs used specifically to treat epilepsy and approximately 82% (51 out of 62) of the compounds with anticonvulsant properties. Therefore, this study supports the possibility of identifying AEDs with a pharmacophore model that had originally been designed to identify new classes of aromatase inhibitors. Potential candidates for anticonvulsant therapy identified in this manner are also reported. Additionally, the chemical and structural similarity between antiepileptic compounds and aromatase inhibitors is proved using similarity analyses. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that a pharmacophore search using a model based on aromatase inhibition and the enzyme's structural features can be used to screen for new candidates for antiepileptic therapy. In fact, potent aromatase inhibitors and current antiepileptic compounds display significant - over 70% - chemical and structural similarity, and the similarity analyses performed propose a number of antiepileptic compounds with high potential for aromatase inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Muftuoglu
- Department of Biophysics and Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Gabriela Mustata
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
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Hero M, Maury S, Luotoniemi E, Service E, Dunkel L. Cognitive effects of aromatase inhibitor therapy in peripubertal boys. Eur J Endocrinol 2010; 163:149-55. [PMID: 20421333 DOI: 10.1530/eje-10-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aromatase inhibitors, blockers of oestrogen biosynthesis, have emerged as a new potential treatment modality for boys with short stature. The cognitive effects of such therapy are unknown. In this study, we explored the effects of aromatase inhibition on cognitive performance in peripubertal boys. DESIGN Prospective, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical study. METHODS Twenty-eight boys, aged 9.0-14.5 years, with idiopathic short stature were treated with the aromatase inhibitor letrozole (2.5 mg/day) or placebo, for 2 years. During the treatment, the progression of physical signs of puberty and the concentrations of sex hormones were followed up. A selection of cognitive tests, focusing on memory function, was administered to the participants at entry, at 12 months and at 24 months after the start of the treatment. RESULTS Letrozole effectively inhibited the conversion of androgen to oestrogen, as indicated by high serum testosterone and low serum oestradiol concentrations in letrozole-treated boys who progressed into puberty. In both the groups, there was a gain in performance during the follow-up period in tests of verbal performance, in most of the tests of visuospatial performance and in some tests of verbal memory. No significant differences between the letrozole- and placebo-treated boys in development of cognitive performance were found in any of the tests during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that blockade of oestrogen biosynthesis with an aromatase inhibitor does not influence cognitive performance in peripubertal males.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hero
- Hospital for Children and Adolescents, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, PO Box 448, FIN-00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland.
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Alternative strategies for the treatment of classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia: pitfalls and promises. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY 2010; 2010:670960. [PMID: 20652035 PMCID: PMC2905899 DOI: 10.1155/2010/670960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of different treatment algorithms, the management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) remains clinically challenging. This is due to the inherent difficulty of suppressing adrenal androgen production using near physiological dosing of glucocorticoids (GC). As a result, alternating cycles of androgen versus GC excess can occur and may lead to short stature, obesity, virilization, and alterations in puberty. Novel therapeutic alternatives, including new and more physiological means of GC delivery, inhibitors at the level of CRH or ACTH secretion and/or action, as well as “rescue strategies”, such as GnRH analogs, anti-androgens, aromatase inhibitors, and estrogen receptor blockers, are available; many of these agents, however, still require active investigation in CAH. Bilateral adrenalectomy is effective but it is also still an experimental approach. Gene therapy and stem cells, to provide functional adrenal cortical tissue, are at preclinical stage but provide exciting avenues for a potential cure for CAH.
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Smith EP, Specker B, Korach KS. Recent experimental and clinical findings in the skeleton associated with loss of estrogen hormone or estrogen receptor activity. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2010; 118:264-72. [PMID: 19900547 PMCID: PMC4782142 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2009.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2009] [Revised: 10/25/2009] [Accepted: 10/30/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Studies on rodent models and rare human disorders of estrogen production or response have revealed an increased complexity of the actions of estrogen on bone. ERalpha disruption in human males results in delayed epiphyseal maturation, tall stature, trabecular thinning, marked cortical thinning, genu valgum and significantly reduced cortical vBMD, but trabecular number is preserved and there is normal to increased periosteal expansion. Aromatase deficiency results overall in a similar phenotype, although less is known about skeletal architecture. Importantly, estrogen replacement in these individuals, even if provided late in the third decade, may normalize aBMD. Less certain is whether there is complete recovery of normal skeletal architecture and strength. Rodent models, in general, are consistent with the human phenotype but are confounded by inherent differences between mouse and human physiology and issues regarding the completeness of the different knock-out lines. Both human and rodent studies suggest that residual effects of estrogen through ERbeta, truncated ERalpha forms or nonclassical estrogen receptors might account for different phenotypes in the hERKO man, aromatase deficient subjects and rodents. Importantly, androgen, particularly by preserving trabecular number and augmenting both periosteal and epiphyseal growth, also has significant actions on bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric P Smith
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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Riddick L, Alter C, Davis DA, Frane J, Lippe B, Bakker B. A stepwise increase in recombinant human growth hormone dosing during puberty achieves improved pubertal growth: a National Cooperative Growth Study report. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2009; 22:623-8. [PMID: 19774843 DOI: 10.1515/jpem.2009.22.7.623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The magnitude of the pubertal growth spurt contributes to adult height. Children treated with increased doses of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) during puberty have shown improved near adult height (NAH) outcomes that varied by treatment duration. METHODS Males, in a single clinic, treated with a prepubertal dose of rhGH (0.3 mg/kg/wk) received 0.1 mg/kg/wk dose increases with successive Tanner stages up to 0.6 mg/kg/wk. Changes in height and height SDS from pubertal onset to NAH were assessed in patients attaining NAH after > or =3 years (n = 23) and > or =4 years (n = 16). Using ANCOVA, outcomes were compared to closely matched patients (n = 758) from the National Cooperative Growth Study treated with a fixed dose (0.3 mg/kg/wk) throughout puberty. RESULTS Compared to matched patients, a 3.6 cm greater increase in mean height gain and a 0.49 greater increase in mean height SDS (p <0.0001) during puberty was observed in patients attaining NAH after > or =3 years. Corresponding values were 3.9 cm and 0.54 (p <0.0001) in patients attaining NAH after > or =4 years. CONCLUSION Stepwise increases in rhGH improved pubertal height gain when compared to a fixed dose and may represent an alternate approach to managing the patient during puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Riddick
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA.
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Audí Parera L. [Aromatase inhibitors: can these agents improve skeletal growth?]. ENDOCRINOLOGIA Y NUTRICION : ORGANO DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE ENDOCRINOLOGIA Y NUTRICION 2009; 56:215-217. [PMID: 19627741 DOI: 10.1016/s1575-0922(09)71403-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 04/03/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
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Bohlmann M, Hornemann A, Weichert J, Stichtenoth G, Ortmann J, Diedrich K, Lüdders D. „Off-label-Anwendung“ von Aromatasehemmern. GYNAKOLOGISCHE ENDOKRINOLOGIE 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s10304-008-0265-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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