A Case of Familial Male-limited Precocious Puberty with a Novel Mutation

Familial male-limited precocious puberty due to an activating mutation of the LHCGR: a case report and literature review

Familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP) is a rare form of gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty that is caused by an activating mutation of the LHCGR gene. Herein, we report a case of FMPP with a mutation of the LHCGR gene in a Korean boy with familial history of precocious puberty through 3 generations. A 16-month-old boy presented with signs of precocious puberty, including pubic hair, acne, and increased growth velocity. The patient's grandfather and father had a history of precocious puberty and profound short stature. On physical examination, the patient had prepubertal testes with pubic hair development appropriate for Tanner stage II. The stretched penile length was 7 cm (>2 standard deviation score), and observed bone age was that of a 4-year-old boy. Laboratory findings showed high serum testosterone (5.74 ng/mL [appropriate for Tanner IV-V]; normal range, <0.05 ng/mL) with suppressed luteinizing hormone (<0.07 mIU/mL) and normal serum level of follicular stimulating hormone (0.56 mIU/mL; normal range, 0.38-1.11 mIU/mL). Genetic testing revealed a pathogenic variant of LHCGR (c.1730 C>T (p.Thr577Ileu)), confirming FMPP. Bicalutamide and anastrozole were administered, and pubertal progression was sufficiently suppressed without any specific side effects. To our knowledge, this is the first case of genetically confirmed FMPP in Korea.

Mitochondrial Dynamics as Potential Modulators of Hormonal Therapy Effectiveness in Males

Worldwide the incidence of andrological diseases is rising every year and, together with it, also the interest in them is increasing due to their strict association with disorders of the reproductive system, including impairment of male fertility, alterations of male hormones production, and/or sexual function. Prevention and early diagnosis of andrological dysfunctions have long been neglected, with the consequent increase in the incidence and prevalence of diseases otherwise easy to prevent and treat if diagnosed early. In this review, we report the latest evidence of the effect of andrological alterations on fertility potential in both young and adult patients, with a focus on the link between gonadotropins' mechanism of action and mitochondria. Indeed, mitochondria are highly dynamic cellular organelles that undergo rapid morphological adaptations, conditioning a multitude of aspects, including their size, shape, number, transport, cellular distribution, and, consequently, their function. Since the first step of steroidogenesis takes place in these organelles, we consider that mitochondria dynamics might have a possible role in a plethora of signaling cascades, including testosterone production. In addition, we also hypothesize a central role of mitochondria fission boost on the decreased response to the commonly administrated hormonal therapy used to treat urological disease in pediatric and adolescent patients as well as infertile adults.

Case report: Fluctuating tumor markers in a boy with gonadotropin-releasing hormone-independent precocious puberty induced by a pineal germ cell tumor

GnRH-independent precocious puberty (GIPP) can be the presenting clinical picture experienced by patients with secreting germ cell tumor (GCT). Indeed, as luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) share identical α-subunits and similar β-subunits, an increased secretion of β-hCG may result in a precocious activation of Leydig cells. Though the co-occurrence of raised β-hCG levels and signs of precocious virilization usually prompts a complete oncological work-up, the diagnostic and therapeutic management of GCT-induced GIPP may be challenging. We report the case of a 6.2 year-old boy presenting with clinical and biochemical findings consistent with GIPP (discrepancy between overt virilization and pre-pubertal testicular volume, suppressed gonadotropins and remarkably raised testosterone). Brain imaging detected a bilobed cyst of the pineal gland, while serum and cerebrospinal baseline assessment initially ruled out raised alpha-fetoprotein or β-hCG levels. Nevertheless, a strict biochemical follow-up highlighted a fluctuant trend of tumor markers, with a more aggressive behavior and recurrent erections occurring as a result of unpredictable phases of raised testosterone and serum/cerebrospinal β-hCG, followed by sudden spontaneous decrease. Accordingly, a secreting pineal GCT was suspected. Given the fluctuating trend of tumor markers, surgery was initially kept on hold and a combined treatment with bicalutamide (androgen receptor blocker) and anastrozole (aromatase inhibitor) was undertaken in order to prevent the patient from experiencing further virilization and excessive bone age maturation. Subsequently, a progression in the size of the pineal tumor prompted surgical resection and a diagnosis of secreting GCT was histologically confirmed. Accordingly, the patient was started on adjuvant chemo- and radiotherapy. Antineoplastic treatment was followed by persistent and remarkable decrease of tumor markers and by a complete pubertal arrest. We reported the challenging diagnosis of a secreting pineal GCT in a patient with GIPP and a fluctuating trend of tumor markers, testosterone levels and associated clinical signs, hence prompting the indication for a systematic assessment and a strict monitoring whenever a patient with GnRH-independent precocious puberty shows clinical or radiological markers potentially consistent with a GCT.