scholarly journals The LH/FSH ratio is not a sex-dimorphic marker after infancy: data from 6417 healthy individuals and 125 patients with Differences of Sex Development

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (10) ◽  
pp. 2323-2335
Author(s):  
Marie L Ljubicic ◽  
Kirstine Jespersen ◽  
Lise Aksglaede ◽  
Casper P Hagen ◽  
Jørgen H Petersen ◽  
...  

Abstract STUDY QUESTION What is the course of the LH/FSH ratio from infancy into adulthood in healthy individuals and in patients with Differences of Sex Development (DSD)? SUMMARY ANSWER The LH/FSH ratio had a marked overlap between the sexes after infancy and onwards throughout adulthood in healthy individuals and it was not a marker of hypogonadism in DSD patients. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The LH/FSH ratio is a distinct marker of sex during minipuberty. No study has evaluated the LH/FSH ratio from infancy into adulthood. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This was a combined study of prospective longitudinal and cross-sectional cohorts of healthy individuals totaling 6417 males and females aged 0–80 years. Retrospective data from a single, tertiary center on 125 patients with DSD was also included. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Based on the healthy males (n = 3144) and females (n = 3273) aged 0–80 years, reference ranges for LH, FSH and the LH/FSH ratio were established from infancy (after minipuberty) and onwards. LH, FSH, and the LH/FSH ratio in 125 patients with DSD not undergoing treatment were compared to the reference ranges. Included DSD diagnoses were: Klinefelter syndrome including mosaic variants (males: n = 14), Turner syndrome including mosaic variants without Y-chromosome material (females: n = 48), 45,X/46,XY mosaicism (males: n = 24 and females: n = 6), partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (males: n = 11), complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (females: n = 13) and anorchia (males: n = 9). MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE An overlap was observed in the LH/FSH ratio reference curves between males and females. However, when comparing the sexes at specific time points, the LH/FSH ratio was significantly higher in healthy males during childhood and adulthood and significantly higher in healthy females during puberty. When compared with healthy participants, male patients with anorchia and 45,X/46,XY mosaicism had significantly lower ratios, while patients with androgen insensitivity, regardless of sex, had significantly higher ratios. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The limitations of this study include that; (i) all healthy individuals were Caucasian, so conclusions may not apply to non-Caucasians; (ii) the calculated LH/FSH ratios were restricted to the specific analytical method used and may not be applicable to other laboratories; (iii) the samples from healthy individuals were stored for varying amounts of time up to 20 years which may affect the durability; and (iv) DSD diagnoses are heterogeneous thus making sturdy conclusions across diagnoses impossible. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS In this study of combined cohorts of healthy participants, the largest normative ranges of LH, FSH, and the LH/FSH ratio to date were created. These reference ranges provide the opportunity for clinical as well as research use for all three markers. However, the previously rather undescribed LH/FSH ratio was not a distinct marker of sex after infancy nor a new marker of hypogonadism. Although there were significant differences between subgroups of DSD patients compared to healthy controls, the clinical significance of the LH/FSH ratio after infancy lacked. However, it can be speculated whether there are other areas of clinical application not investigated in this article, for example as a marker of fertility in select patient groups. As gonadotropin assays are readily available and gonadotropin measurements are part of regular workups, the LH/FSH ratio can easily be explored in further research without additional costs. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) M.L.L. was funded by the Absalon Foundation. Cohort 1 was funded by the European Commission, through the Biomed 2 Program (BMH4-CT96-0314), Environmental Reproductive Health (QLK4-CT1999-01422) and EXPORED (QLK4-2001-00269), by the Danish Council for Independent Research (9700833 and 9700909), and by the Svend Andersens Foundation. Cohort 2 was funded by the Danish Environmental Research Program (96.01.015.16.05). Cohort 3 was funded by Kirsten and Freddy Johansens Foundation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NA DATE OF FIRST PATIENT’S ENROLMENT June 1990 (the launch of the department from which this project stems).

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 139 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.S.H. De Silva ◽  
N.D. Sirisena ◽  
H.K. Wijenayaka ◽  
J.G. Cooray ◽  
R.W. Jayasekara ◽  
...  

2008 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 545-554
Author(s):  
Jin-Ho Choi ◽  
Gu-Hwan Kim ◽  
Eul-Ju Seo ◽  
Kun-Suk Kim ◽  
Sung Hoon Kim ◽  
...  

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the clinical and endocrinological features, and to analyze AR and SRD5A2 genes in patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD). This study included 20 patients from 19 families showing clinical features of 46,XY DSD. Molecular analysis was performed of the AR and SRD5A2 genes, as well as endocrinological evaluations, such as 17a-hydroxyprogesterone, plasma renin activity, aldosterone, adrenocorticotropic hormone and hCG stimulation test. Out of 20 patients with 46,XY DSD, only one (5%) displayed androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), and four (20%) were Sa-reductase deficient by mutation analysis. The patient with AIS revealed significant elevation of serum testosterone following hCG stimulation. The patient with Sa-reductase deficiency with a homozygous p.R246Q mutation had a low basal dihydrotestosterone level. The patient with p.Q6X/p.R246Q mutations showed a moderately elevated testosterone/ dihydrotestosterone ratio following hCG stimulation. Endocrinological tests are not reliable for the etiological diagnosis of AIS and Sa-reductase deficiency due to variable reference ranges of hormonal profiles according to the age and the severity of the enzyme defect. DNA analysis may be employed as a tool for the early and precise diagnosis of patients with 46,XY DSD, and genetic counseling can be used for families at risk.


2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (5) ◽  
pp. 48-52
Author(s):  
N. Y. Kalinchenko ◽  
V. M. Petrov ◽  
A. V. Panova ◽  
A. N. Tiulpakov

Partial androgen resistance syndrome (PAIS) is the most difficult form of disorders/differences of sex development 46,XY (DSD 46,XY) for choosing of patient management. To date, there are no clear biochemical criteria, especially before puberty, that allow differentiating PAIS from other PAIS-like forms of DSD 46, XY, and genetic verification of the partial form of AIS plays an important role. Meanwhile, according to the literature, mutations in the coding region of AR gene have not been identified in more than 50% of patients with suspected AIS. We performed an extensive analysis of the AR gene in a patient with clinical and laboratory signs of AIS and found a deep intron mutation in the AR gene (p. 2450–42G>A). This variant creates an alternative splice acceptor site resulted a disturbance of the AR function. These findings indicate the need for extensive genetic analysis in a cohort of patients with suspected CPA in the absence of mutations in the AR gene using standard methods of genetic diagnosis.


Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (11) ◽  
pp. 1142
Author(s):  
Federica Barbagallo ◽  
Rossella Cannarella ◽  
Matteo Bertelli ◽  
Andrea Crafa ◽  
Sandro La Vignera ◽  
...  

Introduction: Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), an X-linked recessive disorder of sex development (DSD), is caused by variants of the androgen receptor (AR) gene, mapping in the long arm of the X chromosome, which cause a complete loss of function of the receptor. Case presentation: We report a patient diagnosed with complete AIS (CAIS) at birth due to swelling in the bilateral inguinal region. Transabdominal ultrasound revealed the absence of the uterus and ovaries and the presence of bilateral testes in the inguinal region. The karyotype was 46,XY. She underwent bilateral orchiectomy at 9 months and was given estrogen substitutive therapy at the age of 11 years. Genetic analysis of the AR gene variants was requested when, at the age of 20, the patient came to our observation. Methods: The genetic testing was performed by next-generation sequence (NGS) analysis. Results: The genetic analysis showed the presence of the c.2242T>A, p.(Phe748Ile) variant in the AR gene. To the best of our knowledge, this variant has not been published so far. Furthermore, the patient has a heterozygous c.317A>G, p.(Gln106Arg) variation of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor (GNRHR) gene, a heterozygous c.2273G>A, p.Arg758His variation of the chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 (CHD7) gene, and compound heterozygous c.875A>G, p.Tyr292Cys, and c.8023A>G, p.Ile2675Val variations of the Dynein Axonemal Heavy Chain 11 (DNAH11) gene. Conclusions: The case herein reported underlines the importance of an accurate genetic analysis that has to include karyotype and AR gene variant analysis. This is useful to confirm a clinical diagnosis and establish the proper management of patients with CAIS. Numerous variants of the AR gene have not yet been identified. Moreover, several pitfalls are still present in the management of these patients. More studies are needed to answer unresolved questions, and common protocols are required for the clinical follow-up of patients with CAIS.


Author(s):  
Gary Butler ◽  
Jeremy Kirk

• Embryology: the gonad is initially bipotential. • The testes develop under active control of SRY and other genes. Disorders of sex development (DSDs) are classified according to the karyotype: • 46,XY DSD (incomplete masculinization of a male fetus): ◦ The commonest cause is androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS): ■ mutations in androgen receptor (AR) gene on X chromosome in complete forms ■ alterations in androgen binding in partial forms. ◦ Abnormalities of testosterone synthesis and conversion, may be: ■ isolated, e.g. 17β‎HSD, 5α‎RD ■ occur in association with defects in steroid biosynthesis, e.g. StAR, 3β‎HSD. • Pure 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (Swyer syndrome): ◦ phenotype unambiguously female; may present with delayed puberty ◦ Müllerian structures are present but only streak gonads are seen. • Mixed gonadal dysgenesis: ◦ usually asymmetrical, e.g. ovary/streak gonad or ovotestis ◦ karyotype is 45,X/46,XY or 46,XX/46,XY. • Pure 46,XX gonadal dysgenesis: ◦ absent puberty in a phenotypically normal female ◦ intact Müllerian structures but streak ovaries; normal genitalia. • 46,XX DSD (masculinization of a female fetus): ◦ the commonest cause is congenital adrenal hyperplasia, with the vast majority (>90%) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). • Ovotesticular DSD is rare: ◦ aetiology is unknown, and karyotype usually 46,XX ◦ asymmetrical gonad development; ovary and testis or ovotestis. • DSD may also be part of other genetic syndromes, e.g. Antley–Bixler, Smith–Lemli–Opitz, trisomy 13. • Management requires careful evaluation and counselling, working as part of a multidisciplinary team.


2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 364-371 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Walia ◽  
M Singla ◽  
K Vaiphei ◽  
S Kumar ◽  
A Bhansali

Objective To study the clinical profile and the management of patients with disorders of sex development (DSD). Design and setting Retrospective study from a tertiary care hospital of North India. Methods and patients One hundred ninety-four patients of DSD registered in the Endocrine clinic of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh between 1995 and 2014 were included. Results One hundred and two patients (52.5%) had 46,XY DSD and seventy-four patients (38.1%) had 46,XX DSD. Sex chromosome DSD was identified in seven (3.6%) patients. Of 102 patients with 46,XY DSD, 32 (31.4%) had androgen insensitivity syndrome and 26 (25.5%) had androgen biosynthetic defect. Of the 74 patients with 46,XX DSD, 52 (70.27%) had congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and eight (10.8%) had ovotesticular DSD. Five patients with sex chromosome DSD had mixed gonadal dysgenesis. Excluding CAH, majority of the patients (90%) presented in the post-pubertal period. One-fourth of the patients with simple virilising CAH were reared as males because of strong male gender identity and behaviour and firm insistence by the parents. Corrective surgeries were performed in twenty patients (20%) of 46,XY DSD without hormonal evaluation prior to the presentation. Conclusion Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is the most common DSD in the present series. Most common XY DSD is androgen insensitivity syndrome, while CAH is the most common XX DSD. Delayed diagnosis is a common feature, and corrective surgeries are performed without seeking a definite diagnosis.


2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfonsa Pizzo ◽  
Antonio Simone Laganà ◽  
Irene Borrielli ◽  
Nella Dugo

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) could be considered as a disease that causes resistance to androgens actions, influencing both the morphogenesis and differentiation of the body structures, and systems in which this hormone exerts its effects. It depends on an X-linked mutations in the Androgen Receptor (AR) gene that express a variety of phenotypes ranging from male infertility to completely normal female external genitalia. The clinical phenotypes of AIS could vary and be classified into three categories, as complete (CAIS), partial (PAIS), and mild (MAIS) forms, according to the severity of androgen resistance. We will describe a case of CAIS in a 16-year-old patient.


2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yiping Cheng ◽  
Yan Sun ◽  
Yiming Ji ◽  
Dongqing Jiang ◽  
Guoxin Teng ◽  
...  

Abstract Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS; OMIM 300068) is the most frequent cause of 46, XY disorders of sex development (DSD). However, the correlation between genotype and phenotype has not been determined. We conducted a systematic analysis of the clinical characteristics, hormone levels, ultrasonography data and histopathology of a 46, XY Chinese patient with AIS. The family was followed up for nearly 8 years. We applied whole-exome sequencing (WES) for genetic analysis of the pedigree and performed bioinformatic analysis of the identified variants. Human embryonic kidney 293T/17 (HEK293T/17) cells were transiently transfected with wild-type or mutant AR and MAP3K1 plasmid. Cell lysates were used to analyze androgen receptor (AR) production. A novel hemizygous AR variant (c.2070C>A, p. His690Glu) and a rare heterozygous MAP3K1 variant (c.778C>T, p. Arg260Cys) were identified by WES in the proband and her mother. Bioinformatic analysis predicted these two variants to be pathogenic. Multiple amino acid sequence alignments showed that p. His690 and p. Arg260 are conserved among various species. His690Glu is a mutation that decreased the AR production, whereas the Arg260Cys mutation increased the AR production. The novel compound variants of the AR and MAP3K1 genes also increased the production of AR protein. Thus, the phenotype of the patient may be caused by defects in both the AR and MAP3K1 signaling pathways. Compound variants of the AR and MAP3K1 genes resulted in a specific phenotype in this patient with AIS. WES might reveal genetic variants that explain the heterogeneity of AIS.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document