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Neocleous V, Fanis P, Toumba M, Skordis N, Phylactou LA. Genetic diagnosis of endocrine disorders in Cyprus through the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics: an ENDO-ERN Reference Center. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2024; 19:167. [PMID: 38637882 PMCID: PMC11027394 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-024-03171-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The report covers the current and past activities of the department Molecular Genetics-Function and Therapy (MGFT) at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING), an affiliated Reference Center for the European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN).The presented data is the outcome of > 15 years long standing collaboration between MGFT and endocrine specialists from the local government hospitals and the private sector. Up-to-date > 2000 genetic tests have been performed for the diagnosis of inherited rare endocrine disorders. The major clinical entities included Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) due to pathogenic variants in CYP21A2 gene and Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) type 2 due to pathogenic variants in the RET proto-oncogene. Other rare and novel pathogenic variants in ANOS1, WDR11, FGFR1, RNF216, and CHD7 genes were also found in patients with Congenital Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism. Interestingly, a few patients with Disorders of Sexual Differentiation (DSD) shared rare pathogenic variants in the SRD5A2, HSD17B3 and HSD3B2 while patients with Glucose and Insulin Homeostasis carried theirs in GCK and HNF1A genes. Lastly, MGFT over the last few years has established an esteemed diagnostic and research program on premature puberty with emphasis on the implication of MKRN3 gene on the onset of the disease and the identification of other prognosis biomarkers.As an Endo-ERN member MGFT department belongs to this large European network and holds the same humanistic ideals which aim toward the improvements of health care for patients with rare endocrine conditions in respect to improved and faster diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic, Aretaeio Hospital, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Paediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Cavarzere P, Mauro M, Gaudino R, Micciolo R, Piacentini G, Antoniazzi F. Role of Body Weight in the Onset and the Progression of Idiopathic Premature Pubarche. Horm Res Paediatr 2021; 93:351-360. [PMID: 33264767 DOI: 10.1159/000511873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The term premature pubarche (PP) refers to the appearance of pubic hair before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys. Although idiopathic PP (often associated with premature adrenarche) is considered an extreme variation from the norm, it may be an initial sign of persistent hyperandrogenism. Factors contributing to PP onset and progression have not been identified to date. AIMS The objectives of this study are to describe a group of Italian children with PP, to identify potential factors for its onset, and to define its clinical and biochemical progression. METHODS We retrospectively enrolled all infants born between 2001 and 2014 with PP. Children with advanced bone age (BA) underwent functional tests to determine the cause of PP. Hormonal analysis and BA determination were performed annually during a 4-year follow-up period. RESULTS A total of 334 children with PP were identified: idiopathic PP (92.5%, associated with premature adrenarche in some cases); related to precocious puberty (6.6%); late-onset 21-hydroxylase deficiency (0.9%). Low birth weight was associated with premature adrenal activation. Body mass index (BMI) was the only factor that influenced the progression of BA during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Low birth weight is a predisposing factor for premature adrenal activation. The increase in BMI in patients with idiopathic PP during the 4-years of follow-up was responsible for BA acceleration. We recommend prevention of excessive weight gain in children with PP and strict adherence to follow-up in order to prevent serious metabolic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cavarzere
- Pediatric Division, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy,
| | - Margherita Mauro
- Pediatric Division, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rossella Gaudino
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rocco Micciolo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Giorgio Piacentini
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Franco Antoniazzi
- Regional Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Children and Adolescents Rare Skeletal Disorders, Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Molecular Analysis of 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Reveals Two Novel Severe Genotypes in Affected Newborns. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 25:327-337. [PMID: 33710594 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-021-00520-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Congenital adrenal hyperplasia involves a series of autosomal recessive disorders where adrenal steroidogenesis is affected. We present a detailed molecular investigation of 13 newborns affected from the severe form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia related to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. METHODS All patients were diagnosed with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the neonatal period due to adrenal crisis and/or ambiguous genitalia presentation. None of the infants was identified through a congenital adrenal hyperplasia newborn screening program. A molecular analysis of the CYP21A2 gene and a familiar segregation analysis were performed. RESULTS Adrenal crisis was the most severe manifestation in the male salt-wasting newborns while all female patients presented with atypical genitalia. Newborns were correctly genotyped and no genotype-phenotype divergences were found. Two novel severe genotypes, not previously reported, were identified. The novel CYP21A2 frameshift mutations (c.793delG and c.297dupG) were added to the other 45 variants recently reported in the literature, leading to a total count of 279 pathogenic variants affecting the gene. CONCLUSIONS We have successfully genotyped 13 infants diagnosed with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia after birth. Our molecular approach led to the identification of two novel frameshift CYP21A2 pathogenic variants related to the salt-wasting form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
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Nicolaides NC, Matheou A, Vlachou F, Neocleous V, Skordis N. Polycystic ovarian syndrome in adolescents: From diagnostic criteria to therapeutic management. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2020; 91:e2020085. [PMID: 32921781 PMCID: PMC7717007 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v91i3.10162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome is a common endocrinologic condition diagnosed in women of childbearing age. It is primarily associated with androgen excess and ovarian dysfunction, which contribute to menstrual irregularity, oligo-anovulation, infertility, hirsutism and acne. It is associated with several systemic conditions, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, obesity and neuropsychological disorders. The exact pathophysiology and clinical features are highly variable and, thus, there is still controversy in defining the diagnostic criteria. In this review, we outline the main diagnostic criteria, discuss the mechanisms involved in the complex pathogenesis, and present the associated clinical manifestations and therapeutic management of the syndrome in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece; University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | | | - Florentia Vlachou
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK.
| | - Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus; School of Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus; Division of Paediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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EMQN best practice guidelines for molecular genetic testing and reporting of 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Eur J Hum Genet 2020; 28:1341-1367. [PMID: 32616876 PMCID: PMC7609334 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-020-0653-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular genetic testing for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is offered worldwide and is of importance for differential diagnosis, carrier detection and adequate genetic counseling, particularly for family planning. In 2008 the European Molecular Genetics Quality Network (EMQN) for the first time offered a European-wide external quality assessment scheme for CAH (due to 21-OH deficiency). The interest was great and over the last years at about 60 laboratories from Europe, USA and Australia regularly participated in that scheme. These best practice guidelines were drafted on the basis of the extensive knowledge and experience got from those annually organized CAH-schemes. In order to obtain the widest possible consultation with practicing laboratories the draft was therefore circulated twice by EMQN to all laboratories participating in the EQA-scheme for CAH genotyping and was updated by that input. The present guidelines address quality requirements for diagnostic molecular genetic laboratories, as well as criteria for CYP21A2 genotyping (including carrier-testing and prenatal diagnosis). A key aspect of that article is the use of appropriate methodologies (e.g., sequencing methods, MLPA (multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification), mutation specific assays) and respective limitations and analytical accuracy. Moreover, these guidelines focus on classification of variants, and the interpretation and standardization of the reporting of CYP21A2 genotyping results. In addition, the article provides a comprehensive list of common as well as so far unreported CYP21A2-variants.
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Sumińska M, Bogusz-Górna K, Wegner D, Fichna M. Non-Classic Disorder of Adrenal Steroidogenesis and Clinical Dilemmas in 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Combined with Backdoor Androgen Pathway. Mini-Review and Case Report. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4622. [PMID: 32610579 PMCID: PMC7369945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is the most common cause of primary adrenal insufficiency in children and adolescents. It comprises several clinical entities associated with mutations in genes, encoding enzymes involved in cortisol biosynthesis. The mutations lead to considerable (non-classic form) to almost complete (classic form) inhibition of enzymatic activity, reflected by different phenotypes and relevant biochemical alterations. Up to 95% cases of CAH are due to mutations in CYP21A2 gene and subsequent 21α-hydroxylase deficiency, characterized by impaired cortisol synthesis and adrenal androgen excess. In the past two decades an alternative ("backdoor") pathway of androgens' synthesis in which 5α-androstanediol, a precursor of the 5α-dihydrotestosterone, is produced from 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, with intermediate products 3α,5α-17OHP and androsterone, in the sequence and with roundabout of testosterone as an intermediate, was reported in some studies. This pathway is not always considered in the clinical assessment of patients with hyperandrogenism. The article describes the case of a 17-year-old female patient with menstrual disorders and androgenization (persistent acne, advanced hirsutism). Her serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and testosterone were only slightly elevated, along with particularly high values for 5α-dihydrotestosterone. In 24 h urine collection, an increased excretion of 16α-OHDHEA-a dehydroepiandrosterone metabolite-and pregnanetriolone-a 17α-hydroxyprogesterone metabolite-were observed. The investigations that we undertook provided evidence that the girl suffered from non-classic 21α-hydroxylase deficiency with consequent enhancement of the androgen "backdoor" pathway in adrenals, peripheral tissues or both, using adrenal origin precursors. The paper presents diagnostic dilemmas and strategies to differentiate between various reasons for female hyperandrogenism, especially in childhood and adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sumińska
- Department of Pediatric Diabetes and Obesity, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-527 Poznan, Poland; (K.B.-G.); (D.W.)
| | - Klaudia Bogusz-Górna
- Department of Pediatric Diabetes and Obesity, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-527 Poznan, Poland; (K.B.-G.); (D.W.)
| | - Dominika Wegner
- Department of Pediatric Diabetes and Obesity, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-527 Poznan, Poland; (K.B.-G.); (D.W.)
| | - Marta Fichna
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-653 Poznan, Poland;
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Cavarzere P, Mauro M, Vincenzi M, Lauriola S, Teofoli F, Gaudino R, Ramaroli DA, Micciolo R, Camilot M, Antoniazzi F. Children with premature pubarche: is an alterated neonatal 17-Ohp screening test a predictive factor? Ital J Pediatr 2018; 44:10. [PMID: 29338783 PMCID: PMC5771218 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-018-0444-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal screening for 21 hydroxylase deficiency is designed to detect classical form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). It is still unclear whether newborns who result false positives at neonatal screening might later develop signs of androgen excess. The aim of this study is to verify whether a slightly elevated 17-OHP at newborn screening is a predictive factor for premature pubarche. METHODS We evaluated all infants born between 2001 and 2014 with premature pubarche. In case of increased bone age, they were submitted to functional tests to find out the cause of their symptoms. Their 17-OHP values at newborn screening for CAH were reconsidered. RESULTS We identified 330 patients (269 females, 61 males) with premature pubarche. All these children had a normal 17-OHP at newborn screening with the exception of a child, born preterm and not affected by CAH. CONCLUSIONS An elevated 17-OHP at newborn screening is not a predictive factor for premature pubarche. A likely cause of increased 17-OHP level at screening is an immaturity of adrenal gland or a neonatal stress. Therefore a strict follow up of these neonates during childhood is not necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Cavarzere
- Pediatric Division, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Margherita Mauro
- Pediatric Division, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Monica Vincenzi
- Pediatric Division, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Silvana Lauriola
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Teofoli
- Pediatric Division, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rossella Gaudino
- Pediatric Division, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Diego Alberto Ramaroli
- Pediatric Division, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Rocco Micciolo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Marta Camilot
- Pediatric Division, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Franco Antoniazzi
- Pediatric Division, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Regional Center for the diagnosis and treatment of children and adolescents rare skeletal disorders, Pediatric Clinic, Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology and Pediatrics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Neocleous V, Fanis P, Phylactou LA, Skordis N. Genotype Is Associated to the Degree of Virilization in Patients With Classic Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:733. [PMID: 30559721 PMCID: PMC6286958 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Molecular defects of CYP21A2 consistently decrease 21-hydroxylase activity and result in a variable expression of disease severity in patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Aim: The genotype and biochemical findings were examined in an attempt to reveal any association to the degree of virilization in classic CAH patients. Methods: The study included 18 CAH patients with complete characterization of CYP21A2 mutations and were sorted based on the severity of the inherited mutations and the expected percentage of 21-hydroxylase enzyme activity. Results: Eleven out of the 18 patients manifested the SW form with the remaining seven exhibiting the SV form. The most frequent genetic defect in the classic salt-wasting (SW) and simple virilising (SV) forms was the IVS2-13A/C>G (36.1%) mutation, followed by delEX1-3 (19.4%) and p.Ile172Asn (19.4%). Four patients, who shared a combination of two mutations belonging to the most severe type, manifested only the SW form. Four out of five patients who shared homozygosity in the IVS2-13A/C>G mutation, demonstrated the SW form and only one demonstrated the SV form. All four patients who shared the p.Ile172Asn mutation, either in the homozygous or compound heterozygous state, manifested the SV form. Interestingly, a female neonate with SW, bearing the IVS2-13A/C>G/Large del, exhibited complete male virilisation (Prader 5). The remaining four affected female new-borns also exhibited the SW form, with two of them virilised as Prader 3 and the other two as Prader 4. Virilisation with clitoromegaly was also observed in one female, who presented premature adrenarche and carried the least severe p.Pro30Leu mutation. Conclusion: The frequency of the underlying mutations in our patients, with the classic form of CAH, varies but were quite similar to the ones reported in the Mediterranean region. Therefore, the identification of severe CYP21A2 defects in Cypriot patients and their comparison with the incidence and severity in different populations, will create a valuable diagnostic tool for genetic counseling in the classic form of CAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, Nicosia, Cyprus
- *Correspondence: Nicos Skordis
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function and Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St George's, University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Leonidas A. Phylactou
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Carmina E, Dewailly D, Escobar-Morreale HF, Kelestimur F, Moran C, Oberfield S, Witchel SF, Azziz R. Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency revisited: an update with a special focus on adolescent and adult women. Hum Reprod Update 2017; 23:580-599. [DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmx014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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Neocleous V, Fanis P, Toumba M, Phedonos AAP, Picolos M, Andreou E, Kyriakides TC, Tanteles GA, Shammas C, Phylactou LA, Skordis N. Variations in the 3'UTR of the CYP21A2 Gene in Heterozygous Females with Hyperandrogenaemia. Int J Endocrinol 2017; 2017:8984365. [PMID: 28487735 PMCID: PMC5405599 DOI: 10.1155/2017/8984365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterozygosity for CYP21A2 mutations in females is possibly related to increased risk of developing clinical hyperandrogenism. The present study was designed to seek evidence on the phenotype-genotype correlation in female children, adolescents, and women with CYP21A2 mutations and variants in the 3'UTR region of the gene. Sixty-six patients out of the 169 were identified as carriers of CYP21A2 mutations. Higher values of stimulated 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels were found in the carriers of the p.Val281Leu mutation compared to the carriers of other mutations (mean: 24.7 nmol/l versus 15.6 nmol/l). The haplotype of the ∗52C>T, ∗440C>T, and ∗443T>C in the 3'UTR was identical in all heterozygous patients with p.Val281Leu and the haplotype of the ∗12C>T and ∗52C>T was identical in all heterozygous patients with the p.Gln318∗. In conclusion, hyperandrogenaemic females are likely to bear heterozygous CYP21A2 mutations. Carriers of the mild p.Val281Leu mutation are at higher risk of developing hyperandrogenism than the carriers of more severe mutations. The identification of variants in the 3'UTR of CYP21A2 in combination with the heterozygous mutation may be associated with the mild form of nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and reveal the importance of analyzing the CYP21A2 untranslated regions for the appropriate management of this category of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vassos Neocleous
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Fanis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meropi Toumba
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Pediatric Endocrine Clinic, IASIS Hospital, Paphos, Cyprus
| | - Alexia A. P. Phedonos
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Elena Andreou
- Dasoupolis Endocrinology Center, Andrea Dimitriou Street Dasoupolis, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Tassos C. Kyriakides
- Yale Center for Analytical Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - George A. Tanteles
- Clinical Genetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christos Shammas
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Leonidas A. Phylactou
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Nicos Skordis
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Function & Therapy, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Paedi Center for Specialized Pediatrics, Nicosia, Cyprus
- St. George's University of London Medical School at the University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
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