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Melmed S, Kaiser UB, Lopes MB, Bertherat J, Syro LV, Raverot G, Reincke M, Johannsson G, Beckers A, Fleseriu M, Giustina A, Wass JAH, Ho KKY. Clinical Biology of the Pituitary Adenoma. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:1003-1037. [PMID: 35395078 PMCID: PMC9695123 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnac010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
All endocrine glands are susceptible to neoplastic growth, yet the health consequences of these neoplasms differ between endocrine tissues. Pituitary neoplasms are highly prevalent and overwhelmingly benign, exhibiting a spectrum of diverse behaviors and impact on health. To understand the clinical biology of these common yet often innocuous neoplasms, we review pituitary physiology and adenoma epidemiology, pathophysiology, behavior, and clinical consequences. The anterior pituitary develops in response to a range of complex brain signals integrating with intrinsic ectodermal cell transcriptional events that together determine gland growth, cell type differentiation, and hormonal production, in turn maintaining optimal endocrine health. Pituitary adenomas occur in 10% of the population; however, the overwhelming majority remain harmless during life. Triggered by somatic or germline mutations, disease-causing adenomas manifest pathogenic mechanisms that disrupt intrapituitary signaling to promote benign cell proliferation associated with chromosomal instability. Cellular senescence acts as a mechanistic buffer protecting against malignant transformation, an extremely rare event. It is estimated that fewer than one-thousandth of all pituitary adenomas cause clinically significant disease. Adenomas variably and adversely affect morbidity and mortality depending on cell type, hormone secretory activity, and growth behavior. For most clinically apparent adenomas, multimodal therapy controlling hormone secretion and adenoma growth lead to improved quality of life and normalized mortality. The clinical biology of pituitary adenomas, and particularly their benign nature, stands in marked contrast to other tumors of the endocrine system, such as thyroid and neuroendocrine tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Beatriz Lopes
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Jerome Bertherat
- Université de Paris, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Luis V Syro
- Hospital Pablo Tobon Uribe and Clinica Medellin - Grupo Quirónsalud, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Gerald Raverot
- Hospices Civils de Lyon and Lyon 1 University, Lyon, France
| | - Martin Reincke
- University Hospital of LMU, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Gudmundur Johannsson
- Sahlgrenska University Hospital & Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | | | - Andrea Giustina
- San Raffaele Vita-Salute University and IRCCS Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Ken K Y Ho
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and St. Vincents Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Abstract
Hyperprolactinaemia is one of the most common problems in clinical endocrinology. It relates with various aetiologies (physiological, pharmacological, pathological), the clarification of which requires careful history taking and clinical assessment. Analytical issues (presence of macroprolactin or of the hook effect) need to be taken into account when interpreting the prolactin values. Medications and sellar/parasellar masses (prolactin secreting or acting through “stalk effect”) are the most common causes of pathological hyperprolactinaemia. Hypogonadism and galactorrhoea are well-recognized manifestations of prolactin excess, although its implications on bone health, metabolism and immune system are also expanding. Treatment mainly aims at restoration and maintenance of normal gonadal function/fertility, and prevention of osteoporosis; further specific management strategies depend on the underlying cause. In this review, we provide an update on the diagnostic and management approaches for the patient with hyperprolactinaemia and on the current data looking at the impact of high prolactin on metabolism, cardiovascular and immune systems.
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Cuny T, Mac TT, Romanet P, Dufour H, Morange I, Albarel F, Lagarde A, Castinetti F, Graillon T, North MO, Barlier A, Brue T. Acromegaly in Carney complex. Pituitary 2019; 22:456-466. [PMID: 31264077 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-019-00974-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Carney complex (CNC) is a rare autosomal dominant syndrome, characterized by mucocutaneous pigmentation, cardiac, cutaneous myxomas and endocrine overactivity. It is generally caused by inactivating mutations in the PRKAR1A (protein kinase cAMP-dependent type I regulatory subunit alpha) gene. Acromegaly is an infrequent manifestation of CNC, reportedly diagnosed in 10% of patients. METHODS We here report the case of a patient who was concomitantly diagnosed with Carney complex, due to a new mutation in PRKAR1A ((NM_002734.3:c.80_83del, p.(Ile27Lysfs*101 in exon 2), and acromegaly. In parallel, we conducted an extensive review of published case reports of acromegaly in the setting of CNC. RESULTS The 43-year-old patient was diagnosed with an acromegaly due to a GH-secreting pituitary microadenoma resistant to somatostatin analogs. He underwent transsphenoidal surgery in our tertiary referral center, which found a pure GH-secreting adenoma. In the literature, we identified 57 cases (24 men, 33 women) of acromegaly in CNC patients. The median age at diagnosis was 28.8 ± 12 year and there were 6 cases of gigantism. Acromegaly revealed CNC in only 4 patients. 24 patients had a microadenoma and two carried pituitary hyperplasia and/or multiple adenomas, suggesting that CNC may result in a higher proportion of microadenoma as compared to non-CNC acromegaly. CONCLUSIONS Although it rarely reveals CNC, acromegaly is diagnosed at a younger age in this setting, with a higher proportion of microadenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Cuny
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital La Conception, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM, MMG, 147 Boulevard Baille, 13005, Marseille, France.
| | - T T Mac
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital La Conception, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM, MMG, 147 Boulevard Baille, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - P Romanet
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hospital La Conception, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France
| | - H Dufour
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital La Timone, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France
| | - I Morange
- Department of Endocrinology, APHM, Hospital La Conception, Marseille, France
| | - F Albarel
- Department of Endocrinology, APHM, Hospital La Conception, Marseille, France
| | - A Lagarde
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hospital La Conception, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France
| | - F Castinetti
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital La Conception, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM, MMG, 147 Boulevard Baille, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - T Graillon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hospital La Timone, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France
| | - M O North
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, APHP, Cochin Hospital, Paris, France
| | - A Barlier
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Hospital La Conception, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM, MMG, Marseille, France
| | - T Brue
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital La Conception, Aix Marseille Univ, APHM, INSERM, MMG, 147 Boulevard Baille, 13005, Marseille, France
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Perry A, Graffeo CS, Marcellino C, Pollock BE, Wetjen NM, Meyer FB. Pediatric Pituitary Adenoma: Case Series, Review of the Literature, and a Skull Base Treatment Paradigm. J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2018; 79:91-114. [PMID: 29404245 DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1625984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pediatric pituitary adenoma is a rare skull base neoplasm, accounting for 3% of all intracranial neoplasms in children and 5% of pituitary adenomas. Compared with pituitary tumors in adults, secreting tumors predominate and longer disease trajectories are expected due to the patient age resulting in a natural history and treatment paradigm that is complex and controversial. Objectives The aims of this study were to describe a large, single-institution series of pediatric pituitary adenomas with extensive long-term follow-up and to conduct a systematic review examining outcomes after pituitary adenoma surgery in the pediatric population. Methods The study cohort was compiled by searching institutional pathology and operative reports using diagnosis and site codes for pituitary and sellar pathology, from 1956 to 2016. Systematic review of the English language literature since 1970 was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar. Results Thirty-nine surgically managed pediatric pituitary adenomas were identified, including 15 prolactinomas, 14 corticotrophs, 7 somatotrophs, and 4 non-secreting adenomas. All patients underwent transsphenoidal resection (TSR) as the initial surgical treatment. Surgical cure was achieved in 18 (46%); 21 experienced recurrent/persistent disease, with secondary treatments including repeat surgery in 10, radiation in 14, adjuvant pharmacotherapy in 11, and bilateral adrenalectomy in 3. At the last follow-up (median 87 months, range 3-581), nine remained with recurrent/persistent disease (23%). Thirty-seven publications reporting surgical series of pediatric pituitary adenomas were included, containing 1,284 patients. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-secreting tumors were most prevalent (43%), followed by prolactin (PRL)-secreting (37%), growth hormone (GH)-secreting (12%), and nonsecreting (7%). Surgical cure was reported in 65%. Complications included pituitary insufficiency (23%), permanent visual dysfunction (6%), chronic diabetes insipidus (DI) (3%), and postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak (4%). Mean follow-up was 63 months (range 0-240), with recurrent/persistent disease reported in 18% at the time of last follow-up. Conclusion Pediatric pituitary adenomas are diverse and challenging tumors with complexities far beyond those encountered in the management of routine adult pituitary disease, including nuanced decision-making, a technically demanding operative environment, high propensity for recurrence, and the potentially serious consequences of hypopituitarism with respect to fertility and growth potential in a pediatric population. Optimal treatment requires a high degree of individualization, and patients are most likely to benefit from consolidated, multidisciplinary care in highly experienced centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avital Perry
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota, United States
| | | | | | - Bruce E Pollock
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota, United States
| | - Nicholas M Wetjen
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota, United States
| | - Fredric B Meyer
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Minnesota, United States
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Rostomyan L, Beckers A. Screening for genetic causes of growth hormone hypersecretion. Growth Horm IGF Res 2016; 30-31:52-57. [PMID: 27756606 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2016.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Growth hormone (GH) secreting pituitary tumors may be caused by genetic abnormalities in a variety of genes including AIP, MEN1, CDKN1B, and PRKAR1A. These can lead to GH secreting pituitary adenomas as an isolated occurrence (e.g. as aggressive sporadic adenomas or in familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA)) or as part of syndromic conditions such as MEN1 or Carney complex. These tumors have more aggressive features than sporadic acromegaly, including a younger age at disease onset and larger tumor size, and they can be challenging to manage. In addition to mutations or deletions, copy number variation at the GPR101 locus may also lead to mixed GH and prolactin secreting pituitary adenomas in the setting of X-linked acrogigantism (X-LAG syndrome). In X-LAG syndrome and in McCune Albright syndrome, mosaicism for GPR101 duplications and activating GNAS1 mutations, respectively, contribute to the genetic pathogenesis. As only 5% of pituitary adenomas have a known cause, efficient deployment of genetic testing requires detailed knowledge of clinical characteristics and potential associated syndromic features in the patient and their family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliya Rostomyan
- Department of Endocrinology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, University of Liège, Domaine Universitaire du Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Albert Beckers
- Department of Endocrinology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, University of Liège, Domaine Universitaire du Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
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Astrocyte-elevated gene-1 mediates insulin-like growth factor 1-induced the progression of cardiac myxoma. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:9769-77. [PMID: 26156800 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3739-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) have been involved in the regulation of multiple signaling pathways in tumorigenesis. To date, the detailed mechanisms underlying IGF-1-AEG-1 pathway-induced proliferation and apoptosis in cardiac myxoma (CM) was not reported. In the present study, we used immnohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and qRT-PCR to detect the expression profile of IGF-1 and AEG-1 in 90 CM tissues, and then cultured CM cells were subjected to si-AEG-1, in vitro, and in vivo assays. Our findings showed that IGF-1 and AEG-1 were obviously upregulated in CM tissues and markedly associated with tumor size. When CM cells were treated with si-AEG-1, si-AEG-1 attenuated IGF-1-induced CM cell growth and enhanced cell apoptosis. Mechanically, we validated the expression of AEG-1, p-Erk1/2, and p-Akt increased in CM cells in response to IGF-1 treatment in a time-dependent manner. However, si-AEG-1 affected the expression of these proteins. Functionally, we found the knockdown of AEG-1-inhibited G1/S transition and tumor formation of CM cells. In conclusion, AEG-1 regulates IGF-1-induced proliferation and apoptosis via Erk1/2 and Akt signaling in CM development, which suggests IGF-1-AEG-1 signaling could be recommended to be a useful target to exert anti-tumor effects on CM.
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Abstract
Pituitary adenomas are benign intracranial neoplasms that present a major clinical concern due to hormone overproduction and/or tumor mass effects. The majority of pituitary adenomas occur sporadically; however, familial cases are increasingly being recognized, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), Carney complex (CNC), and familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA). Familial pituitary tumors appear to differ from their sporadic counterparts both in their genetic basis and in clinical characteristics. Evidence suggests that, especially in MEN1 and FIPA, tumors are more aggressive and affect patients at a younger age, therefore justifying the importance of early diagnosis, while in Carney complex pituitary hyperplasia is common. The genetic alterations responsible for the formation of familial pituitary syndromes include the MEN1 gene, responsible for about 80% of MEN1 cases, the regulatory subunit of the protein kinase A, PRKAR1A, responsible for about 70% of Carney complex cases, and AIP, the gene coding the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein, responsible for about 20% of FIPA cases. Rarely other genes have also been found responsible for familial pituitary adenoma cases. McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) also has a genetic origin due to mosaic mutations in the G protein-coupled α subunit coded by the GNAS1 gene. In this chapter, we summarize the genetic and clinical characteristics of these familial pituitary syndromes and MAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Alband
- Department of Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Department of Endocrinology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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WU XINGLI, YANG DINGYOU, TAN DUANJUN, YAO HENGCHEN, CHAI WENHUI, PENG LI. Inhibitory effect of atorvastatin on the cell growth of cardiac myxomas via the PTEN and PHLPP2 phosphatase signaling pathway. Oncol Rep 2013; 30:757-62. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2013.2501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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9
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Abstract
According to data derived from autopsy and radiological imaging series, pituitary tumours occur very commonly in the general population; however, most of these tumours are incidental findings with no obvious clinical impact. The historical data on the prevalence of pituitary adenomas in the clinical setting are scant and point to such tumours being relatively rare. Recent studies have shown that the prevalence of clinically relevant pituitary adenomas is 3-5 times higher than previously reported, which adds impetus to research into the aetiology of these tumours. Although the majority of pituitary adenomas are sporadic, approximately 5% of all cases occur in a familial setting and over half of these are due to Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN-1) and Carney's Complex (CNC) disorders. Since the late 1990 s, we have described non-MEN1/CNC familial pituitary tumours that include all tumour phenotypes as a condition termed Familial Isolated Pituitary Adenomas (FIPAs). The clinical characteristics of the FIPAs vary from those sporadic pituitary adenomas, as patients with FIPAs have a younger age at diagnosis and larger tumours. About 15% of the FIPA patients have mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein gene (AIP), which indicates that the FIPA may have a diverse genetic pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian F Daly
- Department of Endocrinology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, University of Liège, Domaine Universitaire du Sart-Tilman, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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10
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Abstract
The majority of pituitary adenomas occur sporadically, however, about 5% of all cases occur in a familial setting, of which over half are due to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) and Carney's complex (CNC). Since the late 1990s we have described non-MEN1/CNC familial pituitary tumours that include all tumour phenotypes, a condition named familial isolated pituitary adenomas (FIPA). The clinical characteristics of FIPA vary from those of sporadic pituitary adenomas, as patients with FIPA have a younger age at diagnosis and larger tumours. About 15% of FIPA patients have mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein gene (AIP), which indicates that FIPA may have a diverse genetic pathophysiology. This review describes the clinical features of familial pituitary adenomas like MEN1, the MEN 1-like syndrome MEN-4, CNC, FIPA, the tumour pathologies found in this setting and the genetic/molecular data that have been recently reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Tichomirowa
- Department of Endocrinology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, University of Liège, Domaine Universitaire du Sart-Tilman, Liège 4000, Belgium
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11
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Keil MF, Stratakis CA. Advances in the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Molecular Genetics of Pituitary Adenomas in Childhood. US ENDOCRINOLOGY 2009; 4:81-85. [PMID: 19936300 PMCID: PMC2779046 DOI: 10.17925/ee.2008.04.02.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret F Keil
- Office of the Chief, Program on Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics (PDEGEN)
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12
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Daly AF, Beckers A. Update on the treatment of pituitary adenomas: familial and genetic considerations. Acta Clin Belg 2008; 63:418-24. [PMID: 19170361 DOI: 10.1179/acb.2008.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Clinically-relevant pituitary adenomas occur with a prevalence of approximately 1 per 1000 population in Belgium. Pituitary adenomas that occur in families are likely to have an important genetic pathophysiological basis. Currently about 5% of all pituitary adenoma cases have a family history of pituitary adenomas, classically due to multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and Carney complex (CNC). Over the last decade we have described non-MEN1/CNC familial pituitary tumours that include all tumour phenotypes, a condition named 'familial isolated pituitary adenoma' (FIPA). Clinical features of FIPA differ from those of sporadic pituitary adenomas in that patients with FIPA are often younger and have larger tumours at diagnosis. Approximately 15% of FIPA patients have mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein gene (AIP), which indicates that FIPA may have a diverse genetic pathophysiology. In this review we examine new findings on the epidemiology of pituitary adenomas and we review familial causes of pituitary adenomas with a particular emphasis on modern clinical testing. In addition, the clinical and genetic features of FIPA are described as FIPA represents a useful framework to study the features of pituitary adenomas that occur in a familial setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- A F Daly
- Department of Endocrinology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Liège, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
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13
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Keil MF, Stratakis CA. Pituitary tumors in childhood: update of diagnosis, treatment and molecular genetics. Expert Rev Neurother 2008; 8:563-74. [PMID: 18416659 PMCID: PMC2743125 DOI: 10.1586/14737175.8.4.563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Pituitary tumors are rare in childhood and adolescence, with a reported prevalence of up to one per 1 million children. Only 2-6% of surgically treated pituitary tumors occur in children. Although pituitary tumors in children are almost never malignant and hormonal secretion is rare, these tumors may result in significant morbidity. Tumors within the pituitary fossa are mainly of two types: craniopharyngiomas and adenomas. Craniopharyngiomas cause symptoms by compressing normal pituitary, causing hormonal deficiencies and producing mass effects on surrounding tissues and the brain; adenomas produce a variety of hormonal conditions such as hyperprolactinemia, Cushing disease and acromegaly or gigantism. Little is known about the genetic causes of sporadic lesions, which comprise the majority of pituitary tumors, but in children, more frequently than in adults, pituitary tumors may be a manifestation of genetic conditions such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, Carney complex, familial isolated pituitary adenoma and McCune-Albright syndrome. The study of pituitary tumorigenesis in the context of these genetic syndromes has advanced our knowledge of the molecular basis of pituitary tumors and may lead to new therapeutic developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret F. Keil
- Office of the Chief, Program on Developmental Endocrinology
& Genetics (PDEGEN)
- Inter-Institute Pediatric Endocrinology Training Program,
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Bethesda, MD20892
| | - Constantine A. Stratakis
- Office of the Chief, Program on Developmental Endocrinology
& Genetics (PDEGEN)
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), PDEGEN,
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
- Inter-Institute Pediatric Endocrinology Training Program,
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Bethesda, MD20892
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Pecori Giraldi F, Fatti LM, Bertola G, Balza G, Lavezzi E, Pesce S, Scacchi M, Cavagnini F. Carney's complex with acromegaly as the leading clinical condition. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2008; 68:322-4. [PMID: 17877760 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2007.03024.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Abstract
Carney complex is a genetic condition in which affected individuals develop benign tumours in various tissues, including the heart. Most individuals with Carney complex have a mutation in the PRKAR1A gene, which encodes the regulatory R1alpha subunit of protein kinase A - a significant component of the cyclic-AMP signalling pathway. Genetically engineered mutant Prkar1a mouse models show an increased propensity to develop tumours, and have established a role for R1alpha in initiating tumour formation and, potentially, in maintaining cell proliferation. Ongoing investigations are exploring the intersection of R1alpha-dependent cell signalling with other gene products such as perinatal myosin, mutation of which can also cause cardiac myxomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wilkes
- Greenberg Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 525 East 68th Street, New York, New York 10021, USA
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16
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Boikos SA, Stratakis CA. Pituitary pathology in patients with Carney Complex: growth-hormone producing hyperplasia or tumors and their association with other abnormalities. Pituitary 2006; 9:203-9. [PMID: 17001464 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-006-0265-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
First described in the mid 80's, Carney Complex (CNC) is a rare, dominantly heritable disorder with features overlapping those of McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) and other multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes like MEN type 1 (MEN 1). Pituitary tumors have been described in a number of patients with CNC; they present with elevated growth hormone (GH) levels and mild hyperprolactinemia. However, most patients with CNC have mild hypersomatomammotropinemia starting in adolescence; this is similar to the situation in MAS patients: in both disorders, pituitary hyperplasia appears to precede tumor development. Familial pituitary tumor syndromes such as CNC provide an important insight into the genetics and molecular pathology of pituitary and other endocrine tumors. Our understanding of these conditions is expanding rapidly due to the identification of the causative genes and the availability of murine disease models. The present report reviews the clinical findings related to pituitary tumor development among patients with CNC and provides an update on murine models of the complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sosipatros A Boikos
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics, Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1103, USA
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17
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Abstract
Carney complex is a familial multiple neoplasia disorder with characteristic features such as cardiac and cutaneous myxomas and spotty pigmentation of the skin. Clinical genetic analyses have shown that Carney complex is transmitted in an autosomal dominant way and can present with a wide array of other tumours, such as psammomatous melanotic schwannoma, testicular Sertoli-cell tumours, and pituitary adenomas. Molecular genetic studies show that mutations in the PRKAR1A gene, encoding the R1alpha regulatory subunit of cyclic-AMP-dependent protein kinase A, are the cause of Carney complex in most patients. Investigation of genetically engineered animal models confirms the role of PRKAR1A as a tumour suppressor and has begun to elaborate mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis in this disorder. Further genetic studies in human beings have highlighted novel variant phenotypes, such as congenital contractures, which are potentially associated with Carney complex, and have identified alternative genetic pathways to cardiac tumorigenesis, including mutation of the MYH8 gene that encodes perinatal myosin.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Wilkes
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, Greenberg Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 525 E. 68th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
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18
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Abstract
Carney complex (CNC) is a familial multiple neoplasia syndrome with features overlapping those of McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) and multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type 1 (MEN 1). Like MAS and MEN 1 patients, patients with CNC develop growth hormone (GH)-producing pituitary tumors. Occasionally, these tumors are also prolactin-producing, but there are no isolated prolactinomas or other types of pituitary tumors. In at least some patients with CNC, the pituitary gland is characterized by hyperplastic areas; hyperplasia appears to involve somatomammotrophs only. Hyperplasia most likely precedes the formation of GH-producing adenomas in CNC, as has been suggested in MAS-related somatotropinomas, but has never been seen in MEN 1 patients. In at least one case of a patient with CNC and advanced acromegaly, a GH-producing macroadenoma showed extensive genetic changes at the chromosomal level. So far, half of the patients with CNC have germline inactivating mutations in the PRKAR1A gene; in their pituitary tumors, the normal allele of the PRKAR1A gene is lost. Loss-of-hererozygosity suggests that PRKAR1A, which codes for the regulatory subunit type 1alpha of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) may act as a tumor-suppressor gene in CNC somatomammotrophs. These data provide evidence for a PRKAR1A-induced somatomammotroph hyperpasia in the pituitary tissue of CNC patients; hyperplasia, in turn may lead to additional genetic changes at the somatic level, which then cause the formation of adenomas in some, but not all, patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotirios G. Stergiopoulos
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Developmental Endocrinology Branch (DEB), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
| | - Mones S. Abu-Asab
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
| | - Maria Tsokos
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
| | - Constantine A. Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology & Genetics (SEGEN), Developmental Endocrinology Branch (DEB), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
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