Phenotype, genotype and gender identity in a large cohort of patients from India with 5α-reductase 2 deficiency

The Biological Basis of Sex Differences in Athletic Performance: Consensus Statement for the American College of Sports Medicine

ABSTRACT

Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic performance because of fundamental sex differences in anatomy and physiology dictated by sex chromosomes and sex hormones. Adult men are typically stronger, more powerful, and faster than women of similar age and training status. Thus, for athletic events and sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males typically outperform females by 10%-30% depending on the requirements of the event. These sex differences in performance emerge with the onset of puberty and coincide with the increase in endogenous sex steroid hormones, in particular testosterone in males, which increases 30-fold by adulthood, but remains low in females. The primary goal of this consensus statement is to provide the latest scientific knowledge and mechanisms for the sex differences in athletic performance. This review highlights the differences in anatomy and physiology between males and females that are primary determinants of the sex differences in athletic performance and in response to exercise training, and the role of sex steroid hormones (particularly testosterone and estradiol). We also identify historical and nonphysiological factors that influence the sex differences in performance. Finally, we identify gaps in the knowledge of sex differences in athletic performance and the underlying mechanisms, providing substantial opportunities for high-impact studies. A major step toward closing the knowledge gap is to include more and equitable numbers of women to that of men in mechanistic studies that determine any of the sex differences in response to an acute bout of exercise, exercise training, and athletic performance.

Exploring the Enigma of 5-ARIs Resistance in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Paving the Path for Personalized Medicine

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Despite the widespread utilization of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) for managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), certain BPH patients exhibit unresponsiveness to 5-ARIs therapy. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the current perspectives on the mechanisms of 5-ARIs resistance in BPH patients and integrates potential biomarkers and underlying therapeutic options for 5-ARIs resistance. These findings may facilitate the development of novel or optimize more effective treatment options, and promote personalized medicine for BPH.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pathways contributing to resistance against 5-ARIs in certain BPH patients encompass epigenetic modifications, shifts in hormone levels, autophagic processes, and variations in androgen receptor structures, and these pathways may ultimately be attributed to inflammation. Promisingly, novel biomarkers, including intravesical prostatic protrusion, inflammatory factors, and single nucleotide polymorphisms, may offer predictive insights into the responsiveness to 5-ARIs therapy, empowering physicians to fine-tune treatment strategies. Additionally, on the horizon, GV1001 and mTOR inhibitors have emerged as potential alternative therapeutic modalities for addressing BPH in the future. After extensive investigation into BPH's pathological processes and molecular landscape, it is now recognized that diverse pathophysiological mechanisms may contribute to different BPH subtypes among individuals. This insight necessitates the adoption of personalized treatment strategies, moving beyond the prevailing one-size-fits-all paradigm centered around 5-ARIs. The imperative for early identification of individuals prone to treatment resistance will drive physicians to proactively stratify risk and adapt treatment tactics in future practice. This personalized medicine approach marks a progression from the current standard treatment model, emerging as the future trajectory in BPH management.

Comprehensive molecular analysis identifies eight novel variants in XY females with disorders of sex development

Disorders of sex development (DSD) are a group of clinical conditions with variable presentation and genetic background. Females with or without development of secondary sexual characters and presenting with primary amenorrhea (PA) and a 46,XY karyotype are one of the classified groups in DSD. In this study, we aimed to determine the genetic mutations in 25 females with PA and a 46,XY karyotype to show correlations with their phenotypes. Routine Sanger sequencing with candidate genes like SRY, AR, SRD5A2, and SF1, which are mainly responsible for 46,XY DSD in adolescent females, was performed. In a cohort of 25 patients of PA with 46,XY DSD, where routine Sanger sequencing failed to detect the mutations, next-generation sequencing of a targeted gene panel with 81 genes was used for the molecular diagnosis. The targeted sequencing identified a total of 21 mutations including 8 novel variants in 20 out of 25 patients with DSD. The most frequently identified mutations in our series were in AR (36%), followed by SRD5A2 (20%), SF1 (12%), DHX37 (4%), HSD17B3 (4%), and DMRT2 (4%). We could not find any mutation in the DSD-related genes in five (20%) patients due to complex molecular mechanisms in 46,XY DSD, highlighting the possibility of new DSD genes which are yet to be discovered in these disorders. In conclusion, genetic testing, including cytogenetics and molecular genetics, is important for the diagnosis and management of 46,XY DSD cases.

Upregulation of mir-1199-5p is associated with reduced type 2 5-α reductase expression in benign prostatic hyperplasia

Background

5-α reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) are first-line drugs for managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Unfortunately, some patients do not respond to 5-ARI therapy and may even show worsening symptoms. The decreased expression of steroid 5-α reductase type 2(SRD5A2) in BPH tissues may explain the failure of 5-ARI therapy, however, the mechanisms underlying SRD5A2 decreased remained unelucidated.

Objectives

To investigate microRNA-mediated regulation of the expression of SRD5A2 resulting in 5-ARI therapy failure.

Materials and methods

The expression of SRD5A2 and microRNAs in BPH tissues and prostate cells were detected by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, and quantitative real-time PCR. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm that microRNA directly combine to SRD5A2 mRNA. The apoptosis of prostatic cells was detected by flow cytometry.

Results

SRD5A2 expression was variable; it was negative, weak, and strong in 13.6%, 28.8%, and 57.6% of BPH tissues respectively. The normal human prostatic epithelial cell line RWPE-1 strongly expressed SRD5A2, whereas the immortalized human prostatic epithelial cell line BPH-1 weakly expressed SRD5A2. miR-1199-5p expression was remarkably higher in BPH-1 than in RWPE-1 cells(P<0.001), and miR-1199-5p expression was significantly upregulated in BPH tissues with negative SRD5A2 expression than those with positive SRD5A2 expression. Transfection of miR-1199-5p mimics in RWPE-1 cells led to a marked decrease in SRD5A2 expression, whereas miR-1199-5p inhibitor increased SRD5A2 expression in BPH-1 cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-1199-5p could bind the 3′untranslated region of SRD5A2 mRNA. miR-1199-5p also decreased the RWPE-1 sensibility to finasteride, an inhibitor of SRD5A2.

Conclusion

Our results show that SRD5A2 expression varies in BPH tissues and miR-1199-5p might be one of the several factors contributing to differential SRD5A2 expression in BPH patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12894-022-01121-5.

46 XY disorder of sex development (DSD) due to 5 alpha (SRD5A2) deficiency - Experience from a multidisciplinary Pediatric Gender Clinic

BACKGROUND

SRD5A2 deficiency leads to incomplete masculinization of individuals with a 46 XY karyotype. A definitive diagnosis in early infancy facilitates decisions concerning choice of sex of rearing and management.

AIM

To review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment and outcome of children with 46 XY DSD due to SRD5A2 deficiency at a Paediatric Gender Clinic.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Retrospective review of cases of SRD5A2 deficiency (2000-15) managed with a standard protocol at a multidisciplinary clinic. Demographic data, clinical presentation, physical findings, investigations (hormonal profile, imaging, genitoscopy), psychological evaluation (child, family), medical and surgical management, outcome and follow up were collated and analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 12 cases aged 3 days-14 years at presentation, 3 had parental consanguinity. Eight were reared as males and 4 as females. Specialist referral was sought for hypospadias (5), atypical genitalia (5) or incongruent pubertal masculinization (2). All had chordee, symmetrical inguinoscrotal gonads, rugose labioscrotum and proximal hypospadias (perineoscrotal -9, perineal -3). Both pubertal cases had significant masculinization and no gynecomastia. The median testosterone/dihydrotestosterone ratio was 22.1(IQR-8.6-55.7). Despite a classical phenotype, four (2 prepubertal, 2 pubertal) had a ratio <10. Genitoscopy showed urogenital sinus remnant (4) and hypoplastic verumontanum (5). Sex reassignment was done in 4. Surgical management was staged and completed by 4 years in those with infantile presentation. Besides correction of chordee and urethroplasty in 11, other procedures included orchidopexy (5), excision of a urogenital sinus remnant (4) and correction of penoscrotal transposition (4). The urethroplasty was single staged in 3. All operated cases were followed up (mean age at last follow up - 10.63 years, mean follow up period - 7.25 years). The overall cosmetic result was satisfactory, but the phallic structure remained relatively small across prepubertal period. Uroflowmetry curves were normal in 9. All showed penile tumescence/erection and two peripubertal cases had typical secondary sexual characters. All cases, including those with sex reassignment, have a well-adjusted male psyche.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

The diagnosis, management and longitudinal follow up of cases of SRD5A2 deficiency at a multidisciplinary gender clinic is presented. Diagnostic dilemmas with low T/DHT ratios remained in a third of cases. Most were diagnosed in infancy and assigned a male sex of rearing, all underwent staged masculinizing genitoplasty. Those with sex reassignment also fared well with comprehensive management after family counseling.

The Molecular Basis of 5α-Reductase Type 2 Deficiency

The 5α-reductase type 2 enzyme catalyzes the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, playing a crucial role in male development. This enzyme is encoded by the SRD5A2 gene, which maps to chromosome 2 (2p23), consists of 5 exons and 4 introns, and encodes a 254 amino acid protein. Disruptions in this gene are the molecular etiology of a subgroup of differences of sex development (DSD) in 46,XY patients. Affected individuals present a large range of external genitalia undervirilization, ranging from almost typically female external genitalia to predominantly typically male external genitalia with minimal undervirilization, including isolated micropenis. This is an updated review of the implication of the SRD5A2 gene in 5α-reductase type 2 enzyme deficiency. For that, we identified 451 cases from 48 countries of this particular 46,XY DSD from the literature with reported variants in the SRD5A2 gene. Herein, we present the SRD5A2 mutational profile, the SRD5A2 polymorphisms, and the functional studies related to SRD5A2 variants to detail the molecular etiology of this condition.

Clinical, Hormonal, and Genetic Characteristics of 5α-Reductase Type 2 Deficiency in 103 Chinese Patients

OBJECTIVE

5α-Reductase type 2 (5α-RD2) deficiency causes variable degrees of undervirilization in patients. The correlation between its genotype and phenotype is unclear.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated 103 patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development who were diagnosed with 5α-RD2 deficiency.

RESULTS

The prevalence of female sex assignment (P = .008) and the incidences of cryptorchidism (P = .0003) and bifid scrotum (P = .0002) in the non-p.R227Q variant group were higher, but there were no significant differences in the incidences of hypospadias and isolated microphallus. The external masculinization score in the non-p.R227Q variant group was lower than that in the homozygous p.R227Q variant (P = .019) and compound heterozygous p.R227Q variant groups (P = .013). The level of anti-Mullerian hormone in the non-p.R227Q variant group was lower than that in the homozygous p.R227Q variant (P < .001) and compound heterozygous p.R227Q variant groups (P = .006). The testosterone-to-dihydrotestosterone ratio of the homozygous p.R227Q variant group was higher than that of the non-p.R227Q variant (P = .018) and compound heterozygous p.R227Q variant groups (P = .029). Twenty-three reportedly pathogenic variants and 11 novel steroid 5α-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) variants were identified.

CONCLUSION

Compared with patients without p.R227Q, patients with p.R227Q exhibited higher external masculinization scores and anti-Mullerian hormone expression, a lower prevalence of female sex assignment, and lower incidences of cryptorchidism and bifid scrotum. We identified 23 reportedly pathogenic SRD5A2 variants and 11 novel SRD5A2 variants that led to 5α-RD2 deficiency. We established a genotype-phenotype correlation, and patients with p.R227Q showed a relatively mild phenotype.

"Congruency the ART of Being Real" - 46XY DSD Due to 5 α Reductase Deficiency - Challenges in Decision Making

Disorders of sexual development (DSDs) are heterogenous group of disorders characterized by discrepancy in chromosomal, gonadal, and phenotypic sex. DSD is a Medico-Social Emergency. 5 α reductase type 2 deficiency is one of the rare causes of 46 XY DSD. The degree of under virilization varies from clinically female to a near male phenotype. Müllerian structures were absent. At puberty, there might be features of virilization. Gender incongruence or dysphoria occurs frequently during puberty. An important marker for diagnosis is an elevated testosterone to dihydrotestosterone ratio in the basal state or following HCG stimulation. All 46 XY DSD require an appropriate molecular diagnosis prior to gender assignment and gender reassignment surgery. Gender reassignment surgery and/or Gonadectomy should be performed only after 18 years if there are compelling indications like suspicion of malignancy or presence of gender dysphoria or gender incongruence.

Accuracy of Urinary Etiocholanolone/Androsterone Ratio as Alternative to Serum Testosterone/Dihydrotestosterone Ratio for Diagnosis of 5 Alpha-reductase Type 2 Deficiency Patients and Carriers in Indonesia

BACKGROUND

The 5 Alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency (5ARD2) is an inherited condition, which clinically presents as variable degrees of under virilization in affected 46,XY individuals. In the diagnostic pathway of 5ARD2, the testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) ratio is broadly employed before molecular analysis of the SRD5A2 gene. However, due to cost-benefit considerations, the DHT test in our country is routinely lacking in clinical settings; therefore, we considered applying the urinary etiocholanolone/androsterone (Et/An) ratio as an alternative test.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the diagnostic value of the urinary Et/An ratio versus the T/DHT ratio in diagnosing 5ARD2 patients and carriers.

METHODS

Sixty-six suspected 5ARD2 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD) individuals and 95 family members were recruited in the study. Their clinical manifestations, T/DHT and urinary Et/An ratios, and SRD5A2 genes were analyzed. Using molecular analysis of the SRD5A2 gene as the gold standard, we compared the accuracy of both ratios in diagnosing 5ARD2 patients and carriers with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients were confirmed molecularly to have 5ARD2, and the rest (n = 29) were assessed as normal controls, while in the carrier group, 53 were molecularly confirmed as carriers and 42 as controls. The AUCs (areas under the curve) of the T/DHT and urinary Et/An ratios were 57.7% (95% CI 43.0 - 72.4%, P > 0.05) and 79.7% (95% CI 69.0 - 90.4%, P < 0.001), respectively, in diagnosing 5ARD2 patients and 54.1% (95% CI 42.4 - 65.8%, P > 0.05) and 75.1% (95% CI 65.1 - 85.1%, P < 0.001), respectively, in diagnosing carriers. The cutoff value of the urinary Et/An ratio was set at ≥ 0.95 for detecting 5ARD2 patients and ≥ 0.99 for detecting carriers.

CONCLUSIONS

The testosterone/DHT ratio was inaccurate in diagnosing 5ARD2 patients. When molecular analysis for the SRD5A2 gene is lacking, the urinary Et/An ratio may be a useful test to diagnose 5ARD2 patients and carriers.

Clinical characteristics and genotype-phenotype correlations of 130 Chinese children in a high-homogeneity single-center cohort with 5α-reductase 2 deficiency

Background

Patients with steroid 5α‐reductase 2 deficiency (5α‐RD) caused by SRD5A2 (OMIM #607306) variants present variable genotypes and phenotypes. The genotype‐phenotype correlations remain unclear.

Methods

We investigated genotype‐phenotype correlations of SRD5A2 variants in a large Chinese single‐center cohort. Phenotypes were categorized using the external masculinization score (EMS), urethral meatus and gonad position, and penile length‐standard deviation score.

Results

Of the 130 included patients, 113 had hypospadias, and 17 had a normal urethral meatus position. Testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) values were not significantly associated with phenotypic severity (p = 0.539–0.989). Of the 31 SRD5A2 variants, including 10 novel variants, p.R227Q was the most prevalent (39.62%), followed by p.Q6* (16.92%), p.R246Q (13.46%), and p.G203S (10.38%). Compared to biallelic missense mutations, biallelic nonsense mutations were associated with a lower EMS and urethral meatus score (p = 0.009 and p = 0.024, respectively). Patients homozygous for p.R227Q exhibited mild and variable phenotypes, while those homozygous for p.Q6*, p.R246Q, or p.G203S showed consistently severe phenotypes. The phenotypes were variable and milder in patients with compound heterozygosity for p.R227Q and these mutations.

Conclusion

T/DHT does not predict phenotype severity. The most prevalent SRD5A2 variant in Han Chinese is p.R227Q, which is associated with milder phenotypes and greater phenotypic variability. SRD5A2 variants may significantly influence phenotypic variation.

Mutational analysis of SRD5A2: From gene to functional kinetics in individuals with steroid 5α-reductase 2 deficiency

Human steroid 5α-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) plays a determinative role in the masculinization of external genitalia. To date, approximately 114 different mutations of the SRD5A2 gene have been reported; however, little information is available about their impact on catalytic function or their three-dimensional (3D) structures. We determined the effect of point mutations on the testosterone-depend kinetic constants (K_m,app and V_max,app) and structural characteristics of SRD5A2 from Mexican patients with 46,XY-steroid 5α-reductase 2 deficiency. PCR-SSCP assays identified ten distinct gene variants and sequencing analysis identified missense mutations [p.V3I, p.S14R, p.A52T, p.F118L, p.R145W, p.R171S, p.L226P, p.F229S, p.S245Y, and p.A248V]. Mutations were re-created by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in HEK293 cells. Functional studies demonstrated that 8 variants led to partial (K_m,app = 0.16-2.6 μM; V_max,app = 224-2640 pmol/mg P/min) or complete losses of activity compared to the wild-type enzyme (K_m,app = 0.7 μM; V_max,app = 4044 pmol/mg P/min). All the mutations were assessed using multiple software tools and the results predicted that all of the mutations were associated with disease or damage. Mapping mutations on the model of a 3D structure of SRD5A2 demonstrated alterations in contact sites with their proximal amino acids. Our data show that mutations affect the catalytic efficiency (V_max/K_m) or result in residual enzymatic activity, which could be due to erroneous interactions between amino acid residues, the substrate testosterone, or NADPH.

Androgens During Infancy, Childhood, and Adolescence: Physiology and Use in Clinical Practice

We provide an in-depth review of the role of androgens in male maturation and development, from the fetal stage through adolescence into emerging adulthood, and discuss the treatment of disorders of androgen production throughout these time periods. Testosterone, the primary androgen produced by males, has both anabolic and androgenic effects. Androgen exposure induces virilization and anabolic body composition changes during fetal development, influences growth and virilization during infancy, and stimulates development of secondary sexual characteristics, growth acceleration, bone mass accrual, and alterations of body composition during puberty. Disorders of androgen production may be subdivided into hypo- or hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism may be either congenital or acquired (resulting from cranial radiation, trauma, or less common causes). Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism occurs in males with Klinefelter syndrome and may occur in response to pelvic radiation, certain chemotherapeutic agents, and less common causes. These disorders all require testosterone replacement therapy during pubertal maturation and many require lifelong replacement. Androgen (or gonadotropin) therapy is clearly beneficial in those with persistent hypogonadism and self-limited delayed puberty and is now widely used in transgender male adolescents. With more widespread use and newer formulations approved for adults, data from long-term randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to enable pediatricians to identify the optimal age of initiation, route of administration, and dosing frequency to address the unique needs of their patients.

New insights into 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency based on a multi-centre study: regional distribution and genotype-phenotype profiling of SRD5A2 in 190 Chinese patients

BACKGROUND

The 5α-reductase type 2 (5α-RD2) deficiency caused by mutations in the steroid 5α-reductase 2 (SRD5A2) gene results in variable degrees of undervirilisation in patients with 46,XY disorders of sex development. This study aims to profile the regional distribution and phenotype-genotype characteristics of SRD5A2 in a large Chinese 5α-RD2 deficiency cohort through multi-centre analysis.

METHODS

190 subjects diagnosed with 5α-RD2 deficiency were consecutively enrolled from eight medical centres in China. Their clinical manifestations and genetic variants were analysed.

RESULTS

Hypospadias (isolated or combined with microphallus and/or cryptorchidism) was fairly common in the enrolled subjects (66.32%). 42 variants, including 13 novel variants, were identified in SRD5A2. Homozygous and compound heterozygous mutations presented in 38.42% and 61.58% of subjects, respectively, and predominated in exons 1, 4 and 5. The most prevalent variant was c.680G > A (52.37%), followed by c.16C > T, (10.79%), c.607G > A, (9.21%) and c.737G > A, (8.95%). However, their distributions were different: c.680G > A was more common in South China than in North China (62.62% vs 39.16%, p < 0.001), whereas the regional prevalence of c.16C > T was reversed (6.07% vs 16.87%, p = 0.001). Furthermore, c.680G > A prevailed in cases with normal meatus (68.75%) or distal hypospadias (66.28%), compared with those with proximal hypospadias (35.54%, p < 0.001). However, cases with proximal hypospadias showed a higher frequency of c.16C > T (20.48%) than those with normal meatus (3.13%) or distal hypospadias (3.49%, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study profiled variable phenotypic presentation and wide mutational spectrum of SRD5A2, revealing its distinctive regional distribution in Chinese patients and further shaping the founder effect and genotype-phenotype correlation of SRD5A2.

Genotype-phenotype correlation, gonadal malignancy risk, gender preference, and testosterone/dihydrotestosterone ratio in steroid 5-alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency: a multicenter study from Turkey

BACKGROUND

Studies regarding genetic and clinical characteristics, gender preference, and gonadal malignancy rates for steroid 5-alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency (5α-RD2) are limited and they were conducted on small number of patients.

OBJECTIVE

To present genotype-phenotype correlation, gonadal malignancy risk, gender preference, and diagnostic sensitivity of serum testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) ratio in patients with 5α-RD2.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with variations in the SRD5A2 gene were included in the study. Demographic characteristics, phenotype, gender assignment, hormonal tests, molecular genetic data, and presence of gonadal malignancy were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients were included in the study. Abnormality of the external genitalia was the most dominant phenotype (92.9%). Gender assignment was male in 58.8% and female in 29.4% of the patients, while it was uncertain for 11.8%. Fourteen patients underwent bilateral gonadectomy, and no gonadal malignancy was detected. The most frequent pathogenic variants were p.Ala65Pro (30.6%), p.Leu55Gln (16.5%), and p.Gly196Ser (15.3%). The p.Ala65Pro and p.Leu55Gln showed more undervirilization than the p.Gly196Ser. The diagnostic sensitivity of stimulated T/DHT ratio was higher than baseline serum T/DHT ratio, even in pubertal patients. The cut-off values yielding the best sensitivity for stimulated T/DHT ratio were ≥ 8.5 for minipuberty, ≥ 10 for prepuberty, and ≥ 17 for puberty.

CONCLUSION

There is no significant genotype-phenotype correlation in 5α-RD2. Gonadal malignancy risk seems to be low. If genetic analysis is not available at the time of diagnosis, stimulated T/DHT ratio can be useful, especially if different cut-off values are utilized in accordance with the pubertal status.

Characterising SRD5A2 Gene Variants in 37 Indonesian Patients with 5-Alpha-Reductase Type 2 Deficiency

The 5-alpha-reductase type 2 deficiency (5ARD2) is an autosomal recessive condition associated with impairment in the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. This condition leads to undervirilisation in 46,XY individuals. To date, there have been more than 100 variations identified in the gene responsible for 5ARD2 development (steroid 5-alpha-reductase 2, SRD5A2). However, few studies have examined the molecular characterisation of Indonesian 5ARD2 cases. In the current study, we analysed 37 subjects diagnosed with 46,XY DSD (disorders of sex development) with confirmed variations in the SRD5A2 gene. We examined results from testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (T/DHT) and urinary etiocholanolone/androsterone (Et/An) ratios, as well as from molecular and clinical analyses. Twelve variants in the SRD5A2 gene were identified, and 6 of which were novel, namely, c.34-38delGinsCCAGC, p.Arg50His, p.Tyr136 ^∗ , p.Gly191Arg, p.Phe194Ile, and p.Ile253Val variants. Moreover, we determined that 20 individuals contained harmful mutations, while the remaining 17 variants were benign. Those containing harmful mutations exhibited more severe phenotypes with median external genitalia masculinisation scores (EMS) of 3 (1.5-9) and were more likely to be diagnosed at a later age, reared as female, and virilised at pubertal age. In addition, the respective sensitivities for detecting severe 5ARD2 cases using T/DHT (cutoff: 10) and urinary Et/An ratios (cutoff: 0.95) were 85% and 90%, whereas mild cases were only identified with 64.7% and 47.1% sensitivity, respectively. Although we were unable to identify clear correlations between genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in this study, we clearly showed that individuals who were homozygous or compound heterozygous for any of the harmful mutations were more likely to exhibit classic 5ARD2 phenotypes, lower EMS, female assignment at birth, and virilisation during puberty. These results serve to inform the development of improved clinical and molecular 5ARD2 diagnostic approaches, specifically in Indonesian patients.

Large divergence in testosterone concentrations between men and women: Frame of reference for elite athletes in sex-specific competition in sports, a narrative review

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this narrative review was to summarize available data on testosterone levels in normal, healthy adult males and females, to provide a physiologic reference framework to evaluate testosterone levels reported in males and females with conditions that elevate androgens, such as disorders of sex development (DSD), and to determine the separation or overlap of testosterone levels between normal and affected males and females.

METHODS

A literature review was conducted for published papers, from peer reviewed journals, reporting testosterone levels in healthy males and females, males with 46XY DSD, and females with hyperandrogenism due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Papers were selected that had adequate characterization of participants, and description of the methodology for measurement of serum testosterone and reporting of results.

RESULTS

In the healthy, normal males and females, there was a clear bimodal distribution of testosterone levels, with the lower end of the male range being four- to fivefold higher than the upper end of the female range(males 8.8-30.9 nmol/L, females 0.4-2.0 nmol/L). Individuals with 46XY DSD, specifically those with 5-alpha reductase deficiency, type 2 and androgen insensitivity syndrome testosterone levels that were within normal male range. Females with PCOS or congenital adrenal hyperplasia were above the normal female range but still below the normal male range.

CONCLUSIONS

Existing studies strongly support a bimodal distribution of serum testosterone levels in females compared to males. These data should be considered in the discussion of female competition eligibility in individuals with possible DSD or hyperandrogenism.

Molecular diagnostics of disorders of sexual development: an Indian survey and systems biology perspective

We aimed to survey the monogenic causes of disorders of sex development (DSD) and thereby its prevalence in India. This study revealed mutations resulting in androgen insensitivity syndrome, 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency, and gonadal dysgenesis were commonly reported. Intriguingly, AR deficits were the most prevalent (32 mutations) and of 11/26 missense mutations were in exons 4-8 (encoding ligand binding domain). The unique features of SRD5A2 defects were p.R246Q (most prevalent) and p.G196S could be mutational hotspots, dual gene defects (p.A596T in AR and p.G196S in SRD5A2) in a patient with hypospadias and novel 8 nucleotide deletion (exon 1) found in a patient with perineal hypospadias. Deficits in SRY, WT1, DHH, NR5A1, and DMRT1 caused 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis. Notably, mutations in AR, SRD5A2, MAMLD1, WT1, and MAP3K1 have led to hypospadias and only one CYP19A1 mutation caused aromatase deficiency was reported to date. Data mining from various databases has not only reinforced the role of well-established genes (e.g., SRY, WT1, DHH, NR5A1, DMRT1, AR, SRD5A2, MAMLD1) involved in DSD but also provided us 12 more potential candidate genes (ACVR1, AMHR2, CTNNB1, CYP11A1, CYP19A1, FGFR2, FGF9, PRKACA, PRKACG, SMAD9, TERT, ZFPM2), which benefit from a close association with the well-established genes involved in DSD and might be useful to screen owing to their direct gene-phenotype relationship or through direct functional interaction. As more genes have been revealed in relation to DSD, we believe ultimately it holds a better scenario for therapeutic regimen. Despite the advances in translational medicine, hospitals are yet to adopt genetic testing and counseling facilities in India that shall have potential impact on clinical diagnosis. Abbreviations: 5α-RD2: 5α-Reductase type 2; AIS: androgen insensitivity syndrome; AMH: antimullerian hormone; AMHR: antimullerian hormone receptor; AR: androgen receptor gene; CAH: congenital adrenal hyperplasia; CAIS: complete AIS; CAH: congenital adrenal hyperplasia; CHH: congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism; CXORF6: chromosome X open reading frame 6 gene; CYP19A1: cytochrome P450 family 19 subfamily A member 1 gene; DHT: dihydrotestosterone; DMRT1: double sex and mab-3 related transcription factor 1 gene; DSD: disorders of sexual development; GD: gonadal dysgenesis; HGMD: human gene mutation database; IH: isolated hypospadias; MAMLD1: mastermind like domain containing 1 gene; MIS: mullerian inhibiting substance; NTD: N-terminal domain; OT DSD: ovotesticular DSD; PAIS: partial AIS; SOX9: SRY-related HMG-box 9 gene; SRY: sex-determining region Y gene; STAR: steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene; SRD5A2: steroid 5 alpha-reductase 2 gene; T DSD: testicular DSD; T: testosterone; WNT4: Wnt family member 4 gene; WT1: Wilms tumor 1 gene; Δ₄: androstenedione.

Controversies of Sex Re-assignment in Genetic Males with Congenital Inadequacy of the Penis

Sex assignment in 46XY genetic male children with congenital inadequacy of the penis (CIP) is controversial. Traditionally, children with penile length less than 2 cm at birth are considered unsuitable to be raised as males. They are typically re-assigned to female-sex and feminizing genitoplasty is usually done in infancy. However, the concept of cerebral androgen imprinting has caused paradigm shift in the philosophy of sex re-assignment. Masculinization of the brain, rather than length of the penis, is the modern criterion of sex re-assignment in CIP. This review summarizes the current understanding of the complex issue. In 46XY children with CIP, male-sex assignment appears appropriate in non-hormonal conditions such as idiopathic micropenis, aphallia and exstrophy. Female-sex re-assignment appears acceptable in complete androgen insensitivity (CAIS), while partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) patients are highly dissatisfied with the assignment of either sex. Children with 5-alpha reductase deficiency are likely to have spontaneous penile lengthening at puberty. Hence, they are better raised as males. Although female assignment is common in pure gonadal dysgenesis, long-term results are not known to justify the decision.

Retracted: Aetiology and clinical profile of children with 46, XY differences of sex development at an Indian referral centre

Retraction: 'Aetiology and clinical profile of children with 46, XY differences of sex development at an Indian referral centre' by Vasundhera Chauhan, Rima Dada, Vandana Jain The above article, published online on 8 August 2016 in Wiley Online Library (http://wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the Journal Editors-in-Chief, Wolf-Bernhard Schill and Ralf Henkel, and Blackwell Verlag GmbH. The retraction has been agreed as the result of an unresolved dispute between the first author and a colleague research fellow due to the inclusion of data from patients who were simultaneously enrolled in two studies being conducted separately by the two parties. Reference Chauhan, V., Dada, R. and Jain, V. (2016), Aetiology and clinical profile of children with 46, XY differences of sex development at an Indian referral centre. Andrologia. doi:10.1111/and.12663.