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Tizianel I, Barbot M, Ceccato F. Subtyping of Cushing's Syndrome: A Step Ahead. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2024. [PMID: 38574761 DOI: 10.1055/a-2299-5065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Cushing's Syndrome (CS) is a rare disease due to chronic endogenous cortisol secretion. In recent years, new developments have broadened the spectrum of differential diagnosis, traditionally categorized as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-dependent and ACTH-independent forms. Moreover, increased awareness of the detrimental effects of cortisol on cardiometabolic health and the risk of cardiovascular events lead to increased diagnosis of mild forms, especially in the context of adrenal incidentalomas.This review provides an up-to-date narrative of the most recent literature regarding the challenges of CS diagnosis. After the description of the diagnostic tools available, the functional non-neoplastic hypercortisolism (formerly known as pseudo-Cushing state) is characterized, followed by the subtyping of the different conditions of hypercortisolism, including the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent forms and the management of adrenal hypercortisolism, with peculiar attention to the new genetic classification of adrenal CS, mild autonomous cortisol secretion, and bilateral adrenal adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tizianel
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Mattia Barbot
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Filippo Ceccato
- Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Prete A, Bancos I. Mild autonomous cortisol secretion: pathophysiology, comorbidities and management approaches. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2024:10.1038/s41574-024-00984-y. [PMID: 38649778 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-024-00984-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The majority of incidentally discovered adrenal tumours are benign adrenocortical adenomas and the prevalence of adrenocortical adenomas is around 1-7% on cross-sectional abdominal imaging. These can be non-functioning adrenal tumours or they can be associated with autonomous cortisol secretion on a spectrum that ranges from rare clinically overt adrenal Cushing syndrome to the much more prevalent mild autonomous cortisol secretion (MACS) without signs of Cushing syndrome. MACS is diagnosed (based on an abnormal overnight dexamethasone suppression test) in 20-50% of patients with adrenal adenomas. MACS is associated with cardiovascular morbidity, frailty, fragility fractures, decreased quality of life and increased mortality. Management of MACS should be individualized based on patient characteristics and includes adrenalectomy or conservative follow-up with treatment of associated comorbidities. Identifying patients with MACS who are most likely to benefit from adrenalectomy is challenging, as adrenalectomy results in improvement of cardiovascular morbidity in some, but not all, patients with MACS. Of note, diagnosis and management of patients with bilateral MACS is especially challenging. Current gaps in MACS clinical practice include a lack of specific biomarkers diagnostic of MACS-related health outcomes and a paucity of clinical trials demonstrating the efficacy of adrenalectomy on comorbidities associated with MACS. In addition, little evidence exists to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of long-term medical therapy in patients with MACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Prete
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Irina Bancos
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Metabolism and Nutrition, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
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Remde H, Kranz S, Morell SM, Altieri B, Kroiss M, Detomas M, Fassnacht M, Deutschbein T. Clinical course of patients with adrenal incidentalomas and cortisol autonomy: a German retrospective single center cohort study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1123132. [PMID: 37223045 PMCID: PMC10200872 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1123132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adrenal incidentalomas with cortisol autonomy are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Specific data on the clinical and biochemical course of affected patients are lacking. Methods Retrospective study from a tertiary referral centre in Germany. After exclusion of overt hormone excess, malignancy and glucocorticoid medication, patients with adrenal incidentalomas were stratified according to serum cortisol after 1 mg dexamethasone: autonomous cortisol secretion (ACS), >5.0; possible ACS (PACS), 1.9-5.0; non-functioning adenomas (NFA), ≤1.8 µg/dl. Results A total of 260 patients were enrolled (147 women (56.5%), median follow-up 8.8 (2.0-20.8) years). At initial diagnosis, median age was 59.5 (20-82) years, and median tumour size was 27 (10-116) mm. Bilateral tumours were more prevalent in ACS (30.0%) and PACS (21.9%) than in NFA (8.1%). Over time, 40/124 (32.3%) patients had a shift of their hormonal secretion pattern (NFA to PACS/ACS, n=15/53; PACS to ACS, n=6/47; ACS to PACS, n=11/24; PACS to NFA, n=8/47). However, none of the patients developed overt Cushing's syndrome. Sixty-one patients underwent adrenalectomy (NFA, 17.9%; PACS, 24.0%; ACS, 39.0%). When non-operated patients with NFA were compared to PACS and ACS at last follow-up, arterial hypertension (65.3% vs. 81.9% and 92.0%; p<0.05), diabetes (23.8% vs. 35.6% and 40.0%; p<0.01), and thromboembolic events (PACS: HR 3.43, 95%-CI 0.89-13.29; ACS: HR 5.96, 95%-CI 1.33-26.63; p<0.05) were significantly less frequent, along with a trend towards a higher rate of cardiovascular events in case of cortisol autonomy (PACS: HR 2.23, 95%-CI 0.94-5.32; ACS: HR 2.60, 95%-CI 0.87-7.79; p=0.1). Twenty-five (12.6%) of the non-operated patients died, with higher overall mortality in PACS (HR 2.6, 95%-CI 1.0-4.7; p=0.083) and ACS (HR 4.7, 95%-CI 1.6-13.3; p<0.005) compared to NFA. In operated patients, prevalence of arterial hypertension decreased significantly (77.0% at diagnosis to 61.7% at last follow-up; p<0.05). The prevalence of cardiovascular events and mortality did not differ significantly between operated and non-operated patients, whereas thromboembolic events were significantly less frequent in the surgical treatment group. Conclusion Our study confirms relevant cardiovascular morbidity in patients with adrenal incidentalomas (especially those with cortisol autonomy). These patients should therefore be monitored carefully, including adequate treatment of typical cardiovascular risk factors. Adrenalectomy was associated with a significantly decreased prevalence of hypertension. However, more than 30% of patients required reclassification according to repeated dexamethasone suppression tests. Thus, cortisol autonomy should ideally be confirmed before making any relevant treatment decision (e.g. adrenalectomy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Remde
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kranz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, University Hospital Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Maria Morell
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Nephrology, Agaplesion Markus Krankenhaus, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mario Detomas
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Timo Deutschbein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Medicover Oldenburg MVZ, Oldenburg, Germany
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Kodama T, Oki K, Otagaki Y, Baba R, Okada A, Itcho K, Kobuke K, Nagano G, Ohno H, Hinata N, Arihiro K, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Yoneda M, Hattori N. Association of DNA methylation with steroidogenic enzymes in Cushing's adenoma. Endocr Relat Cancer 2022; 29:495-502. [PMID: 35675123 PMCID: PMC9339517 DOI: 10.1530/erc-22-0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation and demethylation regulate the transcription of genes. DNA methylation-associated gene expression of adrenal steroidogenic enzymes may regulate cortisol production in cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA). We aimed to determine the DNA methylation levels of all genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes involved in CPA. Additionally, the aims were to clarify the DNA methylation-associated gene expression and evaluate the difference of CPA genotype from others using DNA methylation data. Twenty-five adrenal CPA and six nonfunctioning adrenocortical adenoma (NFA) samples were analyzed. RNA sequencing and DNA methylation array were performed. The methylation levels at 118 methylation sites of the genes were investigated, and their methylation and mRNA levels were subsequently integrated. Among all the steroidogenic enzyme genes studied, CYP17A1 gene was mainly found to be hypomethylated in CPA compared to that in NFA, and the Benjamini-Hochberg procedure demonstrated that methylation levels at two sites in the CYP17A1 gene body were statistically significant. PRKACA mutant CPAs predominantly exhibited hypomethylation of CYP17A1 gene compared with the GNAS mutant CPAs. Inverse associations between CYP17A1 methylation in three regions of the gene body and its mRNA levels were observed in the NFAs and CPAs. In applying clustering analysis using CYP17A1 methylation and mRNA levels, CPAs with PRKACA mutation were differentiated from NFAs and CPAs with a GNAS mutation. We demonstrated that CPAs exhibited hypomethylation of the CYP17A1 gene body in CPA, especially in the PRKACA mutant CPAs. Methylation of CYP17A1 gene may influence its transcription levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaya Kodama
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenji Oki
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yu Otagaki
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryuta Baba
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akira Okada
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Itcho
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kobuke
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Gaku Nagano
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Haruya Ohno
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Hinata
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Koji Arihiro
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Celso E. Gomez-Sanchez
- Division of Endocrinology, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center and University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Masayasu Yoneda
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Noboru Hattori
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Detomas M, Pivonello C, Pellegrini B, Landwehr LS, Sbiera S, Pivonello R, Ronchi CL, Colao A, Altieri B, De Martino MC. MicroRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs in Adrenocortical Carcinoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142234. [PMID: 35883677 PMCID: PMC9324008 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are a type of genetic material that do not encode proteins but regulate the gene expression at an epigenetic level, such as microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). The role played by ncRNAs in many physiological and pathological processes has gained attention during the last few decades, as they might be useful in the diagnosis, treatment and management of several human disorders, including endocrine and oncological diseases. Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare and aggressive endocrine cancer, still characterized by high mortality and morbidity due to both endocrine and oncological complications. Despite the rarity of this disease, recently, the role of ncRNA has been quite extensively evaluated in ACC. In order to better explore the role of the ncRNA in human ACC, this review summarizes the current knowledge on ncRNA dysregulation in ACC and its potential role in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of this tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Detomas
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (M.D.); (L.-S.L.); (S.S.); (C.L.R.); (B.A.)
| | - Claudia Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università “Federico II” di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (B.P.); (R.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Bianca Pellegrini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università “Federico II” di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (B.P.); (R.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Laura-Sophie Landwehr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (M.D.); (L.-S.L.); (S.S.); (C.L.R.); (B.A.)
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (M.D.); (L.-S.L.); (S.S.); (C.L.R.); (B.A.)
| | - Rosario Pivonello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università “Federico II” di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (B.P.); (R.P.); (A.C.)
- Unesco Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina L. Ronchi
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (M.D.); (L.-S.L.); (S.S.); (C.L.R.); (B.A.)
- Institute of Metabolism and System Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (CEDAM), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università “Federico II” di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (B.P.); (R.P.); (A.C.)
- Unesco Chair for Health Education and Sustainable Development, Federico II University, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (M.D.); (L.-S.L.); (S.S.); (C.L.R.); (B.A.)
| | - Maria Cristina De Martino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università “Federico II” di Napoli, 80131 Naples, Italy; (C.P.); (B.P.); (R.P.); (A.C.)
- Correspondence:
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Omar MH, Byrne DP, Jones KN, Lakey TM, Collins KB, Lee KS, Daly LA, Forbush KA, Lau HT, Golkowski M, McKnight GS, Breault DT, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Martinez A, Eyers CE, Baird GS, Ong SE, Smith FD, Eyers PA, Scott JD. Mislocalization of protein kinase A drives pathology in Cushing's syndrome. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111073. [PMID: 35830806 PMCID: PMC9311266 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKAc) drive the stress hormone disorder adrenal Cushing's syndrome. We define mechanisms of action for the PKAc-L205R and W196R variants. Proximity proteomic techniques demonstrate that both Cushing's mutants are excluded from A kinase-anchoring protein (AKAP)-signaling islands, whereas live-cell photoactivation microscopy reveals that these kinase mutants indiscriminately diffuse throughout the cell. Only cAMP analog drugs that displace native PKAc from AKAPs enhance cortisol release. Rescue experiments that incorporate PKAc mutants into AKAP complexes abolish cortisol overproduction, indicating that kinase anchoring restores normal endocrine function. Analyses of adrenal-specific PKAc-W196R knockin mice and Cushing's syndrome patient tissue reveal defective signaling mechanisms of the disease. Surprisingly each Cushing's mutant engages a different mitogenic-signaling pathway, with upregulation of YAP/TAZ by PKAc-L205R and ERK kinase activation by PKAc-W196R. Thus, aberrant spatiotemporal regulation of each Cushing's variant promotes the transmission of distinct downstream pathogenic signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell H Omar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
| | - Dominic P Byrne
- Department of Biochemistry & Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Kiana N Jones
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Tyler M Lakey
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kerrie B Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Kyung-Soon Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Leonard A Daly
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Katherine A Forbush
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ho-Tak Lau
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Martin Golkowski
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - G Stanley McKnight
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - David T Breault
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- Génétique, Reproduction et Développement (GReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Génétique, Reproduction et Développement (GReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, 63001 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Claire E Eyers
- Centre for Proteome Research, Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - Geoffrey S Baird
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Shao-En Ong
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - F Donelson Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Patrick A Eyers
- Department of Biochemistry & Systems Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
| | - John D Scott
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Nanao Y, Oki K, Kobuke K, Itcho K, Baba R, Kodama T, Otagaki Y, Okada A, Yoshii Y, Nagano G, Ohno H, Arihiro K, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Hattori N, Yoneda M. Hypomethylation associated vitamin D receptor expression in ATP1A1 mutant aldosterone-producing adenoma. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 548:111613. [PMID: 35257799 PMCID: PMC9082579 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2022.111613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation alteration is tissue-specific and play a pivotal role in regulating gene transcription during cell proliferation and survival. We aimed to detect genes regulated by DNA methylation, and then investigated whether the gene influenced cell proliferation or survival in adrenal cells. DNA methylation and qPCR analyses were performed in nonfunctioning adrenocortical adenoma (NFA, n = 12) and aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA, n = 35) samples. The VDR gene promoter was markedly hypomethylated in APA with ATP1A1 mutation, and the promoter methylation levels showed a significant inverse association with the transcripts in APA. ATP1A1 mutation led to VDR transcription in HAC15 cells, and VDR suppression abrogated ATP1A1 mutation-mediated cell proliferation in HAC15 cells. We demonstrated that APA with ATP1A1 mutation showed entire hypomethylation in the VDR promoter and abundant VDR mRNA and protein expression. VDR suppression abrogated ATP1A1 mutation-mediated cell proliferation in HAC15 cells. Abundant VDR expression would be essential for ATP1A1 mutation-mediated cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Nanao
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenji Oki
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Kazuhiro Kobuke
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Itcho
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryuta Baba
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takaya Kodama
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yu Otagaki
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akira Okada
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yoko Yoshii
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Gaku Nagano
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Haruya Ohno
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Koji Arihiro
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Celso E Gomez-Sanchez
- Division of Endocrinology, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center and University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Noboru Hattori
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masayasu Yoneda
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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8
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Rege J, Hoxie J, Liu CJ, Cash MN, Luther JM, Gellert L, Turcu AF, Else T, Giordano TJ, Udager AM, Rainey WE, Nanba K. Targeted Mutational Analysis of Cortisol-Producing Adenomas. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e594-e603. [PMID: 34534321 PMCID: PMC8764218 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Somatic gene mutations have been identified in only about half of cortisol-producing adenomas (CPAs). Affected genes include PRKACA, GNAS, PRKAR1A, and CTNNB1. OBJECTIVE This work aims to expand our understanding of the prevalence of somatic mutations in CPAs from patients with overt Cushing syndrome (OCS) and "subclinical" mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE), with an immunohistochemistry (IHC)‒guided targeted amplicon sequencing approach using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue. METHODS We analyzed FFPE adrenal tissue from 77 patients (n = 12 men, 65 women) with either OCS (n = 32) or MACE (n = 45). Using IHC for 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1) and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B2), we identified 78 CPAs (32 OCS CPAs and 46 MACE CPAs). Genomic DNA was isolated from the FFPE CPAs and subjected to targeted amplicon sequencing for identification of somatic mutations. RESULTS Somatic mutations were identified in 71.8% (56/78) of the CPAs. While PRKACA was the most frequently mutated gene in OCS CPAs (14/32, 43.8%), somatic genetic aberrations in CTNNB1 occurred in 56.5% (26/46) of the MACE CPAs. Most GNAS mutations were observed in MACE CPAs (5/7, 71.4%). No mutations were observed in PRKAR1A. In addition to the known mutations, we identified one previously unreported mutation in PRKACA. Two patients with MACE harbored 2 adjacent tumors within the same adrenal gland - one patient had 2 CPAs, and the other patient had a CPA and an aldosterone-producing adenoma (identified by IHC for aldosterone synthase). CONCLUSION A comprehensive FFPE IHC-guided gene-targeted sequencing approach identified somatic mutations in 71.8% of the CPAs. OCS CPAs demonstrated a distinct mutation profile compared to MACE CPAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juilee Rege
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Jessie Hoxie
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Chia-Jen Liu
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Morgan N Cash
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - James M Luther
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Lan Gellert
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA
| | - Adina F Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Tobias Else
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Thomas J Giordano
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - Aaron M Udager
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Michigan Center for Translational Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
| | - William E Rainey
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Correspondence: William E. Rainey, PhD, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Room 2560C, MSRB II, 1150 W Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5622, USA.
| | - Kazutaka Nanba
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto 612-8555, Japan
- Kazutaka Nanba, MD, Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, 1150 W Medical Center Dr, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, 1-1 Mukaihata-cho, Fukakusa, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, 612-8555, Japan.
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9
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Pathophysiology of Mild Hypercortisolism: From the Bench to the Bedside. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020673. [PMID: 35054858 PMCID: PMC8775422 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild hypercortisolism is defined as biochemical evidence of abnormal cortisol secretion without the classical detectable manifestations of overt Cushing’s syndrome and, above all, lacking catabolic characteristics such as central muscle weakness, adipose tissue redistribution, skin fragility and unusual infections. Mild hypercortisolism is frequently discovered in patients with adrenal incidentalomas, with a prevalence ranging between 5 and 50%. This high variability is mainly due to the different criteria used for defining this condition. This subtle cortisol excess has also been described in patients with incidentally discovered pituitary tumors with an estimated prevalence of 5%. To date, the mechanisms responsible for the pathogenesis of mild hypercortisolism of pituitary origin are still not well clarified. At variance, recent advances have been made in understanding the genetic background of bilateral and unilateral adrenal adenomas causing mild hypercortisolism. Some recent data suggest that the clinical effects of glucocorticoid (GC) exposure on peripheral tissues are determined not only by the amount of the adrenal GC production but also by the peripheral GC metabolism and by the GC sensitivity. Indeed, in subjects with normal cortisol secretion, the combined estimate of cortisol secretion, cortisone-to-cortisol peripheral activation by the 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme and GC receptor sensitizing variants have been suggested to be associated with the presence of hypertension, diabetes and bone fragility, which are three well-known consequences of hypercortisolism. This review focuses on the pathophysiologic mechanism underlying both the different sources of mild hypercortisolism and their clinical consequences (bone fragility, arterial hypertension, subclinical atherosclerosis, cardiovascular remodeling, dyslipidemia, glucose metabolism impairment, visceral adiposity, infections, muscle damage, mood disorders and coagulation).
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10
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Tetti M, Gong S, Veglio F, Reincke M, Williams TA. Primary aldosteronism: Pathophysiological mechanisms of cell death and proliferation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:934326. [PMID: 36004349 PMCID: PMC9393369 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.934326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism is the most common surgically curable form of hypertension. The sporadic forms of the disorder are usually caused by aldosterone overproduction from a unilateral adrenocortical aldosterone-producing adenoma or from bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia. The main knowledge-advances in disease pathophysiology focus on pathogenic germline and somatic variants that drive the excess aldosterone production. Less clear are the molecular and cellular mechanisms that lead to an increased mass of the adrenal cortex. However, the combined application of transcriptomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics has achieved substantial insight into these processes and uncovered the evolving complexity of disrupted cell growth mechanisms in primary aldosteronism. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent progress in our understanding of mechanisms of cell death, and proliferation in the pathophysiology of primary aldosteronism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Tetti
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, München, Germany
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Siyuan Gong
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, München, Germany
| | - Franco Veglio
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, München, Germany
| | - Tracy Ann Williams
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) München, München, Germany
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Tracy Ann Williams,
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11
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Iwahashi N, Umakoshi H, Ogata M, Fukumoto T, Kaneko H, Terada E, Katsuhara S, Uchida N, Sasaki K, Yokomoto-Umakoshi M, Matsuda Y, Sakamoto R, Ogawa Y. Whole Transcriptome Profiling of Adrenocortical Tumors Using Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded Samples. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:808331. [PMID: 35185794 PMCID: PMC8850780 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.808331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Whole transcriptome profiling is a promising technique in adrenal studies; however, whole transcriptome profiling of adrenal disease using formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples has to be further explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of transcriptome data from FFPE samples of adrenocortical tumors. We performed whole transcriptome profiling of FFPE and fresh frozen samples of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC, n = 3), aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA, n = 3), and cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA, n = 3), and examined the similarity between the transcriptome data. We further examined whether the transcriptome data of FFPE samples could be used to distinguish tumor types and detect marker genes. The number of read counts was smaller in FFPE samples than in fresh frozen samples (P < 0.01), while the number of genes detected was similar (P = 0.39). The gene expression profiles of FFPE and fresh frozen samples were highly correlated (r = 0.93, P < 0.01). Tumor types could be distinguished by consensus clustering and principal component analysis using transcriptome data from FFPE samples. In the differential expression analysis between ACC and APA-CPA, known marker genes of ACC (e.g., CCNB2, TOP2A, and MAD2L1) were detected in FFPE samples of ACC. In the differential expression analysis between APA and CPA, known marker genes of APA (e.g., CYP11B2, VSNL1, and KCNJ5) were detected in the APA of FFPE samples. The results suggest that FFPE samples may be a reliable alternative to fresh frozen samples for whole transcriptome profiling of adrenocortical tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norifusa Iwahashi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hironobu Umakoshi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hironobu Umakoshi, ; Yoshihiro Ogawa,
| | - Masatoshi Ogata
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tazuru Fukumoto
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroki Kaneko
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eriko Terada
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Katsuhara
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Naohiro Uchida
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Sasaki
- Clinical Laboratory Department, Kyushu Pro Search Limited Liability Partnership, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Maki Yokomoto-Umakoshi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yayoi Matsuda
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Sakamoto
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hironobu Umakoshi, ; Yoshihiro Ogawa,
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12
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Altieri B, Lalli E, Faggiano A. Mitotane treatment in adrenocortical carcinoma: mechanisms of action and predictive markers of response to therapy. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino) 2021; 47:203-214. [PMID: 34881855 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6507.21.03601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with a high risk of recurrence even in cases with complete surgical tumor resection. Mitotane represents the cornerstone of the adjuvant therapy as well as the first line of medical treatment in advanced cases. However, evidence on mitotane efficacy is mostly based on retrospective studies and the use of mitotane continues to represent a clinical challenge. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Mitotane causes selective damage to adrenocortical cells, causing an increase of cell apoptosis through a disruption of mitochondria and the induction of the endoplasmic reticulum stress. Different clinical and molecular markers predicting response to mitotane have been proposed with uncertain results. Attainment of mitotane plasma levels within the target range of 14 to 20 mg/L represent the strongest predictor of mitotane effectiveness both in adjuvant and advanced tumor setting. The occurrence of late recurrence after primary ACC diagnosis and changes in metabolic activity on FDG-PET are only weakly associated with mitotane response. Among the proposed molecular markers associated with mitotane efficacy, the investigation of the CYP2W1*6 and CYP2B6*6 single nucleotide polymorphisms appears to be currently the most promising predictive molecular markers of mitotane therapy. However, none of the evaluated markers has been validated for clinical use. CONCLUSIONS In the era of precision medicine, a better insight into mitotane molecular mechanisms as well as the potential use in the daily clinical practice of clinical parameters and molecular markers predicting the individual response to mitotane are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Altieri
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany -
| | - Enzo Lalli
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire CNRS UMR 7275, Valbonne, France.,Université Côte d'Azur, Valbonne, France.,INSERM, Valbonne, France
| | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sant'Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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13
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Wang C, Sun Y, Yin X, Feng R, Feng R, Xu M, Liang K, Zhao R, Gu G, Jiang X, Su P, Zhang X, Liu J. Alterations of DNA methylation were associated with the rapid growth of cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenoma during pregnancy. Clin Epigenetics 2021; 13:213. [PMID: 34863285 PMCID: PMC8642905 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-021-01205-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenoma (CPA) during pregnancy rarely occurs in clinic. Growing evidence suggests that DNA methylation plays a key role in adrenocortical adenomas. The present study aims to examine the genome-wide DNA methylation profiles and identify the differences in DNA methylation signatures of non-pregnant and pregnant patients with CPA. Results Four pregnant and twelve non-pregnant patients with CPA were enrolled. The pregnant patients with CPA had higher serum cortisol, Estradiol, Progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin concentration, while having lower serum FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and luteinizing hormone concentrations (P < 0.01). Compared with the non-pregnant patients, the duration is shorter, and the growth rate of the tumor is faster in pregnant patients with CPA (P < 0.05). Morphology and cell proliferation assay showed that the percentage of Ki-67 positive cells in CPA were higher in pregnant group than non-pregnant group (8.0% vs 5.5%, P < 0.05). The DNA methylation analysis showed that Genome-wide DNA methylation signature difference between pregnant and non-pregnant with CPA, that the pregnant group had more hypermethylated DMPs (67.94% vs 22.16%) and less hypomethylated DMPs (32.93% vs 77.84%). The proportion of hypermethylated DMPs was relatively high on chromosomes 1 (9.68% vs 8.67%) and X (4.99% vs 3.35%) but lower on chromosome 2(7.98% vs 12.92%). In pregnant patients with CPA, 576 hypomethylated DMPs and 1109 hypermethylated DMPs were identified in the DNA promoter region. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the Wnt/β-Catenin pathway, Ras/MAPK Pathway and PI3K-AKT Pathway were associated with the development of CPA during pregnancy. Conclusions Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of CPA in non-pregnant and pregnant patients was identified in the present study. Alterations of DNA methylation were associated with the pathogenesis and exacerbation of CPA during pregnancy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13148-021-01205-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.,Jinan Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujing Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.,Jinan Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofei Yin
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.,Jinan Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruoqi Feng
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.,Jinan Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiying Feng
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.,Jinan Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Mingyue Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.,Jinan Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Liang
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.,Jinan Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruxing Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.,Jinan Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Gangli Gu
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuewen Jiang
- Department of Urology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Su
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China. .,Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China. .,Jinan Clinical Research Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Ceccato F, Barbot M, Scaroni C, Boscaro M. Frequently asked questions and answers (if any) in patients with adrenal incidentaloma. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2749-2763. [PMID: 34160793 PMCID: PMC8572215 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01615-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) are incidentally discovered adrenal masses, during an imaging study undertaken for other reasons than the suspicion of adrenal disease. Their management is not a minor concern for patients and health-care related costs, since their increasing prevalence in the aging population. The exclusion of malignancy is the first question to attempt, then a careful evaluation of adrenal hormones is suggested. Surgery should be considered in case of overt secretion (primary aldosteronism, adrenal Cushing's Syndrome or pheochromocytoma), however the management of subclinical secretion is still a matter of debate. METHODS The aim of the present narrative review is to offer a practical guidance regarding the management of AI, by providing evidence-based answers to frequently asked questions. CONCLUSION The clinical experience is of utmost importance: a personalized diagnostic-therapeutic approach, based upon multidisciplinary discussion, is suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Ceccato
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy.
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy.
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - M Barbot
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - C Scaroni
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy
- Endocrine Disease Unit, University-Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - M Boscaro
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Medicine DIMED, University of Padova, Via Ospedale Civile, 105-35128, Padova, Italy
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15
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Baba R, Oki K, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Otagaki Y, Itcho K, Kobuke K, Kodama T, Nagano G, Ohno H, Yoneda M, Hattori N. Genotype-specific cortisol production associated with Cushing's syndrome adenoma with PRKACA mutations. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 538:111456. [PMID: 34520814 PMCID: PMC8551059 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular molecular mechanisms underlying the genotype of cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA) have not been fully determined. We analyzed gene expressions in CPA and the human adrenocortical cell line (HAC15 cells) with PRKACA mutation. Clustering analysis using a gene set associated with responses to cAMP revealed the possible differences between PRKACA mutant CPAs and GNAS and CTNNB1 mutant CPAs. The levels of STAR, CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP21A2, and FDX1 transcripts and cortisol levels per unit area in PRKACA mutant CPAs were significantly higher than those in GNAS mutant CPAs. PRKACA mutations led to an increase in steroidogenic enzyme expression and cortisol production in HAC15 cells. Transcriptome analysis revealed differences between PRKACA mutant CPAs and GNAS and CTNNB1 mutant CPAs. Cortisol production in PRKACA mutant CPAs is increased by the cAMP-PKA signaling pathway-mediated upregulation of steroidogenic enzymes transcription. The intracellular molecular mechanisms underlying these processes would be notably important in PRKACA mutant CPAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuta Baba
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenji Oki
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Celso E Gomez-Sanchez
- Division of Endocrinology, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center and University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Yu Otagaki
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kiyotaka Itcho
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kobuke
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takaya Kodama
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Gaku Nagano
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Haruya Ohno
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masayasu Yoneda
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Noboru Hattori
- Department of Molecular and Internal Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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16
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Mueller JW, Vogg N, Lightning TA, Weigand I, Ronchi CL, Foster PA, Kroiss M. Steroid Sulfation in Adrenal Tumors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:3385-3397. [PMID: 33739426 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The adrenal cortex produces specific steroid hormones including steroid sulfates such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), the most abundant steroid hormone in the human circulation. Steroid sulfation involves a multistep enzyme machinery that may be impaired by inborn errors of steroid metabolism. Emerging data suggest a role of steroid sulfates in the pathophysiology of adrenal tumors and as potential biomarkers. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Selective literature search using "steroid," "sulfat*," "adrenal," "transport," "mass spectrometry" and related terms in different combinations. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS A recent study highlighted the tissue abundance of estrogen sulfates to be of prognostic impact in adrenocortical carcinoma tissue samples using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging. General mechanisms of sulfate uptake, activation, and transfer to substrate steroids are reasonably well understood. Key aspects of this pathway, however, have not been investigated in detail in the adrenal; these include the regulation of substrate specificity and the secretion of sulfated steroids. Both for the adrenal and targeted peripheral tissues, steroid sulfates may have relevant biological actions beyond their cognate nuclear receptors after desulfation. Impaired steroid sulfation such as low DHEAS in Cushing adenomas is of diagnostic utility, but more comprehensive studies are lacking. In bioanalytics, the requirement of deconjugation for gas-chromatography/mass-spectrometry has precluded the study of steroid sulfates for a long time. This limitation may be overcome by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. CONCLUSIONS A role of steroid sulfation in the pathophysiology of adrenal tumors has been suggested and a diagnostic utility of steroid sulfates as biomarkers is likely. Recent analytical developments may target sulfated steroids specifically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Wolf Mueller
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (CEDAM), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nora Vogg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg(Germany)
| | - Thomas Alec Lightning
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Isabel Weigand
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Cristina L Ronchi
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (CEDAM), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg(Germany)
| | - Paul A Foster
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism (CEDAM), Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg(Germany)
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital München, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
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Cheng P, Chen K, Zhang S, Mu KT, Liang S, Zhang Y. IDH1 R132C and ERC2 L309I Mutations Contribute to the Development of Maffucci's Syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:763349. [PMID: 34790172 PMCID: PMC8591216 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.763349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maffucci's syndrome is characterized by the coexistence of multiple enchondromas and soft-tissue hemangiomas. It has been clear that somatic mosaic isocitrate dehydrogenase type 1 (IDH1) or isocitrate dehydrogenase type 2 (IDH2) mutations are associated with Maffucci's syndrome and Ollier disease, but the mechanisms underlying hemangiomas of the Maffucci's syndrome is still obscure. This study aimed to determine the mechanism of hemangiomas in Maffucci's syndrome. Methods We received a 26-year-old female patient with typical Maffucci's syndrome, and exome sequencing was conducted using DNA from her peripheral blood and enchondroma tissues. Somatic mutations were characterized by a comparative analysis of exome sequences and further confirmed by the sequencing of PCR products derived from original blood and tissue samples. The mutations of an additional 69 patients with Ollier disease were further tested. The functional impacts of these somatic mutations on Maffucci's syndrome, especially the development of hemangiomas, were evaluated. Results We reported a typical case of Maffucci's syndrome, which was confirmed by both imaging findings and pathology. Through exome sequencing of this patient's DNA samples, we identified an R132C mutation in the isocitrate dehydrogenase type 1 (IDH1) gene and an L309I mutation in the ELKS/RAB6-interacting/CAST family member 2 (ERC2) gene in this patient. Approximately 33.3% of the clones were positive for the IDH1 R132C mutation, and 19.0% of the clones were positive for the ECR2 L309I mutation. The IDH1 R132C mutation was detected in most of the patients with Ollier disease (51/69 patients), and the mean frequency of this mutation was 63.3% in total sequence readouts, but the ECR2 L309I mutation was absent in all of the patients with Ollier disease. In vitro experiments confirmed that the IDH1 R132C mutation promotes chondrocyte proliferation, and the ERC2 L309I mutation enhances angiogenesis. Conclusions Our results suggest that while IDH1 is a known pathogenic gene in enchondromatosis, ERC2 is a novel gene identified in Maffucci's syndrome. The somatic L309I mutation of ERC2 contributes to the pathogenesis of hypervascularization to facilitate the development of hemangiomas in Maffucci's syndrome. The combination of the IDH1 R132C and ERC2 L309I mutations contributes to the development of Maffucci's syndrome, and these results may enable further research on the pathogenesis of Maffucci's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Cheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Shu Zhang
- The Center for Biomedical Research, Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, NHC Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ke-tao Mu
- Department of Radiology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Identifying New Potential Biomarkers in Adrenocortical Tumors Based on mRNA Expression Data Using Machine Learning. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184671. [PMID: 34572898 PMCID: PMC8469239 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Using a visual-based clustering method on the TCGA RNA sequencing data of a large adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) cohort, we were able to classify these tumors in two distinct clusters largely overlapping with previously identified ones. As previously shown, the identified clusters also correlated with patient survival. Applying the visual clustering method to a second dataset also including benign adrenocortical samples additionally revealed that one of the ACC clusters is more closely located to the benign samples, providing a possible explanation for the better survival of this ACC cluster. Furthermore, the subsequent use of machine learning identified new possible biomarker genes with prognostic potential for this rare disease, that are significantly differentially expressed in the different survival clusters and should be further evaluated. Abstract Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare disease, associated with poor survival. Several “multiple-omics” studies characterizing ACC on a molecular level identified two different clusters correlating with patient survival (C1A and C1B). We here used the publicly available transcriptome data from the TCGA-ACC dataset (n = 79), applying machine learning (ML) methods to classify the ACC based on expression pattern in an unbiased manner. UMAP (uniform manifold approximation and projection)-based clustering resulted in two distinct groups, ACC-UMAP1 and ACC-UMAP2, that largely overlap with clusters C1B and C1A, respectively. However, subsequent use of random-forest-based learning revealed a set of new possible marker genes showing significant differential expression in the described clusters (e.g., SOAT1, EIF2A1). For validation purposes, we used a secondary dataset based on a previous study from our group, consisting of 4 normal adrenal glands and 52 benign and 7 malignant tumor samples. The results largely confirmed those obtained for the TCGA-ACC cohort. In addition, the ENSAT dataset showed a correlation between benign adrenocortical tumors and the good prognosis ACC cluster ACC-UMAP1/C1B. In conclusion, the use of ML approaches re-identified and redefined known prognostic ACC subgroups. On the other hand, the subsequent use of random-forest-based learning identified new possible prognostic marker genes for ACC.
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Teuber JP, Nanba K, Turcu AF, Chen X, Zhao L, Else T, Auchus RJ, Rainey WE, Rege J. Intratumoral steroid profiling of adrenal cortisol-producing adenomas by liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 212:105924. [PMID: 34089832 PMCID: PMC8734951 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Endogenous Cushing syndrome (CS) is an endocrine disorder marked by excess cortisol production rendering patients susceptible to visceral obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, osteoporosis and diabetes mellitus. Adrenal CS is characterized by autonomous production of cortisol from cortisol-producing adenomas (CPA) via adrenocorticotropic hormone-independent mechanisms. A limited number of studies have quantified the steroid profiles in sera from patients with CS. To understand the intratumoral steroid biosynthesis, we quantified 19 steroids by mass spectrometry in optimal cutting temperature compound (OCT)-embedded 24 CPA tissue from patients with overt CS (OCS, n = 10) and mild autonomous cortisol excess (MACE, n = 14). Where available, normal CPA-adjacent adrenal tissue (AdjN) was also collected and used for comparison (n = 8). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CYP17A1 and HSD3B2, two steroidogenic enzymes required for cortisol synthesis, was performed on OCT sections to confirm the presence of tumor tissue and guided subsequent steroid extraction from the tumor. LC-MS/MS was used to quantify steroids extracted from CPA and AdjN. Our data indicated that CPA demonstrated increased concentrations of cortisol, cortisone, 11-deoxycortisol, corticosterone, progesterone, 17OH-progesterone and 16OH-progesterone as compared to AdjN (p < 0.05). Compared to OCS, MACE patient CPA tissue displayed higher concentrations of corticosterone, 18OH-corticosterone, 21-deoxycortisol, progesterone, and 17OH-progesterone (p < 0.05). These findings also demonstrate that OCT-embedded tissue can be used to define intra-tissue steroid profiles, which will have application for steroid-producing and steroid-responsive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Teuber
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Kazutaka Nanba
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, 612-8555, Japan
| | - Adina F Turcu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Xuan Chen
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Lili Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Tobias Else
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - William E Rainey
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Juilee Rege
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Shimada H, Yamazaki Y, Sugawara A, Sasano H, Nakamura Y. Molecular Mechanisms of Functional Adrenocortical Adenoma and Carcinoma: Genetic Characterization and Intracellular Signaling Pathway. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9080892. [PMID: 34440096 PMCID: PMC8389593 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9080892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The adrenal cortex produces steroid hormones as adrenocortical hormones in the body, secreting mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and adrenal androgens, which are all considered essential for life. Adrenocortical tumors harbor divergent hormonal activity, frequently with steroid excess, and disrupt homeostasis of the body. Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) cause primary aldosteronism (PA), and cortisol-producing adenomas (CPAs) are the primary cause of Cushing’s syndrome. In addition, adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a highly malignant cancer harboring poor prognosis. Various genetic abnormalities have been reported, which are associated with possible pathogenesis by the alteration of intracellular signaling and activation of transcription factors. In particular, somatic mutations in APAs have been detected in genes encoding membrane proteins, especially ion channels, resulting in hypersecretion of aldosterone due to activation of intracellular calcium signaling. In addition, somatic mutations have been detected in those encoding cAMP-PKA signaling-related factors, resulting in hypersecretion of cortisol due to its driven status in CPAs. In ACC, mutations in tumor suppressor genes and Wnt-β-catenin signaling-related factors have been implicated in its pathogenesis. In this article, we review recent findings on the genetic characteristics and regulation of intracellular signaling and transcription factors in individual tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Shimada
- Division of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 1-15-1 Fukumuro, Miyagino-ku, Sendai 983-8536, Miyagi, Japan;
| | - Yuto Yamazaki
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Miyagi, Japan; (Y.Y.); (H.S.)
| | - Akira Sugawara
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Miyagi, Japan;
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Miyagi, Japan; (Y.Y.); (H.S.)
| | - Yasuhiro Nakamura
- Division of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 1-15-1 Fukumuro, Miyagino-ku, Sendai 983-8536, Miyagi, Japan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-22-290-8731
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Weigand I, Ronchi CL, Vanselow JT, Bathon K, Lenz K, Herterich S, Schlosser A, Kroiss M, Fassnacht M, Calebiro D, Sbiera S. PKA Cα subunit mutation triggers caspase-dependent RIIβ subunit degradation via Ser 114 phosphorylation. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/8/eabd4176. [PMID: 33608270 PMCID: PMC7895437 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abd4176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in the PRKACA gene are the most frequent cause of cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenomas leading to Cushing's syndrome. PRKACA encodes for the catalytic subunit α of protein kinase A (PKA). We already showed that PRKACA mutations lead to impairment of regulatory (R) subunit binding. Furthermore, PRKACA mutations are associated with reduced RIIβ protein levels; however, the mechanisms leading to reduced RIIβ levels are presently unknown. Here, we investigate the effects of the most frequent PRKACA mutation, L206R, on regulatory subunit stability. We find that Ser114 phosphorylation of RIIβ is required for its degradation, mediated by caspase 16. Last, we show that the resulting reduction in RIIβ protein levels leads to increased cortisol secretion in adrenocortical cells. These findings reveal the molecular mechanisms and pathophysiological relevance of the R subunit degradation caused by PRKACA mutations, adding another dimension to the deregulation of PKA signaling caused by PRKACA mutations in adrenal Cushing's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Weigand
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cristina L Ronchi
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Metabolism and System Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Jens T Vanselow
- Rudolf-Virchow-Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Chemical and Product Safety, German Federal Institute of Risk Assessment (BfR), 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kerstin Bathon
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Bio-Imaging Center, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Lenz
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Herterich
- Central Laboratory, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Schlosser
- Rudolf-Virchow-Center for Integrative and Translational Bioimaging, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
- Central Laboratory, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Davide Calebiro
- Institute of Metabolism and System Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Bio-Imaging Center, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Centre of Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE), Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
- Central Laboratory, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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22
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Detomas M, Altieri B, Schlötelburg W, Appenzeller S, Schlaffer S, Coras R, Schirbel A, Wild V, Kroiss M, Sbiera S, Fassnacht M, Deutschbein T. Case Report: Consecutive Adrenal Cushing's Syndrome and Cushing's Disease in a Patient With Somatic CTNNB1, USP8, and NR3C1 Mutations. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:731579. [PMID: 34489873 PMCID: PMC8417750 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.731579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The occurrence of different subtypes of endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) in single individuals is extremely rare. We here present the case of a female patient who was successfully cured from adrenal CS 4 years before being diagnosed with Cushing's disease (CD). The patient was diagnosed at the age of 50 with ACTH-independent CS and a left-sided adrenal adenoma, in January 2015. After adrenalectomy and histopathological confirmation of a cortisol-producing adrenocortical adenoma, biochemical hypercortisolism and clinical symptoms significantly improved. However, starting from 2018, the patient again developed signs and symptoms of recurrent CS. Subsequent biochemical and radiological workup suggested the presence of ACTH-dependent CS along with a pituitary microadenoma. The patient underwent successful transsphenoidal adenomectomy, and both postoperative adrenal insufficiency and histopathological workup confirmed the diagnosis of CD. Exome sequencing excluded a causative germline mutation but showed somatic mutations of the β-catenin protein gene (CTNNB1) in the adrenal adenoma, and of both the ubiquitin specific peptidase 8 (USP8) and the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) genes in the pituitary adenoma. In conclusion, our case illustrates that both ACTH-independent and ACTH-dependent CS may develop in a single individual even without evidence for a common genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Detomas
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mario Detomas,
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Wiebke Schlötelburg
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Silke Appenzeller
- Core Unit Bioinformatics, Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital of Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sven Schlaffer
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Roland Coras
- Department of Neuropathology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Schirbel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vanessa Wild
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Munich, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Timo Deutschbein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital Würzburg, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Medicover Oldenburg MVZ, Oldenburg, Germany
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