Cryptic 21-hydroxylase deficiency in families of patients with classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia

History of Adrenal Research: From Ancient Anatomy to Contemporary Molecular Biology

The adrenal is a small, anatomically unimposing structure that escaped scientific notice until 1564 and whose existence was doubted by many until the 18th century. Adrenal functions were inferred from the adrenal insufficiency syndrome described by Addison and from the obesity and virilization that accompanied many adrenal malignancies, but early physiologists sometimes confused the roles of the cortex and medulla. Medullary epinephrine was the first hormone to be isolated (in 1901), and numerous cortical steroids were isolated between 1930 and 1949. The treatment of arthritis, Addison's disease, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with cortisone in the 1950s revolutionized clinical endocrinology and steroid research. Cases of CAH had been reported in the 19th century, but a defect in 21-hydroxylation in CAH was not identified until 1957. Other forms of CAH, including deficiencies of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 11β-hydroxylase, and 17α-hydroxylase were defined hormonally in the 1960s. Cytochrome P450 enzymes were described in 1962-1964, and steroid 21-hydroxylation was the first biosynthetic activity associated with a P450. Understanding of the genetic and biochemical bases of these disorders advanced rapidly from 1984 to 2004. The cloning of genes for steroidogenic enzymes and related factors revealed many mutations causing known diseases and facilitated the discovery of new disorders. Genetics and cell biology have replaced steroid chemistry as the key disciplines for understanding and teaching steroidogenesis and its disorders.

Digit ratio (2D:4D) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): Systematic literature review and meta-analysis

The ratio of length between the second and fourth fingers (2D:4D) is commonly used as an indicator of prenatal sex hormone exposure. Several approaches have been used to try to validate the measure, including examining 2D:4D in people with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a suite of conditions characterised by elevated adrenal androgen production secondary to defective steroidogenesis. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis that examines the relationship between these two variables. Twelve articles relating to nine CAH cohorts were identified, and 2D:4D comparisons have been made between cases and controls in eight of these cohorts. Altogether, at least one 2D:4D variable has been compared between n = 251 females with CAH and n = 358 unaffected females, and between n = 108 males with CAH and n = 204 unaffected males. A previous meta-analysis (Hönekopp and Watson, 2010) reported lower right hand (R2D:4D) and left hand (L2D:4D) digit ratios in patients with CAH relative to sex-matched controls. Our meta-analysis showed the same pattern, with medium effect sizes for R2D:4D and small effect sizes for L2D:4D. Differences of small magnitude were also observed for M2D:4D, and no significant effects were observed for D_[R-L]. Notably, the only effects that remained statistically significant when stratified by sex were R2D:4D in males and L2D:4D in females, and the average effect size had reduced by 46.70% since the meta-analysis of Hönekopp and Watson (2010). We also found that individual comparisons in this literature were considerably underpowered, and that patterns of sexual dimorphism in 2D:4D were similar in CAH samples as in typically developing populations. Findings are discussed in relation to the prenatal androgen hypothesis as well as alternative explanations.

A change in the steroid metabolic pathway in human testes showing deteriorated spermatogenesis

During androgen biosynthesis, the human testes normally produce only small quantities of Δ⁴-C₂₁ steroids as these are products of the Δ⁴-pathway and healthy human testes preferentially use the Δ⁵-pathway. However, the Δ⁴-C₂₁ steroid progesterone accumulates in the thickened lamina propria of the seminiferous tubules in testes with deteriorated spermatogenesis. The objectives of this study were to analyse the pregnenolone metabolites in testes with deteriorated spermatogenesis and to establish whether the androgen biosynthesis pathway changes in this condition. Biopsied or orchiectomised testicular samples were obtained from patients with varicocele, non-obstructive azoospermia, obstructive azoospermia, testicular cancer, and cryptorchidism. The samples were segregated into spermatogenesis related Johnsen's score groups: Low-JS (< 5.0) and High-JS (> 7.8). Higher levels of progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone were metabolised under in vitro conversion in the Low-JS testes than the High-JS testes when cell-free homogenates from each group were separately incubated with ¹⁴C-labelled pregnenolone. Nevertheless, the serum hormone levels did not differ between groups. Two novel pregnenolone metabolites 5β-pregnan-3β-ol-20-one and 5α-pregnan-3α, 21diol-20-one were identified from in vitro conversion in Low-JS testes and by recrystallisation. Immunohistochemistry revealed the higher βHSD expression in the Low-JS than the High-JS testes. However, the CYP17A1 expression levels did not differ between groups. Infertile testes increase the relative βHSD levels in their Leydig cells and synthesised testosterone from pregnenolone via the Δ⁴- rather than the Δ⁵-pathway. A new insight into a change of metabolites in Low-JS testes will be relevant to understand the mechanism of the deteriorated spermatogenesis under the normal range of testosterone level.

Successful pregnancy and delivery of a patient with congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) during pregnancy is a rare condition. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature. CAH patients has lower pregnancy rate compared to normal women. A 27-year-old nulliparous woman, a diagnosed case of 21-hydroxylase deficient simple virilising form of classic CAH visited. She got pregnant spontaneously without any trial of assisted reproductive technology. At the age of 12, she underwent clitoral resection and vaginoplasty. She took dexamethasone or prednisolone after operation. She delivered healthy singleton female baby by cesarean section. Four years later, she delivered healthy singleton female baby by repeat cesarean section. Two female babies have shown normal external genitalia. Here, we report a case of successful pregnancy and delivery in a patient with CAH.

Nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and the heterozygote carrier

This article discusses the difficulty of differentiating three causes of adult androgen excess including nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency, polycystic ovarian syndrome and heterozygote carrier of CYP21 mutations based on clinical findings. It also reviews the screening modalities that discriminate patients with nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia and the heterozygote carrier of CYP21 mutations from the normal population. In addition, the current management of hyperandrogenism and ovulatory dysfunction in these patients is described.

Phenotypic profiling of parents with cryptic nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia: findings in 145 unrelated families

OBJECTIVE

To comprehensively phenotype parents identified with nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) by family genetic studies, termed here as cryptic NCCAH and to define the incidence of cryptic NCCAH in the parents of a large cohort of patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

DESIGN

Genotyping was performed on 249 parents of 145 unrelated congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients. Parents with two CYP21A2 mutations underwent extensive evaluation.

RESULTS

Of the 249 parents, ten (4%; seven females and three males) were identified as having cryptic NCCAH. The majority was of ethnicities previously reported to have a higher incidence of NCCAH. Cosyntropin stimulation performed in eight parents provided biochemical confirmation (17-hydroxyprogesterone range 56-364 nmol/l) and cortisol response was ≤500 nmol/l in three parents (38%). Of the seven women (27-54 years) with cryptic NCCAH, four had prior infertility, two reported irregular menses, two had treatment for hirsutism, one had androgenic alopecia. Men were asymptomatic. All cryptic NCCAH parents reported normal puberty and had normal height. Adrenal hypertrophy and a small adrenal myelolipoma were observed in two parents; testicular adrenal rest tissue was not found.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents diagnosed with NCCAH by genetic testing are mostly asymptomatic. Temporary female infertility and suboptimal cortisol response were commonly observed. Ongoing glucocorticoid therapy is not indicated in adults with CAH identified by family genotype studies unless symptomatic, but glucocorticoid stress coverage should be considered in select cases. Parents of a child with CAH have a 1:25 risk of having NCCAH; if the mother of a child with CAH has infertility, evaluation for NCCAH is indicated.

Precocious pubarche: distinguishing late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia from premature adrenarche

CONTEXT

Because precocious pubarche (PP) reveals late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LO-CAH) in 5 to 20% of cases, an adrenal stimulation test is recommended in all patients presenting with it. This test is stressful and expensive, and results are normal in more than 80% of cases.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to identify clinical and plasma predictors of LO-CAH among patients presenting with PP.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study that included all patients seen for PP at our hospital between 1999 and 2006 (n = 238). All had undergone an ACTH test.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

LO-CAH was defined by a post-ACTH 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) plasma level greater than 10 ng/ml and confirmed by mutational analysis of the CYP21 gene. The association of standard clinical and laboratory indicators with LO-CAH was assessed.

RESULTS

Ten (4%) of 238 patients had LO-CAH. Basal 17-OHP, Delta4-androstenedione, and testosterone plasma levels were significantly higher in these patients. A 2-ng/ml threshold for basal 17-OHP plasma levels offered 100% (95% CI, 69-100) sensitivity for the diagnosis of LO-CAH and 99% (95% CI, 96-100) specificity.

CONCLUSION

We identified three plasma predictors of LO-CAH in patients presenting with PP. A selective strategy based on a 2-ng/ml basal 17-OHP plasma level threshold would have safely avoided 99% of the unnecessary ACTH tests among our patients.

Adrenal steroid concentrations in children seven to seventeen years of age

During puberty, serum steroid concentrations change dramatically. The objective of this study was to determine the adrenal steroid concentrations in children from 7 to 17 years of age. Tanner stage was determined in each child by physical examination. 11-Deoxycortisol, pregnenolone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and testosterone were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate were measured by immunoassay. The median and central 95% of the steroid concentrations were determined for age, gender, and Tanner stage. Except for 11-deoxycortisol, all of the steroids exhibited an increase in concentration after age 7-9 years in both boys and girls. 11-Deoxycortisol, which is made exclusively in the adrenal cortex, declined with age and Tanner stage. This suggests that a rise in gonadal function and decreased efficiency of 11beta-hydroxylase with age may contribute to an increase in the remaining steroids. Testosterone concentrations increased more dramatically in boys, but increases were seen with each Tanner stage in girls.

Microconversion between CYP21A2 and CYP21A1P promoter regions causes the nonclassical form of 21-hydroxylase deficiency

CONTEXT

Most mutations causing 21-hydroxylase deficiency originate from microconversions between CYP21 pseudogenes and active genes. However, around 20% of the alleles in the nonclassical form (NC-21OHD) remain without identified mutations, suggesting the involvement of regulatory regions. The pseudogene promoter is 80% less active than the CYP21A2 due to the presence of -126C>T, -113G>A, -110T>C, and -103A>G mutations. Additionally, mutations in the steroidogenic factor-1 binding sites of the CYP21 distal regulatory region, located at 4676 bases upstream from the cap site of the CYP21A2 gene, decrease its transcription to 35%.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to investigate the CYP21A2 promoter/regulatory regions in NC-21OHD patients with undetermined genotype.

SUBJECTS

The study included 17 NC-21OHD patients and 50 controls.

METHODS

Promoter/regulatory regions were sequenced from peripheral leukocytes' genomic DNA. The identified substitutions were evaluated through EMSA using -132/-97 wild-type and mutant probes and nuclear extracts from NCI-H295A cells. Transcriptional activity studies were performed with wild-type and mutant constructions transfected in NCI-H295A cells.

RESULTS

No mutations were identified in the distal regulatory regions. The -126C>T, -113G>A, -110T>C promoter mutations were found in compound heterozygosity with the V281L mutation in one patient and the -126C>T mutation in compound heterozygosity with the I2 splice in another. The -126T mutation decreases the transcriptional activity to 52%, compatible with the patient's nonclassical phenotype. EMSA demonstrated that the -132/-121 region is important for the DNA interaction with the specificity protein-1 transcription factor.

CONCLUSION

Microconversions between CYP21A2 and CYP21A1P promoters could be involved in the nonclassical phenotype. Therefore CYP21A2 promoter analysis should be included in genetic studies of 21OHD.

Extensive clinical experience: nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency

CONTEXT

Nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) owing to steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency (NC21OHD) is the most frequent of all autosomal recessive genetic diseases, occurring in one in 100 persons in the heterogeneous New York City population. NC21OHD occurs with increased frequency in certain ethnic groups, such as Ashkenazi Jews, in whom one in 27 express the disease. NC21OHD is underdiagnosed in both male and female patients with hyperandrogenic symptoms because hormonal abnormalities in NC21OHD are only mild to moderate, not severe as in the classical form of CAH. Unlike classical CAH, NC21OHD is not associated with ambiguous genitalia of the newborn female.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The hyperandrogenic symptoms include advanced bone age, early pubic hair, precocious puberty, tall stature, and early arrest of growth in children; infertility, cystic acne, and short stature in both adult males and females; hirsutism, frontal balding, polycystic ovaries, and irregular menstrual periods in females; and testicular adrenal rest tissue in males.

CONCLUSIONS

The signs and symptoms of hyperandrogenism are reversed with dexamethasone treatment.

An update of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a family of autosomal recessive disorders caused by mutations that encode for enzymes involved in one of the various steps of adrenal steroid synthesis. These defects result in the absence or the decreased synthesis of cortisol from its cholesterol precursor. The anterior pituitary secretes excess adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) via feedback regulation by cortisol, which results in overstimulation of the adrenals and causes hyperplasia. Symptoms due to CAH can vary from mild to severe depending on the degree of ensymatic defect. In the classical form of CAH, there is a severe enzymatic defect owing to mutations in the CYP21 gene. Classically affected female fetuses undergo virilization of the genitalia prenatally and present with genital ambiguity at birth; however, prenatal treatment of CAH with dexamethasone to prevent ambiguity has been successfully utilized for over a decade. In the less severe, late-onset form of CAH, prenatal virilization does not occur. The milder enzyme deficiency was termed nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency (NC21OHD) in 1979 and was later found to be the most common autosomal recessive disorder in humans. Disease frequency of NC21OHD varies between ethnic groups with the highest ethnic-specific disease frequency in Ashkenazi Jews at 1/27. NC21OHD is diagnosed by serum elevations of 17-OHP that plot on a nomogram between the range for unaffected individuals and levels observed for classical CAH and is typically confirmed with molecular genetic analysis. Similar to classical CAH, nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency may cause premature development of pubic hair, advanced bone age, accelerated linear growth velocity and diminished final height in both males and females. Severe cystic acne has also been attributed to nonclassical CAH. Women may present with symptoms of androgen excess, including hirsutism, temporal baldness, and infertility. Menarche in females may be normal or delayed and secondary amenorrhea is a frequent occurrence. Polycystic ovary syndrome may also be seen in these patients. In males, early beard growth, acne, and growth spurt may prompt the diagnosis of NC21OHD. Although many males appear to be asymptomatic, they may present with oligozoospermia or diminished fertility. Individuals presenting to dermatology and infertility clinics with symptoms of hyperandrogenemia are rarely screened for NC21OHD. However, with hormonal and molecular genetic screening, previously undiagnosed patients may be identified and can therefore receive glucocorticoid treatment, which has been shown to reverse symptoms within 3 months.

21-Hydroxylase deficiency: from molecular genetics to clinical presentation

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to deficiency of the enzyme 21-hydroxylase (21-OH), a cytochrome P450 enzyme located in the endoplasmic reticulum and which catalyzes the conversion of 17-hydroxyprogesterone to 11-deoxycortisol and progestene to deoxycorticosterone, is distinguished in its classical and non-classical form and is also one of the most common autosomal recessive inherited diseases in humans. The classical form appears in a rate between 1:5000 and 1:15,000 among the live neonates of North America and Europe, while the non-classical form occurs in approximately 0.2% of the general white population. This rate is especially high between the Ahskenazi Jews and a part (ie Italians, Hispanics) of the Mediterranean populations. Three alleles are associated with the 21-OH locus and can be combined in several ways in individuals who are either unaffected, heterozygote carriers, or affected with classical or non-classical disease. Variable signs and symptoms of hyperandrogenism, such as hirsutism, acne, virilization of the external genitalia and/or the body, short stature, menstrual irregularities, are common to both types of the disorder. Among the genes responsible for the synthesis of the enzyme 21-OH and the antigens of HLA system, exist both a proven genetic linkage and a proven genetic linkage disequilibrium. HLA-Bw47, HLAB5 and HLA-B35 are the most common haplotypes usually met in the classical form, while the haplotype HLA-B14DR1 is the most recurrent in the non-classical form of the disease. The significant advances in molecular biology and gene analysis over the past two decades have led to the development of novel sensitive methods of DNA analysis and study, such as polymerase chain reaction and southern blot analysis. Thus, it has been revealed that the synthesis of enzyme 21-OH is controlled by two genes, the active CYP21B gene and the CYP21A pseudogene. All three forms of the disease have a known sequence of gene changes owing to mutations in isolated proteins or whole series of genes due to translocations or deletions of genetic material.

21-Hydroxylase-deficient nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia is a progressive disorder: a multicenter study

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to determine whether the clinical features of 21-hydroxylase-deficient nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia are correlated with either age at symptom onset or age at presentation, or both, and with the degree of adrenocortical abnormality.

STUDY DESIGN

In a multicenter cohort design 220 women with nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia, with a basal or adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone level >30.3 nmol/L, were studied, either prospectively (n = 39) or retrospectively (n = 181). Patients were stratified by age of presentation into 5 groups: (1) <10 years (n = 25), (2) 10 to 19 years (n = 64), (3) 20 to 29 years (n = 83), (4) 30 to 39 years (n = 30), and (5) 40 to 49 years (n = 16). Two patients >50 years old were excluded from the analysis because of age.

RESULTS

Ninety-two percent of patients <10 years old had premature pubarche at presentation, whereas clitoromegaly and acne were each present in only 20% of these younger subjects. With only patients > or =10 years old considered, presenting clinical features included hirsutism (59%), oligomenorrhea (54%), acne (33%), infertility (13%), clitoromegaly (10%), alopecia (8%), primary amenorrhea (4%), and premature pubarche (4%). Among the patients >/=10 years old, the prevalence but not the degree of hirsutism increased significantly with age. Basal levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone in adolescents were significantly higher than the levels found either in children (<10 years old) or women 40 to 49 years old (P <.01 and P <.03, respectively), although no difference was noted in the stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels between age groups. The adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated levels but not the basal levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone were significantly higher in patients with clitoromegaly than in women without clitoromegaly. Alternatively, there were no differences in either basal or stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels between patients with and those without hirsutism, acne, or alopecia.

CONCLUSION

In children <10 years old the most common presenting complaint was premature pubarche, whereas hirsutism and oligomenorrhea were more common in older patients. The prevalence of hirsutism increased with age, suggesting the progressive nature of nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia. Furthermore, the adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone were higher in patients with clitoromegaly, which suggests that the degree of adrenocortical dysfunction in nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia determines, at least in part, the clinical presentation.

Steroid disorders in children: congenital adrenal hyperplasia and apparent mineralocorticoid excess

Our research team and laboratories have concentrated on two inherited endocrine disorders, congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and apparent mineralocorticoid excess, in thier investigations of the pathophysiology of adrenal steroid hormone disorders in children. CAH refers to a family of inherited disorders in which defects occur in one of the enzymatic steps required to synthesize cortisol from cholesterol in the adrenal gland. Because of the impaired cortisol secretion, adrenocorticotropic hormone levels rise due to impairment of a negative feedback system, which results in hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex. The majority of cases is due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). Owing to the blocked enzymatic step, cortisol precursors accumulate in excess and are converted to potent androgens, which are secreted and cause in utero virilization of the affected female fetus genitalia in the classical form of CAH. A mild form of the 21-OHD, termed nonclassical 21-OHD, is the most common autosomal recessive disorder in humans, and occurs in 1/27 Ashkenazic Jews. Mutations in the CYP21 gene have been identified that cause both classical and nonclassical CAH. Apparent mineralocorticoid excess is a potentially fatal genetic disorder causing severe juvenile hypertension, pre- and postnatal growth failure, and low to undetectable levels of potassium, renin, and aldosterone. It is caused by autosomal recessive mutations in the HSD11B2 gene, which result in a deficiency of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2. In 1998, we reported a mild form of this disease, which may represent an important cause of low-renin hypertension.

New reliable biochemical marker for screening 21 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency without index person among hirsute women in agreement with HLA-haplotyping

Late onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21 alpha-hydroxylase deficiency (LO21OH def), as many other diseases, is the cause of hirsutism, menstrual disorders, infertility (PCO-like symptoms). We evaluated the reliability of a new biochemical marker for screening LO-21OH def in 47 women with PCO-like symptoms and 11 men, members of their families, comparing the results of separation using this new marker with those of HLA-haplotyping in 21 members of the patient population. All subjects were stimulated with 0.25 mg synthetic ACTH iv. Serum progesterone (P), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) and cortisol (F) at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min following ACTH administration were determined and the new marker, namely the difference between 60min and 0min of the ratio F/17-OHP [delta F/17-OHP (60 min -0 min)] was calculated. According to the established biochemical criteria for the detection of LO-21OH def cases, (Gutai 30 min > or = 12 ng/dl/min and 17-OHP 60 min > or = 12 ng/ml for severe 21-OH def and Gutai 30 min < 6.5 ng/dl/min and 17-OHP 60 min < 5 ng/ml for "healthy" individuals regarding 21-OH def) two groups, A and B respectively, were separated from the patient population. In group A (n = 8), with LO-21OH def, the new marker showed negative values in all cases, while in group B (n = 9), without LO-21OH def, this marker was positive. The remaining subjects, depending on the results of the new marker were separated in 2 subgroups, Cneg (n = 28), with negative values, composed, consequently, of members with 21-OH def and Cpos (n = 13), with positive values, composed, consequently, of subjects with absence of LO-21OH def. HLA-typing was in agreement with the results of screening by the new marker, in 20 out of 21 cases, while there was only one false negative result. In conclusion, the proposed biochemical marker delta F/17-OHP (60 min-0 min) seems to be a reliable parameter for the LO-21OH def detection among young women with PCO-like symptoms as well as males suspected for congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Dynamics of 24-hour pulsatile cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and androstenedione release in prepubertal patients with nonclassic 21-hydroxylase deficiency and normal prepubertal children

To assess whether the quantitative and qualitative aspects of cortisol, 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), and androstenedione (D4A) secretion in patients with nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) differ from those in normal children, 24-hour serum concentrations of these steroids were measured in five prepubertal patients with NCCAH and five normal prepubertal children. Adrenal steroid profiles obtained by 30-minute sampling were analyzed by the Pulsar program. In comparison to normal children, the 24-hour quantitative parameters of 17-OHP and D4A secretion were significantly greater in NCCAH patients, but serum cortisol concentrations were similar in the two groups. When daytime and nighttime hormone releases were separately analyzed, a significant nocturnal elevation of the cortisol area under the curve above zero level (AUCo) and 12-hour mean and 17-OHP AUCo, AUC above baseline, mean peak height, amplitude, area, and 12-hour mean was detected in normal subjects only. Conversely, NCCAH patients exhibited an increased frequency and number of 17-OHP secretory peaks at night together with a reduction of the interpeak interval. No significant day/night differences in D4A concentrations were detected either in normals or in the patients. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that patients with NCCAH have a distinct pattern of adrenal steroid secretion characterized by a high-frequency 17-OHP release accompanied by a relative nocturnal cortisol deficiency.

Altered CYP21 genes in HLA-haplotypes associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): a family study

Disorders of the CYP21 gene, which is located within the major histocompatibility complex on the short arm of chromosome 6, are the leading causes of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). The coding gene and a highly homologous pseudogene are tandemly arranged with the two genes for the fourth component of complement (C4A and C4B). To analyse the prevalence rates of mutations of the CYP21 genes and the segregation of the CYP21 genes with their corresponding human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-haplotypes, 21 families with one or two children with the severe form of 21-hydroxylase deficiency were studied. Mutations of the CYP21 gene on their corresponding HLA-haplotype were detected by hybridisation of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-amplified genomic DNA with sequence-specific oligonucleotides and solid phase direct sequencing. Our study has shown the following. (1) A single basepair mutation (A-->G or C-->G) within the second intron is the most frequent mutation leading to impaired 21-hydroxylase activity. This mutation is only detected in HLA-haplotypes associated with the salt-wasting form of CAH. (2) A large deletion of part or all of the CYP21 gene is associated with the HLA-haplotype A3, BW47, C6, DR7, DR53, DQ2 but is also observed in other HLA-haplotypes and can be detected by a simple rapid PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism method. (3) Two alleles of the coding CYP21 gene differing in a leucine codon within the first exon, (formerly described as a mutation associated with 21-hydroxylase deficiency) have been found with an equal distribution in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, non-disease HLA-haplotypes and the local healthy controls.

Nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia and the polycystic ovarian syndrome

PCOS has a hormonal pattern that includes an apparent dysfunction in ovarian steroidogenesis, although the sequence (or sequences) of endocrine changes, possibly with inherent paracrine abnormalities that can establish PCOS, are only postulated. Development of PCOS in the setting of androgen overproduction (or persistent disturbances of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis even after normalization of androgen levels) points to adrenal enzyme defects, but the precise interaction of gonad and adrenal cortex via serum steroids remains open. Several interesting schemas for the development of PCOS have been proposed, but the subject remains controversial. Sonographic abnormalities of the ovaries may be similar in women with PCOS and women with adrenal enzyme defects, and differentiation of PCOS from nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency on the basis of pituitary gonadotropin response to LHRH is also nonspecific. The 17-OHP response to ACTH testing is necessary to make the diagnosis (see nomogram). The preliminary data on the subgroup of women with PCOS and nonclassical 21-hydroxylase deficiency indicate that (1) the size of cystic changes of ovaries on sonography and (2) LH:FSH ratios may improve with dexamethasone treatment. Identification of an adrenal enzymatic disorder by ACTH testing is cost-effective in patients with symptoms of androgen excess, offers a good prognosis for improved fertility in couples, and as well is informative in family genetic studies.

Plasma levels of C19 steroid glucuronides in pre-menopausal women with non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Recent reports have thrown doubt on the role of measurements of plasma 5 alpha-androstane-3 alpha,17 beta-diol glucuronide (3 alpha-diolG) as a marker of peripheral androgen metabolism in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and idiopathic hirsutism. It has been suggested that a plasma profile of C19 steroid glucuronides may be more informative. While preliminary data indicates that both 3 alpha-diolG and androsterone G (ADTG) may arise from adrenal steroid precursors, there have been no reports of C19 steroid glucuronides in women with non-classical, or late-onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH), who constitute a significant proportion of the hirsute female population. We therefore measured plasma levels of 3 alpha-diolG, ADTG and dihydrotestosterone G (DHTG) before and following a standard Cortrosyn test in 15 symptomatic and 3 asymptomatic NC-CAH patients, 5 heterozygote carriers for 21-hydroxylase deficiency (NCHETS) and 18 normal women. The effects of chronic glucocorticoid (GCR) therapy (greater than 3 months) on the C19 steroid glucuronide profile in the symptomatic patients was also investigated. Baseline plasma levels of all 3 glucuronides were significantly (P less than 0.001) higher in symptomatic patients compared with either normals or NCHETS. However, the order of discrimination was ADTG greater than 3 alpha-diolG greater than DHTG. There were no significant differences between steroid glucuronide levels for NCHET and normal women and the C19 steroid glucuronide concentrations for the asymptomatic NC-CAH patients were greater than 2 SD above the normal means. Moderate clinical improvement was observed in all patients receiving oral GCR therapy and was accompanied by approx. 80% suppression of the plasma levels of all 3 C19 steroid glucuronides. This contrasts with a mean suppression of androstenedione of only 50%. However, plasma levels of the C19 steroid glucuronides were not significantly increased in response to a short ACTH stimulation test. This may be explained by the fact that the androgen glucuronides are thought to be peripherally formed metabolites derived from unconjugated glandular secreted androgen precursors and thus their synthesis at 60 min following adrenal stimulation may lag substantially behind that of their respective precursors. There were significant linear correlations between the levels of all 3 glucuronides, but neither correlated with Ferriman-Gallway scores, body mass index or 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Normal values for a short-time ACTH intravenous and intramuscular stimulation test in women in the reproductive age

Normal values in endocrine testing are the most important precondition for the recognition of disorders of the endocrine system. To establish a reference range for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation tests, an intravenous and intramuscular ACTH stimulation test was conducted in 29 female volunteers without hyperandrogenism. A total of 25 IU of ACTH were administered intravenously or intramuscularly and blood sampling was performed before, 1 h and 2 h after ACTH injection. The test was performed on days 3-5 of the menstrual cycle. The following steroid hormones were assessed in the serum: 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, free testosterone and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone. The normal range was defined by the interval between the 5th and 95th percentiles; additionally the 1st, 25th, 50th, 75th and 99th percentiles are reported. A significant increase of serum hormone levels after ACTH administration could be observed for the following hormones: cortisol, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone and dehydroepiandrosterone. There was no rise after ACTH application for testosterone, 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone and free testosterone. It could be shown for all hormones that there was no significant difference between the serum levels that were reached after intravenous and intramuscular ACTH injection. Neither could we find a significant difference in the relative increase of the serum hormones when stimulation values were related to basal values. Since in most studies with ACTH stimulation tests, only the serum values 1 h after ACTH application are measured, we investigated whether the measurement of steroid hormones 2 h after ACTH application gave further information. We could demonstrate that for most measured serum hormones the majority of the volunteers had the maximal response 2 h after ACTH application, no matter whether ACTH was injected intramuscularly or intravenously. As a conclusion, we recommend the measurement of the respective hormones not only 1 h but also 2 h after ACTH stimulation. Since there is no increase after ACTH stimulation for total testosterone, free testosterone and 5 alpha-dihydrotestosterone, it is sufficient to assess the basal values of these hormones. Excessive adrenal response is reflected by dehydroepiandrosterone, 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, 17 alpha-hydroxypregnenolone and cortisol.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia family studies using the short ACTH test

Because of the increasing use of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) levels with the short adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) test in the detection of 21-hydroxylase deficiency, the diagnostic efficiency of the test was evaluated in patient and family studies of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency and of congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 11-hydroxylase (11OH) deficiency (the latter disorder now overlaps basally with the milder non-classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency [NC-CAH]). Stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone level (17OHP30), 17-hydroxyprogesterone increase (delta 17 OHP) and the ratio 17-hydroxyprogesterone increase to cortisol increase (delta 17OHP/delta cortisol) were the parameters from the short ACTH test derived for assessment. 17-OHP30 provided complete differentiation of NC-CAH from the controls and heterozygotes, but overlap between NC-CAH and 11-OH occurred. Complete differentiation of NC-CAH from 11-OH was achieved using delta 17OHP. The heterozygotes showed best differentiation from the controls using delta 17OHP/delta cortisol with a diagnostic accuracy of 70%, however marked overlap of heterozygotes and NC-CAH with 11-OH was found. The short ACTH test proved to be a valuable technique with the further detection of homozygotes (n = 3) and heterozygotes (n = 5) in the 13 families studied. However, when interpreting the short ACTH test a careful choice of parameters should be made. It should be kept in mind that mild NC-CAH patients can only be differentiated from 11OH patients by using delta 17OHP.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to combined 21- and 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency

A 26-day-old male was evaluated because on routine follow-up visit his weight was noted to be 3292 g which was not a significant weight gain over his birth weight of 3178 g. His serum electrolytes (NA 107 meq/1, K 8.0 meq/1, Cl 82 meq/1, and HCO2 12 meq/1) were abnormal, urine Na concentration (68 meq/1) was high, and his serum concentrations of 21-deoxycortisol 10, 113 ng/dl (normal 1.2-13), 11-deoxycortisol 15,000 ng/dl (normal 50-250), and 11-deoxycorticosterone 148 ng/dl (normal 2-13) were markedly elevated. Patients having increased levels of the three indicated steroids are diagnosed as having combined 21- and 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency. On glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement therapy his electrolytes returned to normal and his weight increased 428 g by the 10th day post initiation of therapy. We hypothesize that the elevated steroid pattern designated as combined 21- and 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency could result from extraadrenal conversion of 17-hydroprogesterone to 11-deoxycortisol and progesterone to 11-deoxycorticosterone in subjects with adrenal 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

Prenatal fetal adrenal suppression following in utero diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency can result in marked virilization of the external genitalia of affected female subjects. Theoretically, suppression of the fetal pituitary-adrenal axis with glucocorticoid during gestational weeks 9 to 17 should prevent the development of ambiguous genitalia in the female fetus. Prenatal diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia can be made on elevated amniotic fluid 17-hydroxyprogesterone and adrenal androgen concentrations, and HLA typing of cultured amniotic fluid cells. However, these tests cannot be completed before 16 to 17 weeks of gestation, and maternal therapy would have to be instituted before the exact genetic status of the fetus is known. Chorionic villus sampling during the first trimester provides an alternative to second trimester diagnosis in patients who are at risk for bearing offspring with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. We report the use of dexamethasone suppression at 8 weeks of gestation in a 34-year-old woman whose son had congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to severe salt-losing 21-hydroxylase deficiency and whose biopsy revealed a 46XX chromosomal pattern. Cultured cells from the biopsy confirmed the fetus to be of identical HLA haplotype to the previous affected sibling. At 41 weeks the patient delivered a female neonate with minimal prominence of the clitoris, mildly rugated labia, a single perineal opening and minimal posterior labial fusion. Postnatal tapering of maternal steroids was performed with no long-term sequelae.

Diagnosis of classical steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency using an HLA-B locus-specific DNA-probe

The HLA-B and steroid 21-hydroxylase loci are known to be closely linked. Restriction fragment length polymorphisms seen after digestion of genomic DNA with MspI and TaqI with the HLA-B locus-specific DNA-probe, pHLA-1.1, were examined in 7 nuclear families with classical steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency. In each family 2 polymorphic hybridizing bands (corresponding to the 2 HLA-B genes) were seen. In all families, TaqI-generated polymorphisms allowed for identification of children previously shown on clinical and biochemical criteria to be affected by 21-hydroxylase deficiency from their unaffected sibs. The results were in complete agreement with the clinical diagnoses. Among the unaffected children, carriers could be distinguished from non-carriers in all cases by TaqI polymorphisms. MspI-generated polymorphisms allowed for full identification of genotypes in 5 families. In one family, MspI-generated polymorphisms could be used to identify affected from unaffected children, but could not distinguish between carriers and non-carriers. In another family, no identification of genotypes was possible by MspI-generated polymorphisms alone. The HLA-B locus-specific DNA-probe, pHLA-1.1, can be used for diagnosis and genotyping of individuals from families with 21-hydroxylase deficiency. This technique can be used as an alternative to HLA-serotyping, or in situations where HLA-serotyping is technically difficult, for example in chorionic villus samples.

Nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Nonclassic adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) is an autosomal recessive disorder distinguished from classic 21-OHD by clinical and hormonal criteria. It is most often described as a disorder of adrenal steroidogenesis with onset of virilization in late childhood, peripubertally or postpubertally. An overview of adrenal steroidogenesis is presented elsewhere in this publication. It is the aim of this article to focus on the clinical and hormonal manifestations of the disorder, with discussion of the current methods of diagnosis and management. Recent advances in classic and molecular genetics will follow.

Prenatal diagnosis in 200 pregnancies with a 1-in-4 risk of cystic fibrosis

Prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis was performed in 200 pregnancies with a 1-in-4 risk, and was based on significant modifications in amniotic fluid taken at 17, 18, 19 weeks of pregnancy, of six enzymatic assays: gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase, aminopeptidase M, and alkaline phosphatase (total and isoenzymes). On the basis of normal values, normal outcome was predicted in 135 pregnancies reaching term, all the babies were normal. On the basis of significantly abnormal enzymatic values, an affected fetus was predicted in 56 pregnancies, 53 were terminated, and 3 went to term; the infants were affected. There were discrepancies in enzymatic values in nine cases, in eight cases normal outcome was predicted, six babies were normal and two were affected; in one case an affected baby was predicted, the pregnancy went to term and the baby is normal. Criteria giving evidence for cystic fibrosis in fetuses have been described: macroscopic observation of a typical meconium ileus, significant increase of albumin content in the meconium, and PAS-positive mucus-like material in some pancreatic acini. Using these criteria, diagnosis of cystic fibrosis has been confirmed in all the examined fetuses. The recurrence rate of cystic fibrosis was 22.5% in 147 diagnoses in which the index case had cystic fibrosis without a history of meconium ileus at birth, but was 47.5% when the index case had meconium ileus. The results of the study suggest that prenatal diagnosis of cystic fibrosis can be performed with an accuracy of 98%.

Clinically silent congenital adrenal hyperplasia masquerading as ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone syndrome

A 64-year-old man with an asymptomatic pulmonary mass discovered on routine chest roentgenography was found to have substantial bilateral adrenal enlargement by abdominal computed tomography. Percutaneous adrenal aspiration biopsy showed cytologically normal adrenal glands. A diagnosis of subclinical 21-hydroxylase deficiency was established by stimulation testing with adrenocorticotropic hormone. The adrenal size and appearance by computed tomographic scanning in congenital adrenal hyperplasia and particularly in its subclinical form have not been well defined. This case demonstrates that marked adrenal enlargement can occur and may provide the only clue to the diagnosis in an asymptomatic patient without other clinical stigmata of adrenal hyperplasia.

HLA and hormonal studies in 5 patients with late-onset 21-hydroxylase deficiency syndrome (21OHDS)

Late-onset 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) presents biochemical evidence of 21OHD and virilization in peri-or postpubertal age; it has been demonstrated that late-onset 21OHD is linked to HLA system. We present the HLA typing, the baseline and the ACTH-stimulated hormonal levels in 5 patients with late-onset 21OHD and in their family members. We identified 3 HLA identical male sibs within their respective families, 2 sibs sharing one haplotype with the affected member and 2 homozygous normal sibs. We observed elevated baseline (greater than 4 ng/ml) and ACTH-stimulated 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels, increased baseline Androstenedione levels, slightly elevated or normal DHEA-S and Testosterone values and subnormal response of Cortisol levels to ACTH in patients and in the HLA-identical sibs, reduced SHBG levels in patients but not in their identical sibs. The heterozygous family members presented hyperresponsiveness of 17-hydroxyprogesterone but not of androgens after ACTH. We confirm that late-onset of 21OHD is an autosomal recessive disease linked to HLA-B; there is in fact biochemical evidence of mild 21OHD in patients and in their HLA identical sibs and 17-hydroxyprogesterone levels in the range of heterozygotes for classical 21OHD in parents and sibs predicted by HLA to be carriers. Thus HLA typing and hormonal data, particularly 17-hydroxyprogesterone, are useful, also in this form of congenital hyperplasia, in detecting heterozygotes.

Molecular genetics and the characterization of steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency

Classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia is a monogenic autosomal recessive disorder that has been conclusively shown by family HLA-typing studies to be in close genetic linkage with the human major histocompatibility complex. More recently recognized is the nonclassical disorder, an attenuated form of 21-hydroxylase deficiency characterized variably by late onset or absence of symptoms. Certain of the mild 21-hydroxylase deficiency allotypes involved in the nonclassical disorder have also been shown to be genetically linked with HLA, exhibiting distinct (B and B,DR) antigen associations. The nonclassical disorder is now also known to result from different genotypes: two mild 21-hydroxylase defects in conjunction, or a mild defect occurring with a sever (classical) defect. Restriction mapping and hybridization analysis have located two highly homologous base sequences, one structural gene coding for 21-hydroxylase and one pseudogene, in the Class III region of the MHC in tandem with the A and B genes for C4, the fourth component of complement. Current work documenting and characterizing gene abnormalities, as well as elucidating the molecular genetic basis of the mutations that have arisen, is aimed at developing better cDNA probes for prenatal diagnosis by amniocentesis and chorionic villus biopsy. In addition, because of the close association of the C4 and 21-hydroxylase genes, coordination of data on C4 variants and null alleles with altered 21-hydroxylase activity is improving understanding of the genetic mechanisms generating disease alleles of this enzyme crucial for normal endocrine function.

Genetics and biochemical variability of variants of 21 hydroxylase deficiency

In a population and family study we have examined the relationship between HLA types, classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and variants of 21 hydroxylase (21 OH) deficiency detected by increased blood levels of 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17 PO) in response to ACTH after overnight suppression with dexamethasone ('short Synacthen test'). In a non-CAH population, 7.7% of subjects were found to have raised 17 PO response suggesting reduced activity of 21 OH. Such subjects with raised 17 PO levels were designated simply as type 2 responders because the relationship with genotype was unknown. Post-ACTH levels of 17 PO were significantly greater in type 2 responders than in obligate carriers of CAH. A total of 2.5% of the population studied also had raised progesterone (PO) levels in the Synacthen test. HLA-A28 and B14 (in linkage disequilibrium) were significantly increased in frequency and HLA-B12 decreased in the type 2 responders. HLA-Bw47, which is known to be associated with CAH, was found only among obligate carriers of classical CAH. Because type 2 response and classical CAH are linked to HLA but are associated with different antigens, it is likely that they are determined by two (or more) alleles.

Basal and adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated serum 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone in men with idiopathic infertility

Basal serum 17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) concentrations and the 17-OHP response to acute adrenocorticotropic hormone administration were studied in infertile men with idiopathic oligospermia to determine the prevalence of attenuated 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Mean (+/- standard error of the mean) basal serum 17-OHP levels in 50 infertile men (1.17 +/- 0.06 ng/ml) and 25 normal volunteers (1.09 +/- 0.08 ng/ml) were indistinguishable (not significant). However, two infertile men had 17-OHP levels which were above the normal range. Following the intravenous administration of 0.25 mg of synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone (cosyntropin) to these two men and to eight additional infertile men, the mean increase in 17-OHP concentrations was 0.84 +/- 0.15 ng/ml, a response which was similar to that of normal men (0.94 +/- 0.26 ng/ml). No patient demonstrated the minimum fourfold rise in 17-OHP previously reported in men with attenuated 21-hydroxylase deficiency, suggesting the absence of this disorder among these subjects. This study suggests that subtle 21-hydroxylase deficiency is rare among infertile men with idiopathic infertility.

Androgen excess in cystic acne

We measured hormone levels in 59 women and 32 men with longstanding cystic acne resistant to conventional therapy. Affected women had higher serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone and lower levels of sex-hormone-binding globulin than controls. Affected men had higher levels of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and 17-hydroxyprogesterone and lower levels of sex-hormone-binding globulin than controls. To lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dexamethasone was given to men, and dexamethasone or an oral contraceptive pill, Demulen (or both), was given to women. Of the patients treated for six months, 97 per cent of the women and 81 per cent of the men had resolution or marked improvement in their acne. The dose of dexamethasone required to reduce dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels was low, rarely exceeding the equivalent of 20 mg of hydrocortisone per day. We conclude that most patients with therapeutically resistant cystic acne have androgen excess and that lowering elevated dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate results in improvement or remission of acne in most instances.

Extended MHC haplotypes in 21-hydroxylase-deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia: shared genotypes in unrelated patients

HLA, complement, and glyoxalase I alleles were studied in 29 families in which at least one member has classical 21-hydroxylase-deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A rare complement allele, C4B*31, was found in over 20% of the haplotypes defined in these families and was always part of the complement haplotype BF*F, C2*C, C4A*Q0, C4B*31 (abbreviated FCO,31). The haplotype containing this rare set of complement alleles always carried the rare HLA allele, HLA-Bw47, usually carried HLA-A3, and almost always had the alleles HLA-Cw6, HLA-DR7, and the glyoxalase I (GLO) allele GLO1. Thus over 20% of the haplotypes in the population studied contained all or almost all of the rare extended haplotype HLA-(A3), Bw47, Cw6,DR7, FCO,31, GLO 1. 3 other haplotypes were each found twice in unrelated patients concordant for their disease phenotype and ethnic background. Extended MHC haplotypes may be markers for different genetic mutations causing 21-hydroxylase deficiency.