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Gynecologic Oncology Reports Apr 2024Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCT) are a rare form of sex cord stromal tumors. germline mutations have been identified in a portion of these cases. We report a...
Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors (SLCT) are a rare form of sex cord stromal tumors. germline mutations have been identified in a portion of these cases. We report a 15-year-old individual who presented to a well-child visit with secondary amenorrhea and subjective observations of a deepening voice and broadening shoulders. Elevations were noted in serum testosterone, inhibin B, androstenedione, and DHEA. Pelvic ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left ovarian complex lesion measuring 5.8 x 5.5 x 4.6 cm. A laparoscopic unilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed with negative pelvic washings and a diagnosis of stage 1A, poorly differentiated/grade 3 SLCT of the ovary. Somatic and germline testing both demonstrated pathologic variations. Adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin/etoposide/ifosfamide (PEI) was completed under the care of pediatric oncology, and this patient is now undergoing surveillance with no signs of recurrence. Syndrome is associated with multiple tumors, including SLCT, pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB), cystic sarcomas, and Wilms tumor among others. Patients with SLCT found to have a mutation should undergo genetic testing and cancer screening, which may help to identify neoplasms associated with the mutation at an early stage. This case will serve as a useful addition to the literature and review suggested pre-operative, operative, and surveillance guidelines.
PubMed: 38571566
DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2024.101353 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024A reduction in anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels at short-term after bariatric surgery (BS) has been previously described. However, an assessment of ovarian reserve...
INTRODUCTION
A reduction in anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) levels at short-term after bariatric surgery (BS) has been previously described. However, an assessment of ovarian reserve at longer-follow up, and a comprehensive evaluation of the potentially implicated factors has not been reported.
DESIGN
Prospective cohort study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Twenty women aged 18-40 years with BMI 43.95 kg/m2 undergoing BS were studied at baseline (BS0), and at 1 month (BS1), 4 months (BS2), 12 months (BS3), and 24-36 months (BS4) after the surgery. Anthropometrics, reproductive hormones (AMH, FSH, LH, estradiol, testosterone, SHBG, androstenedione), metabolic parameters (adiponectin, leptin, ghrelin, insulin), and nutritional blood parameters (markers of nutritional status, vitamins, and minerals) were obtained at each study time point. Antral follicular count (AFC) was assessed by ultrasonography at BS0, BS3, and BS4. Mixed models were used for analysis of longitudinal data.
RESULTS
The mean AMH level was 3.88 ng/mL at BS0, decreased at BS3 (mean= 2.59 ng/mL; p=0.009), and remained stable between BS3 and BS4 (mean= 2.96 ng/mL; p=0.409). We also observed a non-significant decrease in AFC at BS3 (mean=26.14 at BS0, mean 16.81 at BS3; p=0.088) that remained stable at BS4 (mean= 17.86; p=0.731). Mixed models analysis showed: (a) a decrease in 10 kg of body weight was associated with an average decrease of 0.357 ng/mL in AMH (p=0.014); (b) a decrease in 1 BMI point was associated with an average decrease of 0.109 ng/mL in AMH (p=0.005); (c) an increase in 1 µg/mL of adiponectin was associated with an average decrease of 0.091 ng/ml in AMH (p=0.041) Significant positive correlations were found between the AMH levels after BS and plasma concentrations of testosterone, free androgen index, insulin and HOMA index. No significant correlations were detected between AMH levels and nutritional parameters.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results were in line with previous observations, showing that AMH levels decreased significantly at 12 months after bariatric surgery, in parallel with a non-significant reduction in AFC. Both ovarian reserve markers showed a later stabilization up to the end of the study. Of note, postoperative AMH levels were positively correlated with key androgen and insulin resistance-related parameters.
Topics: Female; Humans; Ovarian Reserve; Adipokines; Prospective Studies; Adiponectin; Androgens; Bariatric Surgery; Testosterone; Insulins; Anti-Mullerian Hormone
PubMed: 38559698
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1284576 -
Cureus Mar 2024Hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal females may arise from either ovarian or adrenal sources and can pose a challenging diagnostic dilemma. We present the case of a...
Hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal females may arise from either ovarian or adrenal sources and can pose a challenging diagnostic dilemma. We present the case of a 66-year-old female with postmenopausal hyperandrogenism with virilization, adrenal incidentaloma, and concurrent finding of two extremely rare ovarian tumors, including bilateral Leydig cell tumor and Brenner tumor. Laboratory tests showed elevated testosterone and androstenedione and normal dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS). Response to 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test demonstrated persistently elevated testosterone and incomplete suppression of androstenedione. Computed tomography (CT) scan showed a left adrenal nodule and an unremarkable appearance of the ovaries. The pelvic ultrasound did not show an ovarian tumor on the right ovary, and the left ovary was not seen. Adrenal and ovarian vein sampling suggested the ovaries as the source of the testosterone. Given the ovarian vein sampling results, a multidisciplinary discussion between endocrinology and gynecologic oncology concluded that bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) was the next best step for diagnosis and management. Laparoscopic BSO was performed. Histopathology showed bilateral Leydig cell tumors and a left ovarian Brenner tumor. At one-year postoperative follow-up, alopecia improved, and testosterone level normalized. This case highlights the importance of diagnostic pathways and interdisciplinary collaboration in managing rare clinical scenarios of hyperandrogenism in postmenopausal females. As in our case, surgeons may be hesitant to remove normal-appearing ovaries. While the three presented tumor types in this case arise from distinct tissues and exhibit different histological characteristics, the presence of such a unique triad prompts consideration of potential unifying pathogenic mechanisms.
PubMed: 38559537
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.55334 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Triple A syndrome, caused by autosomal recessively inherited mutations in the gene is characterized by alacrima, achalasia, adrenal insufficiency, and neurological...
OBJECTIVE
Triple A syndrome, caused by autosomal recessively inherited mutations in the gene is characterized by alacrima, achalasia, adrenal insufficiency, and neurological impairment. To the best of our knowledge, no patients of both sexes have been reported to have offspring. Our aim was to assess the causes of infertility in male patients with this multisystemic syndrome, and to present a female patient that spontaneously conceived a child.
DESIGN
Cross-sectional study.
METHODS
Six males aged 19-48 years were included. Gonadotropins, testosterone, DHEAS, androstenedione, inhibin B, anti-Mullerian hormone measurements and testicular ultrasound were performed.
RESULTS
All six male patients had impaired general health and neurological symptoms including erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction. None of them had an offspring. The only demonstrated cause of infertility in our male patients was erectile and ejaculatory dysfunction which precludes sexual intercourse. Our patients had normal libido but were sexually abstinent. Except for low adrenal androgen levels, the concentrations of all measured hormones as well as testicular ultrasound were normal which may indicate the possibility of spermatogenesis in male patients with triple A syndrome. Little is known about fertility in female patients, but based on our observations spontaneous pregnancies seem to be possible.
CONCLUSION
Our results contribute to still scarce knowledge on fertility in patients with Triple A syndrome and as well represents a foundation for further research on causes of infertility and possible treatment options.
Topics: Child; Humans; Male; Female; Esophageal Achalasia; Cross-Sectional Studies; Adrenal Insufficiency; Infertility; Sexual Behavior; Fertility
PubMed: 38544685
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1357084 -
Life (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Hyperandrogenism is a condition in which the levels of androgen hormones in the blood are significantly increased and could be of an adrenal or ovarian origin. The... (Review)
Review
Hyperandrogenism is a condition in which the levels of androgen hormones in the blood are significantly increased and could be of an adrenal or ovarian origin. The adrenal androgens, normally secreted by the zona reticularis, are steroid hormones with weak androgen activity. The causes of hyperandrogenism are diverse and could be endogenous and exogenous. Androgen excess affecting different tissues and organs results in clinical features such as acne, hirsutism, virilization, and reproductive dysfunction such as oligomenorrhoea/amenorrhoea. Although androgen excess is rarely associated with adrenal tumours, it is important as it could be predictive of malignancy. A careful evaluation of the androgen pattern, also in patients with clear signs of hyperandrogenism, could be useful. Laboratory evaluation should focus on measuring total testosterone levels, followed by the estimation of other androgens such as dehydroepiandrosterone and androstenedione, and using visualisation procedures in the further management. The treatment of adrenal hyperandrogenism is eminently surgical, in consideration of the frequent malignant origin. The aim of this review is to elaborate and summarize the prevalence and clinical management of hyperandrogenism of an adrenal origin by describing the physiological mechanisms of adrenal androgen steroidogenesis, the clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism with a special reference to hyperandrogenism in adrenal adenomas and carcinomas, and the diagnostic methods that will lead us to establishing the correct diagnosis and different treatment options to manage this condition according to the clinical presentation of the patient.
PubMed: 38541685
DOI: 10.3390/life14030360 -
Biomedicines Feb 2024Hair loss is a common clinical condition connected with serious psychological distress and reduced quality of life. Hormones play an essential role in the regulation of... (Review)
Review
Hair loss is a common clinical condition connected with serious psychological distress and reduced quality of life. Hormones play an essential role in the regulation of the hair growth cycle. This review focuses on the hormonal background of hair loss, including pathophysiology, underlying endocrine disorders, and possible treatment options for alopecia. In particular, the role of androgens, including dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and its sulfate (DHEAS), has been studied in the context of androgenetic alopecia. Androgen excess may cause miniaturization of hair follicles (HFs) in the scalp. Moreover, hair loss may occur in the case of estrogen deficiency, appearing naturally during menopause. Also, thyroid hormones and thyroid dysfunctions are linked with the most common types of alopecia, including telogen effluvium (TE), alopecia areata (AA), and androgenetic alopecia. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hormones (corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol) in stress-induced alopecia. This article also briefly discusses hormonal therapies, including 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (finasteride, dutasteride), spironolactone, bicalutamide, estrogens, and others.
PubMed: 38540126
DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12030513 -
Endocrine May 2024To investigate the incidence of nephrolithiasis in a cohort of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and to study if there is an association with the...
PURPOSE
To investigate the incidence of nephrolithiasis in a cohort of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and to study if there is an association with the metabolic control of the disease.
METHODS
This study was designed as a multicenter 1 year-prospective study involving 52 subjects (35 males) with confirmed molecular diagnosis of CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD). Each patient was evaluated at three different time-points: T0, T1 (+6 months of follow-up), T2 (+12 months of follow up). At each follow up visit, auxological data were collected, and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), Δ4-androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) serum levels, and urinary excretion of creatinine, calcium, oxalate and citrate were assayed. Moreover, a renal ultrasound was performed.
RESULTS
The incidence of nephrolithiasis, assessed by ultrasound was 17.3% at T0, 13.5% at T1 and 11.5% at T2. At T0, one subject showed nephrocalcinosis. In the study population, a statistically significant difference was found for 17-OHP [T0: 11.1 (3.0-25.1) ng/mL; T1: 7.1 (1.8-19.9) ng/mL; T2: 5.9 (2.0-20.0) ng/mL, p < 0.005], and Δ4-androstenedione [T0: 0.9 (0.3-2.5) ng/mL; T1: 0.3 (0.3-1.1) ng/mL; T2: 0.5 (0.3-1.5) ng/mL, p < 0.005] which both decreased over the follow up time. No statistically significant difference among metabolic markers was found in the group of the subjects with nephrolithiasis, even if 17-OHP, DHEAS and Δ4-androstenedione levels showed a tendency towards a reduction from T0 to T2. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to study possible hidden patterns of associations/correlations between variables, and to assess the trend of them during the time. PCA revealed a decrease in the amount of the variables 17-OHP, Δ4-androstenedione, and ACTH that occurred during follow-up, which was also observed in subjects showing nephrolithiasis.
CONCLUSIONS
our data demonstrated that children affected with 21-OHD can be at risk of developing nephrolithiasis. Additional studies are needed to clarify the pathogenesis and other possible risk factors for this condition, and to establish if regular screening of kidney ultrasound in these patients can be indicated.
Topics: Humans; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital; Male; Female; Child; Nephrolithiasis; Prospective Studies; Child, Preschool; 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone; Incidence; Adolescent; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; Infant; Androstenedione; Ultrasonography; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38536547
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03792-6 -
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England) May 2024Is resumption of ovulation after a 6-month lifestyle intervention in women with PCOS and obesity associated with differential changes in endocrine and metabolic... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
STUDY QUESTION
Is resumption of ovulation after a 6-month lifestyle intervention in women with PCOS and obesity associated with differential changes in endocrine and metabolic parameters (weight, insulin resistance, anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and androgens) compared to women with PCOS who remained anovulatory?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Resumption of ovulation after a 6-month lifestyle intervention in women with PCOS and obesity is associated with changes in serum 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4) concentrations.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Lifestyle interventions have been shown to reduce clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS. Weight loss of 5-10% may reverse anovulatory status, thereby increasing natural conception rates. However, the mechanisms underlying why some women with PCOS remain anovulatory and others resume ovulation after weight loss are unclear. Reproductive characteristics at baseline and a greater degree of change in endocrine and metabolic features with lifestyle intervention may be crucial for ovulatory response.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
We used data and samples originating from an earlier randomized controlled trial (RCT), which examined the efficacy of a 6-month lifestyle intervention prior to infertility treatment compared to prompt infertility treatment on live birth rate in women with obesity. A total of 577 women with obesity (BMI > 29 kg/m2) were randomized between 2009 and 2012. Anovulatory women with PCOS who were allocated to the intervention arm of the original RCT (n = 95) were included in the current analysis.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
We defined women as having resumed ovulation (RO+) based on the following criteria: spontaneous pregnancy; or assignment to expectant management; or IUI in natural cycles as the treatment strategy after lifestyle intervention. Steroid hormones were measured using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Generalized estimating equations with adjustment for baseline measures and interaction between group and time was used to examine differences in changes of endocrine and metabolic parameters between RO+ (n = 34) and persistently anovulatory women (RO-, n = 61) at 3 and 6 months after intervention.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
At baseline, the mean ± SD age was 27.5 ± 3.6 years in the RO+ group and 27.9 ± 4.1 years in the RO- group (P = 0.65), and the mean ± SD weights were 101.2 ± 9.5 kg and 105.0 ± 14.6 kg, respectively (P = 0.13). Baseline AMH concentrations showed significant differences between RO+ and RO- women (median and interquartile range [IQR] 4.7 [3.2; 8.3] versus 7.2 [5.3; 10.8] ng/ml, respectively). Baseline androgen concentrations did not differ between the two groups. During and after lifestyle intervention, both groups showed weight loss; changes in 11OHA4 were significantly different between the RO+ and RO groups (P-value for interaction = 0.03). There was a similar trend for SHBG (interaction P-value = 0.07), and DHEA-S (interaction P-value = 0.06), with the most pronounced differences observed in the first 3 months. Other parameters, such as AMH and FAI, decreased over time but with no difference between the groups.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
No high-resolution transvaginal ultrasonography was used to confirm ovulatory status at the end of the lifestyle program. The small sample size may limit the robustness of the results.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Reduction of androgen concentrations during and after lifestyle intervention is associated with recovery of ovulatory cycles. If our results are confirmed in other studies, androgen concentrations could be monitored during lifestyle intervention to provide individualized recommendations on the timing of resumption of ovulation in anovulatory women with PCOS and obesity.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
The study was supported by a grant from ZonMw, the Dutch Organization for Health Research and Development (50-50110-96-518). The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the UMCG received an unrestricted educational grant from Ferring Pharmaceuticals BV, The Netherlands. A.H. reports consultancy for the development and implementation of a lifestyle App MyFertiCoach developed by Ferring Pharmaceutical Company. All other authors have no conflicts to declare.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
The LIFEstyle RCT was registered at the Dutch trial registry (NTR 1530).
Topics: Humans; Female; Obesity; Ovulation; Adult; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome; Anovulation; Androstenedione; Insulin Resistance; Pregnancy; Anti-Mullerian Hormone; Weight Loss
PubMed: 38503490
DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deae058 -
The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and... Jun 2024Capillary dried blood spot (DBS) analysis coupled with multi-analyte steroid liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) is attractive for field studies, home-based...
Capillary dried blood spot (DBS) analysis coupled with multi-analyte steroid liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS) is attractive for field studies, home-based self-sampling as well as clinical trials by eliminating costly and laborious sample processing involving venipuncture and frozen storage/shipping while providing multiple steroid measurements from a single small sample. We investigated steroid measurements in DBS samples stored for four years at room temperature prior to analysis compared with the original venipuncture serum samples. Healthy women (n=12) provided paired DBS and blood samples over two weeks run-in before seven days treatment with daily transdermal T gel (12.5 mg) and after the end of treatment on days 0, 1, 2, 4, 7 and 14. Compliance with treatment and sampling was high and no adverse effects were reported. Testosterone (T), androstenedione (A), 17 hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) and progesterone (P) were measured in extracted DBS samples as whole blood concentrations with and without adjustment for hematocrit. Using the same LCMS methods, DBS T and A measurements had high correlation with minimal bias from prior serum measurements with DBS T displaying the same pattern as serum, with or without hematocrit adjustment. However, serial whole blood measurements of T without hematocrit adjustment provided the best fitting model compared with serum, urine, or hematocrit-adjusted whole blood T measurements. These finding facilitate and simplify DBS methodology for wider field and home-based self-sampling studies of reproductive steroids indicating the need for hematocrit adjustment may be superfluous.
Topics: Humans; Female; Testosterone; Dried Blood Spot Testing; Adult; Androstenedione; 17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone; Progesterone; Chromatography, Liquid; Middle Aged; Young Adult; Hematocrit
PubMed: 38447904
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106496 -
Cureus Jan 2024Hyperandrogenemia is the defining feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Increasingly androgens are being advocated to be measured through liquid...
INTRODUCTION
Hyperandrogenemia is the defining feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Increasingly androgens are being advocated to be measured through liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The role of LC-MS/MS over immunoassay in diagnosis of PCOS has been debated over a long time. We analyzed the role of androgens as measured by LC-MS/MS in diagnosing women with PCOS.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We performed a prospective case-control study involving 59 women with PCOS compared with 30 age- and BMI-matched controls.
RESULTS
In PCOS phenotypes A-C (hyperandrogenic by definition), 19/47 (40%) had normal testosterone (T) levels but 14/19 (75%) had either elevated androstenedione (A4) or dehydroepiandrosterone. A4 had the highest area under curve (0.89) for diagnosing PCOS followed by T (0.81). Even in the PCOS-D phenotype (sonologic polycystic ovaries + oligomenorrhoea), A4 was significantly higher as compared to controls though still in normal range.
CONCLUSION
A4 had a role in diagnosing hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS. Further studies clarifying the role of androgen profiles in diagnosing PCOS and its cost-effectiveness may be required in the future.
PubMed: 38435886
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53258