Beta-hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Deficiency Research Articles

Congenital primary adrenal insufficiency and selective aldosterone defects presenting as salt-wasting in infancy: a single center 10-year experience.

BackgroundSalt-wasting represents a relatively common cause of emergency admission in infants and may result in life-threatening complications. Neonatal kidneys show low glomerular filtration rate and immaturity of the distal nephron leading to reduced ability to concentrate urine.MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted for infants hospitalized in a single Institution from 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2015. The selection criterion was represented by the referral to the Endocrinology Unit for hyponatremia (serum sodium <130 mEq/L) of suspected endocrine origin at admission.ResultsFifty-one infants were identified. In nine infants (17.6 %) hyponatremia was related to unrecognized chronic gastrointestinal or renal salt losses or reduced sodium intake. In 10 infants (19.6 %) hyponatremia was related to central nervous system diseases. In 19 patients (37.3 %) the final diagnosis was congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). CAH was related to 21-hydroxylase deficiency in 18 patients, and to 3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3βHSD) deficiency in one patient. Thirteen patients (25.5 %) were affected by different non-CAH salt-wasting forms of adrenal origin. Four familial cases of X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita due to NROB1 gene mutation were identified. Two unrelated girls showed aldosterone synthase deficiency due to mutation of the CYP11B2 gene. Two unrelated infants were affected by familial glucocorticoid deficiency due to MC2R gene mutations. One girl showed pseudohypoaldosteronism related to mutations of the SCNN1G gene encoding for the epithelial sodium channel. Transient pseudohypoaldosteronism was identified in two patients with renal malformations. In two infants the genetic aetiology was not identified.ConclusionsEmergency management of infants presenting with salt wasting requires correction of water losses and treatment of electrolyte imbalances. Nevertheless, the differential diagnosis may be difficult in emergency settings, and sometimes hospitalized infants presenting with salt-wasting are immediately started on steroid therapy to avoid life-threatening complications, before the correct diagnosis is reached. Physicians involved in the management of infants with salt-wasting of suspected hormonal origin should remember that, whenever practicable, a blood sample for the essential hormonal investigations should be collected before starting steroid therapy, to guide the subsequent diagnostic procedures and in particular to address the analysis of candidate genes.

Novel cases of Tunisian patients with mutations in the gene encoding 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 and a founder effect

17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17β-HSD3) is expressed almost exclusively in the testis and converts Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione to testosterone. Mutations in the HSD17B3 gene causing 17β-HSD3 deficiency are responsible for a rare recessive form of 46, XY Disorders of Sex Development (46, XY DSD). We report novel cases of Tunisian patients with 17β-HSD3 deficiency due to previously reported mutations, i.e. p.C206X and p.G133R, as well as a case with the novel compound heterozygous mutations p.C206X and p.Q176P. Moreover, the previously reported polymorphism p.G289S was identified in a heterozygous state in combination with a novel non-coding variant c.54G>T, also in a heterozygous state, in a male patient presenting with micropenis and low testosterone levels. The identification of four different mutations in a cohort of eight patients confirms the generally observed genetic heterogeneity of 17β-HSD3 deficiency. Nevertheless, analysis of DNA from 272 randomly selected healthy controls from the same geographic area (region of Sfax) revealed a high carrier frequency for the p.C206X mutation of approximately 1 in 40. Genotype reconstruction of the affected pedigree members revealed that all p.C206X mutation carriers harbored the same haplotype, indicating inheritance of the mutation from a common ancestor. Thus, the identification of a founder effect and the elevated carrier frequency of the p.C206X mutation emphasize the importance to consider this mutation in the diagnosis and genetic counseling of affected 17β-HSD3 deficiency pedigrees in Tunisia.

Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis in two patients with 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of two patients with 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency and to explore their molecular genetic defects. Methods The clinical features and laboratory data of two patients were collected. The exons of HSD3B2 gene were amplified by PCR and sequenced by Sanger sequencing. Results Patient 1, aged 5 yrs old, was raised as a girl with 46, XY karyotype, presented with hyperpigmentation, female infant vulva, clitoral hypertrophy, and bilateral cryptorchidism; Patient 2, aged 11 yrs old, was raised as a girl at birth but as a boy after 1 yr old for known 46, XY karyotype, presented with hyperpigmentation, micropenis and severe hypospadias. Both patients had markedly elevated adrenocorticotropin and decreased cortisol. Two homozygous missense mutations in HSD3B2 gene were identified: conversions of codon Pro155 to Leu(p.P155L) in patient 1, and codon Ala82 to Thr(p.A82T) in patient 2, both of which were reported for the first time in China. Conclusion The patients with 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency in 46, XY karyotype mainly present with male pseudohermaphroditism and adrenocortical deficiency, and the diagnosis should rely on the steroids detection and HSD3B2 gene screening. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2016, 32: 98-102) Key words: 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency; Congenital adrenal hyperplasia; Male pseudohermaphroditism; HSD3B2 gene

Biochemical analyses and molecular modeling explain the functional loss of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 mutant G133R in three Tunisian patients with 46, XY Disorders of Sex Development

Mutations in the HSD17B3 gene resulting in 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17β-HSD3) deficiency cause 46, XY Disorders of Sex Development (46, XY DSD). Approximately 40 different mutations in HSD17B3 have been reported; only few mutant enzymes have been mechanistically investigated. Here, we report novel compound heterozygous mutations in HSD17B3, composed of the nonsense mutation C206X and the missense mutation G133R, in three Tunisian patients from two non-consanguineous families. Mutants C206X and G133R were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis and expressed in HEK-293 cells. The truncated C206X enzyme, lacking part of the substrate binding pocket, was moderately expressed and completely lost its enzymatic activity. Wild-type 17β-HSD3 and mutant G133R showed comparable expression levels and intracellular localization. The conversion of Δ4-androstene-3,17-dione (androstenedione) to testosterone was almost completely abolished for mutant G133R compared with wild-type 17β-HSD3. To obtain further mechanistic insight, G133 was mutated to alanine, phenylalanine and glutamine. G133Q and G133F were almost completely inactive, whereas G133A displayed about 70% of wild-type activity. Sequence analysis revealed that G133 on 17β-HSD3 is located in a motif highly conserved in 17β-HSDs and other short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) enzymes. A homology model of 17β-HSD3 predicted that arginine or any other bulky residue at position 133 causes steric hindrance of cofactor NADPH binding, whereas substrate binding seems to be unaffected. The results indicate an essential role of G133 in the arrangement of the cofactor binding pocket, thus explaining the loss-of-function of 17β-HSD3 mutant G133R in the patients investigated.

AB073. Mutations in the type II 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase gene caused primary adrenal insufficiency & 46,XY disorders of sex development.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is one of the most common inherited metabolic disorders. It includes a group of autosomal recessive disorders caused by the deficiency of one of the enzymes involved in one of the various steps of adrenal steroid synthesis. 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) deficiency is a rare cause of CAH caused by inactivating mutations in the HSD3B2 gene. Most mutations are located within domains regarded crucial for enzyme function. Our aim is to describe phenotype and to identify mutations of HSD3B2 in two classic β-HSD deficient patients belonging to two apparently unrelated pedigrees. This is a case series study. Family history and clinical manifestations were described. Genomic DNA from these patients was extracted using standard procedures from the peripheral blood leukocytes. Mutation analysis of HSD3B2 was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA direct sequencing. Vietnamese 46,XY newborn referred at 2.5th month of life with salt loss associated with hyponatremia (123 nmol/L) and hyperpigmentation. The testes were palpable in the scrotum but associated with a severe hypospadias (micropenis 0.5 cm; posterior). At 4 months of age, a second adrenal crisis has occurred with hyponatremia 127 nmol/L and increased 17OH-Progesterone (26.8 ng/mL) in this 46,XY DSD. This clinical and biological data associated with a sibling with female phenotype deceased at 18 months old after adrenal crisis (1st occurred at 7 days of life) suggest the diagnosis of 3β-HSD deficiency. The sequencing of HSD3B2 confirms the diagnosis because he is homozygous for a missense mutation, pAla161Pro. This mutation affects an amino acid conserved in all species and is located in one two alpha-helix involved in the dimerization of the two sub-units of the enzyme. The changing from Alanine to proline could break the alpha-helix. The same mutation has been found in the other Vietnamese family. The 46,XY newborn referred at 3th month of life with severe dehydration associated with hyponatremia (93 nmol/L) and hyperpigmentation. The testes were palpable in the scrotum but associated with a severe hypospadias (micropenis 0.5 cm; posterior). Clinical presentation and increased 17OH-progesterone (9.7 ng/mL) in this 46,XY DSD suggest the diagnosis of 3β-HSD deficiency. The sequencing of HSD3B2 also confirms the diagnosis because he is homozygous for a missense mutation, pAla161Pro. The severity of this mutation correlates well with the phenotype in these patients. Parents of two unrelated pedigrees are not consanguinity. This study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular defects of 3β-HSD and of the phenotypic heterogeneity of CAH related to 3β-HSD deficiency.

Severe Undervirilisation in a 46,XY Case Due to a Novel Mutation in HSD17B3 Gene

17-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17β-HSD3) is an important enzyme involved in the final steps of androgen synthesis and is required for the development of normal male external genitalia. 46,XY individuals with deficiency of this enzyme present a wide clinical spectrum from a female appearance of the external genitalia through ambiguous genitalia to a predominantly male genitalia with micropenis or hypospadias. This paper reports a one-year-old 46,XY patient with 17β-HSD3 deficiency who presented with female external genitalia and bilaterally palpable gonads in the inguinal region. The low T/Δ4 ratio after human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation suggested 17β-HSD3 deficiency. A homozygous mutation, c.761_762delAG, was determined at the intron 9/exon 10 splice site of the HSD17B3 gene. To the best of our knowledge, this mutation has not been reported thus far, but its localization and type would imply a complete disruption of the 17β-HSD3 which may explain the phenotype of our patient.

Abstract #122: 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Deficiency is Commonly Misdiagnosed as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract #122: 3β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Deficiency is Commonly Misdiagnosed as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract #127: A Young Girl with Premature Adrenarche Secondary to a Non-Classical 3 Betahydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Deficiency Whose Severe Vulvovaginitis was Caused by Sympathetic Neural System Hypofunction

Abstract #127: A Young Girl with Premature Adrenarche Secondary to a Non-Classical 3 Betahydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Deficiency Whose Severe Vulvovaginitis was Caused by Sympathetic Neural System Hypofunction

Updated registry of congenital adrenal hyperplasia at the north pediatric referral centre of Vietnam

The National Hospital of Pediatrics (NHP), Hanoi, Vietnam is an 1200 bed tertiary referral centre servicing approximately 30 million people from northern provinces of Vietnam. This audit was undertaken to analyze anecdotal reports of increasing patient numbers. Retrospective review of all CAH patients registered at NHP from 1999- 5.2014. Ethical clearance was granted by the NHP Directorate. At the start of 1999 there were 90 children with CAH managed at NHP. By May 2014 this increased to 715 including 375 (52%) male patients and 340 (48%) female patients. Number of cases with 21α-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD), 11β-hydroxylase deficiency and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency was 703 (98.3%); 9 (1.3%) and 3 (0.4%), respectively. Among cases with 21-OHD, 72% were salt wasting and 28% were simple virilisation). Total number of cases representing a more than seven fold increase over 14 years. Number of new cases doubled from 30 to 67 in 2013. Most children (85%) were diagnosed at less than 12 months of age (55% at less than 1 month of age); 70% of all children were younger than 10 years. Formal mortality figures were low (7 known deaths). The caseload of CAH at NHP has increased since 1999 and additional capacity is needed for patient care. Introduction of NBS would enable more accurate estimation of CAH incidence, reduce infant mortality and minimize trauma to affected infants and their families.

Clinical and molecular characterization of patients with classic 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency

Background 3b-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (3bHSD2) is the key enzyme converting Δ5-steroids to Δ4-ketosteroids in adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis. Severe lossof-function mutations of HSD3B2 gene encoding for this enzyme cause the rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, “3bHSD deficiency”. Affected individuals have salt losing, adrenal insufficiency and ambiguous genitalia in both sexes. Patients with 3bHSD deficiency may have elevated 17a-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) levels due to normal peripheral type 1, 3bHSD.

Rare type of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease due to glucocorticoid biosynthesis enzyme deficiency, in addition to the common types such as 21-hydroxylase, 11β-hydroxylase deficiency, also include rare types such as 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency, 17α-hydroxylase deficiency and congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (CLAH). These rare types of CAH have multiple clinical manifestations, which are easily missed or misdiagnosed.This article focus on molecular genetics, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations and treatment principles of above 3 rare types of CAH. Key words: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia; 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency; 17α-hydroxylase deficiency; Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia

Focused metabolomics using liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for analysis of urinary conjugated cholesterol metabolites from patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency.

Various conjugated cholesterol metabolites are excreted in urine of the patients with metabolic abnormalities and hepatobiliary diseases. We aimed to examine the usefulness of precursor ion scan and neutral loss scan for the characterization of conjugated cholesterol metabolites in urine. A mixture of authentic standards of conjugated cholesterol metabolites was used for investigating the performance of the present method. The urine of patients with Niemann-Pick diseases type C and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency were analysed by precursor ion scan of m/z 97, 74, and 124. A precursor ion scan of m/z 97 was effective for identifying conjugates with ester sulphates on hydroxyl groups whereas ester sulphates on phenolic alcohols were signalled by a neutral loss scan of 80 Da. Monosaccharide-conjugated cholesterol metabolites were signalled by a precursor ion scan of m/z 113. Although precursor ion scan of m/z 74 and 124 was effective for finding glycine- and taurine-conjugated metabolites, high intensity of product ions (m/z 74 and 124) disturbed measurement of other multiply conjugated metabolites. The urine samples contained many conjugated cholesterol metabolites, and there were several disease-specific intense peaks. We found several unknown intense peaks with three known peaks in urine of the Niemann-Pick type C patient. In the patient with 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency, intense peaks that were tentatively identified as 5-cholenoic acid sulphates and their glycine and taurine conjugates were present. The method should lead to the discovery of new urinary biomarkers for these disturbances of cholesterol catabolism and transport.

Metachronous Bilateral Testicular Leydig-Like Tumors Leading to the Diagnosis of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (Adrenogenital Syndrome).

A 33-year-old male with a history of left testis Leydig cell tumor (LCT), 3-month status after left radical orchiectomy, presented with a rapidly enlarging (0.6 cm to 3.7 cm) right testicular mass. He underwent a right radical orchiectomy, sections interpreted as showing a similar Leydig cell-like oncocytic proliferation, with a differential diagnosis including metachronous bilateral LCT and metachronous bilateral testicular tumors associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (a.k.a. “testicular adrenal rest tumors” (TARTs) and “testicular tumors of the adrenogenital syndrome” (TTAGS)). Additional workup demonstrated a markedly elevated serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and elevated adrenal precursor steroid levels. He was diagnosed with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (3BHSD) type, and started on treatment. Metachronous bilateral testicular masses in adults should prompt consideration of adult presentation of CAH. Since all untreated CAH patients are expected to have elevated serum ACTH, formal exclusion of CAH prior to surgical resection of a testicular Leydig-like proliferation could be accomplished by screening for elevated serum ACTH.

3 Beta-hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Deficiency Presenting as Adrenal Crisis in an Infant

Ambiguous genitalia is a birth defect where the external genitals do not have the typical appearance of either a boy or girl. An 8-week-old infant presented with persistent vomiting, failure to thrive, and genital ambiguity. On the basis of clinical presentation, a salt-losing variety of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) was suspected. Hormonal levels were tested and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase II (HSD3B2) deficiency, a rare CAH variant was suspected. This was confirmed by molecular analysis of the HSD3B2 gene from the affected baby. It revealed the presence of the homozygous P222Q mutation which was found to be heterozygous in both parents.

A novel missense mutation in HSD17B3 gene in a 46, XY adolescent presenting with primary amenorrhea and virilization at puberty

Deficiency of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type3 (17β-HSD3) isoenzyme which catalyzes the synthesis of testosterone from Δ4-androstenedione, is the cause of 46, XY disorders of sex development (DSD). 17β-HSD3 deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive disorder, which is caused by mutations in the HSD17B gene found on chromosome 9q22. Up to now, almost 33 mutations in the HSD17B3 gene have been reported. Here, we report a patient with a novel mutation in HSD17B3 gene leading to 17β-HSD3 deficiency. The patient was admitted because of primary amenorrhea and signs of virilization at puberty. The chromosome analysis showed a 46, XY karyotype. Hormonal evaluation revealed a high Δ4-androstenedione level with a low serum testosterone/androstenedione (T/A) ratio. Sequence analysis of HSD17B3 gene revealed the presence of a homozygous missense mutation in exon 11 resulting in a premature stop codon (p.Y287). Gonadectomy was performed after the molecular diagnosis and estrogen replacement therapy was initiated. With this report, we emphasize that 17β-HSD3 deficiency should be considered in virilized female patients at puberty if the T/A ratio is less than 0.8, and the molecular analysis should be performed for the precise diagnosis and genetic counseling.

Gonadoblastoma and selected other aspects of gonadal pathology in young patients with disorders of sex development.

Some patients with disorders of sex development (DSDs), previously known as intersex disorders, have abnormal gonadal development and an increased risk of germ cell tumors. Because of their relative rarity, however, many pathologists are unfamiliar with the morphological findings in the gonads of DSD patients and their clinical significance. This review concentrates on some of the most common DSDs where gonadal specimens may come to the attention of pathologists. It highlights the findings in gonadal dysgenesis, a DSD with a spectrum of clinical, pathologic, and molecular features but with the shared attributes of having both Y chromosomal material (even if in very limited amounts) in the gonad and also having mutations or deletions in genes necessary for normal gonadal development, mostly in those upstream of the SOX9 gene. This situation results in testicular tissue lacking normal Sertoli cells, which are now considered an essential element for the normal maturation of the primordial germ cells that migrate to the gonad from the embryonic yolk sac. Germ cells with delayed maturation mimic neoplastic germ cells, but there are both morphological and immunohistochemical differences. If the gonad having germ cells with delayed maturation also harbors the TSPY gene on the GBY locus of the Y chromosome, the cells may undergo neoplastic transformation and result in the distinctive gonadoblastoma, whose pathologic features are explored at length herein, including its potential for variant morphologies, such as a "dissecting" pattern. Another important DSD, the androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), is discussed at length, including the varied appearances of the testis and its distinctive lesions-hamartomas and Sertoli cell adenomas. The potential for germ cell neoplasia in the partial AIS is also discussed and contrasted with that of the complete AIS. A third major topic is ovotesticular DSD (true hermaphroditism). The clinical features and morphology of this condition are reviewed, including the arrangements of the tissue components in an ovotestis. Several other DSDs with distinctive gonadal findings are also considered, including Klinefelter syndrome, 5α-reductase deficiency, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency, and female adrenogenital syndrome.

Two novel HSD3B2 missense mutations with diverse residual enzymatic activities for Δ5‐steroids

Classical 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) deficiency (3β-HSDD) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in the HSD3B2 gene encoding type II 3β-HSD, which has a key role in steroid biosynthesis, converting Δ5-steroids to Δ4-steroids in adrenal glands and gonads. A patient (46, XX) was found to have elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) [203 nmol/l (normal range: 2·94 ± 0·9 nmol/l)] by newborn screening. Endocrinological examination revealed dramatically increased Δ5-steroids [e.g. 17-OH pregnenolone: 910 nmol/l (normal range: 12·6 ± 10·5 nmol/l)]. The patient had virilization of external genitalia with labial fusion, suggesting classical 3β-HSDD. Consistent with the endocrinological data, the patient was a compound heterozygote for two novel missense mutations (p.Y190C and p.S218P) that were identified in HSD3B2. Both Y190 and S218 are conserved among mammals. The mutant proteins had severely impaired residual enzymatic activity in vitro, although both mutants retained higher activity for 17-OH pregnenolone than for the other Δ5-steroids. In a three-dimensional model of the enzyme based on the known structures of similar proteins, both mutations were located extremely close to the predicted substrate-binding pocket. This suggests that the mutations can cause a local conformational change in the substrate-binding pocket, leading to alterations of the binding affinities for Δ5-steroids. We identified two novel missense mutations of HSD3B2 that resulted in unbalanced residual enzymatic activities for Δ5-steroids. As a potential novel mechanism, we propose that the mutations, which differently affect the activity towards different substrates, the effects of these mutations provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of 3β-HSDD.

Comprehensive genetic analyses of primary adrenal failure without enzymatic defects

Our objective is to estimate frequencies of mutations in STAR, CYP11A1, NR0B1, NR5A1, MC2R, and MRAP in a cohort of Japanese patients with primary adrenal failure without enzymatic defects. Twenty-one patients were included, who were diagnosed as having primary adrenal failure without enzymatic defect, namely 21-hydroxylase deficiency, 3βHSD deficiency, 11β-hydroxylase deficiency, and P450 oxidoreductase deficiency. Sixteen patients presented with primary adrenal failure before the age of 2 years. Fourteen patients had apparent mineralocorticoid deficiency. Fourteen patients were 46, XY and 7 patients 46, XX. Three had 46, XY disorders of sex development. Mutation analyses of STAR, NR0B1, NR5A1, MC2R, and MRAP were done by PCR-based sequencing and next generation sequencing. In case of no amplification of NR0B1 by PCR, we performed oligonucleotide array CGH. We descried clinical findings in each patients and determined possible genotype-phenotype correlation. Five patients were diagnosed as having DAX-1 deficiency. NR0B1 mutations were found hemizygously in 3 patients (c.116delG, c.846_865del, and p.Q283X). NR0B1 deletions were found in 2 patients (400kb deletion including NR0B1 and 2.4kb deletion of exon 1). Four patients presented with primary adrenal failure in newborn, and the other patient presented at the age of 6 years. STAR mutations were found in 3 patients. One patient was 46, XY, and 2 patients were 46, XX. One patient, who presented with primary adrenal failure in newborn, had c.712delA/p.Q258X. Two patients, who presented at preschool age, had p.Q258X/p.R272C and p.Q258X/p.R188H. No mutations were found in CYP11A1, NR5A1, MC2R, and MRAP. In conclusion, NR0B1 mutations and deletions are relatively common in 46, XY normal male phenotype patients (5/11). STAR mutations might be found in cases, being older than 2 years of age. 3. CYP11A1, NR5A1, MC2R, and MRAP mutations are rare.

Complexities of gender assignment in 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 deficiency: is there a role for early orchiectomy?

Background17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type-3 (17βHSD-3) deficiency is a rare cause of 46,XY disorders of sex development. The enzyme converts androstenedione to testosterone, necessary for masculinization of male genitalia in utero. 17βHSD-3 deficiency is frequently diagnosed late, at puberty, following virilization, with consequent female-to-male gender reassignment in 39-64%. The decision for sex of rearing is difficult, especially if diagnosed in early childhood. Consensus guidelines are equivocal or support male gender assignment. Long-term outcomes data to guide decisions are also lacking; however, in the few cases of early diagnosis and orchiectomy, female gender retention appears more likely.We report two patients with 17βHSD-3 deficiency, who presented at unusual ages, in whom female gender was chosen. We performed a focused literature review and summary of gender outcomes in 17βHSD-3 deficiency following early orchiectomy.CasesPatient A was a phenotypic female who presented at one year of age with bilateral inguinal hernias and external female genitalia. Testes were identified at surgery. The karyotype was 46,XY. She was initially diagnosed with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome; however, androgen receptor mutation analysis was negative. Human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation yielded a low testosterone: androstenedione ratio (0.6, normal >0.8). Genetic testing demonstrated compound heterozygosity for two known mutations of the HSD17B3 gene. She underwent bilateral orchiectomy at two years of age.Patient B was born with female genitalia and virilized at 13 years of age. She did not seek evaluation until 22 years of age. Her karyotype was 46,XY. She had bilateral inguinal testes and low testosterone: androstenedione ratio (0.3). HSD17B3 gene sequencing showed her to be a compound heterozygote for two known mutations. She identified herself as female and underwent bilateral orchiectomy and estrogen replacement therapy.ConclusionsThese two patients highlight the complexities of diagnosis and management in 17βHSD-3 deficiency. Although existing data are limited, early orchiectomy is likely to result in retention of female gender identity, avoiding the complications related to virilization in adolescence. As such, it is important to pursue a definitive diagnosis to guide clinical decisions, and to have the support and long term follow up with an inter-disciplinary disorders of sex development team.

LC/ESI-MS/MS analysis of urinary 3β-sulfooxy-7β-N-acetylglucosaminyl-5-cholen-24-oic acid and its amides: New biomarkers for the detection of Niemann–Pick type C disease

We developed a sensitive, reliable, and accurate LC/ESI-MS/MS method for measurement of 3β-sulfooxy-7β-N-acetylglucosaminyl-5-cholen-24-oic acid and its glycine and taurine amides in urine. This atypical C24 bile acid has been reported previously to be present in the urine of patients with Niemann–Pick Type C (NPC) disease. In the method, targeted analytes are concentrated at the front edge of a trapping column, Shim-pack MAYI-C8, which permits elimination of contaminating molecules in the urinary matrix. The trapped analytes are then eluted, separated on a YMC-Pack Pro C18, and quantified with MS/MS using selected reaction monitoring. The method could detect (as amount injected) 2pg of nonamidated 3β-sulfooxy-7β-N-acetylglucosaminyl-5-cholen-24-oic acid, 2pg of its glycine-amide, and 0.6pg of its taurine-amide, and is linear up to 300pg. The method was then used to measure the three analytes in the urine of NPC patients (N=2), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency patients (N=2), and healthy volunteers (N=8). Measurable concentrations of all three analytes were present in all subjects. The urinary concentration of the sum of all three analytes was four hundred times greater in the 3month NPC patient and 40times greater in the adult patient than that of healthy volunteers. The markedly elevated urinary concentration of 3β-sulfooxy-7β-N-acetylglucosaminyl-5-cholen-24-oic acid and its amides in NPC patients suggests that these compounds may be valuable biomarkers for detection of NPC disease.