Complete Androgen Insensitivity Research Articles

Prophylactic Laparoscopic Bilateral Gonadectomy for Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

Watch this full-length, narrated, surgical procedure of a prophylactic bilateral gonadectomy performed by Dr. Canon at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences on a 15-year-old patient with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome.

Sexual Function in Women With Differences of Sex Development or Premature Loss of Gonadal Function

Previous studies have suggested that sexual function may be compromised in women born with differences of sex development (DSD) or early loss of gonadal function. To describe sexual function and sexual wellbeing in women with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), complete gonadal dysgenesis (GD) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) in relation to gynecological measures and in comparison with unaffected women. A cross sectional study including 20 women with CAIS, 8 women with 46,XY GD, 8 women with 46,XX GD, 21 women with POI, and 62 population-derived controls. Study participants underwent gynecological examination for anatomical measurements and evaluation of tactile sensitivity. They responded to the validated Sexual Activity Log (SAL), Profile of Female Sexual Function (PFSF), and the Personal Distress Scale (PDS). The women with CAIS, XY GD, XX GD and POI showed overall satisfying sexual function in comparison to unaffected age-matched population female controls with a median of 1 to 2 satisfying sexual episodes per week among both the patients and the controls depending on available partner. Women with CAIS had shorter vagina and smaller clitoris and women with XY GD had a significantly shallower vagina in comparison to controls. Clitoral width was also significantly smaller among women with XX GD compared to controls. However, results showed overall good genital touch sensitivity with no significant differences between groups. Women with DSD or POI can be informed on overall satisfactory sexual function and normal genital touch sensitivity. The strength is the use of age-matched population-based controls to these rare conditions of DSD and POI. Limitations are the nonresponder rate of recruited controls, as well as the small groups of women with DSD. Women with differences of sex development or early loss of gonadal function show overall good sexual well-being, however clinicians have to make efforts to optimize caretaking and treatment to ensure good sexual quality of life for all patients.

Uterine Transplantation: Recipient Patient Populations.

Uterine transplantation is an emerging treatment for patients with uterine factor infertility (UFI). In order to determine patient candidacy for transplant, it is imperative to understand how to identify, counsel and treat uterine transplant recipients. In this article, we focus on patient populations with UFI, whether congenital or acquired, including Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser, complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, hysterectomy, and other causes of nonabsolute UFI. Complete preoperative screening of recipients should be required to assess the candidacy of each individual prior to undergoing this extensive treatment option.

Age at diagnosis in patients with chronic congenital endocrine conditions: a regional cohort study from a reference center for rare diseases

BackgroundFor chronic congenital endocrine conditions, age at diagnosis is a key issue with implications for optimal management and psychological concerns. These conditions are associated with an increase in the risk of comorbid conditions, particularly as it concerns growth, pubertal development and fertility potential. Clinical presentation and severity depend on the disorder and the patient’s age, but diagnosis is often late.ObjectiveTo evaluate age at diagnosis for the most frequent congenital endocrine diseases affecting growth and/or development.Patients and MethodsThis observational cohort study included all patients (n = 4379) with well-defined chronic congenital endocrine diseases—non-acquired isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD), isolated congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (ICHH), ectopic neurohypophysis (NH), Turner syndrome (TS), McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS), complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and gonadal dysgenesis (GD)—included in the database of a single multisite reference center for rare endocrine growth and developmental disorders, over a period of 14 years. Patients with congenital hypothyroidism and adrenal hyperplasia were excluded as they are generally identified during neonatal screening.ResultsMedian age at diagnosis depended on the disease: first year of life for GD, before the age of five years for ectopic NH and MAS, 8–10 years for IGHD, TS (11% diagnosed antenatally) and CAIS and 17.4 years for ICHH. One third of the patients were diagnosed before the age of five years. Diagnosis occurred in adulthood in 22% of cases for CAIS, 11.6% for TS, 8.8% for GD, 0.8% for ectopic NH, and 0.4% for IGHD. A male predominance (2/3) was observed for IGHD, ectopic NH, ICHH and GD.ConclusionThe early recognition of growth/developmental failure during childhood is essential, to reduce time-to-diagnosis and improve outcomes.

The role of steroid hormones in the sexual differentiation of the human brain

Widespread sex differences in human brain structure and function have been reported. Research on animal models has demonstrated that sex differences in brain and behavior are induced by steroid hormones during specific, hormone sensitive, developmental periods. It was shown that typical male neural and behavioral characteristics develop under the influence of testosterone, mostly acting during perinatal development. By contrast, typical female neural and behavioral characteristics may actually develop under the influence of estradiol during a specific prepubertal period. This review provides an overview of our current knowledge on the role of steroid hormones in the sexual differentiation of the human brain. Both clinical and neuroimaging data obtained in patients with altered androgen levels/actions (i.e., congenital adrenal hyperplasia or complete androgen insensitivity syndrome [CAIS]), point to an important role of (prenatal) androgens in inducing typical male neural and psychosexual characteristics in humans. In contrast to rodents, there appears to be no obvious role for estrogens in masculinizing the human brain. Furthermore, data from CAIS also suggest a contribution of sex chromosome genes to the development of the human brain. The final part of this review is dedicated to a brief discussion of gender incongruence, also known as gender dysphoria, which has been associated with an altered or less pronounced sexual differentiation of the brain.

Primary Amenorrhea Due to Anatomical Abnormalities of the Reproductive Tract: Molecular Insight.

Congenital anomalies of the female reproductive tract that present with primary amenorrhea involve Müllerian aplasia, also known as Mayer–Rokitansky–Küster–Hauser syndrome (MRKHS), and cervical and vaginal anomalies that completely obstruct the reproductive tract. Karyotype abnormalities do not exclude the diagnosis of MRKHS. Familial cases of Müllerian anomalies and associated malformations of the urinary and skeletal systems strongly suggest a complex genetic etiology, but so far, the molecular mechanism in the vast majority of cases remains unknown. Primary amenorrhea may also be the first presentation of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome, steroid 5α-reductase type 2 deficiency, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 deficiency, and Leydig cells hypoplasia type 1; therefore, these disorders should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the congenital absence of the uterus and vagina. The molecular diagnosis in the majority of these cases can be established.

One hundred twelve cases of 46, XY DSD patients after initial gender assignment: a short-term survey of gender role and gender dysphoria

Background46, XY disorders of sex development (46, XY DSD) are congenital disorders with 46, XY chromosomal karyotype but inconsistent gonadal/phenotypic sex. One of the biggest concerns for parents and clinicians is the gender assignment. However, there is no standard uniform of care nor consensus at present. We sought to evaluate the current treatment's rationality and provide a reference basis for the gender reassignment in 46, XY DSD patients with a specific diagnosis.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of gender role with the Pre-school Activities Inventory (PSAI), the Children's Sex Role Inventory (CSRI) in 46, XY DSD patients and set up control groups comparison. Psychiatrist assessed gender dysphoria in patients ≥ 8-year-old with the criteria of diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).ResultsA total of 112 responders of 136 patients participated in this study (82.4%, aged 2–17.8 years, median age: 4-year-old). The follow-up period was from 6 months to 10 years (median: 2 years). Twenty-five females were reassigned to the male gender after a specific diagnosis (16/25 (64%) in 5 alfa-reductase-2 deficiency (5α-RD2), 5/25 (20%) in partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS), 4/25 (16%) in NR5A1gene mutation). Male gender assignment increased from 55.3 (n = 62) to 77.7% (n = 87). The median PSAI score was similar to the control males in 5α-RD2, PAIS, and NR5A1 gene mutation groups (p > 0.05); while identical to the control females in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and CYP17A1 gene mutation groups (p > 0.05). PSAI score of children raised as male was higher than those of CAIS and CYP17A1 groups raised as female (p < 0.05). CSRI scale showed no statistical differences in the consistency of gender roles and reassigned gender between 46, XY DSD patients and control groups (p > 0.05). None of the patients over 8-year-old (n = 44) had gender dysphoria.ConclusionThe reassigned gender in 46, XY DSD patients is consistent with their gender role during early childhood. None of them had gender dysphoria. The molecular diagnosis, gonadal function, and the gender reassignment are congruent within our Chinese cohort. Long-term follow-up and more evaluation are still required.

Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: Diagnosis and Psychological Impact in Adolescence, A Case Report

This case report illustrates the case of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) which is a rare form of sexual development disorders (DSD). Complex critical thinking is needed for pathophysiology of primary amenorrhea causes and sex chromosomes differences of sexual development, such as primary ovarian failure, Mullerian Agenesis or disorders with abnormal androgen synthesis or response. This is a phenotypically female who presented with primary amenorrhea at the age of 19 years old. Normal levels of thyroid function test, serum prolactin and follicle stimulating hormone ruled out hypothyroidism, hyperprolactinemia, and primary ovarian failure. Magnetic resonance imaging showed absence of uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, but presence of proximal 1/3rd of the vagina. There is a single testis in the left inguinal region with unknown status of spermatogenesis. The chromosomal analysis revealed 46, XY karyotype conveying the patient is genotypically male. The testis-determining factor (TDF) test or sex-determining region Y (SRY) protein for male sex determination was not done. Similar presentation of primary amenorrhea diagnosis of CAIS was made to her 18-year-old sister. Women with CAIS are vulnerable to various psychological conditions caused by the appalling fact of being genotypically male when they have been raised female all their life. The gender confusion, reproductive issues and how others perceive them in the outside world require sensitive support. Hence, accentuate the need to address the emotional, psychological, and psychiatric vulnerabilities in issues pertaining to relationships, infertility and conception.International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Supplementary Issue-2: 2021 Page: S12

Participant- and Clinician-Reported Long-Term Outcomes After Surgery in Individuals with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

Participant- and Clinician-Reported Long-Term Outcomes After Surgery in Individuals with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

A novel de novo androgen receptor nonsense mutation in a sex-reversed 46,XY infant

An infant with 46,XY karyotype, and unambiguous female phenotype was found to have testes in the inguinal regions. Capillary sequencing of the androgen receptor (AR) gene identified a hemizygous de novo mutation (NM_000044.6:c.1621G > T) in exon 2 resulting in a termination codon p.(Glu541*) at the DNA binding domain (DBD). This novel nonsense mutation adds to the compendium of AR mutations which result in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS).

ANDROGEN INSENSITIVITY SYNDROME – A CASE REPORT

Background: AIS is one of the most commonly diagnosed XY DSD, with an estimated prevalence of 2:100.000 to 5:100.0001 and an incidence of 1:20.0002 to 1:99.0003. The name testicular feminization syndrome was coined by John McLean Morris of Yale University in 1953. The first description of this syndrome dates back to 1817, as quoted by Morris 4. It is the third most common cause of primary amenorrhea after gonadal dysgenesis and Mullerian agenesis 5.&#x0D; Case Report and Discussion: A 15-year-old phenotypic girl was evaluated for primary amenorrhea to find Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) and underwent bilateral orchidectomy with plan for vaginoplasty at AIMSR, Hyderabad.&#x0D; Review of Literature: The treatment of AIS is based on the reinforcement sexual identity, gender identity plan and hormone replacement therapy. The prognosis is good, if the testicular tissue is resected at proper time.&#x0D; Conclusion: CAIS should be considered as important differential diagnosis in delayed menarche while evaluation for primary amenorrhea and early gonadectomy can avoid gender identity disorder (GID) / psychological issues&#x0D; Keywords: CAIS, GID

Case Report: Low Bone and Normal Lean Mass in Adolescents With Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

IntroductionOsteopenia and osteoporosis have been reported in adults with Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS). Little is known about changes in bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents with CAIS and whether it is affected by early gonadectomy. Body composition data have not been reported.MethodsSingle-center, retrospective study of CAIS adolescents who underwent dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (Hologic, Horizon A). Body composition is presented as lean and fat mass indices (LMI, FMI). Z-scores for lumbar spine areal BMD (LBMD), total body less head (TBLH), bone mineral content (BMC), LMI, and FMI were calculated using female normative data. Results are expressed as median and min, max.ResultsSix females with genetically confirmed CAIS were identified—one with intact gonads and five with history of gonadectomy at 2–11 months. In the subject with intact gonads, LBMD-Z and TBLH BMC-Z were −1.56 and −1.26, respectively, at age 16 years. Among those with gonadectomy, LBMD-Z was −1.8 (−3.59 to 0.49) at age 15.6 years (12–16.8) and decreased in all three subjects who had longitudinal follow-up despite hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Adherence to HRT was intermittent. LMI-Z and FMI-Z were 0.1 (−1.39 to 0.7) and 1.0 (0.22 to 1.49), respectively.ConclusionsThese limited data indicate that adolescents with CAIS have bone mass deficit. Further studies are needed to understand the extent of BMD abnormalities and the effect of gonadectomy, especially early in childhood, and to establish the optimal HRT regimen for bone accrual. Data on lean mass are reassuring.

The radiologist's role in assessing differences of sex development.

When infants are identified with a difference of sex development (DSD), a thoughtful approach to imaging is essential to appropriate clinical management. This review provides a comprehensive guide for radiologists who are tasked with performing this critical assignment. We review the embryologic basis of DSDs, with attention to the imaging findings that can indicate specific diagnoses. We also discuss techniques for optimal imaging, including strategies for identifying the gonads by US, tactics for performing genitograms with fluoroscopy and contrast-enhanced US, and the appropriate utilization of MRI. Finally, we review the clinical data and imaging findings that characterize some of the most common DSDs, including congenital adrenal hyperplasia, complete androgen insensitivity syndrome and gonadal dysgenesis.

Disorders of Sex Development.

Disorders of Sex Development.

Clinical, Hormonal, Genetic, and Molecular Characteristics in Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome in an Asian Indian Cohort from a Single Centre in Western India

The study aimed to analyze clinical and hormonal phenotype,and genotype in patients with genetically proven androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) from Western India. Index patients with pathogenic variants in the androgen receptor (AR) gene were identified from a consecutive 46,XY DSD cohort (n = 150) evaluated with clinical exome sequencing, and their genetically-proven affected relatives were also included. In sum, 15 index cases (9 complete AIS [CAIS] and 6 partial AIS [PAIS]) were identified making AIS the second most common (10%) cause of 46,XY DSD, next to 5α-reductase 2 deficiency (n = 26; 17.3%). Most patients presented late in the postpubertal period with primary amenorrhoea in CAIS (89%) and atypical genitalia with gynecomastia in PAIS (71.4%). All CAIS were reared as females and 83.3% of PAIS as males with no gender dysphoria. Four of 6 patients with available testosterone to dihydrotestosterone ratio had a false elevation (>10). Metastatic dysgerminoma was seen in 1 patient in CAIS, while none in the PAIS group had malignancy. Fifteen different (including 6 novel) pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in AR were found. Nonsense and frameshift variants exclusively led to CAIS phenotype, whereas missense variants led to variable phenotypes. In this largest, monocentric study from the Asian Indian subcontinent, AIS was the second most common cause of 46,XY DSD with similar phenotype but later presentation when compared to cases in the rest of the world. The study reports 6 novel pathogenic variants in AR.

Functional Effects In Silico Prediction for Androgen Receptor Ligand-Binding Domain Novel I836S Mutation.

Over 1000 mutations are described in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Of those, about 600 were found in androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) patients, among which 400 mutations affect the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of the AR protein. Recently, we reported a novel missense mutation c.2507T>G I836S (ClinVarID: 974911) in a patient with complete AIS (CAIS) phenotype. In the present study, we applied a set of computational approaches for the structural analysis of the ligand-binding domains in a wild-type and mutant AR to evaluate the functional impact of the novel I836S mutation. We revealed that the novel I836S substitution leads to a shorter existence time of the ligand’s gating tunnel and internal cavity, occurring only in the presence of S836 phosphorylation. Additionally, the analysis of phosphorylation of the 836 mutant residues explained the negative impact on AR homodimerization, since monomer surface changes indirectly impacted the binding site. Our analyses provide evidence that I836S causes disruptions of AR protein functionality and development of CAIS clinical features in patients.

Generation of two human induced pluripotent stem cell lines from a patient with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome with a hemizygous single nucleotide variant in the androgen receptor (AR) gene

Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (CAIS) is a difference of sex development (DSD) caused by loss of function of the androgen receptor (AR) gene. Patients typically identify as female and have a 46,XY karyotype. Two induced pluripotent stem cell lines (iPSCs), LCHi001-A and LCHi001-B, were generated from a participant with CAIS with AR mutation: c.2698A>T (p.Ile900Phe). Both lines presented typical morphology, expressed stem cell markers, differentiated into three germ layers, had a normal 46,XY karyotype, were mycoplasma-free, and carried the expected mutation in AR. These iPSC lines are an important resource for studying CAIS pathogenesis and possible treatment options.

Physical and Reported Subjective Health Status in 222 Individuals with XY Disorder of Sex Development.

ContextLittle is known about the physical health of individuals with 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD).ObjectiveTo assess physical and reported subjective health of individuals with XY DSD.MethodsAs part of the dsd-LIFE study, patients with an XY DSD condition were analyzed in different diagnosis groups for metabolic parameters, comorbidities, metabolic syndrome, bone outcomes, and reported subjective health. Findings were evaluated by descriptive statistics.ResultsA total of 222 patients with XY DSD were included with a mean age of 28.8 ± 12.2 years, mean height of 175.3 ± 7.7 cm, mean weight of 74.3 ± 20.0 kg, and mean body mass index of 24.1 ± 6.0 kg/m2. Obesity rate was not increased when descriptively compared with Eurostat data. Fourteen patients had metabolic syndrome (14/175; 8.0%). In descriptive comparison with data from the DECODE study and World Health Organization, subjects fared better in the categories waist circumference, glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein. Of participants with available bone health data, 19/122 (15.6%) patients had a Z-score ≤ –2.0 at lumbar spine indicating lowered bone mineral density (BMD). Mostly gonadectomized individuals with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and no estrogen therapy had lowered BMD at lumbar spine. Individuals with XY DSD performed poorly in the category subjective health in descriptive comparison with Eurostat data.ConclusionParticipants reported a lower subjective health status than Eurostat data but their overall metabolic health status was good. Decreased BMD at lumbar spine was especially present in gonadectomized individuals with CAIS and no estrogen therapy.

Prenatal androgen exposure and gender behavior in disorders of sex development

Summary Aim Comparison of gender personality traits in CAH-affected 46,XX patients with those in 46,XY patients with complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) or gonadal dysgenesis (GD). Patients and methods Thirty-six 46,XX CAH, three 46,XY AIS, four 46, XY GD patients. The Bem Sex-Role Inventory (BSRI) was used to measure masculinity, femininity and to research gender roles. Results The lowest femininity values were in the patients with CAH, the highest in patients with AIS. Age at study was not associated with the value of BSRI score. CAH patients with the Prader score 4 had lower median femininity score values than those who had the Prader score 3, however, the difference was statistically insignificant. Conclusion More masculinizied personality behavioral traits in females with CAH most likely result from exposure of the fetal brain to high levels of androgens.

Complete Androgen Insensitivity and Decreased Bone Mineral Density

Background: Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is a rare disorder of sex development and primary amenorrhea results in an XY karyotype but female phenotype. Patients with this syndrome have lower bone mineral density (BMD) when compared to age matched controls. Clinical Case: A 44-year-old phenotypic woman with a history of complete androgen insensitivity syndrome presented for follow-up. She was previously on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) at various doses from the age of 12 until her early 30s when her therapy became sporadic. At age 40, she was prescribed transdermal estrogen therapy but discontinued soon after a dermatologic reaction and had not been on any form of hormone replacement since that time. Past medical history was significant for karyotype 46 XY, osteochondritis dissecans of right ankle and bilateral orchiectomy at age 4. She was single with one adopted child. Physical examination showed a height 75 inches, weight 244 lbs and a normal heart, lung, and abdominal examinations. Laboratory results showed estradiol 12.3pg/mL(7.63-42.6), total testosterone 12.0 ng/dL(7-40), FSH 109.6 mIU/mL(25.8-134.8), LH 42.49 mIU/mL(7.7-58.5), anti-mullerian hormone < 0.015 ng/mL (0.26-5.81), inhibin B <7.0 pg/mL(<17), androstenedione 48 ng/dL(41-262), dihydrotestosterone 2.7 ng/dL(4-22) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate 209 ng/dL(31-701). A baseline DXA showed low bone density for age with T-score (Z-score) of -2.0 (-1.6) lumbar-spine; -1.6 (-1.2) femoral neck, -1.1 (-0.8) total hip and -2.5 (-2.0) forearm. Discussion:CAIS is caused by a mutation in the androgen receptor (AR) located on the X-chromosome causing complete unresponsiveness to androgen hormone. Karyotype is XY but feminization occurs due to aromatization of androgen to estrogen. Gonadectomy for testicular malignancy prevention is controversial as testicular tumors in CAIS is generally low and gonadal resection subjects individuals to lifelong hormone replacement. These patients also have lower BMD when compared to female or male age matched controls. This is even more apparent in those with removed gonads. Low BMD is exacerbated by poor compliance, inadequate dose or inappropriate HRT. Whether or not fracture risk is higher has yet to be elucidated. Currently, there is no guideline on how to manage low BMD including osteoporosis in this patient population. It is important to counsel patients with CAIS on BMD loss and to ensure optimization of factors that affect bone health including compliance with HRT, vitamin D/calcium intake and exercise.The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of Army/Navy/Air Force, Department of Defense, or the United States Government.