Clinical features and genetic analysis of three patients with Gitelman syndrome / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

[Summary] The clinical data of 3 inpatients clinically diagnosed as Gitelman syndrome ( GS ) were collected. The genomic DNA was isolated from the peripheral blood and the primers were designed to amplify all the exons and flanking introns in the SLC12A3 and CLCNKB genes by PCR. Direct sequencing of PCR products in the two genes was performed in all patients. Three patients manifested with recurrent hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, hypocalciuria, hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis, but normal blood pressure. Gene sequencing results showed that one novel mutation p. L891V was identified in SLC12A3 gene in case 2. Seven and 12 types of polymorphic loci in the CLCNKB gene were found in case 1 and case 3, respectively. However, mutations were not found in the SLC12A3 and CLCNKB gene.

IL28B Is Associated with Outcomes of Chronic HBV Infection

PURPOSE: The role of IL28B gene variants and expression in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are not well understood. Here, we evaluated whether IL28B gene expression and rs12979860 variations are associated with HBV outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IL28B genetic variations (rs12979860) were genotyped by pyrosequencing of DNA samples from 137 individuals with chronic HBV infection [50 inactive carriers (IC), 34 chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 27 cirrhosis, 26 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)], and 19 healthy controls. IL28A/B mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells was determined by qRT-PCR, and serum IL28B protein was measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Patients with IL28B C/C genotype had greater IL28A/B mRNA expression and higher IL28B protein levels than C/T patients. Within the various disease stages, compared to IC and healthy controls, IL28B expression was reduced in the CHB, cirrhosis, and HCC cohorts (CHB vs. IC, p=0.02; cirrhosis vs. IC, p=0.01; HCC vs. IC, p=0.001; CHB vs. controls, p<0.01; cirrhosis vs. controls, p<0.01; HCC vs. controls, p<0.01). When stratified with respect to serum HBV markers in the IC and CHB cohorts, IL28B mRNA and protein levels were higher in HBeAg-positive than negative individuals (p=0.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that factors associated with high IL28B protein levels were C/C versus C/T genotype [p=0.016, odds ratio (OR)=0.25, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.08-0.78], high alanine aminotransferase values (p<0.001, OR=8.02, 95% CI=2.64-24.4), and the IC stage of HBV infection (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that IL28B genetic variations may play an important role in long-term development of disease in chronic HBV infections.

Effect of glucocorticoid replacement therapy on glucose-lipid metabolism in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective21 -hydroxylase deficiency ( 21-OHD) patients are at high risk of developing metabolic syndrome.Low dose of glucocorticoid is crucial in the treatment.This study is to investigate the effect of glucocorticoid therapy on potential metabolic disorders.Methods Thirty-two treated and 31 untreated 21-OHD patients were recruited.The components of metabolic syndrome were investigated in both groups.Results Serum testosterone [ (0.61 ±0.12 vs 4.10±0.66) ng/ml,P＜0.01 ],17-(OH) progesterone[ 17-OHP,( 14.83±3.48 vs 48.52±4.72 )ng/ml,P＜0.01 ],dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate[ DHEAS,(55.7±23.6 vs 405.2±65.7 ) μg/dl,P＜0.01 ],and ACTH[ ( 105.8±44.7 vs 617.4± 163.3 ) pg/ml,P＜0.01 ] levels were significantly reduced,whereas body mass index [ ( 23.2±0.9 vs 21.1 ±0.5 ) kg/mz,P＜0.05 ],systolic blood pressure [ ( 120.5 ± 1.3 vs 115.5 ± 1.8 ) mm Hg,P＜0.05,1 mm Hg =0.133 kPa ],serum triglyceride [ ( 1.8±0.2 vs 1.1 ±0.1 ) mmol/L,P＜0.05 ],and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance [ HOMA-IR,( 2.07 ± 0.27 vs 1.16 ± 0.12 ),P ＜ 0.01 ] were markedly increased in glucocorticoid treated group.Multivariates regression analysis showed that body mass index was the most important risk factor for HOMA-IR.The correlation of glucocorticoid replacement and HOMA-IR was not observed after adjustment of age and body mass index.ConclusionGlucocorticoid treatment increases body weights,which leads to insulin resistance and metabolic disorders for 21-OHD patients.More attention should be paid to control BMI and metabolic disturbances in 21-OHD patients.

A case with 21-hydroxylase deficiency combined with adrenal adenoma and testicular adrenal rest tumors / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics in a male patient with 21hydroxylase deficiency combined with adrenal and testicular tumors.Methods Clinical features and laboratory data were collected from the patient.Testicular biopsy was performed.The CYP21 gene was sequenced for mutations.Results The patient presented left adrenal and testicular enlargements.The laboratory examinations showed that plasma ACTH,androstenedione,testosterone,progesterone,and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were markedly elevated.CT scan revealed that the right adrenal gland being resected and the left adrenal with nodular enlargement.Furthermore,testicular biopsy showed a prominent peritubular fibrosis with increased number of peritubular fibroblasts,tubular hyalinisation,and calcification.Sequencing analysis showed a A>G homozygous mutation at intron 2.Conclusion Patients with untreated 21-hydroxylage deficiency may.have adrenal adenomas and(or)testicular adrenal rest tumor simultaneously.

Treatment of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with pulse infusion of gonadorelin via micro pump / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To explore the efficacy of pulse infusion of gonadorelin (LHRH) on the patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) via a micro infusion pump. Methods The protocol was designed as an open, self-controlled prospective study. 31 patients were enrolled and assigned to 3 groups: 23 males without gonadotropin-releasing hormone ( GnRH ) pulse ( group A), 2 males with GnRH pulse frequency insufficiency ( group B), and 6 females ( group C). All the subjects were admitted LHRH every 90 min via the micro infusion pump for 24 weeks. Sex hormones and related characteristics were compared before and after the treatment. Results After 24-weeks treatment, LH peak value reached ( 6. 92 ±5.66 ), ( 9. 55 ±0. 98 ), and ( 6. 93 ±4. 52 ) IU/L; and FSH peak value reached ( 7.44 ± 3. 80 ), ( 12. 85 ± 12. 80 ), and ( 7.38 ±4. 98 ) IU/L among 3 groups, respectively. The testosterone also reached ( 3.18± 1.81 ) and ( 5.78±4. 65 ) ng/ml in groups A and B ( all P＜0. 01 ). In groups A and B, the testis volumes were increased, seminal fluid production was found in 7 patients and spermatogenesis in 6 patients. In group C, uterus was enlarged 85.4%, as well as the ovaries of both sides. Menarche was reported in 5 patients. 19. 4% of the studied patients complained uncomfortable at the injection sites, all the symptoms were mild. Conclusion Pulse infusion of LHRH in IHH patients via a micro infusion pump is effective, while the medication system needs improving.

A novel mutation of SRY gene identified in a 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis patient / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

The clinical and genetic characteristics in a patient with 46,XY complete gonadal dysgenesis was investigated. Clinical features and laboratory data were collected from the patient and the family. The exon of SRY gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced. The patient presented with primary amenorrhea, nonambiguous female external genitalia, slight breast development, and no axillary hair or pubic hair. The female internal reproductive organs consisted of uterus and streaks of ovarian tissue. Howerver, the chromosome karyotype was 46,XY. A missense mutation of A66T in SRY gene was identified, which was not previously reported. The novel SRY mutation caused the sex reversal in this 46,XY female patient.

Study on a novel androgen receptor gene mutation causing androgen insensitivity syndrome / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics in two patients with androgen insensitivity syndrome. Methods Clinical features and laboratory data were collected from the patients and their families. All exons of the androgen receptor gene were amplified by PCR and PCR products were sequenced. Results Patient 1 presented with unambiguous female external genitalia, unilateral gynecomastia and primary amenorrhea. He did not have axillary hairs or pubic hairs. Patient 2 presented with undervirilization including scanty body hairs, gynecomastia and hypospadias. A missense mutation of