Pedigree analysis of type Ⅳ hereditary hemochromatosis caused by c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation of SLC40A1 gene / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To investigate clinical phenotypes of type Ⅳ hereditary hemochromatosis caused by c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation of SLC40A1 gene and the correlation between genotype and phenotype, exploring ferritin cutoff value for screening.Methods:One case of type Ⅳ hereditary hemochromatosis with c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation in the SLC40A1 gene and 5 generations of their family lineage with a total of 47 members who were seen at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University in July 2020 were studied for systematic clinical investigation. Thirty-nine surviving individuals were tested for ferritin, liver function, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and sex hormones, and Sanger sequencing was performed to verify the mutation loci and to map the family tree. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between ferritin and other indicators, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to calculate the ferritin cutoff value for screening for this genotype of hemochromatosis.Results:Ten patients with c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation in the SLC40A1 gene were identified among 39 family members, and five of them were diagnosed with hemochromatosis, presenting incomplete penetrance. The differences in levels of ferritin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST; both P<0.01) and FPG, as well as incidences of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and arthritis (all P<0.05) between group of mutation positive and group negative were statistically significant, while the difference in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was not. Spearman correlation analysis showed that, ferritin levels were significantly associated with ALT ( r=0.903), AST ( r=0.879), FPG ( r=0.782), and the incidences of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism ( r=0.798) and arthritis ( r=0.798; all P<0.01) in those with the c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation in the SLC40A1 gene. The ferritin cutoff value for screening of hereditary hemochromatosis with c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation in the SLC40A1 gene was 1 036.7 μg/L, with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 94.3%, respectively. Conclusion:The SLC40A1 gene c. 430A>G heterozygous mutation is closely associated with elevated levels of AST and FPG, increased incidences of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and arthritis, and the ferritin cutoff value is a useful screening parameter.

Hereditary hemochromatosis associated with the development of liver cirrhosis / Hemocromatose hereditária associada ao desenvolvimento da cirrose hepática

ABSTRACT Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is an autosomal recessive disease, most often associated with mutations in the HFE gene, which result in continuous absorption of iron, causing its overload. Liver tissue is the main site of iron deposition; thus, high levels of iron, when interacting with oxygen, induce the formation of free radicals that will act on proteins, lipids, and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which may trigger deleterious effects at cellular and tissue levels. In order to elucidate the development and progression of liver cirrhosis due to iron overload, the purpose of this study is to describe the pathophysiology of the hepatic system in patients diagnosed with HH. For this purpose, searches for scientific articles were carried out in the main academic databases. We found that patients diagnosed with HH are more likely to develop liver cirrhosis, since chronic iron deposition in liver tissue induces injury and consequent tissue regeneration, progressing to collagen fibers synthesis surrounding the hepatocytes, leading to loss of liver function and development of cirrhosis. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out tests such as iron, ferritin and transferrin measurements, to evaluate body's iron stores, aiming at an early diagnosis of iron overload, thus avoiding deleterious damage at cellular and tissue levels.

RESUMEN La hemocromatosis hereditária (HH) es uma enfermedad autosómica recesiva, asociada, la mayoría de las veces, a mutaciones del gen HFE, que producen absorción continua de hierro, con sobrecarga de esa sustancia. El tejido hepático es el principal sitio de almacenamiento de hierro; así, niveles elevados de hierro, al interactuar con oxígeno, inducen la formación de radicales libres que actuarán sobre proteínas, lípidos y ácido desoxirribonucléico (ADN), pudiendo acarrear efectos dañosos a nível celular y tisular. Para aclarar el mecanismo de desarrollo de la cirrosis hepática debido a sobrecarga de hierro, el objetivo de este estudio es describir la fisiopatologia del sistema hepático en pacientes diagnosticados con HH. Para eso, se efectuaron búsquedas por artículos científicos en los principales bancos de datos acadêmicos. Verificamos que pacientes diagnosticados con HH presentan mayor predisposición a desarrollar cirrosis hepática, porque el depósito crônico de hierro en el tejido hepático causa lesión y consecuente regeneración de tejido, progresando a la formación de fibras de colágeno que rodean los hepatocitos, llevando la pérdida de la función hepática y al desarrollo de la cirrosis. Ante esto, es necesario medir hierro, ferritina y transferrina para evaluación de las provisiones de hierro del cuerpo, buscando un diagnóstico temprano de la sobrecarga de hierro, para evitar efectos deletereos a nível celular y tisular.

RESUMO A hemocromatose hereditária (HH) é uma doença autossômica recessiva, associada, na maioria das vezes, a mutações do gene HFE, que resultam em absorção contínua de ferro, ocasionando a sobrecarga dessa substância. O tecido hepático é o principal sítio de depósito do ferro; dessa forma, níveis elevados de ferro, ao interagir com o oxigênio, induzem a formação de radicais livres que irão agir sobre proteínas, lipídios e ácido desoxirribonucleico (DNA), podendo desencadear efeitos deletérios a níveis celulares e teciduais. Visando elucidar o mecanismo de desenvolvimento da cirrose hepática decorrente da sobrecarga de ferro, o objetivo deste estudo é descrever a fisiopatologia do sistema hepático em pacientes diagnosticados com HH. Para isso, foram realizadas buscas por artigos científicos nos principais bancos de dados acadêmicos. Verificamos que pacientes diagnosticados com HH apresentam maior predisposição de desenvolver cirrose hepática, pois o depósito crônico de ferro no tecido hepático provoca lesão e consequente regeneração tecidual, progredindo para formação de fibras de colágeno que circundam os hepatócitos, levando à perda da função hepática e ao desenvolvimento da cirrose. Diante disso, faz-se necessária a realização de exames como dosagem de ferro, ferritina e transferrina para avaliação dos estoques de ferro do organismo, objetivando um diagnóstico precoce da sobrecarga de ferro, a fim de evitar danos deletérios a níveis celulares e teciduais.

Allelic Diversity of the Hemochromatosis Gene (HFE) in Malays, Chinese and Indians

@#Introduction: Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is an autosomal recessive disorder that causes accumulation of iron in circulating blood and organs. The disease is associated with H63D, S65C and C282Y variants of the haemochromatosis (HFE) gene and, if not treated can cause organ damage and may prove fatal. The main objectives of the present survey were to screen these genetic variants and establish risk profiles for developing HH in Malays, Chinese and Indians. Methods: A total of two hundred and twenty-two unrelated and healthy individuals together representing Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicities in Malaysia were scored for the H63D, S65C and C282Y variants using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Results: There are clear differences in H63D, S65C and C282Y allele and genotype frequency distributions between Malays, Chinese and Indians. In particular, H63D is more common in Chinese (5.19%) and Indians (7.29%), while S65C is more common in Malays (1.03%) and Chinese (1.04%). In addition, a susceptibility genotype for HH (the compound heterozygote for C282Y and H63D) was only detected in Indians (0.02%). Conclusion: Overall, our study is the first to provide data on the prevalence of H63D, S65C, and C282Y genetic variants and HH risk profiles for Malays, Chinese and Indians.

Hipertransaminasemia, astenia, artralgias e hiperpigmentación cutánea / Hypertransaminasemia, asthenia, arthralgia and skin hyperpigmentation

RESUMEN La hemocromatosis hereditaria es una enfermedad metabólica infrecuente que afecta primariamente al hígado, y que se caracteriza por un incremento de la absorción intestinal de hierro. Se presentó un paciente de 49 años de edad, evaluado en consulta externa, desde alrededor de dos años atrás, por: astenia, anorexia, artralgias e hiperpigmentación cutánea, asociada a hipertransaminasemia y seronegatividad para virus B y C. Los niveles de saturación de transferrina y ferritina evidenciaron la sobrecarga de hierro, y el estado homocigoto para la mutación C282Y confirmó la sospecha diagnóstica; se descartaron otras condiciones como: hepatitis crónica por virus B y C, esteatohepatitis no alcohólica, anemia hemolítica crónica, anemia sideroblástica, talasemia mayor, u otras enfermedades metabólicas que afectan al hígado. La biopsia hepática mostró hallazgos típicos de esta condición. Las flebotomías semanales fueron bien toleradas y se logró una mejoría clínica del paciente y de los parámetros de laboratorio.

ABSTRACT Hereditary hemochromatosis is an uncommon metabolic disease, primarily affecting the liver in which increased intestinal absorption of iron is seen. We presented a 49- year -old patient who was evaluated in an outpatient clinic for suffering from asthenia, anorexia, arthralgia and skin hyperpigmentation associated with hypertransaminasemia and negative serology for B and C viruses from about two years ago. Serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation levels evidenced iron overload and homozygosity for the C282Y mutation confirmed the suspected diagnosis; other conditions were ruled out such as chronic hepatitis due to B and C viruses, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, chronic hemolytic anemia, sideroblastic anemia, thalassemia major or some other metabolic diseases affecting the liver. Liver biopsy showed typical findings related to this condition. Weekly phlebotomies were well tolerated, as well as clinical improvement of the patient and laboratory parameters were achieved.

Hemocromatosis hereditaria: debut como cirrosis compensada de diagnóstico incidental. Reporte de un caso y revisión del tema / Hereditary hemochromatosis: debut as compensated cirrhosis of incidental diagnosis. Report of a case and review of the topic / Hemocromatose hereditária: estreia como cirrose compensada de diagnóstico incidental. Relatório de um caso e revisão do tópico

Resumen: La Hemocromatosis Hereditaria (HH) se define por la acumulación tisular de hierro, predominantemente en hígado, páncreas y miocardio, siendo una de las formas de sobrecarga férrica de causa congénita. El diagnóstico de HH en la edad adulta es poco frecuente en nuestro medio, y debe tenerse en cuenta ante hepatopatías crónicas de etiología incierta, más aún cuando se acompañan de elementos orientadores de afectación de otros tejidos. En este artículo se presenta el caso de un paciente alcoholista que debuta clínicamente con una hemorragia digestiva, contexto en el cual se establece el diagnóstico de cirrosis. Dados los antecedentes familiares de hepatopatía crónica de etiología incierta, el reciente diagnóstico de diabetes, y ante el hallazgo de un perfil de sobrecarga férrica, a pesar del consumo problemático de alcohol, se solicitaron los estudios destinados a confirmar el planteo de HH. El estudio genético en busca de homocigosis del alelo C282Y para el gen HFE resultó positivo. Se iniciaron flebotomías seriadas con buena evolución posterior. Se presenta el caso clínico y se realiza una revisión de la literatura.

Abstract: Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH) is defined by tissue accumulation of iron, predominantly in theliver, pancreas and myocardium, being one of the forms of iron overload of congenital cause. The diagnosis of HH in adulthood is rare in our environment and must be taken into account in the presence of chronic liver disease of uncertain etiology. In this article we present a clinical case of an alcoholic patient who debuted clinically with a digestive bleeding, context in which the diagnosis of cirrhosis was established. Given the family history of chronic liver disease of uncertain etiology, the recent diagnosis of diabetes, and the finding of a profile of iron overload, despite problematic alcohol consumption, studies were requested to confirm the HH approach. The genetic study in search of homozygosis of the C282Y allele for the HFE gene was positive. Serial phlebotomies were started with favourable evolution at follow-up. The clinical case is presented, and a review of the literature is made.

Resumo: Hemocromatose hereditária (HH) por acumulação de ferro no tecido é definido predominantemente no fígado, no pâncreas e enfarte, uma das formas de sobrecarga de ferro causa congénita. Diagnóstico HH na idade adulta é raro em nossa área, e deve ser considerada a doença hepática crônica de etiologia desconhecida, mesmo quando acompanhadas por elementos de guia de envolvimento de outros tecidos. Este artigo apresenta o caso de um paciente com alcoolismo que estreou clinicamente com uma hemorragia digestiva, um contexto no qual o diagnóstico de cirrose é estabelecido. Dada a história familiar de doença hepática crônica de etiologia desconhecida, o diagnóstico recente de diabetes e antes da conclusão de um perfil de sobrecarga de ferro, apesar do uso problemático de álcool, estudos para confirmar a proposição de HH foram solicitados. O estudo genético em busca de homozigose do alelo C282Y para o gene HFE foi positivo. Flebotomias seriadas com boa evolução posterior foram iniciadas. O caso clínico é apresentado e uma revisão da literatura é feita.

Acquired hemochromatosis: A case report in a Filipino patient and literature review

@#Hemochromatosis is a hereditary or acquired chronic iron overload syndrome that presents with organ damage to the liver, pancreas, heart, joints and skin due to pathologic iron deposition. Hereditary hemochromatosis is a common genetic disorder with human hemochromatosis protein (HFE) mutations found in European ethnic groups but has low-prevalence in the Asian population. Secondary or acquired hemochromatosis may result from ineffective erythropoiesis, liver disease and parenteral iron overload. A 51-year-old Filipino woman presented with generalized hyperpigmentation associated with severe anemia and hepatomegaly. Laboratory investigation revealed a markedly elevated serum ferritin (>2,000 g/L, 10x the normal) and hepatic aminotransferases (6x elevated). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2-weighted images revealed hypotense signal of the liver with the magnetic susceptibility measurement (MSM) of iron at 12.297 mg/g indicating severe iron overload. Dermatopathology findings revealed hyperpigmented epidermis with hemosiderin found in the basal keratinocytes as well as around cutaneous adnexal structures. Special stain with Perls’ Prussian blue revealed iron granules that are seen as blue pigments in the epidermis and dermis. Treatment with the oral iron chelator deferiprone (DFP) showed improvement. However, the patient developed hospital-acquired sepsis, deteriorated, and eventually died.

Ingesta de hierro y gen HFE en varones adultos de Buenos Aires / Iron intake and HFE gen in male adults from Buenos Aires

El consumo excesivo de hierro (Fe) en portadores de mutaciones en el gen HFE puede resultar en sobrecarga. Para evaluar el riesgo de sobrecarga de Fe fueron investigados 166 varones adultos donantes de sangre de la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Se estimó la ingesta diaria de Fe (IFe), de Fe hemínico y de Fe proveniente de harinas enriquecidas con SO4Fe. Se determinó ferritina sérica y porcentaje de saturación de transferrina (criterio de sobrecarga de Fe: ferritina sérica > 300 ng/ml y saturación de transferrina ≥ 50%). Las mutaciones C282Y, H63D y S65C fueron investigadas en sangre mediante PCR-RFLP. Todos los participantes cubrieron ampliamente el requerimiento estimado promedio de Fe (6 mg Fe/día) y 3.0% superó el máximo tolerable (45 mg Fe/día). El Fe hemínico correspondió al 9.4% de la IFe y el de harinas enriquecidas al 47.7%. Se observó una asociación entre el aumento de IFe y el de ferritina sérica (p = 0.0472), y el 2.3% de los donantes presentaron ferritina sérica > 300 ng/ml y saturación de transferrina ≥ 50%. El 29.3% de los donantes eran portadores de los genotipos H63D, S65C o C282Y, asociados a hemocromatosis hereditaria, y tenían valores de saturación de transferrina significativamente mayores a los de los donantes wild type (p = 0.0167). Si bien la incidencia clínica de hemocromatosis hereditaria fue baja en el grupo estudiado (1.2%), el consumo excesivo de Fe plantea un riesgo potencial para la salud de individuos que ignoran sus antecedentes familiares de sobrecarga de Fe.

Excess iron (Fe) intake in subjects carrying certain mutations in the HFE gene may result in Fe overload. To estimate risk of Fe overload, 166 male blood donors (19-65 years) from Buenos Aires city were investigated. Daily Fe intake (FeI), hem Fe intake, and Fe intake from SO4Fe enriched flours were estimated (SARA Computer Program and Food Composition Table, USDA). Serum ferritin and transferrin saturation were determined; criteria for Fe overload was serum ferritin > 300 ng/ml and transferrin saturation ≥ 50%. HFE genotypes C282Y, H63D and S65C were analyzed by PCR-RFLP in blood samples. No participant presented FeI lower than the estimated average requirement (6 mg Fe/day) and 3.0% was over the upper level (45 mg Fe/day). Hem Fe and Fe from flour enrichment were 9.4% and 47.7% of daily Fe intake, respectively. A significant association was observed between the increase in serum ferritin (ng/ml) and the increase in FeI (p = 0.0472); 2.3% of the donors presented serum ferritin > 300 ng/ml and transferrin saturation ≥ 50%. Genotypes associated with hereditary hemochromatosis (H63D, S65C and C282Y) were found in 29.3% of the donors. The percentage of transferrin saturation was higher in subjects carrying mutation than in wild type subjects (p = 0.0167). Although penetrance of hereditary hemochromatosis in the studied group was only 1.2%, an excessive Fe intake could enhance adverse effects in individuals unaware of any family history of Fe overload.

GNPAT rs11558492 is not a Major Modifier of Iron Status: Study of Italian Hemochromatosis Patients and Blood Donors

ABSTRACT Background and Aim. HFE-related Hemochromatosis (HH) is characterized by marked phenotype heterogeneity, probably due to the combined action of acquired and genetic factors. Among them, GNPATrs11558492 was proposed as genetic modifier of iron status, but results are still controversial. To shed light on these discrepancies, we genotyped 298 Italian p.C282Y homozygotes and 169 healthy controls. Material and methods. Allele and genotype frequencies were analysed and compared with those reported in Exorne Variant Server (EVS). To explore the role of rs11558492 as a potential modifier of iron status, serum ferritin (SF), liver iron concentration (LIC) and iron removed (IR) were studied according to allele and genotype frequencies. In addition, the effect of the SNP on liver fibrosis was examined comparing patients with absent/mild-moderate fibrosis to those with severe fibrosis-cirrhosis. Results. GNPAT rs11558492 minor allele (G) frequency (MAF) was 20.3% in HFE- HH, 17.2% in controls and 20.6% in EVS database. Genotype frequencies were 64% and 69.2% (AA), 31.2% and 27.2% (AG), 4.8% and 3.6% (GG) in HFE-HH and controls, respectively. No significant differences were found comparing genotype and allele frequencies even selecting subgroups of only-males with extreme phenotypes and low alcohol intake. SF, IR and LIC levels did not significantly differ according to rs11558492 genotypes. Also, MAF did not differ between patients with absent/mild fibrosis and severe fibrosis/cirrhosis. Conclusions. Our findings indicate that GNPAT rs11558492 is not a major modifier of iron status and is not associated with liver fibrosis in HFE- HH patients.(AU)

Hyperferritinemia in Hereditary Spherocytosis: A Diagnostic Challenge.

Aims: Hereditary spherocytosis is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by increased red blood cell osmotic fragility and impaired deformability. Hereditary hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive disorder of iron metabolism which results in damage to multiple organs. Presentation of Case: This case describes a 42 year old Chinese male who presents with jaundice. He denies any fever, vomiting, anorexia or loss of weight. Urine and stool colour were normal. He had no history of blood transfusions or prolonged iron therapy. In addition, he had a past history of open cholecystectomy for recurrent acute cholecystitis. He had a family history of jaundice in which his father underwent a cholecystectomy and had multiple blood transfusions. On physical examination, he was jaundiced. His spleen was enlarged 6 cms from the left costal margin. The peripheral blood film showed mild anemia with increased reticulocyte response and spherocytosis suggestive of hereditary spherocytosis. Direct Coombs test was negative and there was an increase in red blood cell osmotic fragility. Iron studies revealed hyperferritinemia. Genetic testing showed homozygosity for the (hemochromatosis gene) HFE mutation C282Y. Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed splenomegaly with no evidence of liver cirrhosis. He underwent regular venesections and his serum ferritin improved subsequently. Conclusion: Iron overload in a patient with non transfusional hereditary spherocytosis should prompt screening for HFE mutations and warrant early screening of family members to prevent serious complications.

Hemocromatosis hereditaria tipo I: a propósito de cuatro casos confirmados / Hereditary hemochromatosis type I: apropos of four confirmed cases

La hemocromatosis hereditaria es un trastorno genético. En los últimos años se ha profundizado en el conocimiento de su fisiopatología y diagnóstico. Estos síndromes se caracterizan por sobrecarga de hierro y se distinguen varios subtipos de acuerdo con la mutación existente. Dentro de ellas, las mutaciones en el gen HFE o hemocromatosis hereditaria tipo I es la más común. Esta enfermedad tiene una gran morbilidad y mortalidad asociada a la sobrecarga del mineral. Se presentan 4 pacientes en los que por primera vez en Cuba se identificaron las mutaciones del gen HFE

Hereditary hemochromatosis is a genetic disorder. Detailed studies on its physiopathology and diagnosis have been carried out over the last years. The syndromes are characterized by iron overload and several subtypes are distinguished according to the existing mutation. Among them, the mutations in HFE gene or hereditary hemochromatosis type I is the most common. This disease has a great morbidity and mortality associated to mineral overload. For the first time in Cuba, we report four patients with confirmed mutations in HFE genes

Porphyria Cutanea Tarda and HFE Gene Mutations in Argentina.

Aims: Porphyria Cutanea Tarda (PCT), the most common of porphyrias is triggered by several factors, including iron overload. Type I Hereditary Hemochromatosis is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait of the mutation p.C282Y or as a compound heterozygous form p.C282Y/p.H63D in HFE gene. Our aim was to study the frequency of HFE mutations in Argentinean PCT patients and in control subjects. Place and Duration of Study: CIPYP, CONICET, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín: Av. Córdoba 2351, 1º subsuelo, Buenos Aires, Argentina (1120). Between March 2008 and March 2010. Methodology: We analyzed HFE mutations in 103 PCT patients (67 males, 36 females) and in 93 control subjects (63 males and 30 females). PCT patients were classified as familial, sporadic or Type III PCT measuring URO-D activity in red blood cells. HFE mutations were detected by amplification and automatic sequencing of exons 2 and 4 in the HFE gene. In some cases p.H63D and p.C282Y mutations were also detected by digestion with restriction enzymes (Mbo I for p.H63D and Rsa I for p.C282Y), followed by 3% polyacrilamide gel electrophoresis. Results: In PCT group, 34.9% carried mutation p.H63D (26.2% heterozygous, 5.8% homozygous and 2.9% as p.C282Y/p.H63D) and 7.8% carried mutation p.C282Y (2.9% in heterozygocity, 1.9% in homozygocity and 2.9% as p.C282Y/p.H63D). In the control group, 30.1% carried p.H63D (28% in heterozygous and 2.1% in homozygous), and 5.4% had p.C282Y in heterozygosity. There were no significant differences between sporadic and familial PCT and neither between PCT and control groups. Our findings are in agreement with the prevalence of the Mediterranean origin of our patients, where p.C282Y mutation is less common than p.H63D mutation. Conclusion: We conclude that mutations in HFE gene do not play a relevant role in the triggering of PCT in our country.

Hereditary Hemochromatosis.

Hereditary hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive disorder that disrupts the body’s regulation of iron. It is the most common genetic disease in whites. Men have a 24-fold increased rate of iron-overload disease compared with women. Persons who are homozygous for the HFE gene mutation C282Y comprise 85 to 90 percent of phenotypically affected persons. End-organ damage or clinical manifestations of hereditary hemochromatosis occur in approximately 10 percent of persons homozygous for C282Y. Symptoms of hereditary hemochromatosis are nonspecific and typically absent in the early stages. If present, symptoms may include weakness, lethargy, arthralgias, and impotence. Later manifestations include arthralgias, osteoporosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular cancer, cardiomyopathy, dysrhythmia, diabetes mellitus, and hypogonadism. Diagnosis requires confirmation of increased serum ferritin levels and transferrin saturation, with or without symptoms. Subtyping is based on genotypic expression. Serum ferritin measurement is the most useful prognostic indicator of disease severity. Liver biopsy is performed to stage the degree of fibrosis with severe ferritin elevation or transaminitis, or to diagnose nonclassical hereditary hemochromatosis in patients with other genetic defects. Treatment of hereditary hemochromatosis requires phlebotomy, and the frequency is guided by serial measurements of serum ferritin levels and transferrin saturation. Iron avidity can result from overtreatment. If iron avidity is not suspected, it may mimic undertreatment with persistently elevated transferrin saturation. Dietary modification is generally unnecessary. Universal screening for hereditary hemochromatosis is not recommended, but testing should be performed in first-degree relatives of patients with classical HFE-related hemochromatosis, those with evidence of active liver disease, and patients with abnormal iron study results. Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma is reserved for those with hereditary hemochromatosis and cirrhosis.

Diagnóstico incidental de hemocromatose hereditária pré-cirrótica / Incidental diagnosis of pre-cirrhotic hereditary hemochromatosis

O diagnóstico da hemocromatose hereditária (HH) em fase pré-cirrótica é um desafio, uma vez que os pacientes não apresentam sintomas ou sinais da doença. Relata-se caso de mulher de 62 anos que, submetida à colecistectomia videolaparoscópica para tratamento de coletilíase, apresentou fígado de aspecto alterado, sendo realizada biópsia hepática com agulha. O exame histológico do fígado pelo método de Perls mostrou grande quantidade de pigmento férrico, suspeitando-se de HH. Realizado estudo do metabolismo do ferro e teste genético para HH, confirmou-se a doença. A biópsia hepática, portanto, é de fundamental importância no diagnóstico da HH, devendo ser realizada toda vez que o cirurgião, por ocasião de cirurgia abdominal, observar fígado de aspecto não habitual.

The diagnosis of pre-cirrhotic hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is difficult because there are no signs and symptoms in HH patients. We described a case of a 62-years old woman with cholelithiasis that was carried out a videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy. At surgery, the liver had been a altered aspect and liver needle biopsy was carried out. The histopathologic study by Persl method showed a great accumulation of iron pigment in hepatic tissue. The study of iron metabolism and genetic test for HH was released and the diagnosis of HH was confirmed. The liver biopsy is a gold standard procedure for diagnosis of HH and must be released when, at abdominal surgery, the surgeon to observe a liver with altered aspect.

Hemocromatose hereditária relacionada ao gene HFE / Hereditary hemochromatosis HFE gene related

A Hemocromatose Hereditária (HH) é a desordem hereditária mais comum em caucasianos. Mais de 90% dos casos de HH resultam da simples substituição do aminoácido Cisteína pela Tirosina no gene HFE. Essa mutação causa uma doença recessiva que resulta no acúmulo tissular de ferro. O mecanismo através do qual o HFE influencia a homeostase do ferro nas células e no corpo permanece obscuro. A doença é subdiagnosticada na população em geral devido à inespecificidade de sua apresentação clínica. O prognóstico envolve a detecção precoce da doença e a terapêutica adequada utilizando a flebotomia em fase oportuna. Essa revisão descreve os conceitos atuais a respeito das manifestações clínicas, fisiopatologia, prognóstico e tratamento da Hemocromatose Hereditária relacionada ao gene HFE.

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is the most common inherited disorder in caucasians. Over 90% of the cases of HH result from a single mutation of a Cys to Tyr in the HFE gene. This mutation causes a recessive disease resulting in iron acumulation in selected tissues. The mechanism by which HFE influences iron homeostasis in cells and in the body remains elusive. The disease is underdiagnosed in general population due to inespecific clinical manifestations. Prognosis is related to early diagnostic and correct treatment using pheblotomy. This review describe the current concepts concerning the clinical features, pathophisiology, prognosis and treatment of HFE-related hemochromatosis hereditary.

Hemocromatose hereditária: associação entre as mutações no gene HFE e o estado de ferro em doadores de sangue e pesquisa de mutações nos genes HFE, HJV, HAMP, TFR2 e SLC40A1 em pacientes com sobrecarga de ferro primária / Hereditary hemochromatosis: relationship between HFE gene mutations and iron status in blood donors and HFE, HJV, HAMP, TFR2 and SLC40A1 gene sequencing in primary iron overload patients

A hemocromatose hereditária é caracterizada pelo aumento da absorção intestinal de ferro, acarretando progressivo acúmulo no organismo. Os objetivos foram: 1- determinar as frequências das mutações p.C282Y, p.H63D e p.S65C no gene HFE e avaliar os efeitos nas concentrações dos parâmetros do ferro em doadores de sangue; 2- pesquisar mutações nos genes: 2.1- HFE, 2.2- HJV e HAMP, 2.3- TFR2 e SLC40A1, em pacientes portadores de sobrecarga de ferro primária. Participaram 542 doadores de sangue provenientes do Hemocentro da Santa Casa de São Paulo. Foram incluídos 51 pacientes que apresentavam saturação de transferrina ≥ 50% (para mulheres) e ≥ 60% (para homens) e ausência de causas secundárias. Os genótipos para as mutações nos genes HFE foram avaliados pela PCR-RFLP. Foi realizado sequenciamento direto bidirecional para cada éxon dos genes, utilizando o sequenciador Genetic Analizer 3500XL®. Nos doadores de sangue, as frequências dos alelos HFE 282Y, HFE 63D e HFE 65C foram 2,1, 13,6 e 0,6%, respectivamente. Os homens que doaram pela primeira vez, portadores do genótipo HFE 282CY, apresentaram maiores valores de saturação de transferrina; e também os portadores dos genótipos HFE 63DD e 63HD apresentaram maiores concentrações de ferritina sérica, em relação aos de genótipo selvagem. Para os pacientes, 72,5% (37/51) apresentaram ao menos 1 alteração no gene HFE e 11 foram identificados como homozigotos para a mutação p.C282Y. Uma mutação não descrita na literatura (p.V256I) foi identificada no gene HFE e a modelagem molecular (análises de ligação e estrutural) detectou que a mutação não reduziu a afinidade entre as proteínas HFE e β2-microglobulina. No sequenciamento dos éxons dos genes HJV e HAMP foram identificadas as alterações já descritas: HJV p.E302K, HJV p.A310G, HJV p.G320V e HAMP p.R59G. Para o gene TFR2, foram identificados 3 polimorfismos já descritos (p.A75V, p.A617A e p.R752H). No gene SLC40A1 foram observados 6 polimorfismos (rs13008848, rs11568351...

Hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is characterized by increased intestinal iron absorption, which leads to a progressive accumulation of iron in the body. The aims were: 1- to assess the frequency of HFE gene mutations (p.C282Y, p.H63D and p.S65C) and to identify their relationship to iron status in blood donors; 2- to search in primary iron overload patients: 2.1- HFE, 2.2- HJV and HAMP, 2.3- TFR2 and SLC40A1 gene mutations. Blood donors (n=542) were recruited from Hemocentro of Santa Casa Hospital, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The study included 51 patients with transferrin saturation ≥ 50% (women) and ≥ 60% (men) and absence of secondary causes. The genotypes for HFE mutations were evaluated by PCR-RFLP. Subsequent bidirectional sequencing for each gene was performed using the Genetic Analizer sequencer 3500XL®. The frequencies of HFE 282Y, HFE 63D and HFE 65C alleles were 2.1, 13.6 and 0.6% in blood donors, respectively. The first time male donors carrying heterozygous genotype for the p.C282Y mutation had higher transferrin saturation values; and men carrying HFE 63DD and 63HD genotypes had higher serum ferritin concentrations when compared to the wild genotype. Thirtyseven (72.5%) out of the 51 patients presented at least one HFE mutation and 11 were identified as homozygous for the mutation p.C282Y. One novel mutation (p.V256I) in the HFE gene was indentified and molecular modeling (free energy and structural analysis in silico) showed that p.V256I mutation did not reduce the affinity binding between HFE and β2-microglobulin. Sequencing in the HJV and HAMP genes revealed HJV p.E302K, HJV p.A310G, HJV p.G320V and HAMP p.R59G alterations. Sequencing in the TFR2 gene observed 3 polymorphisms (p.A75V, p.A617A e p.R752H); and sequencing in the SLC40A1 gene identified 6 polymorphisms (rs13008848, rs11568351, rs11568345, rs11568344, rs2304704 e rs11568346) and 1 p.G204S non-described mutation. The conclusions were: 1- for blood donors, the presence of HFE 282Y and...

Analysis of HFE and non-HFE gene mutations in Brazilian patients with hemochromatosis

BACKGROUND: Approximately one-half of Brazilian patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) are neither homozygous for the C282Y mutation nor compound heterozygous for the H63D and C282Y mutations that are associated with HH in Caucasians. Other mutations have been described in the HFE gene as well as in genes involved in iron metabolism, such as transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2) and ferroportin 1 (SCL40A1). AIMS: To evaluate the role of HFE, TfR2 and SCL40A1 mutations in Brazilian subjects with HH. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen male subjects (median age 42 [range: 20-72] years) with HH were evaluated using the Haemochromatosis StripAssay A®. This assay is capable of detecting twelve HFE mutations, which are V53M, V59M, H63D, H63H, S65C, Q127H, P160delC, E168Q, E168X, W169X, C282Y and Q283, four TfR2 mutations, which are E60X, M172K, Y250X, AVAQ594-597del, and two SCL40A1 mutations, which are N144H and V162del. RESULTS: In our cohort, nine (47 percent) patients were homozygous for the C282Y mutation, two (11 percent) were heterozygous for the H63D mutation, and one each (5 percent) was either heterozygous for C282Y or compound heterozygous for C282Y and H63D. No other mutations in the HFE, TfR2 or SCL40A1 genes were observed in the studied patients. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of Brazilian subjects with the classical phenotype of HH do not carry HFE or other mutations that are currently associated with the disease in Caucasians. This observation suggests a role for other yet unknown mutations in the aforementioned genes or in other genes involved in iron homeostasis in the pathogenesis of HH in Brazil.

Alterações moleculares associadas à hemocromatose hereditária / Molecular changes associated with hereditary hemochromatosis

A hemocromatose hereditária (HH) é a mais comum doença autossômica em caucasianos e caracteriza-se pelo aumento da absorção intestinal de ferro, o qual resulta em acúmulo progressivo de ferro no organismo. A classificação da HH é realizada de acordo com a alteração genética encontrada, sendo os casos divididos em tipos 1, 2A, 2B, 3 e 4, quando a sobrecarga de ferro for associada aos genes HFE, HJV, HAMP, TFR2 e SLC40A1, respectivamente. Não existem estudos brasileiros que avaliaram a presença de mutações em genes relacionados à fisiopatologia da HH (genes HJV, HAMP, TFR2 e SLC40A1), além da pesquisa das três mutações no gene HFE (C282Y, H63D e S65C). Porém, está descrito, nos estudos realizados no Brasil, que alguns pacientes com sobrecarga de ferro primária não são portadores da HH tipo 1 (associada ao gene HFE). Portanto, é de suma importância a identificação das características genéticas dessa população, uma vez que outras mutações nos genes HJV, HAMP, TFR2 e SLC40A1 podem estar associadas à fisiopatologia da doença, podendo haver interações entre os genes alterados, de forma que possa auxiliar no entendimento da fisiopatologia da HH em pacientes brasileiros.

Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HH) is the most common autosomal disease in Caucasians. It is characterized by an increase in intestinal absorption of iron, which results in a progressive accumulation of iron in the body. The classification of HH is carried out according to the genetic alteration found; thus cases of HH are divided into Types 1, 2A, 2B, 3 and 4, when the iron overload is associated to the HFE, HJV, HAMP, TFR2 and SLC40A1 genes, respectively. There is research on the three HFE gene mutations (C282Y, H63D and S65C) in the Brazilian population however there are no Brazilian studies that evaluate the presence of mutations in other genes related to the pathophysiology of HH (HJV, HAMP, TFR2 and SLC40A1 genes). Nevertheless, studies conducted in Brazil have described that some patients with primary iron overload are not carriers of the Type 1 HH (associated with the HFE gene). Hence, it is very important to identify the genetic characteristics of this population, as mutations of the HJV, HAMP, TFR2 and SLC40A1 genes may be associated with the pathophysiology of the disease, and there may be interactions between mutations. These findings will help in understanding the pathophysiology of patients with HH in Brazil.