Novel homozygous mutation in a colombian patient with persistent müllerian duct syndrome: expanded phenotype

ABSTRACT The anti-Müllerian hormone triggers the regression of uterus and fallopian tubes in male embryos; if there are problems in the synthesis or action of this protein, Müllerian structures persist in an otherwise phenotypic male. The most frequent clinical presentation of Persistent Mullerian Duct syndrome is cryptorchidism and inguinal hernia. The few cases reported in adults are incidental findings or inguinal hernias. However, we present an adult male with history of bilateral cryptorchidism with unsuccessful orchidopexy, who presents with a large abdominal mass with the finding of a seminomatous tumor and persistence of Müllerian structures, in whom the variant c.916delC (p.Leu306Cysfs*29) in the AMHR2 gene not previously reported was documented.

Los ARNs no codificantes largos y su vinculación con las patologías testiculares / Long non-coding RNAs and their involvement in testicular pathologies / RNAs longos não-codificantes e sua ligação com patologias testiculares

Si bien la porción del genoma destinada a la síntesis de proteínas es muy pequeña, actualmente se sabe que casi todo el genoma se expresa bajo forma de ARNs no codificantes. Entre dichos ARNs se encuentran los ARNs no codificantes largos (lncRNAs). Aunque los lncRNAs han sido muy poco estudiados, recientemente han comenzado a centrar la atención de los investigadores, al descubrirse que los mismos pueden desempeñar diversas funciones en la regulación de la expresión génica. Además, su vinculación con patologías ha comenzado a ser puesta de manifiesto. Curiosamente, la cantidad de lncRNAs presentes en el testículo es abrumadoramente mayor que en cualquier otro órgano o tejido estudiado. Los perfiles de expresión de estos lncRNAs varían significativamente a lo largo de la espermatogénesis, y algunas evidencias sugieren que al menos algunos de ellos podrían participar en el proceso de formación de células germinales masculinas. No obstante, el conocimiento sobre el tema es aún muy escaso. En este trabajo revisamos la información disponible sobre la expresión de lncRNAs en el testículo y sus posibles funciones. Asimismo, analizamos algunos ejemplos que ilustran la participación de lncRNAs en el desarrollo de patologías como la infertilidad y el cáncer testicular.

Although the portion of the genome devoted to protein synthesis is very small, it is now known that almost the entire genome is expressed as non-coding RNAs. Among them, there are long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). Despite that lncRNAs have been very poorly studied, they have recently started to focus the attention of researchers, as it has been found out that lncRNAs can perform diverse functions in the regulation of gene expression. Besides, their involvement in pathologies is being revealed. Intriguingly, the amount of lncRNAs in the testis is overwhelmingly higher than in any other analyzed organ or tissue. LncRNA expression profiles significantly vary along spermatogenesis, and some evidence suggests that at least some of them could participate in the formation of male germ cells. However, knowledge on the subject is still very scarce. In this work we review the available information on the expression of lncRNAs in testis and their possible roles. We also analyze some examples that illustrate the participation of lncRNAs in the development of pathologies such as infertility and testicular cancer.

Embora a porção do genoma usada para a síntese proteica seja muito pequena, sabe-se agora que quase todo o genoma é expresso na forma de RNAs não-codificantes. Entre esses RNAs estão os longos RNAs não codificantes (lncRNAs). Embora os lncRNAs tenham sido pouco estudados, eles recentemente começaram a focar a atenção dos pesquisadores, ao descobrirem que podem desempenhar diversas funções na regulação da expressão gênica. Além disso, sua ligação com as patologias começou a ser revelada. Curiosamente, a quantidade de lncRNAs presentes nos testículos é esmagadoramente maior do que em qualquer outro órgão ou tecido estudado. Os perfis de expressão destes lncRNAs variam significativamente ao longo da espermatogênese, e algumas evidências sugerem que pelo menos alguns deles poderiam participar no processo de formação de células germinativas masculinas. No entanto, o conhecimento sobre o assunto ainda é muito escasso. Neste trabalho, revisamos as informações disponíveis sobre a expressão de lncRNAs no testículo e suas possíveis funções. Também analisamos alguns exemplos que ilustram a participação dos lncRNAs no desenvolvimento de patologias como infertilidade e câncer testicular.

Genes associated with testicular germ cell tumors and testicular dysgenesis in patients with testicular microlithiasis / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Testicular microlithiasis (TM) is one of the symptoms of testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS). TM is particularly interesting as an informative marker of testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs). KIT ligand gene (KITLG), BCL2 antagonist/killer 1 (BAK1), and sprouty RTK signaling antagonist 4 (SPRY4) genes are associated with a high risk of TGCTs, whereas bone morphogenetic protein 7 gene (BMP7), transforming growth factor beta receptor 3 gene (TGFBR3), and homeobox D cluster genes (HOXD) are related to TDS. Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis, we investigated allele and genotype frequencies for KITLG (rs995030, rs1508595), SPRY4 (rs4624820, rs6897876), BAK1 (rs210138), BMP7 (rs388286), TGFBR3 (rs12082710), and HOXD (rs17198432) in 142 TGCT patients, 137 TM patients, and 153 fertile men (control group). We found significant differences in the KITLG GG_rs995030 genotype in TM (P = 0.01) and TGCT patients (P = 0.0005) compared with the control. We also revealed strong associations between KITLG_rs1508595 and TM (G allele, P = 0.003; GG genotype, P = 0.01) and between KITLG_rs1508595 and TGCTs (G allele, P = 0.0001; GG genotype, P = 0.0007). Moreover, there was a significant difference in BMP7_rs388286 between the TGCT group and the control (T allele, P = 0.00004; TT genotype, P = 0.00006) and between the TM group and the control (T allele, P = 0.04). HOXD also demonstrated a strong association with TGCTs (rs17198432 A allele, P = 0.0001; AA genotype, P = 0.001). Furthermore, significant differences were found between the TGCT group and the control in the BAK1_rs210138 G allele (P = 0.03) and the GG genotype (P = 0.01). KITLG and BMP7 genes, associated with the development of TGCTs, may also be related to TM. In summary, the KITLG GG_rs995030, GG_rs1508595, BMP7 TT_rs388286, HOXD AA_rs17198432, and BAK1 GG_rs210138 genotypes were associated with a high risk of TGCT development.

Síndrome H: primer caso pediátrico reportado en América Latina / H syndrome: First reported paediatric case in Latin America

Introducción: El síndrome H es una enfermedad genética extremadamente rara de compromiso multisistémico, el cual clínicamente puede ser reconocido de forma precoz, ofreciendo de manera oportuna un seguimiento, tratamiento específico y asesoramiento genético. Objetivo: Presentar un caso con características «típicas del síndrome H¼ para favorecer su identificación precoz. Caso clínico: Varón de 8 años de edad, evaluado por tumoraciones testiculares, lesiones dérmicas tipo hiperpigmentación con hipertricosis, retraso del lenguaje, talla baja, deformidades articulares, hipoacusia neurosensorial bilateral, anemia, hipergammaglobulinemia y alteraciones óseas. En los estudios histológicos de la piel y las masas testiculares se observó infiltración linfoplasmocitaria. El secuenciamiento del gen SLC29A3 detectó una mutación homocigota c.1087 C>T (p.Arg363Trp; rs387907067) concluyente con el síndrome H, la cual ha sido reportada previamente. Conclusiones: Este es el primer caso reportado en Latinoamérica del síndrome H, cuyas características descritas son parte del espectro clínico. El hallazgo clínico principal, que orienta al diagnóstico, es la hiperpigmentación acompañada de hipertricosis.

Introduction: H Syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disease, with a multisystemic character and which can be identified in early childhood, offering the opportunity of specific treatment and genetic counselling. Objective: To present a clinical case with "typical" characteristics of H Syndrome. Clinical case: The case is presented of an 8-year-old male patient who presented with testicular tumours and skin lesions characterised by hyperpigmentation with hypertrichosis, language delay, short stature, and joint deformities. He also presented with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, anaemia, hypergammaglobulinaemia, and bone disorders. Histopathology studies of the skin and testicular masses reported lymphoplasmacytic infiltration. Sequencing analysis of gene SLC29A3 showed the homozygote mutation c.1087 C>T (p.Arg363Trp; rs387907067). Conclusions: These findings are consistent with H syndrome, and this is the first reported case in Latin America. The key to the diagnosis is the finding of hyperpigmentation with hypertrichosis.

Familial germ cell tumor.

Familial testicular germ cell tumors are well known in literature. Only few cases are reported where both brother and sister of the same family suffered from germ cell malignancies. We present a family where the proband is a survivor of ovarian dysgerminoma stage IA. Her elder male sibling became acutely ill and was detected to have disseminated testicular malignancy with grossly elevated markers and vegetations in the mitral valve leaflets. Despite all measures he could not be saved. Presence of germ cell malignancies in the siblings of different sex in the same family points toward a genetic susceptibility. Literature review revealed only six similar cases. A discussion regarding the rare occurrence of familial germ cell malignancies with the affected family members may be worthwhile.

Is male infertility a forerunner to cancer?

PURPOSE: The frequency of testicular cancer and male infertility has been increasing in the past several decades. This article examines the relationship between male infertility and testicular cancer, concentrating particularly on causal links. RESULTS: Both of these disorders are associated with testicular dysgenesis syndrome and have also been traced to mutations in genes involving DNA repair and tumor suppression, as well as environmental exposure. CONCLUSION: The identification and examination of these common points of origin supports the integration of testicular cancer screenings into the routine evaluation of infertile men.

Familial testicular tumour in two brothers: a case report.

Testicular tumors account for 1% of all cancers in men and it occurs in 1 in 500 men. Incidence of familial testicular tumours is rare. Total number of cases till the year 1992 in identical twins is 21, in brothers 82 and father-son both affected in 31 pairs. We report a case of two brothers presenting simultaneously with testicular tumours. Both were subjected to retrograde orchidectomy. Histopathologic examination of one revealed embryonal cell carcinoma and other mature teratoma of the testis. Patient with embryonal carcinoma was given adjuvant chemotherapy based on Bleomycin, Etoposide and cisplatinum (BEP) and one with mature teratoma was put on a follow up.

Alelotipificación en cáncer de testículo / Alelotypification in testicular cancer

Los marcadores tumorales existentes (alfafetoproteína y gonadotrofina coriónica humana) son patrones indirectos y no están expresados en todos los tumores testiculares (TT) por lo que no permiten una confiabilidad absoluta. Por esto, creemos que la identificación de los genes involucrados en la iniciación y progresión de TT es importante. El estudio del genoma humano (GH) ha ayudado a la identificación de la mayoría de los genes supresores (GS) de tumores descubiertos (p53,VHL,APC,CDKN2,RB). Para lograr detectarlos, se identifican las regiones cromosomales con alta frecuencia de deleciones (AFD) y mediante su estudio sistemático se puede identificar si existen GS involucrados. El objetivo de este trabajo es el estudio del GH(alelotipificación) mediante la amplificación por PCR de secuencias de bases repetidas polimorfas, que se encuentran distribuidas a lo largo del GH. Se seleccionaron 50 casos de TT del tipo seminoma puro y se microdisecó DNA de tejido tumoral y normal en TT. Este material fue amplificado mediante PCR, posteriormente se amplificaron mediante primers conocidos, secuencias cromosómicas determinadas de los sitios cromosomales con altas frecuencias de LOH y MSI buscando zonas calientes. Después de identificadas las regiones hot del mapa cromosómico, se acotó el estudio a los cromosomas 5 y 12. Se utilizaron 12 marcadores, para franquear zonas específicas del 5 y 12, donde encontramos previamente la mayor frecuencia de LOH. Un completo estudio de alelotipificación de alta densidad en los diferentes tipos histológicos de TT permitió detectar una AFD y LOH en cromosomas 12 y 5, detectándose que 47 de 50 casos de seminoma presentan algún marcador con inestabilidad genética en estas zonas, un 78 por ciento de los tumores estudiados (38/50) presentan más de 3 marcadores con inestabilidad. Al franquear las regiones específicas, la frecuencia de inestabilidad (FI) aumenta significativamente en el brazo p de ambos cromosomas. A la luz de los resultados concluimos que existe una FI significativamente alta en los cromosomas 5 y 12, lo que sugiere que en alguna región cercana del brazo corto de estos, se puede encontrar algún GS. Este gen se encontraría posiblemente inactivo, dado que la FI aumenta al cercar el área, lo que hace pensar en un rol supresor. Este es el primer estudio que logra identificar las zonas de inestabilidad cromosomal más frecuentes del TT y ahora realizaremos el estudio de baja densidad con la intención de encontrar este gen.

Primary carcinoid tumor of the testis: immunohistochemical, ultrastructural and DNA flow cytometric study of two cases

Primary testicular carcinoid tumor, occupying 0.23% of testicular neoplasm, is a rare and indolent neoplasm with the potential for distant metastasis. We present two cases of primary pure carcinoid tumor of the testis. Both patients were 36 years old. Physical examination revealed testicular mass with and without tenderness. The preoperative serum levels of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin and alpha-fetoprotein were normal and neither patient had carcinoid syndrome. The tumors measured 7.5x6x4 cm and 5.5x5x4 cm in size. Histologically, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally, the tumors showed typical features of the carcinoid tumor. Case 1 showed extensive tumor necrosis and vascular invasion. DNA flow cytometric analysis showed aneuploidy with DNA index of 1.47 and S+G2M of 14.0% in case 1 and tetraploidy with DNA index of 1.96 and S+G2M of 22.1% in case 2. Both patients have been well without any signs of metastasis after operation for 24 months in case 1 and for 16 months in case 2.