Apparent mineralocorticoid excess: comprehensive overview of molecular genetics.

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess is an autosomal recessive form of monogenic disease characterized by juvenile resistant low-renin hypertension, marked hypokalemic alkalosis, low aldosterone levels, and high ratios of cortisol to cortisone metabolites. It is caused by defects in the HSD11B2 gene, encoding the enzyme 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11ß-HSD2), which is primarily involved in the peripheral conversion of cortisol to cortisone. To date, over 50 deleterious HSD11B2 mutations have been identified worldwide. Multiple molecular mechanisms function in the lowering of 11ß-HSD2 activity, including damaging protein stability, lowered affinity for the substrate and cofactor, and disrupting the dimer interface. Genetic polymorphism, environmental factors as well as epigenetic modifications may also offer an implicit explanation for the molecular pathogenesis of AME. A precise diagnosis depends on genetic testing, which allows for early and specific management to avoid the morbidity and mortality from target organ damage. In this review, we provide insights into the molecular genetics of classic and non-classic apparent mineralocorticoid excess and aim to offer a comprehensive overview of this monogenic disease.

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome in a Brazilian boy caused by the homozygous missense mutation p. R186C in the HSD11B2 gene / Síndrome de excesso aparente de mineralocorticóide em um menino brasileiro causada pela mutação p. R186C em homozigose no gene HSD11B2

The apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome (AME) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to the deficiency of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme (11beta-HSD2). The 11beta-HSD2 enzyme, encoded by HSD11B2 gene, metabolizes active cortisol in cortisone. Mutations on HSD11B2 gene affect the enzyme activity by leading to an excess of cortisol, which causes its inappropriate access to mineralocorticoid receptor. Therefore, cortisol will bind mineralocorticoid receptor. The human HSD11B2 gene maps to chromosome 16q22 and consists of five exons encoding a protein of 405 amino acids. We present here clinical and molecular studies on a Brazilian boy who was born pre-term after an oligodramnious pregnancy. He was diagnosed as having AME at the age of 26 months. His parents are second cousins. Molecular characterization of the HSD11B2 gene revealed the homozygous mutation p.R186C. The patient described here is the second case of HDS11B2 gene mutation reported in Brazilian patients with AME.

A síndrome de excesso aparente de mineralocorticóide (AME) é uma doença autossômica recessiva rara devido à deficiência da enzima 11β-hidroxiesterσide desidrogenase tipo 2 (11beta-HSD2). A enzima 11beta-HSD2 metaboliza o cortisol ativo a cortisona. As mutações no gene HSD11B2, que codifica a enzima, afetam sua atividade levando a um excesso de cortisol, que terá acesso inapropriado ao receptor de mineralocorticóide, competindo com a ligação da aldosterona. O gene HDS11B2 humano está localizado no cromossomo 16q22 e é formado por 5 éxons que codificam uma proteína de 405 aminoácidos. Este relato apresenta os estudos clínicos e moleculares de um paciente brasileiro do sexo masculino que nasceu prematuro depois de uma gestação sob oligodrâmnio. Recebeu o diagnóstico de AME com 26 meses de idade. Seus pais são primos em segundo grau. A caracterização molecular do gene HSD11B2 revelou a mutação p.R186C em homozigose. O paciente descrito é o segundo caso relatado de brasileiro com mutação no gene HSD11B2.