Androgen insensitivity syndrome: a review.

PURPOSE: Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a disorder characterized by peripheral androgen resistance due to androgen receptor mutations in subjects with 46 XY karyotype. The severity of hormone resistance (complete, partial or mild) determines the wide spectrum of phenotypes. METHODS: We performed a literature review on Pubmed focusing on etiopathogenesis, molecular alterations, and diagnostic-therapeutic management. RESULTS: AIS is determined by a large variety of X-linked mutations that account for the wide phenotypic spectrum of subjects; it represents one of the most frequent disorders of sexual development (DSD). Clinical suspicion can arise at birth in partial AIS, due to the presence of variable degrees of ambiguity of the external genitalia, and at pubertal age in complete AIS, due to the development of female secondary sex characteristics, primary amenorrhea, and absence of female primary sex characteristics (uterus and ovaries). Laboratory tests showing elevated LH and testosterone levels despite mild or absent virilization may be helpful, but diagnosis can be achieved only after genetic testing (karyotype examination and androgen receptor sequencing). The clinical phenotype and especially the decision on sex assignment of the patient, if the diagnosis is made at birth or in the neonatal period, will guide the following medical, surgical and psychological management. CONCLUSIONS: For the management of AIS, a multidisciplinary team consisting of physicians, surgeons, and psychologists is highly recommended to support the patient and his/her family on gender identity choices and subsequent appropriate therapeutic decisions.

[Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome: diagnosis and multidisciplinary management]. / Síndrome de insensibilidad completa a los andrógenos: diagnóstico y manejo multidisciplinario.

Background: Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is a sexual differentiation disorder, caused by a defect in the androgen receptor gene (AR; OMIM# 313700). It is characterized by the resistance of target tissues to the action of testosterone, which prevents normal male genital development. The objective is to describe a family case of CAIS and highlight the importance of multidisciplinary medical management and early diagnosis of this syndrome. Clinical case: We present two cases of SICA in a Mexican family. Case 1: 18-year-old female patient with primary amenorrhea and a history of surgery at an early age, without performing gonadectomy. Case 2: 11-year-old female patient who, due to the history of her sister, underwent surgery at that age. In both patients, absence of uterus and ovaries, hypoplastic vagina and male gonads is reported. The 46,XY karyotype was detected with the GTG and CBG band technique and fluorescent in situ hybridization with the presence of the Y chromosome in 100% of the cells analyzed. Although both patients were identified with their assigned sex, they were referred to the institution's psychiatric clinic. Conclusions: The importance of multidisciplinary management for the diagnosis of SICA at an early age is discussed, in order to make decisions regarding the treatment and management of patients, avoiding malignant transformation of the male gonads.

Introducción: el síndrome de insensibilidad completa a los andrógenos (SICA) es un desorden de la diferenciación sexual, causado por un defecto en el gen receptor de andrógenos (AR; OMIM# 313700). Se caracteriza por la resistencia de los tejidos diana a la acción de la testosterona, lo que impide el desarrollo genital masculino de manera normal. El objetivo es describir un caso familiar de SICA y destacar la importancia del manejo médico multidisciplinario y el diagnóstico temprano de este síndrome. Caso clínico: presentamos dos casos de SICA en una familia mexicana. Caso 1: paciente de 18 años con amenorrea primaria y antecedente de intervención quirúrgica a edad temprana, sin realizarle gonadectomía. Caso 2: paciente de 11 años que debido al antecedente de su hermana fue intervenida quirúrgicamente a esa edad. En ambas pacientes, se reporta ausencia de útero y ovarios, vagina hipoplásica y gónadas masculinas. El cariotipo 46,XY fue detectado con técnica de bandas GTG y CBG e hibridación in situ fluorescente con presencia del cromosoma Y en el 100% de las células analizadas. Aunque ambas se identificaban con su sexo de asignación, fueron referidas a consulta de psiquiatría de la institución. Conclusiones: se discute la importancia del manejo multidisciplinario para el diagnóstico de SICA a edades tempranas con la finalidad de tomar decisiones respecto al tratamiento y manejo de las pacientes y evitar la malignización de las gónadas masculinas.

Mild Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: The Current Landscape.

OBJECTIVE: Mild androgen insensitivity syndrome (MAIS) belongs to the androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) spectrum, an X-linked genetic disease that is the most common cause of differences in sex development. Unfortunately, AIS studies mainly focus on the partial and complete phenotypes, and the mild phenotype (MAIS) has been barely reported. Our purpose is to explore the MAIS facets, clinical features, and molecular aspects. METHODS: We collected all reported MAIS cases in the medical literature and presented them based on the phenotype and molecular diagnosis. RESULTS: We identified 49 different androgen receptor (AR) mutations in 69 individuals in the literature. We compared the AR mutations presented in individuals with MAIS with AR mutations previously reported in other AIS phenotypes (partial and complete) regarding the type, location, genotype-phenotype correlation, and functional studies. CONCLUSION: This review provides a landscape of the mild phenotype of AIS. Most patients with MAIS present with male factor infertility. Therefore, AR gene sequencing should be considered during male factor infertility investigation, even in males with typically male external genitalia. In addition, MAIS can be part of other medical conditions, such as X-linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (Kennedy disease).

Effect of Jinshui Xiangsheng Prescription on Clinical Outcome of Advanced Prostate Cancer Based on Propensity Score Matching / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Jinshui Xiangsheng prescription on the five-year clinical survival outcome of patients with advanced prostate cancer. MethodFrom May 1, 2014 to May 1, 2016, patients with advanced prostate cancer from Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Urology Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine were collected and treated with Jinshui Xiangsheng prescription (155 cases in the observation group). According to age and Gleason score, the patients without Jinshui Xiangsheng prescription were matched in a ratio of 1∶1 (155 cases in the control group). The androgen resistance rate, survival rate, median survival time, and median progress free survival time in 1, 3, 5 years were observed. The prognostic factors of advanced prostate cancer were analyzed and screened out by Chi-square test, t test, Kaplan-Meier and Cox survival analysis. ResultThe androgen resistance rates in the observation group in 1， 3， 5 years were 9.0% （14/155）， 72.3% （112/155）， and 92.9% （144/155）， respectively， and those in the control group were 20.6% （32/155）， 87.7% （136/155）， and 97.4% （151/155）. The 1-year （χ2=8.271，P<0.01）and 3-year （χ2=11.613，P<0.01） androgen resistance rates in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group. The median survival time and median progress free survival time in the observation group were （26.35±9.01） months and （11.02±4.40） months， respectively， and in the control group were （22.31±9.21） months and （9.87±5.12） months， respectively. The median survival time and median progress free survival time in the observation group were significantly longer than those in the control group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The cumulative survival rates in 1， 3， 5 years in the observation group were 96.1% （149/155）， 80.6% （125/155）， and 39.4% （61/155）， respectively， and those in the control group were 94.2% （146/155）， 60.0% （93/155）， and 22.6% （35/155）， respectively. The 3-year （χ2=15.828，P<0.01） and 5-year （χ2=10.201，P<0.01） cumulative survival rates in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The monofactor analysis showed that the prognostic factors involved in Gleason score， initial prostate specific antigen （PSA）， tumor location， tumor stage， castration regimen， radiotherapy， chemotherapy， complete androgen blockade （CAB）， and Jinshui Xiangsheng prescription （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The multivariate analysis showed that initial PSA， tumor location， and tumor stage were the risk factors affecting the survival time of patients with advanced prostate cancer， whereas Jinshui Xiangsheng prescription， castration regimen， chemotherapy， radiotherapy， and CAB were the independent protective factors affecting the prognosis of advanced prostate cancer. ConclusionJinshui Xiangsheng prescription has a protective effect on the survival of patients with advanced prostate cancer， which reduces the androgen resistance rate and death risk of advanced prostate cancer， thus benefiting the survival of patients. Therefore， it deserves further promotion.

Phosphodiesterase Type-5 Inhibitor Tadalafil Modulates Steroid Hormones Signaling in a Prostate Cancer Cell Line.

BACKGROUND: The androgen receptor (AR) plays a key role in normal prostate homeostasis and in prostate cancer (PCa) development, while the role of aromatase (Cyp19a1) is still unclear. We evaluated the effects of a treatment with Tadalafil (TAD) on both these proteins. METHODS: Androgen-sensitive human PCa cell line (LnCAP) was incubated with/without TAD (10-6 M) and bicalutamide (BCT) (10-4 M) to evaluate a potential modulation on cell proliferation, protein and mRNA expression of Cyp19a, AR and estrogen receptor-ß (ERß), respectively. RESULTS: TAD increased early AR nuclear translocation (p < 0.05, after 15 min of exposure), and increased AR transcriptional activity (p < 0.05) and protein expression (p < 0.05) after 24 h. Moreover, after 24 h this treatment upregulated Cyp19a1 and ERß mRNA (p < 0.05 and p < 0.005 respectively) and led to an increase in protein expression of both after 48 h (p < 0.05). Interestingly, TAD counteracted Cyp19a1 stimulation induced by BCT (p < 0.05) but did not alter the effect induced by BCT on the AR protein expression. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate for the first time that TAD can significantly modulate AR expression and activity, Cyp19a1 and ERß expression in PCa cells, suggesting a specific effect of these proteins. In addition, TAD potentiates the antiproliferative activity of BCT, opening a new clinical scenario in the treatment of PCa.

Unique targeting of androgen-dependent and -independent AR signaling in prostate cancer to overcome androgen resistance.

The androgen receptor (AR) is a major driver of prostate cancer (PCa) and a key therapeutic target for AR inhibitors (ie, Enzalutamide). However, Enzalutamide only inhibits androgen-dependent AR signaling, enabling intrinsic AR activation via androgen-independent pathways, leading to aggressive castration-resistant PCa (CRPC). We investigated the ability of novel anti-cancer agents, Dp44mT and DpC, to overcome androgen resistance. The effect of Dp44mT and DpC on androgen-dependent and independent AR signaling was assessed in androgen-dependent and -independent PCa cells using 2D- and 3D-tissue culture. The clinically trialed DpC was then examined in vivo and compared to Enzalutamide. These agents uniquely promote AR proteasomal degradation and inhibit AR transcription in PCa cells via the upregulation of c-Jun, potently reducing the AR target, prostate-specific antigen (PSA). These agents also inhibited the activation of key molecules in both androgen-dependent and independent AR signaling (ie, EGFR, MAPK, PI3K), which promote CRPC. The clinically trialed DpC also significantly inhibited PCa tumor growth, AR, and PSA expression in vivo, being more potent than Enzalutamide. DpC is a promising candidate for a unique, structurally distinct generation of AR inhibitors that simultaneously target both androgen-dependent and independent arms of AR signaling. No other therapies exhibit such comprehensive and potent AR suppression, which is critical for overcoming the development of androgen resistance.

Safety and efficacy of Vecchietti vaginoplasty in vaginal agenesis: cohort study. Medellín, Colombia 2007-2012 / Seguridad y eficacia de la vaginoplastia de Vecchietti en agenesia vaginal: estudio de cohorte, en Medellín, Colombia, 2007 a 2012

Objective: To describe the Vecchietti vaginoplasty technique (VVT) in patients diagnosed with secondary vaginal agenesis and to analyze the safety and efficacy of this technique. Materials and methods: Historical cohort of patients with vaginal agenesis secondary to Mayer- Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser and androgen insensitivity syndromes, subjected to vaginoplasty using the Vecchietti technique at San Vicente Fundación University Hospital, a high complexity referral institution located in the city of Medellín, during the time period between 2007 and 2012. Patients with functional a vagina for intercourse were excluded. Sampling was consecutive. Sociodemographic, clinical, safety and efficacy variables were measured. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: The main complaint was primary amenorrhea (69.2%). Associated malformations included right renal agenesis (15.4%) and skeletal malformations (15.4%). There was one intra-operative bladder perforation and, postoperatively, there were three (23.1%) minor complications. At 1-year follow-up, a functional vagina had been obtained in 84.6% of cases. Conclusion: Vecchietti vaginoplasty is a simple surgical technique resulting in satisfactory functional outcomes with only minor complications. Further studies with control groups are required in order to better assess the efficacy of the various techniques used for neovagina creation.

Objetivo: describir la técnica de vaginoplastia de Vecchietti (TVV) en pacientes diagnosticadas con agenesia vaginal secundaria y hacer una aproximación a la seguridad y eficacia de esta técnica. Materiales y métodos: cohorte histórica de pacientes con agenesia vaginal secundaria al síndrome de Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser y al síndrome de insensibilidad androgénica, a quienes se les realizó vaginoplastia por técnica de Vecchietti en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación, institución de referencia, de alta complejidad, en el periodo 2007 a 2012. Se excluyeron quienes tenían una vagina funcional para relaciones coitales. Muestreo consecutivo. Se midieron variables sociodemográficas, clínicas, de seguridad y de eficacia. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: el principal motivo de consulta fue la amenorrea primaria (69,2 %). Las malformaciones asociadas fueron agenesia renal derecha (15,4 %) y malformaciones esqueléticas (15,4 %). Se presentó una perforación intraoperatoria de la vejiga y tres complicaciones menores (23,1 %) en el posoperatorio. En el 84,6 % de ellas se obtuvo una vagina funcional a un año de seguimiento. Conclusiones: la TVV es una técnica quirúrgica simple que ha permitido obtener resultados funcionales satisfactorios con complicaciones menores. Se requieren estudios con grupo control para tener una mejor evaluación de la eficacia de las diferentes técnicas de construcción de la neovagina.

Safety and efficacy of Vecchietti vaginoplasty in vaginal agenesis: cohort study. Medellín, Colombia 2007-2012 / Segurança e eficácia da vaginoplastia de Vecchietti na agenesia vaginal: coorte de 2007 a 2012 / Seguridad y eficacia de la vaginoplastia de vecchietti en agenesia vaginal: estudio de cohorte, en medellín, colombia, 2007 a 2012

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir la técnica de vaginoplastia de Vecchietti (TVV) en pacientes diagnosticadas con agenesia vaginal secundaria y hacer una aproxima- ción a la seguridad y eficacia de esta técnica. Materiales y métodos: cohorte histórica de pacientes con agenesia vaginal secundaria al síndrome de Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser y al síndrome de insensibilidad androgénica, a quienes se les realizó vaginoplastia por técnica de Vecchietti en el Hospital Universitario San Vicente Fundación, institución de referencia, de alta complejidad, en el periodo 2007 a 2012. Se excluyeron quienes tenían una vagina funcional para relaciones coitales. Muestreo consecutivo. Se midieron variables socio- demográficas, clínicas, de seguridad y de eficacia. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva. Resultados: el principal motivo de consulta fue la amenorrea primaria (69,2 %). Las malformaciones asociadas fueron agenesia renal derecha (15,4 %) y malformaciones esqueléticas (15,4 %). Se presentó una perforación intraoperatoria de la vejiga y tres complicaciones menores (23,1 %) en el posoperatorio. En el 84,6 % de ellas se obtuvo una vagina funcional a un año de seguimiento. Conclusiones: la TVV es una técnica quirúrgica simple que ha permitido obtener resultados funcionales satisfactorios con complicaciones menores. Se requieren estudios con grupo control para tener una mejor evaluación de la eficacia de las diferentes técnicas de construcción de la neovagina.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the Vecchietti vaginoplasty technique (VVT) in patients diagnosed with sec- ondary vaginal agenesis and to analyze the safety and efficacy of this technique. Materials and methods: Historical cohort of patients with vaginal agenesis secondary to Mayer- Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser and androgen insensitivity syndromes, subjected to vaginoplasty using the Vecchietti technique at San Vicente Fundación University Hospital, a high complexity referral institution located in the city of Medellín, during the time period between 2007 and 2012. Patients with functional a vagina for intercourse were excluded. Sampling was consecutive. Sociodemographic, clinical, safety and efficacy variables were measured. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: The main complaint was primary amenorrhea (69.2%). Associated malformations included right renal agenesis (15.4%) and skeletal malformations (15.4%). There was one intra-operative bladder perforation and, postoperatively, there were three (23.1%) minor complications. At 1-year follow-up, a functional vagina had been obtained in 84.6% of cases. Conclusion: Vecchietti vaginoplasty is a simple surgical technique resulting in satisfactory functional outcomes with only minor complications. Further studies with control groups are required in order to better assess the efficacy of the various techniques used for neovagina creation.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever a técnica da vaginoplastia de Vecchietti (TVV) em pacientes diagnosticadas com agenesia vaginal secundária e fazer uma abordagem a respeito da segurança e eficácia desta técnica. Materiais e métodos: coorte histórica de pacientes com agenesia vaginal secundária à síndrome de Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser e à síndrome de insensibilidade androgênica, que foram submetidas a uma vaginoplastia pela técnica de Vecchietti no Hospital Universitário San Vicente Fundación, estabelecimento de referência, de alta complexidade, no período 2007-2012. Foram excluídas aquelas pacientes que tinham uma vagina funcional para relações coitais. Amostragem consecutiva. Foram mensuradas diversas variáveis sociodemográficas, clínicas, de segurança e de eficácia, utilizando o método de estatística descritiva. Resultados: o principal motivo de consulta foi a amenorreia primária (69,2%). As malformações correlatas foram agenesia renal direita (15,4%) e malformações esqueléticas (15,4%). Verificouse uma perfuração intraoperatória da bexiga e três complicações menores (23,1%) no pós-operatório. Em 84,6% delas conseguiu se uma vagina funcional durante o primeiro ano de acompanhamento. Conclusão: a TVV é uma técnica cirúrgica simples que permitiu obter resultados funcionais satisfatórios com complicações menores. É preciso levantar estudos com grupo-controle para fazer uma melhor avaliação da eficácia das diferentes técnicas de construção da neovagina.

Phosphorylation-induced conformational dynamics in an intrinsically disordered protein and potential role in phenotypic heterogeneity.

Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) that lack a unique 3D structure and comprise a large fraction of the human proteome play important roles in numerous cellular functions. Prostate-Associated Gene 4 (PAGE4) is an IDP that acts as a potentiator of the Activator Protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor. Homeodomain-Interacting Protein Kinase 1 (HIPK1) phosphorylates PAGE4 at S9 and T51, but only T51 is critical for its activity. Here, we identify a second kinase, CDC-Like Kinase 2 (CLK2), which acts on PAGE4 and hyperphosphorylates it at multiple S/T residues, including S9 and T51. We demonstrate that HIPK1 is expressed in both androgen-dependent and androgen-independent prostate cancer (PCa) cells, whereas CLK2 and PAGE4 are expressed only in androgen-dependent cells. Cell-based studies indicate that PAGE4 interaction with the two kinases leads to opposing functions. HIPK1-phosphorylated PAGE4 (HIPK1-PAGE4) potentiates c-Jun, whereas CLK2-phosphorylated PAGE4 (CLK2-PAGE4) attenuates c-Jun activity. Consistent with the cellular data, biophysical measurements (small-angle X-ray scattering, single-molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer, and NMR) indicate that HIPK1-PAGE4 exhibits a relatively compact conformational ensemble that binds AP-1, whereas CLK2-PAGE4 is more expanded and resembles a random coil with diminished affinity for AP-1. Taken together, the results suggest that the phosphorylation-induced conformational dynamics of PAGE4 may play a role in modulating changes between PCa cell phenotypes. A mathematical model based on our experimental data demonstrates how differential phosphorylation of PAGE4 can lead to transitions between androgen-dependent and androgen-independent phenotypes by altering the AP-1/androgen receptor regulatory circuit in PCa cells.

Proteomics analyses of prostate cancer cells reveal cellular pathways associated with androgen resistance.

While significant advances have been made in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, each year tens of thousands of men still die from prostate cancer in the United States. Thus, greater understanding of cellular pathways and molecular basis of prostate cancer progression in the development of androgen resistance is needed to treat these lethal phenotypes. To dissect the mechanism of androgen resistance, we utilize a proteomics approach to study the development of androgen resistance in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Our results showed the predominant involvement of metabolic pathways that were elevated in androgen resistance phenotype. We further found the amplification of PI3K/AKT pathway and the overexpression of proteasome proteins while the mitochondrial oxidation phosphorylation was severely hampered in castration-resistant LNCaP-95 cells compared to LNCaP cells. Interestingly, we also found the induction of Dicer, a cytoplasmic endoribonuclease microRNA regulator in the androgen-ablated LNCaP-95 prostate cancer cells. We verified some of these data by orthogonal methods including Western blot analysis and in castrated animal xenograft studies. To our knowledge, this is the first report showing induced expression of proteasome proteins in androgen ablation prostate cancer cells. If validated in clinical studies, the findings will have significant implications in understanding the complexity of biochemical recurrence in prostate cancer.

Galectin-3 Is Implicated in Tumor Progression and Resistance to Anti-androgen Drug Through Regulation of Androgen Receptor Signaling in Prostate Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)-related deaths are increasing worldwide. Therefore, clarification of the mechanisms of hormone-related tumor progression and resistance to anti-androgen drugs is useful in order to develop strategies for appropriate treatment of CRPC. Galectin-3 has been shown to be correlated with tumor progression in a variety of cancer types through the regulation of tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, and apoptosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined tumor cell invasion and migration using the xCELLigence system. Control LNCaP and galectin-3-expressing LNCaP (LNCaP-Gal-3) cells were cultured with androgen-depleted medium with 5% charcoal-stripped serum. Cells were treated for 24 h with or without dihydrotestosterone alone or combined with MDV3100 and bicalutamide; gene profile was then analyzed by microarray analysis and mRNA expression was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We evaluated tumor growth using spheroids and xenograft tumor growth in a mouse model. RESULTS: In vitro, LNCaP-Gal-3 cells promoted both cell migration and invasion in an androgen-independent manner compared to control LNCaP cells. Galectin-3 also enhanced anchorage-independent growth and xenograft tumor growth even after castration. Importantly, galectin-3 greatly enhanced transcriptional activity of the androgen receptor (AR), especially on treatment with dihydrotestosterone. In microarray and qRT-PCR analyses, galectin-3 increased the expression of several AR-target genes, such as kallikrein-related peptidase 3 (KLK3), and transmembrane protease, serine 2 (TMPRSS2). These AR-target genes were not fully suppressed by anti-androgen drugs such as bicalutamide or MDV3100. Galectin-3 significantly inhibited the effect induced by anti-androgen drugs MDV3100 and bicalutamide, suggesting that galectin-3 may be involved in resistance to anti-androgen drug through enhancement of transcriptional activity of AR and expression of AR-related genes. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that galectin-3 is a potential target molecule for future treatment of anti-androgen drug-resistant prostate cancer.

Distinct Osteomimetic Response of Androgen-Dependent and Independent Human Prostate Cancer Cells to Mechanical Action of Fluid Flow: Prometastatic Implications.

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: Prostate cancer frequently expresses an osteomimetic phenotype, but it is unclear how it is regulated and what biological and clinical implications it confers. Because mechanical forces physiologically regulate bone-remodeling activity in osteocytes, we hypothesized that mechanical action of fluid flow (MAFF) at the cancer microenvironment may similarly foster prostate cancer cell osteomimicry. RESULTS: We showed that in vitro MAFF on androgen-dependent (LNCap) and androgen-independent (PC3) prostate cancer cells remarkably increased OPG, VEGF, RunX2, PTH1R, and PTHrP gene expression in both cell lines irrespective of their androgen dependency. MAFF also altered the cytokine secretion pattern of prostate cancer cells, including Ang2, SCF, and TNFα increase with TRAIL decrease in the supernatant of both cell lines; preferential increase of Leptin and PDGF-BB in LnCap and of VEGF, IL-8, and G-CSF in PC3; and exclusive increase of FGFß, MIF, and PECAM-1 with HGF decrease in LnCap, and of TGBß1, HGF, M-CSF, CXCL1, and CCL7 with NGF decrease in PC3. Murine MLO-Y4 osteocyte-conditioned medium (CM) abrogated M-CSF, G-CSG, IL-8, TNFα, and FGFß secretion-stimulating activity of mechanical stimulation on PC3 cells, and did the opposite effect on LnCap cells. However, MAFF fostered osteomimetic gene expression response of PC3 cells, but not of LnCap cells, to mechanically stimulated osteocyte-CM. Moreover, it abrogated TNFα and IL-8 secretion inhibitory effect of osteocyte-CM on mechanically stimulated PC3 cells and G-CSF, TNFα, and FGFß-stimulating effect on mechanically stimulated LnCap cells. CONCLUSIONS: MAFF activated osteoblast-like phenotype of prostate cancer cells and altered their responses to osteocyte soluble factors. It also induced osteocyte production of osteomimetic gene expression- and cytokine secretion-stimulating factors for prostate cancer cells, particularly, when they were mechanically stimulated. Importantly, MAFF induced a prometastatic response in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells, suggesting the interest of mechanical stimulation-dependent transcription and secretion patterns as diagnostic biomarkers, and as therapeutic targets for the screening of bone-metastasizing phenotype inhibitors upregulated during prostate cancer cell response to MAFF at the cancer microenvironment. Prostate 77:321-333, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

BAY 1024767 blocks androgen receptor mutants found in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients.

Androgen receptor (AR) mutations arise in patients developing resistance to hormone deprivation therapies. Here we describe BAY 1024767, a thiohydantoin derivative with strong antagonistic activity against nine AR variants with mutations located in the AR ligand-binding domain (LBD), and against wild-type AR. Antagonism was maintained, though reduced, at increased androgen levels. Anti-tumor efficacy was evidenced in vivo in the KuCaP-1 prostate cancer model which bears the W741C bicalutamide resistance mutation and in the syngeneic prostate cancer rat model Dunning R3327-G. The prevalence of six selected AR mutations was determined in plasma DNA originating from 100 resistant patients and found to be at least 12%. Altogether the results show BAY 1024767 to be a strong antagonist for several AR mutants linked to therapy resistance, which opens the door for next-generation compounds that can benefit patients based on their mutation profile.

Development and exploitation of a novel mutant androgen receptor modelling strategy to identify new targets for advanced prostate cancer therapy.

The persistence of androgen receptor (AR) signalling in castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) highlights the unmet clinical need for the development of more effective AR targeting therapies. A key mechanism of therapy-resistance is by selection of AR mutations that convert anti-androgens to agonists enabling the retention of androgenic signalling in CRPC. To improve our understanding of these receptors in advanced disease we developed a physiologically-relevant model to analyse the global functionality of AR mutants in CRPC. Using the bicalutamide-activated AR(W741L/C) mutation as proof of concept, we demonstrate that this mutant confers an androgenic-like signalling programme and growth promoting phenotype in the presence of bicalutamide. Transcriptomic profiling of AR(W741L) highlighted key genes markedly up-regulated by the mutant receptor, including TIPARP, RASD1 and SGK1. Importantly, SGK1 expression was found to be highly expressed in the KUCaP xenograft model and a CRPC patient biopsy sample both of which express the bicalutamide-activated receptor mutant. Using an SGK1 inhibitor, AR(W741L) transcriptional and growth promoting activity was reduced indicating that exploiting functional distinctions between receptor isoforms in our model may provide new and effective therapies for CRPC patients.

γ-Oryzanol reduces caveolin-1 and PCGEM1 expression, markers of aggressiveness in prostate cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is a leading cause of death among men due to the limited number of treatment strategies available for advanced disease. γ-oryzanol is a component of rice bran, rich in phytosterols, known for its antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic and endocrinological effects. It is known that γ-oryzanol may affect prostate cancer cells through the down regulation of the antioxidant genes and that phytosterols have anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects. There are evidences showing that some of the components of γ-oryzanol can modulate genes involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer, as caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and prostate specific androgen-regulated gene (PCGEM1). METHODS: To determine the effects of γ-oryzanol on prostate cancer cell survival we evaluated the cell viability and biomass by MTT and sulforhodamine B assays, respectively. Cell death, cell cycle and pERK1/2 activity were assessed by flow cytometry. The changes in gene expression involved in the survival and progression of prostate cancer cav-1 and PCGEM1 genes were evaluated by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and cav-1 protein by immunofluorescence followed by confocal microscopy analysis. RESULTS: We found that γ-oryzanol decreases cell viability and culture biomass by apoptosis and/or necrosis death in androgen unresponsive (PC3 and DU145) and responsive (LNCaP) cell lines, and signals through pERK1/2 in LNCaP and DU145 cells. γ-oryzanol also appears to block cell cycle progression at the G2/M in PC3 and LNCaP cells and at G0/G1 in DU145 cells. These effects were accompanied by a down regulation in the expression of the cav-1 in both androgen unresponsive cell lines and PCGEM1 gene in DU145 and LNCaP cells. CONCLUSION: In summary, we used biochemical and genetics approaches to demonstrate that γ-oryzanol show a promising adjuvant role in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Objective use of testosterone reveals androgen insensitivity in patients with proximal hypospadias.

OBJECTIVE: We report preoperative testosterone stimulation based on glans width measurements in patients with midshaft and proximal hypospadias, revealing androgen resistance in those with proximal hypospadias. METHODS: Patients had maximum glans width measured preoperatively. Those <14 mm initially received 2 mg/kg testosterone cypionate intramuscularly for two to three doses, with the aim of increasing glans width ≥ 15 mm. Not all patients achieved targeted growth, and some were subsequently treated with escalating doses of testosterone. RESULTS: 5/15 midshaft patients had two to three doses of 2 mg/kg testosterone, with all increasing glans width to ≥ 15 mm. 29/47 proximal patients had testosterone, with 13 (57%) not reaching desired glans width. Six of these and another six patients had escalating doses from 4 to 32 mg/kg testosterone, with 11 then achieving targeted glans width. Relative androgen resistance was found in 19/29 (66%) proximal cases, including all treated patients with perineal hypospadias. CONCLUSIONS: 39/62 (63%) patients met objective criteria for preoperative testosterone stimulation based on glans width <14 mm, which is less than the average normal newborn glans diameter. Evidence of relative androgen resistance was found in 19 (49%), all with proximal hypospadias.

Síndrome de Morris / Morris Syndrome

Introducción: el síndrome de resistencia completa a los andrógenos, feminización testicular o síndrome de Morris, puede presentarse en uno de cada 20 000 a 64 000 recién nacidos varones. Objetivo: presentar un caso con genotipo masculino y fenotipo femenino dado por desarrollo mamario, con genitales externos femeninos con hipoplasia de los labios mayores y menores y la vagina muy corta que termina en un fondo de saco ciego. Métodos: se valora en la consulta a una paciente adolescente de 19 años de edad con amenorrea primaria y contacto sexual insatisfactorio (imposibilidad de penetración). Resultados: se comprueba al examen vagina rudimentaria de unos dos centímetros y escaso desarrollo de genitales externos. En los exámenes complementarios se comprueban cifras de testosterona y LH aumentadas, así como el estradiol disminuido y un cariotipo 46 XY por lo que se sospecha síndrome de Morris y se planifica intervención quirúrgica combinada en un tiempo (vaginal y abdominal) donde se realiza anexectomía total derecha por video laparoscopia y reconstrucción de vagina por técnica de Williams. Posoperatorio satisfactorio y seguimiento ulterior por consulta donde se comprueba vagina funcional y estabilidad emocional de la paciente. Conclusiones: el estudio anatomo-patológico comprueba la existencia de ovario y testículo en la muestra quirúrgica lo que confirma el diagnóstico de síndrome de Morris o de resistencia completa a los andrógenos

Introduction:the syndrome of complete androgen resistance, testicular feminization or Morris syndrome may occur in one in 20 000 to 64 000 of male newborns. Objective: to present a case with male genotype and female phenotype given by breast development, female external genitalia with hypoplasia of the labia and very short vagina ending in a blind pouch Methods: a 19 year- old female patient is assisted in consultation due primary amenorrhea and unsatisfactory sexual contact (impossibility of penetration). Results: at examination, we found a rudimentary vagina of about two inches and underdeveloped external genitalia. The exams confirmed increased LH and testosterone levels and decreased estradiol. It is also found a 46 XY karyotype, so Morris syndrome is suspected. Combined surgery is planned for the vagina and abdomen. Total videolaparoscopy right adnexectomy and vaginal reconstruction by technique of Williams are performed. We had satisfactory postoperative and subsequent follow-up consultation where functional vagina and emotional stability of the patient were checked. Conclusions: the pathological study verifies the existence of ovary and testis in the surgical specimen confirming the diagnosis of Morris syndrome or complete androgen resistance

Síndrome de Morris / Morris Syndrome

Introducción: el síndrome de resistencia completa a los andrógenos, feminización testicular o síndrome de Morris, puede presentarse en uno de cada 20 000 a 64 000 recién nacidos varones. Objetivo: presentar un caso con genotipo masculino y fenotipo femenino dado por desarrollo mamario, con genitales externos femeninos con hipoplasia de los labios mayores y menores y la vagina muy corta que termina en un fondo de saco ciego. Métodos: se valora en la consulta a una paciente adolescente de 19 años de edad con amenorrea primaria y contacto sexual insatisfactorio (imposibilidad de penetración). Resultados: se comprueba al examen vagina rudimentaria de unos dos centímetros y escaso desarrollo de genitales externos. En los exámenes complementarios se comprueban cifras de testosterona y LH aumentadas, así como el estradiol disminuido y un cariotipo 46 XY por lo que se sospecha síndrome de Morris y se planifica intervención quirúrgica combinada en un tiempo (vaginal y abdominal) donde se realiza anexectomía total derecha por video laparoscopia y reconstrucción de vagina por técnica de Williams. Posoperatorio satisfactorio y seguimiento ulterior por consulta donde se comprueba vagina funcional y estabilidad emocional de la paciente. Conclusiones: el estudio anatomo-patológico comprueba la existencia de ovario y testículo en la muestra quirúrgica lo que confirma el diagnóstico de síndrome de Morris o de resistencia completa a los andrógenos(AU)

Introduction:the syndrome of complete androgen resistance, testicular feminization or Morris syndrome may occur in one in 20 000 to 64 000 of male newborns. Objective: to present a case with male genotype and female phenotype given by breast development, female external genitalia with hypoplasia of the labia and very short vagina ending in a blind pouch Methods: a 19 year- old female patient is assisted in consultation due primary amenorrhea and unsatisfactory sexual contact (impossibility of penetration). Results: at examination, we found a rudimentary vagina of about two inches and underdeveloped external genitalia. The exams confirmed increased LH and testosterone levels and decreased estradiol. It is also found a 46 XY karyotype, so Morris syndrome is suspected. Combined surgery is planned for the vagina and abdomen. Total videolaparoscopy right adnexectomy and vaginal reconstruction by technique of Williams are performed. We had satisfactory postoperative and subsequent follow-up consultation where functional vagina and emotional stability of the patient were checked. Conclusions: the pathological study verifies the existence of ovary and testis in the surgical specimen confirming the diagnosis of Morris syndrome or complete androgen resistance(AU)