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Desmoid tumors: experience with new modes of therapy.

The oncology group at Tulane has been instrumental in the development of isolated regional perfusion techniques for treatment of melanomas. The perfusion is usually accompanied by wide excision. Our success encouraged similar attempts with persistent, widely invasive desmoid tumors. We used regional chemotherapy in conjunction with wide excision in four cases. Neither the technique nor combination chemotherapy has been used previously against desmoid tumors. Tumor response occurred with nitrogen mustard and with combinations of actinomycin D, thiotepa, and methotrexate. Additionally, one apparent response followed testolactone and chlorothiazide therapy.

Adolescent↗

Adult height after ketoconazole treatment in patients with familial male-limited precocious puberty.

Familial male-limited precocious puberty is a rare cause of precocious puberty due to activating mutations of the LH receptor, leading to early onset virilization and short stature. Two therapeutic approaches have been proposed: the P450 cytochrome inhibitor ketoconazole or combined treatment with spironolactone and testolactone. Results on adult heights have not been reported to date after these two treatments, and in this study we present results from five patients treated with ketoconazole at a median dose of 16.2 mg/kg.d for a median of 6.2 yr. Adult height was 173 cm (median; interquartile range, 14), similar to target height (175 cm; interquartile range, 9) and significantly higher than pretreatment predicted height (165 cm; interquartile range, 12; P < 0.01). During treatment, 39 of 58 (68%) testosterone measurements were less than 0.5 ng/ml (1.7 nmol/liter), nine of 58 (15%) were between 0.5 and 1 ng/ml (3.5 nmol/liter), and 10 of 58 (17%) were above 1 ng/ml. We observed a physiological increase in GnRH-stimulated LH levels after the age of 10 yr, and none of the patients had early activation of the gonadotropic axis. Liver tolerance was excellent, and only one patient had a transient and modest increase in serum transaminases. We conclude that ketoconazole is an efficient and well tolerated long-term treatment of familial male-limited precocious puberty that should be proposed as a first line therapy.

Adult↗

Dominant transmission of prepubertal gynecomastia due to serum estrone excess: hormonal, biochemical, and genetic analysis in a large kindred.

Increased extraglandular aromatization has been reported to cause the rare entity of familial gynecomastia. Recently heterozygous inversions at the p450 aromatase gene promotor locus were detected in two different families with this syndrome. We studied a family in which seven affected males over three generations had inherited prepubertal gynecomastia in an autosomal dominant manner. The proband developed gynecomastia at 11.5 yr, entered puberty at 12.5 yr, but was incompletely virilized at 19 yr. A similar development was observed in his affected stepbrother and one first-degree cousin. All three boys had acceleration of prepubertal growth and bone age. The older two had a diminished pubertal growth spurt and precocious growth arrest, but their final heights were within the range of their target height. In addition, the maternal grandfather and three maternal uncles were affected, who all had been mastectomized. The mother of the proband had normal age at menarche and no macromastia. Estrone levels of the proband and the other affected boys were elevated, 17beta-estradiol levels were high-normal, and testosterone levels were low. Hormonal analyses of the affected adults, who had all fathered children, revealed pathologically low serum testosterone levels but normal to high-normal levels of estradiol and estrone. The mother of the proband had elevated estrone levels. Treatment of the proband was more effective with anastrozole than with testolactone and increased the initially reduced testes volume to normal size, promoted virilization, and normalized serum estrone and testosterone levels. Neither preadipocytes from breast fat tissue of the affected stepbrother nor peripheral lymphocytes of the affected boys exhibited increased aromatase activity in culture. Therefore, these cells can be excluded from being the source of estrone excess. In addition, serum of the proband and his stepbrother did not contain factors promoting aromatase activity as assayed using preadipocytes from control individuals.A repeat polymorphism of the p450 aromatase gene cosegregated with the disease phenotype in the family, making a mutation of the p450 aromatase gene likely. Single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis of the known alternative untranslated exons and all coding exons of the p450 aromatase gene did not indicate any mutation. In addition, fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis using four probes covering the promotor region did not reveal the presence of any major inversion at this locus. In conclusion, preadipocytes and blood cells were excluded as the cell source of increased aromatization. Fluorescent in situ hybridization and single-strand conformational polymorphism analyses did not reveal any mutation of the p450 aromatase gene, but an intragenic polymorphic marker cosegregated with the disease phenotype. Excess of serum estrone in the presence of normal 17beta-estradiol levels may be the only indicative serum parameter of this mild manifestation of aromatase excess syndrome, which includes prepubertal gynecomastia and moderate hypogonadism in men but not necessarily short stature. In women, this mode of aromatase excess may remain clinically inapparent.

Adipocytes↗

The use of human skin fibroblasts to obtain potency estimates of drug binding to androgen receptors.

Although several drugs with antiandrogenic properties have been used to treat such conditions as prostatic carcinoma, precocious puberty, acne, and hirsutism, their relative strengths in human tissues are not known. Most of the compounds that are effective clinically in opposing androgen action interact with the androgen receptor in various assay systems. To determine in human cells the relative potencies of these agents as well as others with androgenic properties, we measured the abilities of various compounds to compete with [3H]dihydrotestosterone [( 3H]DHT) for androgen-binding sites in dispersed human genital skin fibroblasts at 22 degrees C. The concentrations of unlabeled DHT, methyltrienolone (a synthetic non- metabolizeable androgen), and testosterone required for 50% inhibition of [3H]DHT binding were similar, approximately 1 nM [0.87 +/- 0.12 (+/- SE), 1.18 +/- 0.18, and 1.01 +/- 0.20 nM, respectively]. The relative binding activities, defined by the ratio of the concentration of methyltrienolone to the concentration of competitor required for 50% displacement of [3H]DHT, were as follows: spironolactone greater than R2956 (a synthetic antiandrogen) greater than megestrol acetate greater than cyproterone acetate greater than estradiol greater than flutamide much greater than testolactone greater than cimetidine. Danazol, an androgen agonist that causes hirsutism, was nearly as effective as spironolactone in its ability to compete for the fibroblast androgen receptor, 50% inhibition of fibroblast [3H]DHT binding was achieved by 1.76 +/- 0.31 nM spironolactone and 2.85 +/- 0.50 nM danazol. Two other compounds that induce hirsutism, diphenylhydantoin and diazoxide, did not displace [3H]DHT. We conclude that 1) of the compounds tested, spironolactone, which is rapidly metabolized in vivo to a much less potent competitor, is the most potent antiandrogen in its ability to interact in vitro with human skin fibroblast androgen receptors; 2) estradiol is a relatively potent androgen receptor binder; and 3) this receptor assay, combined with metabolic clearance and pharmacokinetic considerations, should be useful in selecting drugs for androgen and antiandrogen therapy.

Binding, Competitive↗

Effects of endogenous testosterone and estradiol on sexual behavior in normal young men.

The importance of androgens in establishing and maintaining sexual function in males of most species is well recognized. Estrogens also stimulate male sexual function in some species. In men, most studies of androgen effects on behavior have used hypogonadal men as an experimental model; much less is known about the role of endogenous testosterone (T) or estradiol (E2) in the regulation of behavior in healthy, eugonadal men. In a randomized, double-blind study, we used a GnRH antagonist, Nal-Glu, without T replacement, to induce acute, profound, reversible gonadal steroid deficiency in 9 normal men for 6 weeks (Nal-Glu alone). We also studied the effects of partial androgen replacement by administering Nal-Glu together with T enanthate, 50 mg im weekly, to 10 other men. A third group of 10 men received Nal-Glu plus T, 100 mg im weekly. We studied the role of endogenous E2 by administering Nal-Glu plus T, 100 mg im weekly, plus an aromatase inhibitor, testolactone (Teslac), 250 mg po qid, to 10 additional men (Nal - Glu + T + Teslac). Nine men received placebo injections and tablets. All subjects completed a behavioral questionnaire during the pretreatment period, at weeks 2, 4, and 6 of treatment, and at 3 weeks posttreatment. Men who received Nal-Glu alone became profoundly hypogonadal within 1 week after treatment began. Serum T levels did not change significantly in the controls and in the men who received full T replacement but decreased to approximately half the baseline level in men who received partial T replacement. E2 levels decreased profoundly in men who received Nal-Glu alone or Nal - Glu + T + Teslac and to a lesser degree in men who received partial T replacement. In men who received Nal-Glu alone, there were clinically and statistically significant decreases in the frequency of sexual desire, sexual fantasies, and intercourse at 4-6 weeks. These men also showed a strong trend (P = 0.55) towards decreased spontaneous erections after 4 and 6 weeks of treatment. A significant decrease in the frequency of masturbation was evident after 6 weeks. All measures returned to normal by posttreatment week 3. There was a trend toward increased aggression in the hypogonadal men, but this did not reach statistical significance. No changes in satisfaction or happiness with their partners were observed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adult↗

The aromatase excess syndrome is associated with feminization of both sexes and autosomal dominant transmission of aberrant P450 aromatase gene transcription.

Increased extraglandular aromatization has been reported as the cause of familial gynecomastia. We studied a kindred with aromatase excess inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, in which affected males had heterosexual precocity and/or gynecomastia, and affected females had isosexual precocity and/or macromastia. The propositus was a 9-yr-old boy with gynecomastia. His 7.5-yr-old sister had precocious puberty, and their father and paternal grandmother had peripubertal gynecomastia and macromastia, respectively. Serum concentrations of gonadal and adrenal steroid hormones were determined before and after the administration of corticotropin and/or hCG. Aromatase activity was determined by [3H]delta4-androstenedione to [3H]estrone conversion by cultured skin fibroblasts and/or Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphocytes and was detected by immunohistochemistry and/or Western analysis. Linkage was examined with a polymorphism of the aromatase (P450arom) gene. The P450arom messenger ribonucleic acid was analyzed by rapid amplification of complementary DNA (cDNA) ends, ribonuclease protection assay, and RT-PCR. hCG testing demonstrated a high rate of conversion of delta4-androstenedione to estrone and of testosterone to estradiol in the propositus and his father. Treatment of the propositus and his sister was initiated with an aromatase inhibitor (testolactone) and a GnRH analog, which successfully delayed skeletal and pubertal development in both children. Markedly increased aromatase activity was found in the patients' fibroblasts and Epstein-Barr virus-transformed lymphocytes. The P450arom polymorphism segregated with the disease in the family. A new 5'-splice variant was present in the patients' P450arom messenger ribonucleic acid, thus identifying yet another first exon of this gene, which appears to be aberrantly expressed in this family. In conclusion, a family with the aromatase excess syndrome is described, in which the condition was inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, led to feminizing manifestations in both sexes, and was associated with the aberrant utilization of a novel transcript of the P450arom gene.

Adult↗

Male LH-independent sexual precocity in a 3.5-year-old boy caused by a somatic activating mutation of the LH receptor in a Leydig cell tumor.

We describe the clinical features of severe sexual precocity in a 3.5-yr-old boy. Hormonal evaluation showed LH-independent T hypersecretion. Initial examination of the adrenals and testes revealed no evidence of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hCG- or androgen-secreting tumors, or McCune-Albright syndrome. In the coding sequence of the LH receptor gene no activating mutation was found. Spironolactone (5.7 mg/kg x d) and testolactone (40 mg/kg x d) were unsuccessful in suppressing the elevated concentration of T. To further determine the origin of the elevated serum T, a selective venous sampling procedure was planned. However before the sampling procedure, high resolution ultrasound examination showed a small tumor in the left testis, which was removed. Histology proved the tumor to be a Leydig cell adenoma. Sequencing of the tumor LH receptor gene revealed a heterozygous mutation in exon 11 encoding a replacement of aspartic acid at position 578 with histidine, which has been shown to be a constitutively activating mutation. These findings indicate that in male patients with gonadotropin-independent sexual precocity, the presence of small testicular Leydig cell tumors harboring a somatic mutation of the LH receptor gene should be considered.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Paediatric management of endocrine complications in McCune-Albright syndrome.

McCune-Albright syndrome was diagnosed at 2.5 years in a male, with a lower limb fracture and café-au-lait markings. Polyostotic fibrous dysplasia was treated with pamidronate for 4 years, with control of bone pain, improved quality of life, normal growth and visual fields monitored 4-6 monthly. Gonadotrophin independent precocious puberty occurred between ages 5-7 years but was slowly progressive, requiring no treatment. Bone age was 9 years at 7.5 years. From age 8-8.5 years, growth velocity increased further, with widening of spaces between teeth, acral enlargement, sweating and facial acne but no change in pubertal status (testes 6 ml, pubic hair Tanner stage I). Binasal field loss occurred. MRI demonstrated a bulging pituitary gland typical of adolescence, with no discrete tumour, with a markedly thickened calvarium and sphenoid. Bone age advanced from 9 to 12 years in 1 year. Basal growth hormone (GH) was 78 mIU/l, rising to 100 mIU/l with glucose tolerance test, basal IGF-I 2.4 IU/l, FSH <0.1 mIU/l, LH 0.1 mIU/l, testosterone 1.4 nmol/l. Treatment with octreotide LAR, flutamide and testolactone resulted in control of GH (12 mIU/l) and precocious puberty, slowing of growth, return to normal jaw size and tooth spacing, sweating, acne, facial appearance and restoration of full visual fields. Response demonstrated short-term efficacy of medical treatment and a remarkable capacity for facial remodelling in a child with acromegaly. Visual field change is attributed to reduction in soft tissue swelling around the optic foramina. Management issues concern long-term control of GH secretion, the impracticability of surgery in this patient and radiotherapy concerns in a young child.

Acromegaly↗

Tamoxifen improved final height prediction in a girl with McCune-Albright syndrome: patient report and literature review.

McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is characterized by gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty, café-au-lait spots on the skin and polyostotic fibrous dysplasia of bones. Treatment of precocious puberty (PP) in MAS should be considered in patients with poor predicted adult height (PAH). Treatment of gonadotropin-independent PP in MAS with ketoconazole, cyproterone acetate or testolactone, an aromatase inhibitor, does not appear to be always effective in slowing bon. maturation. We report here a Thai girl with MAS who received tamoxifen, one of the selective estrogen receptor modulators, for the management of advanced puberty and rapid bone maturation. Her pubertal progression, vaginal bleeding, growth rate and PAH improved during treatment with tamoxifen despite persistently elevated serum estradiol levels and an enlarged ovarian cyst.

Body Height↗

Aromatase and gynecomastia.

An imbalance between estrogen action relative to androgen action at the breast tissue level results in gynecomastia. Enhancement of aromatization of androgens to estrogens is important in the pathogenesis of gynecomastia associated with obesity, aging, puberty, liver disease, thyrotoxicosis, 17-oxosteroid reductase deficiency. Klinefelter's syndrome, and neoplasms of the testes, adrenals and liver. A primary aromatase excess syndrome with exuberant gynecomastia had been found both sporadically and in a familial setting. Although aromatase inhibition would appear to be an important class of drugs to treat gynecomastia, relatively little published data with these drugs exist and most concern the use of delta1-testolactone, which reduces the size of the breast glandular tissue, but does not completely ameliorate the problem. Studies with the newer generation of more potent aromatase inhibitors need to be carried out.

Aromatase↗

Treatment of male fertility disturbances. Current concepts.

Medical therapy of male infertility aims to improve or normalise the fertility status of a subfertile patient. However, this can be a frustrating task due to limited knowledge about the pathophysiology of male reproductive functions, and the fact that pharmacological therapy is mainly empirical and less often specific. Nevertheless, the spectrum of treatment approaches has increased within the last decade and comprises hormonal and non-hormonal compounds. Hormonal therapy is performed with antioestrogens (clomiphene, tamoxifen), gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH), prolactin inhibitors (bromocriptine), gonadotrophins (hMG, hCG), androgens (testosterone, mesterolone), and testosterone aromatase inhibitors (testolactone). Tissue hormone-releasing proteases (kallikrein) can also be applied, liberating kinins as mediator substances with different effects at the cellular level. Non-hormonal therapy includes improvement of testicular microcirculation by oxpentifylline, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents, drugs to improve or allow emission and ejaculation, and psychotropic and antispasmodic drugs to diminish functional disturbances induced by emotional stress. Treatment schedules are either specifically or empirically based. If treatment is based on a pathophysiological concept which implies strong patient selection, success of treatment is excellent. In contrast, despite an increased number of compounds, empirically based therapies remain unpredictable and the results are moderate and often not reproducible. However, when different drugs are compared with a placebo group in selected, well-controlled patients with idiopathic normogonadotrophic oligozoospermia, pregnancy rates will be in the range of 30 to 40% within an observation period of 1 year, as compared with the spontaneous conception rate of between 10 and 20%.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Drug treatment in precocious puberty.

Precocious puberty, as defined by the onset of pubertal development before the age of 8 years in girls or 9 years in boys, can be classified into central and peripheral aetiologies. Central precocious puberty (CPP) results from early activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and has similar physical and hormonal characteristics to normal puberty. Extrapituitary gonadotrophin secretion or independent sex steroid secretion results in peripheral precocious puberty (PPP). Precocious puberty is characterised by rapid growth and advancement of skeletal age. The skeletal advancement is greater than the growth increase, so that final adult height is compromised. Long-acting gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are the current therapy of choice for central precocious puberty, having demonstrated effectiveness in halting the precocious development associated with this condition with minimal side effects. GnRH agonists are not effective as therapy for peripheral precocious puberty, but a number of other agents have been used with some success. These include androgen antagonists, testolactone, ketoconazole, and medroxyprogesterone acetate. The use of GnRH agonists has been associated with an increase in predictions of final height; however, continuing studies in treated cohorts are necessary to determine the true benefit of any of these agents on increasing ultimate height.

Adolescent↗

Testotoxicosis: current viewpoint.

Testotoxicosis is a form of gonadotropin-independent (peripheral) precocious puberty in which boys experience early onset and progression of puberty. Patients have accelerated growth, early development of secondary sexual characteristics and usually reduced adult height. Testotoxicosis is caused by an activating mutation of the luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor, leading to increased levels of sex steroids in the context of low LH. Therapy has, therefore, traditionally targeted steroidogenesis. However, the drugs used have been associated with side effects. More recently, a combination of an oral anti-androgen (spironolactone) and an aromatase inhibitor (testolactone) decreased height velocity and improved predicted height. A phase II study in testotoxicosis is currently underway,exploring the combination of a highly selective anti-androgen, bicalutamide, and the potent aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole. These agents are well tolerated in the populations in which they have been studied and effectively inhibit testosterone activity and estrogen production, in adult patients.

Anastrozole↗

[The antiestrogen effect].

The effects of estradiol, which are requisite for the normal occurrence of events related to reproduction, are not restricted to that field. They play a part in the overall trophicity of the female organism. On the other hand, relative or absolute estrogen hyperactivity results in harmful clinical effects and in disastrous cellular consequences, i.e. initiation or promotion of genital carcinomas. After a review of the different steps of the synthesis and action of estradiol, the various compounds that are active on these steps are considered: antigonadotropes (norsteroid progestogens, androgens, danazol, prolactin, corticosteroids, LHRH), inhibitors of estrogen synthesis (aminogluthetimide and testolactone), compounds that increase catabolism (progestogens), and antagonists of the cellular effect of estradiol (tamoxifen, nafoxidin, clomifen, progesterone, progestogens and androgens). The putative or established site of action and the main aspects of therapeutic use are given for each substance.

Aminoglutethimide↗

Update on therapy for precocious puberty.

The onset of pubertal development before age 8 years in girls or 9 years in boys indicates precocious puberty. The numerous causes of precocious puberty can be classified as central or peripheral. CPP arises from premature activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis; therefore, it has hormonal and physical characteristics similar to normal puberty. PPP results from production of sex steroids independent of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. All types of precocious puberty are characterized by rapid growth and skeletal advancement, leading to the paradox of the tall child becoming a short adult secondary to early epiphyseal fusion. The choice of therapy for precocious puberty is dependent on the underlying etiology with differing strategies employed for central and peripheral causes (Table 3). Long-acting GnRH-a provide effective, selective, and reversible therapy for CPP. GnRH-agonists are not effective in PPP; however, other agents such as testolactone, spironolactone, and ketoconazole can be used to manage the premature sexual maturation associated with these conditions.

Adolescent↗