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  • Abstract: adrenarche x
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  • Abstract: fertility x
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  • Abstract: infertility x
  • Abstract: Kallmann x
  • Abstract: Klinefelter x
  • Abstract: menarche x
  • Abstract: menopause x
  • Abstract: puberty x
  • Abstract: testes x
  • Abstract: Turner x
  • Abstract: ovary x
  • Abstract: follicles x
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Neil R Chappell Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Family Fertility Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA

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Beth Zhou Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Family Fertility Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA

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Amy K Schutt Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Family Fertility Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA

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William E Gibbons Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Family Fertility Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA

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Chellakkan S Blesson Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Division, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine and Family Fertility Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA

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Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common ovulatory defect in women. Although most PCOS patients are obese, a subset of PCOS women are lean but show similar risks for adverse fertility outcomes. A lean PCOS mouse model was created using prenatal androgen administration. This developmentally programmed mouse model was used for this study. Our objective was to investigate if mitochondrial structure and functions were compromised in oocytes obtained from lean PCOS mouse. The lean PCOS mouse model was validated by performing glucose tolerance test, HbA1c levels, body weight and estrous cycle analyses. Oocytes were isolated and were used to investigate inner mitochondrial membrane potential, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, ATP production, mtDNA copy number, transcript abundance and electron microscopy. Our results demonstrate that lean PCOS mice have similar weight to that of the controls but exhibit glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinemia along with dysregulated estrus cycle. Analysis of their oocytes show impaired inner mitochondrial membrane function, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increased RNA transcript abundance. Electron microscopy of the oocytes showed impaired mitochondrial ultrastructure. In conclusion, the lean PCOS mouse model shows a decreased oocyte quality related to impaired mitochondrial ultrastructure and function.

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Elin Kahlert Clinic of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

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Martina Blaschke Clinic of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
Endokrinologikum Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

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Knut Brockmann Interdisciplinary Pediatric Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities and Severe Chronic Disorders, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

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Clemens Freiberg Interdisciplinary Pediatric Center for Children with Developmental Disabilities and Severe Chronic Disorders, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

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Onno E Janssen Endokrinologikum Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

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Nikolaus Stahnke Endokrinologikum Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany

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Domenika Strik Endokrinologikum Berlin, Berlin, Germany

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Martin Merkel Endokrinologikum Hannover, Hannover, Germany

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Alexander Mann Endokrinologikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany

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Klaus-Peter Liesenkötter Endokrinologikum Berlin, Berlin, Germany

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Heide Siggelkow Clinic of Gastroenterology and Endocrinology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany
Endokrinologikum Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany

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Objective

Turner syndrome (TS) is characterized by the complete or partial loss of the second sex chromosome and associated with a wide range of clinical manifestations. We aimed to assess the medical care of adult patients with TS in Germany.

Design

Retrospective multicenter observational study.

Methods

Data were collected from medical records of 258 women with TS treated between 2001 and 2017 in five non-university endocrinologic centers in Germany.

Results

Mean age was 29.8 ± 11.6 years, mean height 152 ± 7.7 cm, and mean BMI 26.6 ± 6.3 kg/m2. The karyotype was known in 50% of patients. Information on cholesterol state, liver enzymes, and thyroid status was available in 81–98% of women with TS; autoimmune thyroiditis was diagnosed in 37%. Echocardiography was performed in 42% and cardiac MRI in 8.5%, resulting in a diagnosis of cardiovascular disorder in 28%. Data on growth hormone therapy were available for 40 patients (15%) and data concerning menarche in 157 patients (61%).

Conclusion

In 258 women with TS, retrospective analysis of healthcare data indicated that medical management was focused on endocrine manifestations. Further significant clinical features including cardiovascular disease, renal malformation, liver involvement, autoimmune diseases, hearing loss, and osteoporosis were only marginally if at all considered. Based on this evaluation and in accordance with recent guidelines, we compiled a documentation form facilitating the transition from pediatric to adult care and further medical management of TS patients. The foundation of Turner Centers in March 2019 will improve the treatment of TS women in Germany.

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Helene Bandsholm Leere Tallaksen Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

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Emma B Johannsen Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

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Jesper Just Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

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Mette Hansen Viuff Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

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Claus H Gravholt Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

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Anne Skakkebæk Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

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Sex chromosome abnormalities (SCAs) are chromosomal disorders with either a complete or partial loss or gain of sex chromosomes. The most frequent SCAs include Turner syndrome (45,X), Klinefelter syndrome (47,XXY), Trisomy X syndrome (47,XXX), and Double Y syndrome (47,XYY). The phenotype seen in SCAs is highly variable and may not merely be due to the direct genomic imbalance from altered sex chromosome gene dosage but also due to additive alterations in gene networks and regulatory pathways across the genome as well as individual genetic modifiers. This review summarizes the current insight into the genomics of SCAs. In addition, future directions of research that can contribute to decipher the genomics of SCA are discussed such as single-cell omics, spatial transcriptomics, system biology thinking, human-induced pluripotent stem cells, and animal models, and how these data may be combined to bridge the gap between genomics and the clinical phenotype.

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Dorte Glintborg Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Magda Lambaa Altinok Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Pernille Ravn Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Kurt Bjerregaard Stage Department of Psychiatry, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Kurt Højlund Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Marianne Andersen Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark

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Background/aims

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance, adrenal hyperactivity and decreased mental health. We aimed to investigate the changes in adrenal activity, metabolic status and mental health in PCOS during treatment with escitalopram or placebo.

Methods

Forty-two overweight premenopausal women with PCOS and no clinical depression were randomized to 12-week SSRI (20 mg escitalopram/day, n = 21) or placebo (n = 21). Patients underwent clinical examination, fasting blood samples, adrenocorticotroph hormone (ACTH) test, 3-h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and filled in questionnaires regarding mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL): WHO Well-Being Index (WHO-5), Major Depression Inventory (MDI), Short Form 36 (SF-36) and PCOS questionnaire.

Results

Included women were aged 31 (6) years (mean (s.d.)) and had body mass index (BMI) 35.8 (6.5) kg/m2 and waist 102 (12) cm. Escitalopram was associated with increased waist (median (quartiles) change 1 (0; 3) cm), P = 0.005 vs change during placebo and increased cortisol levels (cortisol 0, cortisol 60, peak cortisol and area under the curve for cortisol during ACTH test), all P< 0.05 vs changes during placebo. Escitalopram had no significant effect on measures of insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, fasting lipids, mental health or HRQoL.

Conclusion

Waist circumference and cortisol levels increased during treatment with escitalopram in women with PCOS and no clinical depression, whereas metabolic risk markers, mental health and HRQol were unchanged.

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Wolfgang Koechling Ferring Pharmaceuticals A/S, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Daniel Plaksin Bio-Technology General Israel Ltd, Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Kiryat Malachi, Israel

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Glenn E Croston Croston Consulting, San Diego, California, USA

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Janni V Jeppesen The Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Department of Fertility at The Juliane Marie Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital and The University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Kirsten T Macklon The Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Department of Fertility at The Juliane Marie Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital and The University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Claus Yding Andersen The Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, The Department of Fertility at The Juliane Marie Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital and The University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

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Recombinant FSH proteins are important therapeutic agents for the treatment of infertility, including follitropin alfa expressed in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells and, more recently, follitropin delta expressed in the human cell line PER.C6. These recombinant FSH proteins have distinct glycosylation, and have distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles in women. Comparative experiments demonstrated that follitropin delta and follitropin alfa displayed the same in vitro potency at the human FSH receptor, but varied in their pharmacokinetics in mouse and rat. While follitropin delta clearance from serum depended in part on the hepatic asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR), follitropin alfa clearance was unaffected by ASGPR inhibition in rat or genetic ablation in mice. The distinct properties of follitropin delta and follitropin alfa are likely to contribute to the differing pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles observed in women and to influence their efficacy in therapeutic protocols for the treatment of infertility.

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Karim Gariani Service of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Therapeutic Patient Education, Geneva University Hospitals and Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland

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François R Jornayvaz Service of Endocrinology, Diabetes, Nutrition and Therapeutic Patient Education, Geneva University Hospitals and Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
Diabetes Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the industrialized world. NAFLD encompasses a whole spectrum ranging from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. The latter can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, NASH is the most rapidly increasing indication for liver transplantation in western countries and therefore represents a global health issue. The pathophysiology of NASH is complex and includes multiple parallel hits. NASH is notably characterized by steatosis as well as evidence of hepatocyte injury and inflammation, with or without fibrosis. NASH is frequently associated with type 2 diabetes and conditions associated with insulin resistance. Moreover, NASH may also be found in many other endocrine diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, male hypogonadism, growth hormone deficiency or glucocorticoid excess, for example. In this review, we will discuss the pathophysiology of NASH associated with different endocrinopathies.

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Teresa Vilariño-García Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology. Medical School, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain

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Antonio Pérez-Pérez Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology. Medical School, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain

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Esther Santamaría-López Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI), Seville, Spain

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Nicolás Prados Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI), Seville, Spain

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Manuel Fernández-Sánchez Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI), Seville, Spain

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Víctor Sánchez-Margalet Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology. Medical School, Virgen Macarena University Hospital, University of Seville, Seville, Spain

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Introduction

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic disorder associated with ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, obesity, and insulin resistance, that leads to subfertility. Sam68 is an RNA-binding protein with signaling functions that is ubiquitously expressed, including gonads. Sam68 is recruited to leptin signaling, mediating different leptin actions.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the role of Sam68 in leptin signaling, mediating the effect on aromatase expression in granulosa cells and the posible implication of Sam68 in the leptin resistance in PCOS.

Materials and methods

Granulosa cells were from healthy donors (n = 25) and women with PCOS (n = 25), within the age range of 20 to 40 years, from Valencian Infertility Institute (IVI), Seville, Spain. Sam68 expression was inhibited by siRNA method and overexpressed by expression vector. Expression level was analysed by qPCR and immunoblot. Statistical significance was assessed by ANOVA followed by different post-hoc tests. A P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

We have found that leptin stimulation increases phosphorylation and expression level of Sam68 and aromatase in granulosa cells from normal donors. Downregulation of Sam68 expression resulted in a lower activation of MAPK and PI3K pathways in response to leptin, whereas overexpression of Sam68 increased leptin stimulation of signaling, enhancing aromatase expression. Granulosa cells from women with PCOS presented lower expression of Sam68 and were resistant to the leptin effect on aromatase expression.

Conclusions

These results suggest the participation of Sam68 in leptin receptor signaling, mediating the leptin effect on aromatase expression in granulosa cells, and point to a new target in leptin resistance in PCOS.

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Hamidreza Mani Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK

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Yogini Chudasama Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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Michelle Hadjiconstantinou Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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Danielle H Bodicoat Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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Charlotte Edwardson Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK
The Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester and Loughborough, UK

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Miles J Levy Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK

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Laura J Gray Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK

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Janette Barnett Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK

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Heather Daly Leicester Medical Group, Thurmaston Health Centre, Leicester, UK

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Trevor A Howlett Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK

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Kamlesh Khunti Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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Melanie J Davies Diabetes Research Centre, Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK

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Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of a structured education programmes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods

Single-centre, randomised controlled trial, testing a single exposure to a group-based, face-to-face, structured education programme. Inclusion criteria were women with PCOS, aged 18–49 years inclusive and body mass index ≥23 kg/m2 for black and minority ethnicities or ≥25 kg/m2 for white Europeans. Primary outcome was step-count/day at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included indices of physical activity, cardiovascular risk factors, quality of life (QoL) and illness perception (IP).

Results

161 women were included (78 control, 83 intervention); 69% white; mean age 33.4 (s.d. 7.6) years, of whom 100 (48 intervention; 52 control) attended their 12-month visit (38% attrition). 77% of the intervention arm attended the education programme. No significant change in step-count was observed at 12 months (mean difference: +351 steps/day (95% confidence interval −481, +1183); P = 0.40). No differences were found in biochemical or anthropometric outcomes. The education programme improved participants’ IP in 2 dimensions: understanding their PCOS (P < 0.001) and sense of control (P < 0.01) and improved QoL in 3 dimensions: emotions (P < 0.05), fertility (P < 0.05), weight (P < 0.01) and general mental well-being (P < 0.01).

Discussion

A single exposure to structured education programme did not increase physical activity or improve biochemical markers in overweight and obese women with PCOS. However, providing a structured education in parallel to routine medical treatment can be beneficial for participants’ understanding of their condition, reducing their anxiety and improving their QoL.

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Masatada Watanabe Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan

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Shuji Ohno Division of Research for Pharmacy Students Education, Hoshi University, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan

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Hiroshi Wachi Laboratory of Tissue Regeneration, Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan

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Emerging evidence suggests that sex steroids are important for human skin health. In particular, estrogen improves skin thickness, elasticity and moisture of older women. The major source of circulating estrogen is the ovary; however, local estrogen synthesis and secretion have important roles in, for example, bone metabolism and breast cancer development. We hypothesized that infiltrated peripheral monocytes are one of the sources of estrogen in skin tissues. We also hypothesized that, during atopic dermatitis under stress, a decline in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) and facilitation of the (hypothalamus)–sympathetic–adrenomedullary system (SAM) attenuates estrogen secretion from monocytes. Based on this hypothesis, we tested aromatase expression in the human peripheral monocyte-derived cell line THP-1 in response to the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex), the synthetic β-agonist isoproterenol (Iso) and the β-antagonist propranolol (Pro). Dex mimics glucocorticoid secreted during excitation of the HPA, and Iso mimics catecholamine secreted during excitation of the SAM. We found that aromatase activity and the CYP19A1 gene transcript were both upregulated in THP-1 cells in the presence of Dex. Addition of Iso induced their downregulation and further addition of Pro rescued aromatase expression. These results may suggest that attenuation of estrogen secretion from peripheral monocytes could be a part of the pathology of stress-caused deterioration of atopic dermatitis. Further examination using an in vitro human skin model including THP-1 cells might be a valuable tool for investigating the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of estrogen treatment for skin health.

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Luigi Laino Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Hematology, Psychology Department, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Genetics, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Sapienza University, A.O. San Camillo-Forlanini, Padiglione Morgagni, I piano, UOC Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, Rome 00152, Italy

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Silvia Majore Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Hematology, Psychology Department, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Genetics, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Sapienza University, A.O. San Camillo-Forlanini, Padiglione Morgagni, I piano, UOC Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, Rome 00152, Italy

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Nicoletta Preziosi Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Hematology, Psychology Department, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Genetics, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Sapienza University, A.O. San Camillo-Forlanini, Padiglione Morgagni, I piano, UOC Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, Rome 00152, Italy

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Barbara Grammatico Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Hematology, Psychology Department, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Genetics, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Sapienza University, A.O. San Camillo-Forlanini, Padiglione Morgagni, I piano, UOC Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, Rome 00152, Italy

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Carmelilia De Bernardo Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Hematology, Psychology Department, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Genetics, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Sapienza University, A.O. San Camillo-Forlanini, Padiglione Morgagni, I piano, UOC Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, Rome 00152, Italy

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Salvatore Scommegna Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Hematology, Psychology Department, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Genetics, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Sapienza University, A.O. San Camillo-Forlanini, Padiglione Morgagni, I piano, UOC Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, Rome 00152, Italy

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Anna Maria Rapone Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Hematology, Psychology Department, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Genetics, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Sapienza University, A.O. San Camillo-Forlanini, Padiglione Morgagni, I piano, UOC Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, Rome 00152, Italy

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Giacinto Marrocco Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Hematology, Psychology Department, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Genetics, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Sapienza University, A.O. San Camillo-Forlanini, Padiglione Morgagni, I piano, UOC Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, Rome 00152, Italy

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Irene Bottillo Department of Molecular Medicine, Department of Pediatrics and Hematology, Psychology Department, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Medical Genetics, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Sapienza University, A.O. San Camillo-Forlanini, Padiglione Morgagni, I piano, UOC Laboratorio di Genetica Medica, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, Rome 00152, Italy

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Paola Grammatico
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Sex development is a process under genetic control directing both the bi-potential gonads to become either a testis or an ovary, and the consequent differentiation of internal ducts and external genitalia. This complex series of events can be altered by a large number of genetic and non-genetic factors. Disorders of sex development (DSD) are all the medical conditions characterized by an atypical chromosomal, gonadal, or phenotypical sex. Incomplete knowledge of the genetic mechanisms involved in sex development results in a low probability of determining the molecular definition of the genetic defect in many of the patients. In this study, we describe the clinical, cytogenetic, and molecular study of 88 cases with DSD, including 29 patients with 46,XY and disorders in androgen synthesis or action, 18 with 46,XX and disorders in androgen excess, 17 with 46,XY and disorders of gonadal (testicular) development, 11 classified as 46,XX other, eight with 46,XX and disorders of gonadal (ovarian) development, and five with sex chromosome anomalies. In total, we found a genetic variant in 56 out of 88 of them, leading to the clinical classification of every patient, and we outline the different steps required for a coherent genetic testing approach. In conclusion, our results highlight the fact that each category of DSD is related to a large number of different DNA alterations, thus requiring multiple genetic studies to achieve a precise etiological diagnosis for each patient.

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