OBJECTIVE: To identify pathogenic variants in 5 sporadic patients and two Chinese pedigrees affected with 17-hydroxylase deficiency (17-OHD). METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected with informed consent. Variants of CYP17A1 gene were screened by PCR and Sanger sequencing. Suspected mutations were validated in other members of the pedigrees. RESULTS: Gene sequencing has identified a homozygous c.985_987delTACinsAA (Y329Kfs) mutation in exon 6 of the CYP17A1 gene in 4 patients and the sister of case 3. Case 1 was found to harbor compound heterozygous mutations c.1459_1467del9 (p.D487_F489del) and c.1244-3C>A. The parents and brother of cases 2 and 5 were heterozygous carriers of a c.985_987delTACinsAA(Y329Kfs) mutation. CONCLUSION Mutations of the CYP17A1 gene probably underlie the pathogenesis of 17-OHD, for which c.985_987delTACinsAA(Y329Kfs) is the most common. The c.1244-3C>A is a novel mutation. Above results have facilitated genetic counseling for the affected families.
Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital ; genetics ; Exons ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mutation ; Pedigree ; Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase ; genetics

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether polymorphism of CYP17 gene is associated with the risk of advanced endometriosis in Korean women. METHODS: The 194 endometriosis patients and 209 controls were enrolled. Blood samples were collected from 194 patients with endometriosis stages III and IV diagnosed by both pathologic and laparoscopic findings. The women undergoing laparoscopic surgery or laparotomy for non-malignant lesions were included in the control group. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of PCR products were done to determine all individuals' genotype. RESULTS: The heterozygous allele in CYP17 gene was most common genotypes in both endometriosis and healthy control groups (54.6% vs. 38.8%). In women with heterozygous A1/A2 genotype, there was increased endometriosis risk and this difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the CYP17 genetic polymorphism might be associated with advanced endometriosis risk in Korean women.
Alleles ; Endometriosis* ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Laparotomy ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase*

CYP21A2 gene mutations in a child with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and the child's parents, were detected in the study. The clinical features, treatment monitoring and molecular genetic mechanism of CAH are reviewed. In the study, DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples using the QIAGEN Blood DNA Mini Kit; a highly specific PCR primer for CYP21A2 gene was designed according to the sequence difference between CYP2lA2 gene and its pseudogene; the whole CYP2lA2 gene was amplified with PrimeSTAR DNA polymerase (Takara), and the amplification product was directly sequenced to detect and analyze CYP2lA2 gene mutation. The child was clinically diagnosed with CAH (21-hydroxylase deficiency, 21-OHD) at the age of 36 days, and the case was confirmed by genetic diagnosis at the age of 1.5 years. The proband had a homozygous mutation at c.293-13C in the second intron of CYP21 gene, while the parents had heterozygous mutations. Early diagnosis and standard treatment of CAH (21-OHD) should be performed to prevent salt-wasting crisis and reduce mortality; bone aging should be avoided to increase final adult height (FAH), and reproductive dysfunction due to oligospermia in adulthood should be avoided. These factors are helpful for improving prognosis and increasing FAH. Investigating the molecular genetic mechanism of CAH can improve recognition and optimize diagnosis of this disease. In addition, carrier diagnosis and genetic counseling for the proband family are of great significance.
17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone ; blood ; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital ; blood ; genetics ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Mutation ; Steroid 21-Hydroxylase ; genetics

Objective To analyze the clinical features of 17&alpha;-hydroxylase deficiency and explore the appropriate timing and methods of surgical treatment. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with complete 17&alpha;-hydroxylase deficiency,containing Y chromosome material in their karyotype,adimitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2004 to December 2014. Results Thirty patients with complete 17&alpha;-hydroxylase deficiency were included. Their social gender were all female and the mean age at diagnosis was (16.1±2.7) years. Twenty-six patients (86.7%) presented with primary amenorrhea and hypertension. The development of secondary sexual characteristics was poor and their uterus was absent. The levels of gonadotropin,progesterone,and adrenocorticotropic hormone were elevated in all patients and the levels of estradiol,testosterone,and cortisol were decreased. All patients had undergone laparoscopic gonadectomy. Most (86.7%) of the gonads were located in abdomen,while 13.3% were in inguinal canal. Histopathology confirmed that gonadal malignancy was obsetved in two patients (6.7%): one with leydig cell tumor and the other with sertoli cell tumor. Conclusions Patients with complete 17&alpha;-hydroxylase deficiency have specific clinical features. Early diagnosis and timely laparoscopic gonadectomy are critical to prevent gonadal malignancy.
Adolescent ; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital ; complications ; surgery ; Amenorrhea ; etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; etiology ; Karyotyping ; Retrospective Studies ; Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder, and 17α-hydroxylase deficiency (17α-OHD) is a rare type of CAH. 17α-OHD is caused by CYP17 gene mutation, resulting in partial or complete deficiency of 17α-hydroxylase, which in turn leads to the lack of cortisol and sex hormone production. The disease is manifested by excessive secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), decreased levels of estradiol (E2) and androgen, elevated levels of proges-terone (P), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Most of the patients are female in gender. According to the chromosome karyotype, 17α-OHD can be divided into 46XX and 46XY, of which 46XX is rarer. The clinical manifestations are hypokalemia and hypertension. Patients with 46XX-karyotype may have irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and infertility. The severity of symptoms varies according to the degree of 17α-hydroxylase deficiency. Due to its untypical manifestation, the patients with partial 17α-OHD are more likely to be missed or misdiagnosed. Some 17α-OHD patients with 46, XX karyotypes have different degrees of development of internal and external reproductive organ and spontaneous menstrual cycle, so they may have the potential ovulation and fertility opportunities. However, due to the adverse effects of high serum P level on the endometrium, the patients would have infertility problems. To date, four cases from foreign countries have been reported about the infertility treatments among 46XX-17α-OHD patients, and two cases were mentioned in China without describing the process of treatments. Here, one case with partial 46XX-17α-OHD was diagnosed and successfully conceived and delivered after in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in the Center for Reproductive Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital. Controlled ovarian stimulation with ultra-long protocol was initiated after glucocorticoid therapy was given to reduce P level. Ten oocytes were obtained and 6 embryos were cryopreserved. Frozen-thawed embryo transfer under hormonal replacement after gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) was carried out in an artificial cycle, and then the patient was successfully pregnant and delivered a healthy boy after 37 weeks of gestation by cesarean section. The treatment of this case suggests that patients with partial 46XX-17α-OHD can obtain oocytes and embryos with good quality. IVF combined with frozen-thawed embryo transfer under artificial cycle is an effective method for patients with partial 46XX-17α-OHD with infertility.
Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital/genetics* ; Cesarean Section ; Embryo Transfer ; Female ; Humans ; Infertility ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase/genetics*

OBJECTIVETo investigate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in cytochrome P450 17 (CYP17) and estrogen receptor alpha (ER&alpha; ) genes with the risk of endometriosis among southern Chinese women.

METHODSTwo SNPs rs743572 (CYP17 gene 34T/C) and rs9322331 (ER&alpha; gene -397T/C) were genotyped by high resolution melting curve in 432 endometriosis patients and 499 matched controls.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference in the genotype frequencies of the two loci between endometriosis patients and the control subjects (P> 0.05). And there was no significant interaction effect of these two genes on the disease either.

CONCLUSIONCYP17 gene and ER&alpha; gene may not be genetic risk factors for endometriosis among southern women in China.

Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; genetics ; Endometriosis ; genetics ; Estrogen Receptor alpha ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Risk Factors ; Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase ; genetics

A single measurement of serum 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) level can be unreliable because of its marked diurnal variation. We investigated the relationship of serum level of 17OHP with that of androstenedione (AD), which shows a smaller diurnal variation. And we tested whether the responses of these two hormones to low-dose ACTH stimulation are correlated in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Baseline serum 17OHP and AD levels were measured in 87 patients and a low-dose ACTH stimulation test was performed in 41 patients. The basal 17OHP level correlated positively with the basal AD level independently of sex, type of 21-hydroxylase deficiency, and the time of day of blood sampling (n = 87, R2 = 0.75, P < 0.001). The area under the curve of 17OHP and AD correlated positively with their respective basal levels. The fold-change increase in 17OHP after ACTH injection correlated negatively with the basal 17OHP level, but that of AD did not correlate with the basal AD level. The random serum 17OHP level, used in the clinic, is a reliable guide and a low-dose ACTH stimulation test provides no extra benefit for assessing the treatment adequacy in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency.
17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone/*blood ; Adolescent ; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital/*diagnosis/drug therapy ; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone/*diagnostic use ; Androstenedione/*blood ; Circadian Rhythm ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Steroid 21-Hydroxylase/metabolism ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the degree of behavioral and psychic masculinization as well as factors influencing the masculinization in female patients with CAH caused by 21-hydroxylase deficiency. METHODS: We studied 26 patients with salt-wasting (SW) type, 29 patients with simple virilizing (SV) type and 30 control patients, who were older than 10 years of age. Study participants were given a questionnaire containing 55 items (20 masculine items, 20 feminine items, 15 neutral items) in order to evaluate the degree of feminity and masculinity. RESULTS: SW and SV girls revealed significantly higher masculine scores and lower feminine scores than the control groups (P<0.05). Feminine scores were lower in the SW group compared to those in the SV group (P<0.05). Neutral scores showed no significant difference among three groups. Masculine, feminine, bisexual and undifferentiated personality characteristics exhibit 57.6%, 3.8%, 7.6%, and 30.7% in SW group, respectively; 31%, 17.2%, 20.6%, and 30%, respectively in SV group; 3.3%, 50.0%, 20.0% and 26.6%, respectively in control group. Masculine scores were negatively correlated with age at diagnosis and treatment (r=-0.516, P<0.05), but not with the levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone at the time of diagnosis and study, advancement of bone age, age at clitoplasty, age at onset of puberty and age at menarche. CONCLUSIONS: Female patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, who reveal high masculinizing score, should be closely monitored for the adverse effects of high degree of masculinization, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome. Additionally, it is important to treat adequately after early diagnosis to minimize the degree of masculinization and to develop the prenatal mode of treatment to interrupt the secretion of adrenal androgen.
17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone ; Adolescent ; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital* ; Bisexuality ; Diagnosis ; Early Diagnosis ; Female* ; Humans ; Masculinity ; Menarche ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ; Puberty ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Steroid 21-Hydroxylase*

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is inherited disorder of adrenal steroidogenesis. 21-hydroxylase deficiency is the most commone enzymatic defect and is divided into classic and late-onset or nonclassic forms. Both classic non-classic 21-hydrozylase deficiencies are inherited in a recessive manner as allelic variants. But it is rare that happened in twin infants. Chief complaints of affected twins in our case were ambiguous genitalia, hyperpigmentation and dehydrations. They were revealed into hyponatremia, hyperkalemia and increased amount of serum progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion and were administered with DOCA, 9alpha-fluorohydrocortisone, hydrocortisone to control the electrolyte imbalance. And now, both of them are going to normal ratio of weight gain and body growth.
17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone ; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital* ; Desoxycorticosterone Acetate ; Disorders of Sex Development ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; Hyperkalemia ; Hyperpigmentation ; Hyponatremia ; Infant ; Progesterone ; Steroid 21-Hydroxylase* ; Twins* ; Weight Gain

BACKGROUND: High levels of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) are frequently observed in premature infants without congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The purpose of this study is to set cut-off limits of 17-OHP on the basis of gestational age at birth and birth weight. METHODS: Blood spot 17-OHP concentrations were measured in 1,000 infants on the 3th day of life at Inha University Hospital. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method (ICN Neoscreen ELISA 17-hydroxyprogesterone kit, ICN Pharmaceuticals. Inc., Japan) was used. The values obtained were analyzed with respect to birth weight and gestational age at birth in order to decide the appropriate cut-off limits in a neonatal mass screening for 21-hydroxylase deficiency. RESULTS: In the neonatal mass screening for CAH, the cut-off limits for determining the 17-OHP for recall, were decided as follows: (1) 57.65, 39.88, 33.52 ng/mL for gestational age at birth of 35 weeks or less, 36-37, and 38 weeks or more, respectively, and (2) 54.88, 43.86, 32.92 ng/mL for birth weight of 2.49 or less, 2.50-2.99, 3.00 kg or more, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The cut-off limits on the basis of gestational age at birth and birth weight should be used in the screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. We believe that the false positive rate in premature infants can be reduced using this method.
17-alpha-Hydroxyprogesterone* ; Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital ; Birth Weight* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Gestational Age* ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Mass Screening ; Neonatal Screening ; Parturition* ; Steroid 21-Hydroxylase