Pre-polycystic ovary syndrome and polymenorrhoea as new facets of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Evidences from a single centre data set.

OBJECTIVE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex disorder with diverse metabolic implications. Diagnosis typically relies on oligo-amenorrhoea (OA), hyperandrogenism (HA), and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM). However, the role of polymenorrhoea in PCOS remains understudied. Additionally, limited information exists regarding metabolic disturbances in women with partial PCOS phenotypes that do not meet diagnostic criteria. This extensive database aims to provide substantial evidence on the metabolic implications of polymenorrhoea and partial PCOS phenotypes. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: In this single-centre study, 6463 women with PCOS-like characteristics and 3142 age-matched healthy women were included. The study compared clinical (anthropometry, modified Ferriman Gallwey [mFG] score), hormonal (serum testosterone), and metabolic (plasma glucose, serum lipids, insulin) characteristics between women diagnosed with PCOS, those with partial PCOS phenotypes, and the healthy control group RESULTS: In all, 5174 women met Rotterdam criteria for PCOS diagnosis, while 737 were classified as Pre-PCOS, including HA (n = 538), OA (n = 121), or PCOM (n = 78). Common clinical features included oligomenorrhoea (75.5%), hirsutism (82.9%), obesity (27.2%), hypertension (1.6%), metabolic syndrome (19.6%), and diabetes mellitus (5.6%). Women diagnosed with PCOS, HA only, and OA only exhibited higher average body mass index, plasma glucose levels (both fasting and 2 h after the oral glucose tolerance test), and lipid fractions in comparison to those with PCOM and the healthy controls. However, indices of insulin resistance were similar among women with PCOS, HA, PCOM, and OA, albeit higher than in the healthy controls. The polymenorrhoea subgroup (5.9%) had lower BMI and serum testosterone, but similar mFG score, plasma glucose, insulin, and lipid levels as the oligomenorrhoea subgroup. CONCLUSION: The metabolic disturbances observed in Pre-PCOS women highlight the need to reassess diagnostic criteria. Including the polymenorrhoea subcategory in PCOS criteria is recommended due to similar metabolic dysfunctions as the oligomenorrhoea group.

Analysis of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Coagulation Pathway Factors in OCP Treated PCOS Women.

Human polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-a cluster of diseases displays various symptoms associated with endocrine and gynecological disorders in childbearing women. Oral contraceptive pills (OCP) being a drug of choice minimizes symptoms and complications associated with the disorder. But, the controversial data available in literature regarding use of OCPs compels us to setup a study design regarding effect of OCP treatment in PCOS subjects and the possible outcomes specifically regarding coagulation pathways. Two PCOS study groups have been selected according to Rotterdam Criteria: one with OCP treatment (n = 50) and other without any drug treatment i.e., drug naive (n = 50). Anthropometry, Biochemistry, Hormones, Insulin and various clotting factors like Factor XI, Factor V, tPA, TAT-III and D-dimer were analyzed in both groups. The results showed worsening of IR, Metabolic parameters and coagulopathy in OCP group comparative to drug naive group indicating adverse effects of the OCP treatment which puts these women at risk for number of future clinical implications especially Cardiovascular and metabolic complications.

Promoter Hypermethylation and Its Impact on Expression of MGMT Gene in the GIT Malignant Patients of Kashmiri Origin.

Epigenetic alterations, in addition to multiple gene abnormalities, are involved in the genesis and progression of human cancers. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancer is a major medical and economic burden worldwide. Aberrant methylation of CpG islands within promoter regions is associated with transcriptional inactivation of various tumor suppressor genes. Although a number of cancer-associated genes have been found to be hypermethylated in GIT cancer, valuable methylation markers for early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of this cancer remain largely unknown. O6-methyguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) is a DNA-repair gene that removes mutagenic and cytotoxic adducts from the O6 position of guanine induced by alkylating agents. MGMT promoter hypermethylation and reduced expression have been found in some primary human carcinomas. We studied DNA methylation of CpG islands of the MGMT gene and its relation with MGMT protein expression in human GIT carcinomas. A total of 210 GIT tumor samples and 90 adjacent normal tissues were analyzed for MGMT promoter methylation by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction after bisulfite modification of DNA and same samples were analyzed for MGMT protein expression by Western blotting. The methylation frequencies of MGMT gene promoter were 41.4%, 34.2%, and 44.2% in stomach, esophageal, and colorectal cancer cases while as 16.6, 13.3, and 13.3 in respective controls. MGMT protein was found downregulated in controls of all GIT. The results suggest that methylation at CpG islands of MGMT may be responsible for the downregulation of MGMT protein expression in GIT cancers.

Gender Issues and Related Social Stigma Affecting Patients with a Disorder of Sex Development in India.

Children with disorders of sex development (DSD) manifest at birth with malformed genitalia or later with atypical pubertal development. Those born with malformed genitalia are often diagnosed at birth. However, in resource-poor countries like India, where not all births are supervised by healthcare workers, some of these children remain undiagnosed until puberty or even later. The aim of this study was to assess the gender issues and psychosocial problems of children with DSD. Participants included 205 children with DSD (103 with 46,XX DSD and 102 with 46,XY DSD). Both the children with DSD and their parents underwent semistructured interviews by a clinical psychologist. The birth of a child with DSD was perceived as a major medical and social problem by parents from all socioeconomic strata. Mothers were distressed as many believed the DSD condition was transmitted through the mother. Children who were not diagnosed and treated during infancy or early childhood experienced considerable social discrimination not only from relatives and friends but also from medical and paramedical staff in hospitals. Several patients had been operated during infancy without an etiological diagnosis and without provision of adequate information to the parents. Some children had problems related to complications of surgery. Most teenage patients with 5α-reductase-2 deficiency reared as females presented with gender dysphoria, while children with androgen insensitivity (except for one) or with gonadal dysgenesis developed a gender identity concordant with their gender of rearing. Parents of children with DSD preferred a male gender assignment for their children (if that was possible) because of the social advantages of growing up male in a patriarchal society.

Morning plasma cortisol is low among obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause for androgen excess in women. It is associated with wide variety of metabolic disorders. The present study assessed morning plasma cortisol in women with PCOS. One hundred and ninety seven cases and 55 controls were enrolled for this study. The mean age of patients and controls were 23 ± 5.6 years and 25 ± 4.3 years. One hundred twelve (56%) women with PCOS had BMI >25. Serum cortisol levels were significantly higher in lean PCOS women compared to controls (13.4 ± 5.1 versus 11.3 ± 4.5, p < 0.01) and over-weight PCOS women group (13.4 ± 5.1 versus 9.3 ± 3.2, p < 0.01). There was a trend for less acne and hirsutism with increase in BMI. Morning plasma cortisol was lower among obese women with PCOS. Morning plasma cortisol correlated negatively with BMI in PCOS women with normal glucose tolerance.

Novel NR5A1 Pathogenic Variants Cause Phenotypic Heterogeneity in 46,XY Disorders of Sex Development.

Steroidogenic factor 1 (NR5A1/SF1) is a key transcription factor that is known to regulate the development of adrenal glands and gonads and is also involved in steroidogenesis. Several pathogenic NR5A1 variants have been reported to cause 46,XY disorders of sex development (DSD), with varying clinical phenotypes ranging from hypospadias to complete gonadal dysgenesis. Most often, the primary cause of DSD is due to variants in gene(s) related to gonadal development or the steroidogenic pathway. In the present study, we have analyzed 64 cases of 46,XY DSD for pathogenic NR5A1 variants. We report a total of 3 pathogenic variants of which 2 were novel (p.Gly22Ser and p.Ser143Asn) and 1 was already known (p.Ser32Asn). Functional studies have revealed that the 2 mutations p.Gly22Ser and p.Ser32Asn could significantly affect DNA binding and transactivation abilities. Further, these mutant proteins showed nuclear localization with aggregate formation. The third mutation, p.Ser143Asn, showed unspeckled nuclear localization and normal DNA binding, but the ability of transcriptional activation was significantly reduced. In conclusion, we recommend screening for NR5A1 pathogenic variants in individuals with features of 46,XY DSD for better diagnosis and management.

Serum Lipid and Leptin Concentrations in Patients with Sheehan Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Sheehan syndrome (SS) refers to the occurrence of hypopituitarism after parturition. Hypopituitary adults with growth hormone (GH) deficiency have abnormal body composition with increased fat mass. As leptin is secreted almost exclusively by fat cells and the circulating leptin level is proportional to total fat mass, it is expected that abnormal elevations of leptin concentrations are found in GH deficient hypopituitary patients. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anthropometric, lipid and leptin levels in patients with SS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with SS and 30 age and body mass index (BMI) matched controls were part in this study. All patients were stable on conventional replacement therapy for at least 6 months before the study. The subjects underwent detail clinical, biochemical, and hormone analysis. RESULTS: Patients with SS on conventional replacement therapy showed significantly higher mean triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and lower high density cholesterol concentrations. The leptin levels were significantly raised in the patients with SS on standard replacement therapy compared with controls. The difference was more marked in obese cases versus obese controls than in lean cases and controls (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: SS, a cause of GH deficiency. Our study demonstrated that patients with SS have an abnormal lipid profile, and raised leptin levels as compared to age and BMI matched controls.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the family members of women with polycystic ovary syndrome from North India.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most complex and common endocrine disorder of women in reproductive years. In addition to irregular menstrual cycles, chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism, it has many metabolic manifestations such as obesity, hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, dysglycemia, increased risk of cardiovascular disease or possibly endometrial cancer. Familial clustering of PCOS in consistence with the genetic susceptibility has been described. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study assessed the clinical, biochemical and hormonal parameters including prevalence of metabolic syndrome by two different criteria in the first- degree relatives of patients with PCOS. RESULTS: The average age of 37 index patients was 23 ± 3.6 years, with the mean age of menarche as 13.3 ± 1.2 years. The mean age and age of menarche in mothers (n = 22) was 48.8 ± 5.1 and 13 ± 1.3 years, respectively, whereas as it was 23.5 ± 4.7 and 13.3 ± 1.2 years in sisters (n = 22), respectively. Metabolic syndrome (MS) defined by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria was present in 10 index patients, 1 brother, 4 sisters, 17 mothers and 15 fathers while as by Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) it was in 8 index patients, 5 sisters, 16 mothers and 11 fathers. CONCLUSION: The presence of MS or related metabolic derangements is high in the family members of women with PCOS.

Novel nucleotide insertions in two unrelated Indian patients with 5α reductase 2 deficiency leading to premature termination of SRD5A2 enzyme.

T is converted to a more potent androgen, DHT by the action of microsomal membrane enzyme 5α reductase 2. Defects in 5α reductase 2 isozyme results in incomplete virilisation of external male genitalia. Mutations in SRD5A2 gene leads to diminished enzyme activity, thus hampering DHT synthesis from T. We describe two unrelated patients from India with 5αRD2 due to novel insertion of nucleotides in the exon 1 of SRD5A2 gene that lead to premature termination of protein. Master S (case 1; III.8) was 3 years old at initial evaluation, had perineoscrotal hypospadias, microphallus and both testes were palpable in the inguinal region. Master P (case 2; III.9) was born as normal full term baby. He had primary complaint of microphallus, penoscrotal hypospadias and gonads in the inguinal region. Diagnosis of 5αRD2 was made, as T/DHT ratio in the two cases was 41 and 131.2 respectively. Sequence analysis of SRD5A2 gene showed an insertion of nucleotides TA in exon 1 (c.188_189). This resulted in premature termination of the protein due to stop codon at amino acid position 7. The protein formed is drastically truncated and inadequate protein synthesized explains the phenotypic characteristics of our patients.

Psychosexual outcomes in three siblings with partial androgen insensitivity syndrome: impact of nature versus nurture.

There are few reports of adults with disorders of sexual development (DSD). Here we describe the clinical profile and results of psychological assessment of three siblings with 46, XY DSD caused by partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS). The elder sibling (aged 22 years) was reared as female, while the middle and youngest siblings (17 and 18 years of age), were reared as males. The gender identity was concordant with the sex of rearing. There was no gender dysphoria. The psychological distress that our patients experienced was due to the limitations placed on them by their medical condition. It did not permit them to experience various facets of being either male or female completely. The younger siblings reared as males had additional problems of gynecomastia and lack of male secondary sexual development.

Diagnosis and management of classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is among the most common genetic disorders. Deficiency of adrenal steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency due to mutations in the CYP21A2 gene accounts for about 95% cases of CAH. This disorder manifests with androgen excess with or without salt wasting. It also is a potentially life threatening disorder; neonatal screening with 17-hydroxyprogesterone measurement can diagnose the condition in asymptomatic children. Carefully monitored therapy with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid supplementation will ensure optimal growth and development for children with CAH. Genital surgery may be required for girls with CAH. Continued care is required for individuals with CAH as adults to prevent long-term adverse consequences of the disease, including infertility, metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis.

Novel mutation of SRD5A2 gene in a patient with 5α-reductase 2 deficiency from India.

Master N had genital malformation at birth and had bilateral gonads in the labial fold. He was reared as a boy and corrective surgery was done at the age of 4 years and was reassessed at the age of 14 years. His testosterone/dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was 11.8 (reference range <=10). Molecular analysis of SRD5A2 gene indicated the presence of a novel heterozygous missense mutation of p.A52T in exon 1, which was also detected in mother. The father, sister and maternal grandfather were found to have normal SRD5A2 gene sequence. We also detected an intronic (1-2) homozygous T>C transition in patient, whereas both parents were found to have the same transition in heterozygous form. Although 5α-steroid reductase 2 deficiency is an autosomal-recessive disorder, in this case, it appears that there may be a dominant inheritance because only one identified mutation was present which was passed from mother to son.