Genomic epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in large university hospital cohort: the UnCoVER-Brazil project.

This work aimed to study the role of different SARS-CoV-2 lineages in the epidemiology of multiple waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ribeirão Preto (São Paulo state), with comparison within Brazil and globally. Viral genomic sequencing was combined with clinical and sociodemographic information of 2,379 subjects at a large Brazilian hospital. On the whole 2,395 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes were obtained from April 2020 to January 2022. We report variants of concern (VOC) and interest (VOI) dynamics and the role of Brazilian lineages. We identified three World Health Organization VOCs (Gamma, Delta, Omicron) and one VOI (Zeta), which caused distinct waves in this cohort. We also identified 47 distinct Pango lineages. Consistent with the high prevalence of Gamma in Brazil, Pango lineage P.1 dominated infections in this cohort for half of 2021. Each wave of infection largely consisted of a single variant group, with each new group quickly and completely rising to dominance. Despite increasing vaccination in Brazil starting in 2021, this pattern was observed throughout the study and is consistent with the hypothesis that herd immunity tends to be SARS-CoV-2 variant-specific and does not broadly protect against COVID-19.

Clinical and molecular spectrum of patients with 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17-β-HSD3) deficiency / Espectro clínico e molecular de pacientes com deficiência de 17β-hidroxiesteroide desidrogenase tipo 2 (17-β-HSD3)

The enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17-β-HSD3) catalyzes the conversion of androstenedione to testosterone in the testes, and its deficiency is a rare disorder of sex development in 46,XY individuals. It can lead to a wide range of phenotypic features, with variable hormonal profiles. We report four patients with the 46,XY karyotype and 17-β-HSD3 deficiency, showing different degrees of genital ambiguity, increased androstenedione and decreased testosterone levels, and testosterone to androstenedione ratio < 0.8. In three of the patients, diagnosis was only determined due to the presence of signs of virilization at puberty. All patients had been raised as females, and female gender identity was maintained in all of them. Compound heterozygosis for c.277+2T>G novel mutation, and c.277+4A>T mutation, both located within the intron 3 splice donor site of the HSD17B3 gene, were identified in case 3. In addition, homozygosis for the missense p.Ala203Val, p.Gly289Ser, p.Arg80Gln mutations were found upon HSD17B3 gene sequencing in cases 1, 2, and 4, respectively. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):533-9.

A enzima 17β-hidroxiesteroide desidrogenase tipo 3 (17-β-HSD3) catalisa a conversão de androstenediona a testosterona nos testículos, e sua deficiência é uma forma rara de distúrbio do desenvolvimento do sexo em indivíduos 46,XY. A desordem apresenta um amplo espectro de características fenotípicas e de resultados de dosagens laboratoriais. Neste trabalho, são relatados quatro casos de deficiência da 17-β-HSD3 com cariótipo 46,XY, ambiguidade genital em diversos graus, androstenediona aumentada, testosterona diminuída, e relação testosterona e androstenediona < 0,8. Em três das pacientes, o diagnóstico foi suspeitado devido à presença de sinais de virilização na puberdade. Todos os pacientes foram criados como mulheres, e a identidade de gênero feminino foi mantida em todas elas. A heterozigose composta da mutação nova c.277+2T>G e da mutação c.277+4A>T, ambas localizadas no sítio doador de splicing do íntron 3 do gene HSD17B3, foi identificada no caso 3. Além dessas, as mutações missense p.Ala203Val, p.Gly289Ser, p.Arg80Gln foram identificadas em homozigose pelo sequenciamento do gene HSD17B3 dos casos 1, 2 e 4, respectivamente. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):533-9.

46,XX DSD and Antley-Bixler syndrome due to novel mutations in the cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase gene / DDS 46,XX e síndrome de Antley-Bixler causada por novas mutações no gene da enzima P450 oxidorredutase

Deficiency of the enzyme P450 oxidoreductase is a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia with characteristics of combined and partial impairments in steroidogenic enzyme activities, as P450 oxidoreductase transfers electrons to CYP21A2, CYP17A1, and CYP19A1. It results in disorders of sex development and skeletal malformations similar to Antley-Bixley syndrome. We report the case of a 9-year-old girl who was born with virilized genitalia (Prader stage V), absence of palpable gonads, 46,XX karyotype, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. During the first year of life, ovarian cyst, partial adrenal insufficiency, and osteoarticular changes, such as mild craniosynostosis, carpal and tarsal synostosis, and limited forearm pronosupination were observed. Her mother presented severe virilization during pregnancy. The molecular analysis of P450 oxidoreductase gene revealed compound heterozygosis for the nonsense p.Arg223*, and the novel missense p.Met408Lys, inherited from the father and the mother, respectively. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):578-85.

A deficiência da enzima P450 oxidorredutase é uma forma rara de hiperplasia congênita da adrenal com características de inibição combinada e parcial de enzimas esteroidogênicas, pois a enzima P450 oxidorredutase participa da transferência de elétrons para as enzimas CYP21A2, CYP17A1 e CYP19A1. Essa deficiência causa um distúrbio do desenvolvimento do sexo e alterações esqueléticas semelhantes às da síndrome de Antley-Bixley. Relatamos o caso de uma menina, atualmente com 9 anos de idade, que apresentava ao nascimento genitais virilizados (Prader 5) sem gônadas palpáveis, com cariótipo 46,XX e hipogonadismo hipergonadotrófico. No primeiro ano de vida, foram observados cisto ovariano, insuficiência adrenal parcial e alterações osteoarticulares como leve craniossinostose, sinostose carpal e tarsal e limitação de pronossupinação dos membros superiores. Sua mãe apresentou intensa virilização durante a gestação. O estudo molecular do gene P450 oxidorredutase revelou a heterozigose composta das mutações nonsense p.Arg223* e da missense nova p.Met408Lys, herdadas do pai e da mãe, respectivamente. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metab. 2012;56(8):578-85.

Clinical and molecular spectrum of patients with 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17-ß-HSD3) deficiency.

The enzyme 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17-ß-HSD3) catalyzes the conversion of androstenedione to testosterone in the testes, and its deficiency is a rare disorder of sex development in 46,XY individuals. It can lead to a wide range of phenotypic features, with variable hormonal profiles. We report four patients with the 46,XY karyotype and 17-ß-HSD3 deficiency, showing different degrees of genital ambiguity, increased androstenedione and decreased testosterone levels, and testosterone to androstenedione ratio < 0.8. In three of the patients, diagnosis was only determined due to the presence of signs of virilization at puberty. All patients had been raised as females, and female gender identity was maintained in all of them. Compound heterozygosis for c.277+2T>G novel mutation, and c.277+4A>T mutation, both located within the intron 3 splice donor site of the HSD17B3 gene, were identified in case 3. In addition, homozygosis for the missense p.Ala203Val, p.Gly289Ser, p.Arg80Gln mutations were found upon HSD17B3 gene sequencing in cases 1, 2, and 4, respectively.

46,XX DSD and Antley-Bixler syndrome due to novel mutations in the cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase gene.

Deficiency of the enzyme P450 oxidoreductase is a rare form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia with characteristics of combined and partial impairments in steroidogenic enzyme activities, as P450 oxidoreductase transfers electrons to CYP21A2, CYP17A1, and CYP19A1. It results in disorders of sex development and skeletal malformations similar to Antley-Bixley syndrome. We report the case of a 9-year-old girl who was born with virilized genitalia (Prader stage V), absence of palpable gonads, 46,XX karyotype, and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. During the first year of life, ovarian cyst, partial adrenal insufficiency, and osteoarticular changes, such as mild craniosynostosis, carpal and tarsal synostosis, and limited forearm pronosupination were observed. Her mother presented severe virilization during pregnancy. The molecular analysis of P450 oxidoreductase gene revealed compound heterozygosis for the nonsense p.Arg223*, and the novel missense p.Met408Lys, inherited from the father and the mother, respectively.

46,XX Male - Testicular Disorder of Sexual Differentiation (DSD): hormonal, molecular and cytogenetic studies / Homem 46,XX (DSD testicular): estudos hormonal, molecular e citogenético

The XX male syndrome - Testicular Disorder of Sexual Differentiation (DSD) is a rare condition characterized by a spectrum of clinical presentations, ranging from ambiguous to normal male genitalia. We report hormonal, molecular and cytogenetic evaluations of a boy presenting with this syndrome. Examination of the genitalia at age of 16 months, showed: penis of 3.5 cm, proximal hypospadia and scrotal testes. Pelvic ultrasound did not demonstrate Mullerian duct structures. Karyotype was 46,XX. Gonadotrophin stimulation test yielded insufficient testosterone production. Gonadal biopsy showed seminiferous tubules without evidence of Leydig cells. Molecular studies revealed that SRY and TSPY genes and also DYZ3 sequences were absent. In addition, the lack of deletions or duplications of SOX9, NR5A1, WNT4 and NROB1 regions was verified. The infant was heterozygous for all microsatellites at the 9p region, including DMRT1 gene, investigated. Only 10 percent of the patients are SRY-negative and usually they have ambiguous genitalia, as the aforementioned patient. The incomplete masculinization suggests gain of function mutation in one or more genes downstream to SRY gene.

A síndrome do homem XX é uma condição rara na qual o fenótipo da genitália externa pode variar de uma genitália ambígua até uma genitália masculina normal. Este estudo tem por objetivo relatar a avaliação hormonal, molecular e citogenética de um menino com essa síndrome. 0 O exame da genitália externa na idade de 16 meses mostrava: pênis medindo 3,5 cm, hipospadia proximal e testículos tópicos. A ultrassonografia pélvica não visualizou estruturas mullerianas. Cariótipo foi 46,XX. A testosterona sérica não se elevou após o teste de estímulo com gonadotrofina. Biópsias gonadais mostraram túbulos seminíferos, sem evidência de células de Leydig. Estudos moleculares revelaram ausência dos genes SRY, TSPY e DYZ3, bem como ausência de deleção ou duplicação das regiões SOX9, NR5A1, WNT4 e NROB1. A criança era heterozigótica para todos os microssatélites da região 9p, incluindo o gene DMRT1. Apenas 10 por cento dos pacientes com a síndrome do homem 46,XX são SRY-negativos. Nesses casos, a genitália geralmente é ambígua, como corroborado pelo paciente do presente relato. A masculinização incompleta sugere ganho de mutação funcional em um ou mais genes a jusante do gene SRY.

Novel DMRT1 3'UTR+11insT mutation associated to XY partial gonadal dysgenesis / Nova mutação 3'UTR+11insT no gene DMRT1 associada à disgenesia gonadal parcial XY

The Y-chromosome-located SRY gene encodes a small testis-specific protein containing a DNA-binding motif known as the HMG (high mobility group) box. However, mutations in SRY are not frequent especially in cases of 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis. Several sex-determining genes direct the fate of the bipotential gonad to either testis or ovary. In addition, heterozygous small deletions in 9p can cause complete and partial XY gonadal dysgenesis without other symptoms. Human DMRT1 gene, which is located at 9p24.3, is expressed in testis and ovary and has been considered, among others, a candidate autosomal gene responsible for gonadal dysgenesis. In this report we describe a nucleotide insertion in DMRT1 3'UTR in a patient of XY partial gonadal dygenesis. The 3'UTR+11insT is located within a conserved motif important for mRNA stabilization.

O gene SRY, localizado no cromossomo Y, codifica uma proteína testículo-específica contendo um domínio HMG (grupo de alta mobilidade) de ligação ao DNA. No entanto, mutações no gene SRY não são frequentes, especialmente nos casos de disgenesia gonadal parcial em indivíduos 46,XY. São atualmente conhecidos vários genes que participam do processo de diferenciação gonadal, tanto para o desenvolvimento testicular quanto para o ovariano. Além disso, pequenas deleções heterozigotas em 9p podem causar disgenesia gonadal XY completa ou parcial, sem outros sintomas associados. O gene DMRT1 humano, que está localizado em 9p24.3, é expresso no testículo e ovário no período fetal e tem sido considerado um dos genes autossômicos envolvido na etiologia das disgenesias gonadais. Neste trabalho, descrevemos a inserção de um nucleotídeo em 3'UTR do gene DMRT1 em um paciente 46,XY com disgenesia gonadal parcial. A mutação 3'UTR+11insT está localizada dentro de um motivo conservado importante para a estabilização do mRNA.

46,XX male - testicular disorder of sexual differentiation (DSD): hormonal, molecular and cytogenetic studies.

The XX male syndrome - Testicular Disorder of Sexual Differentiation (DSD) is a rare condition characterized by a spectrum of clinical presentations, ranging from ambiguous to normal male genitalia. We report hormonal, molecular and cytogenetic evaluations of a boy presenting with this syndrome. Examination of the genitalia at age of 16 months, showed: penis of 3.5 cm, proximal hypospadia and scrotal testes. Pelvic ultrasound did not demonstrate Mullerian duct structures. Karyotype was 46,XX. Gonadotrophin stimulation test yielded insufficient testosterone production. Gonadal biopsy showed seminiferous tubules without evidence of Leydig cells. Molecular studies revealed that SRY and TSPY genes and also DYZ3 sequences were absent. In addition, the lack of deletions or duplications of SOX9, NR5A1, WNT4 and NROB1 regions was verified. The infant was heterozygous for all microsatellites at the 9p region, including DMRT1 gene, investigated. Only 10% of the patients are SRY-negative and usually they have ambiguous genitalia, as the aforementioned patient. The incomplete masculinization suggests gain of function mutation in one or more genes downstream to SRY gene.

Novel DMRT1 3'UTR+11insT mutation associated to XY partial gonadal dysgenesis.

The Y-chromosome-located SRY gene encodes a small testis-specific protein containing a DNA-binding motif known as the HMG (high mobility group) box. However, mutations in SRY are not frequent especially in cases of 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis. Several sex-determining genes direct the fate of the bipotential gonad to either testis or ovary. In addition, heterozygous small deletions in 9p can cause complete and partial XY gonadal dysgenesis without other symptoms. Human DMRT1 gene, which is located at 9p24.3, is expressed in testis and ovary and has been considered, among others, a candidate autosomal gene responsible for gonadal dysgenesis. In this report we describe a nucleotide insertion in DMRT1 3'UTR in a patient of XY partial gonadal dygenesis. The 3'UTR+11insT is located within a conserved motif important for mRNA stabilization.

A inclusão de novas técnicas de análise citogenética aperfeiçoou o diagnóstico cromossômico da síndrome de Turner / The inclusion of new techniques of chromosome analysis has improved the cytogenetic profile of Turner syndrome

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o efeito do aprimoramento da análise cromossômica sobre os achados citogenéticos de pacientes com síndrome de Turner (ST). MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo dos resultados de cariótipo de 260 pacientes com ST, com análise das técnicas de bandamento, número de células avaliadas e pesquisa de sequências de cromossomo Y. Segundo o cariótipo, dividiu-se em 45,X; mosaicismo cromossômico sem Y; aberrações estruturais de cromossomos sexuais com ou sem mosaicismo; mosaicismo com cromossomo Y. RESULTADOS: O cariótipo 45,X foi o mais frequente (108), seguido de aberrações estruturais (88) e mosaicismo (58 sem Y e 6 com Y). A introdução de técnicas de bandamento e o aumento do número de células analisadas resultaram em redução progressiva de pacientes 45,X e aumento de aberrações estruturais. O estudo de sequências de cromossomo Y foi feito em 96 casos e foi positivo em 10. CONCLUSÕES: O aperfeiçoamento da análise cromossômica ao longo do tempo modificou o perfil citogenético da ST.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the improvement of chromosome analysis on the cytogenetic findings of Turner syndrome (TS) patients. METHODS: Retrospective study of the results of the karyotypes of 260 patients with TS, regarding banding techniques, number of cells analyzed and results of investigation of Y-chromosome sequences. According to karyotype, divided in 45,X; sex chromosome mosaicism without Y; structural aberrations of sex chromosomes with or without mosaicism; sex chromosome mosaicism with Y. RESULTS: 45,X was the most frequent karyotype (108), followed by structural aberrations (88) and mosaics (58 without Y and 6 with Y). Introduction of banding techniques and increase in the number of cells analyzed resulted in progressive decrease of 45,X karyotype and increase of structural aberrations. The study of Y-chromosome sequences was performed in 96 cases of which 10 resulted positive. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of chromosome analysis over the years has modified the cytogenetic profile of TS.

Screening for the GJB2 c.-3170 G>A (IVS 1+1 G>A) mutation in Brazilian deaf individuals using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification.

Mutations in GJB2 gene are the most common cause of nonsyndromic sensorineural recessive hearing loss. One specific mutation, c.35delG, is the most frequent in the majority of Caucasian populations and may account for up to 70% of all GJB2 mutations. However, 10-40% of the patients carry only one pathogenic mutation in the GJB2 gene. Deletions del(GJB6-D13S1830) and del(GJB6-D13S1854), truncating the GJB6 gene, have been detected in GJB2 heterozygous patients in different populations. The IVS 1+1 G>A splice site mutation in the noncoding region of the GJB2 gene has been found in heterozygous state in addition to c.35delG mutation. This mutation has not been reported in Brazilian deaf patients. In the present study we investigated the presence of the IVS 1+1 G>A mutation by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification in 185 unrelated Brazilian patients with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss (43 heterozygous patients and 142 without any pathogenic mutation in the GJB2-coding region). We have found two patients (4.6%) carrying the IVS 1+1 G>A mutation in compound heterozygous with c.35delG mutation.

[The inclusion of new techniques of chromosome analysis has improved the cytogenetic profile of Turner syndrome]. / A inclusão de novas técnicas de análise citogenética aperfeiçoou o diagnóstico cromossômico da síndrome de Turner.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the improvement of chromosome analysis on the cytogenetic findings of Turner syndrome (TS) patients. METHODS: Retrospective study of the results of the karyotypes of 260 patients with TS, regarding banding techniques, number of cells analyzed and results of investigation of Y-chromosome sequences. According to karyotype, divided in 45,X; sex chromosome mosaicism without Y; structural aberrations of sex chromosomes with or without mosaicism; sex chromosome mosaicism with Y. RESULTS: 45,X was the most frequent karyotype (108), followed by structural aberrations (88) and mosaics (58 without Y and 6 with Y). Introduction of banding techniques and increase in the number of cells analyzed resulted in progressive decrease of 45,X karyotype and increase of structural aberrations. The study of Y-chromosome sequences was performed in 96 cases of which 10 resulted positive. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement of chromosome analysis over the years has modified the cytogenetic profile of TS.

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome in a Brazilian boy caused by the homozygous missense mutation p. R186C in the HSD11B2 gene / Síndrome de excesso aparente de mineralocorticóide em um menino brasileiro causada pela mutação p. R186C em homozigose no gene HSD11B2

The apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome (AME) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to the deficiency of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme (11beta-HSD2). The 11beta-HSD2 enzyme, encoded by HSD11B2 gene, metabolizes active cortisol in cortisone. Mutations on HSD11B2 gene affect the enzyme activity by leading to an excess of cortisol, which causes its inappropriate access to mineralocorticoid receptor. Therefore, cortisol will bind mineralocorticoid receptor. The human HSD11B2 gene maps to chromosome 16q22 and consists of five exons encoding a protein of 405 amino acids. We present here clinical and molecular studies on a Brazilian boy who was born pre-term after an oligodramnious pregnancy. He was diagnosed as having AME at the age of 26 months. His parents are second cousins. Molecular characterization of the HSD11B2 gene revealed the homozygous mutation p.R186C. The patient described here is the second case of HDS11B2 gene mutation reported in Brazilian patients with AME.

A síndrome de excesso aparente de mineralocorticóide (AME) é uma doença autossômica recessiva rara devido à deficiência da enzima 11β-hidroxiesterσide desidrogenase tipo 2 (11beta-HSD2). A enzima 11beta-HSD2 metaboliza o cortisol ativo a cortisona. As mutações no gene HSD11B2, que codifica a enzima, afetam sua atividade levando a um excesso de cortisol, que terá acesso inapropriado ao receptor de mineralocorticóide, competindo com a ligação da aldosterona. O gene HDS11B2 humano está localizado no cromossomo 16q22 e é formado por 5 éxons que codificam uma proteína de 405 aminoácidos. Este relato apresenta os estudos clínicos e moleculares de um paciente brasileiro do sexo masculino que nasceu prematuro depois de uma gestação sob oligodrâmnio. Recebeu o diagnóstico de AME com 26 meses de idade. Seus pais são primos em segundo grau. A caracterização molecular do gene HSD11B2 revelou a mutação p.R186C em homozigose. O paciente descrito é o segundo caso relatado de brasileiro com mutação no gene HSD11B2.

Heterozygosis for CYP21A2 mutation considered as 21-hydroxylase deficiency in neonatal screening / Heterozigose para mutação no gene CYP21A2 considerada como deficiência de 21-hidroxilase na triagem neonatal

Steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) accounts for more than 90 percent of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. CAH newborn screening, in general, is based on 17-hydroxyprogesterone dosage (17-OHP), however it is complicated by the fact that healthy preterm infants have high levels of 17-OHP resulting in false positive cases. We report on molecular features of a boy born pre-term (GA = 30 weeks; weight = 1,390 g) with elevated levels of 17-OHP (91.2 nmol/L, normal < 40) upon neonatal screening who was treated as having CAH up to the age of 8 months. He was brought to us for molecular diagnosis. Medication was gradually suspended and serum 17-OHP dosages mantained normal. The p.V281L mutation was found in compound heterozygous status with a group of nucleotide alterations located at the 3' end intron 4 and 5' end exon 5 corresponding to the splice site acceptor region. Molecular studies continued in order to exclude the possibility of a nonclassical 21-OHD form. The group of three nucleotide changes was demonstrated to be a normal variant since they failed to interfere with the normal splicing process upon minigene studies.

A deficiência de 21-hidroxilase (21-OHD) é uma doença autossômica recessiva que contribui com mais de 90 por cento dos casos de hiperplasia congênita da adrenal. O teste de dosagem de 17-hidroxiprogesterona (17-OHP) por radioimunoensaio em amostras de sangue colhidas em papel de filtro tem sido o método mais usado nos programas de triagem neonatal. No entanto, essa triagem pode apresentar alto número de falso-positivos pelo fato de os recém-nascidos prematuros apresentarem dosagens mais elevadas deste esteróide. Apresentamos aqui os estudos moleculares de uma criança, sexo masculino, nascida pré-termo (IG = 30 sem; peso = 1.390 g) que apresentava valores elevados de 17-OHP sérica (91,2 nmol/L, normal < 40) na triagem neonatal e que foi tratada como portadora da forma clássica da 21-OHD até a idade de 8 meses quando nos foi encaminhada para diagnóstico molecular. A terapia foi, então, gradativamente descontinuada, sendo que as concentrações séricas de 17-OHP se mantiveram normais. A mutação p.V281L foi encontrada em heterozigose composta com um grupo de alterações no terminal 3' do íntron 4 e no terminal 5' do éxon 5 correspondendo à região do sítio aceptor de splicing. A análise do gene CYP21A2 prosseguiu para se excluir a possibilidade de a criança ser afetada com a forma não-clássica de 21-OHD. Pela análise de minigene ficou demonstrado que o grupo de três trocas nucleotídicas não afeta o processo normal de transcrição. Concluindo, a criança é apenas heterozigota da mutação p.V281L sem necessidade de tratamento.

Apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome in a Brazilian boy caused by the homozygous missense mutation p.R186C in the HSD11B2 gene.

The apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome (AME) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder due to the deficiency of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 enzyme (11beta-HSD2). The 11beta-HSD2 enzyme, encoded by HSD11B2 gene, metabolizes active cortisol in cortisone. Mutations on HSD11B2 gene affect the enzyme activity by leading to an excess of cortisol, which causes its inappropriate access to mineralocorticoid receptor. Therefore, cortisol will bind mineralocorticoid receptor. The human HSD11B2 gene maps to chromosome 16q22 and consists of five exons encoding a protein of 405 amino acids. We present here clinical and molecular studies on a Brazilian boy who was born pre-term after an oligodramnious pregnancy. He was diagnosed as having AME at the age of 26 months. His parents are second cousins. Molecular characterization of the HSD11B2 gene revealed the homozygous mutation p.R186C. The patient described here is the second case of HDS11B2 gene mutation reported in Brazilian patients with AME.

Heterozygosis for CYP21A2 mutation considered as 21-hydroxylase deficiency in neonatal screening.

Steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) accounts for more than 90% of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. CAH newborn screening, in general, is based on 17-hydroxyprogesterone dosage (17-OHP), however it is complicated by the fact that healthy preterm infants have high levels of 17-OHP resulting in false positive cases. We report on molecular features of a boy born pre-term (GA = 30 weeks; weight = 1,390 g) with elevated levels of 17-OHP (91.2 nmol/L, normal < 40) upon neonatal screening who was treated as having CAH up to the age of 8 months. He was brought to us for molecular diagnosis. Medication was gradually suspended and serum 17-OHP dosages mantained normal. The p.V281L mutation was found in compound heterozygous status with a group of nucleotide alterations located at the 3' end intron 4 and 5' end exon 5 corresponding to the splice site acceptor region. Molecular studies continued in order to exclude the possibility of a nonclassical 21-OHD form. The group of three nucleotide changes was demonstrated to be a normal variant since they failed to interfere with the normal splicing process upon minigene studies.