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Delayed puberty (DP) defines a retardation of onset/progression of sexual maturation beyond the expected age from either a lack/delay of the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis activation or a gonadal failure. DP usually gives rise to concern and uncertainty in patients and their families, potentially affecting their immediate psychosocial well-being and also creating longer term psychosexual sequelae. The most frequent form of DP in younger teenagers is self-limiting and may not need any intervention. Conversely, DP from hypogonadism requires prompt and specific treatment that we summarize in this review. Hormone therapy primarily targets genital maturation, development of secondary sexual characteristics, and the achievement of target height in line with genetic potential, but other key standards of care include body composition and bone mass. Finally, pubertal induction should promote psychosexual development and mitigate both short- and long-term impairments comprising low self-esteem, social withdrawal, depression, and psychosexual difficulties. Different therapeutic options for pubertal induction have been described for both males and females, but we lack the necessary larger randomized trials to define the best approaches for both sexes. We provide an in-depth and updated literature review regarding therapeutic options for inducing puberty in males and females, particularly focusing on recent therapeutic refinements that better encompass the heterogeneity of this population, and underlining key differences in therapeutic timing and goals. We also highlight persistent shortcomings in clinical practice, wherein strategies directed at “the child with delayed puberty of uncertain etiology” risk being misapplied to older adolescents likely to have permanent hypogonadism.

Purpose To investigate predictors of testicular response and non-reproductive outcomes (height, body proportions) after gonadotropin-induced puberty in congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Design A retrospective analysis of the puberty induction in CHH male patients, undergoing an off-label administration of combined gonadotropin (FSH and hCG). Methods Clinical and hormonal evaluations before and during gonadotropin stimulation in 19 CHH patients genotyped by Targeted Next Generation Sequencing for CHH genes; 16 patients underwent also semen analysis after gonadotropins. Results A lesser increase in testicular volume after 24 months of induction was significantly associated with: (I) cryptorchidism; (II) a positive genetic background; (III) a complete form of CHH. We found no significant correlation with the cumulative dose of hCG administered in 24 months. We found no association with the results of semen analyses, probably due to the low numerosity. Measures of body disproportion (eunuchoid habitus and difference between adult and target height: deltaSDSth), were significantly related to the: (I) age at the beginning of puberty induction; (II) duration of growth during the induction; (III) initial bone age. The duration of growth during induction was associated with previous testosterone priming and to partial forms of CHH. Conclusions This study shows that a strong genetic background and cryptorchidism, as indicators of a complete GnRH deficiency since intrauterine life, are negative predictors of testicular response to gonadotropin stimulation in CHH. Body disproportion is associated with a delay in treatment and duration of growth during the induction, which is apparently inversely related to previous androgenization.

Context Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)1 gene mutations are extremely rare causes of pre- and postnatal growth retardation. Phenotype can be heterogenous with varying degrees of neurosensory deafness, cognitive defects, glucose metabolism impairment and short stature. Objective This study describes a 12.6-year-old girl presenting with severe short stature and insulin resistance, but with normal hearing and neurological development at the lower limit of normal. Methods DNA was obtained from the proband and both parents for whole exome sequencing (WES). In silico analysis was performed to predict the impact of the IGF1 variant on IGF1 and insulin receptors (IGF1R and IR) signaling. Phosphorylation of the IGF1R at activating Tyr residues and cell proliferation analyses were used to assess the ability of each subject's IGF1 to bind and activate IGF1R. Results The proband had low immunoreactive IGF1 in serum and WES revealed a novel homozygous IGF1 missense variant (c.247A>T), causing a change of serine 83 for cysteine (p.Ser83Cys; p.Ser35Cys in mature peptide). The proband's parents were heterozygous for this mutation. In silico analyses indicated the pathogenic potential of the variant with electrostatic variations with the potential of hampering the interaction with the IGF1R but strengthening the binding to IR. The mutant IGF1 protein had a significantly reduced activity on in vitro bioassays. Conclusion We describe a novel IGF1 mutation leading to severe loss of circulating IGF1 immunoreactivity and bioactivity. In silico modeling predicts that the mutant IGF1 could interfere with IR signaling, providing a possible explanation for the severe insulin resistance observed in the patient. The absence of significant hearing and neurodevelopmental involvement in the present case is unusual and broadens the clinical spectrum of IGF1 mutations.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic caused an increased mortality in nursing homes due to its quick spread and the age-related high lethality. Results: We observed a two-month mortality of 40%, compared to 6.4% in the previous year. This increase was seen in both COVID-19 positive (43%) and negative (24%) residents, but 8 patients among those testing negative on the swab, tested positive on serological tests. Increased mortality was associated with male gender, older age, no previous vitamin D supplementation and worse “activities of daily living (ADL)” scores, such as Barthel index, Tinetti scale and S.OS.I.A. classification. Conclusion: Our data confirms a higher geriatric mortality due to COVID-19. Negative residents also had higher mortality, which we suspect is secondary to preanalytical error and a low sensitivity of the swab test in poorly compliant subjects. Male gender, older age and low scores on ADL scales (probably due to immobility) are risk factors for COVID-19 related mortality. Finally, mortality was inversely associated with vitamin D supplementation. Design: In this observational study, we described the two-month mortality among the 157 residents (age 60-100) of a nursing home after Sars-CoV-2 spreading, reporting the factors associated with the outcome. We also compared the diagnostic tests for Sars-CoV-2.

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is characterized by late adolescence/young adulthood onset of primary hypogonadism. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), when congenital, is usually associated with absent/incomplete puberty and low/normal gonadotropins. We report the clinical and genetic features of two subjects with KS and an unexpected HH hormone profile. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of hypothalamus-pituitary region and next generation sequencing (NGS) of congenital HH-associated genes were obtained. A narrative review of the literature was conducted. Patients were diagnosed with Klinefelter syndrome following karyotype analysis. Nevertheless, they showed unusual features: both had incomplete puberty, low gonadotropins and testosterone levels, and the first one was anosmic. Sellar lesions were excluded by MRI, and NGS was negative in both subjects. Our data add to those of the only 14 similar cases reported so far. Unexplained HH rarely occurs in KS and is variably associated with anosmia, other pituitary hormones deficiencies and heterogeneous karyotypes. However, most cases show an early, pre-pubertal onset of hypogonadism. If the causes behind this gonadotropins defect are largely unknown, hereby we provide the first review of the literature on this topic and propose some pathogenetic hypotheses, including the coexistence of KS and congenital HH as suggested by overlapping clinical features in some of these patients. HH is an exceptional occurrence in Klinefelter syndrome and is associated with heterogeneous phenotypes and, probably, aetiologies. Moreover, KS could underlie HH nonresponsive to gonadotropins. An exhaustive diagnostic workup and a tailored clinical management are advisable in these rare forms.

A genetic basis of congenital isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) can be defined in almost 50% of cases, albeit not necessarily the complete genetic basis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques have led to the discovery of a great number of loci, each of which has illuminated our understanding of human gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, either in respect of their embryonic development or their neuroendocrine regulation as the "pilot light" of human reproduction. However, because each new gene linked to CHH only seems to underpin another small percentage of total patient cases, we are still far from achieving a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of CHH. Patients have generally not benefited from advances in genetics in respect of novel therapies. In most cases, even genetic counselling is limited by issues of apparent variability in expressivity and penetrance that are likely underpinned by oligogenicity in respect of known and unknown genes. Robust genotype-phenotype relationships can generally only be established for individuals who are homozygous, hemizygous or compound heterozygotes for the same gene of variant alleles that are predicted to be deleterious. While certain genes are purely associated with normosmic CHH (nCHH) some purely with the anosmic form (Kallmann syndrome-KS), other genes can be associated with both nCHH and KS-sometimes even within the same kindred. Even though the anticipated genetic overlap between CHH and constitutional delay in growth and puberty (CDGP) has not materialised, previously unanticipated genetic relationships have emerged, comprising conditions of combined (or multiple) pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), hypothalamic amenorrhea (HA) and CHARGE syndrome. In this review, we report the current evidence in relation to phenotype and genetic peculiarities regarding 60 genes whose loss-of-function variants can disrupt the central regulation of reproduction at many levels: impairing GnRH neurons migration, differentiation or activation; disrupting neuroendocrine control of GnRH secretion; preventing GnRH neuron migration or function and/or gonadotropin secretion and action.

L’interessamento osteoarticolare costituisce un elemento rilevante della patologia acromegalica, spesso presente gia alla diagnosi sotto forma di artralgie; tale complicanza, pur non determinando riduzione dell’aspettativa di vita, causa importante disabilita influenzando in modo negativo la qualita di vita dei pazienti. La patogenesi, ancora non del tutto chiarita, sembrerebbe riconducibile in prima istanza all’eccesso di GH e IGF-I e, in una seconda fase, alle conseguenti modificazioni meccaniche di tipo degenerativo. L’entita delle manifestazioni cliniche, cosi determinante sulla qualita di vita dei soggetti affetti, non trova fedele riscontro nella gravita del quadro radiologico. La Societa Italiana di Endocrinologia ha varato un Gruppo di Studio sulla Disabilita Motoria nell’Acromegalia, a cui partecipano numerosi gruppi endocrinologici italiani.

The triple A syndrome (AAAS) is an inherited condition associated with mutations in the AAAS gene, which encodes a protein of 546 amino acids known as ALADIN (alacrima achalasia adrenal insufficiency neurologic disorder) whose function is not well understood. This protein belongs to the WD-repeat family of regulatory proteins and is located in the nuclear pore complexes. Only a few cohorts of AAAS patients have been reported and fully characterized. Thus, the objective of the present study was to report on a mini cohort of Italian AAAS patients and to get insights on their predisposing genetic defects. Genetic analysis of AAAS gene in triple A syndrome patient and molecular and functional characterization of the novel identified allelic variants. Here we describe three newly diagnosed cases of AAAS, in whom genetic analysis allowed us to identify two novel allelic variants in the AAAS gene: the frameshift substitution c.765 dupT (p.Gly256Trp fsX67) in exon 8 and the splice site mutation in intron 11(c.997–2 A > G, IVS11-2A > G). Both variants result in a truncated non-functional protein, as we demonstrate by transcript analysis and expression studies. Our findings establish a pathogenic role for both new variants. Moreover, our data highlight the essential role of the C-terminal domain of the protein for its correct targeting and function and underline the importance of sequencing splice sites surrounding the intron–exon junctions to ensure accurate molecular diagnosis and correct genetic counseling in AAAS patients.

L’ipotiroidismo centrale (ICe) e un difetto di produzione degli ormoni tiroidei dovuto a un’insufficiente stimolazione da parte della tireotropina (TSH) di una ghiandola tiroidea altrimenti normale. La frequenza dell’ICe nella popolazione generale e probabilmente sottostimata perche la misurazione del TSH perde la sua accuratezza diagnostica in questa forma di ipotiroidismo. L’ICe deve essere sospettato in tutti i pazienti con malattie ipotalamo-ipofisarie, traumi cranici, tumori cerebrali o terapie che possono interferire con la funzione delle cellule tireotrope. La diagnosi di ICe viene di solito confermata dall’associazione di bassi/normali livelli di TSH con bassi valori di T4 libera. La terapia con tiroxina rappresenta il gold standard, ma la personalizzazione della terapia non puo essere accurata come nel caso dei difetti tiroidei primari.

Central hypothyrodism (CeH) is a hypothyroid state caused by an insufficient stimulation by thyrotropin (TSH) of an otherwise normal thyroid gland. Several advancements, including the recent publication of expert guidelines for CeH diagnosis and management, have been made in recent years thus increasing the clinical awareness on this condition. Here, we reviewed the recent advancements and give expert opinions on critical issues. Indeed, CeH can be the consequence of various disorders affecting either the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus. Recent data enlarged the list of candidate genes for heritable CeH and a genetic origin may be the underlying cause for CeH discovered in pediatric or even adult patients without apparent pituitary lesions. This raises the doubt that the frequency of CeH may be underestimated. CeH is most frequently diagnosed as a consequence of the biochemical assessments in patients with hypothalamic/pituitary lesions. In contrast with primary hypothyroidism, low FT4 with low/normal TSH levels are the biochemical hallmark of CeH, and adequate thyroid hormone replacement leads to the suppression of residual TSH secretion. Thus, CeH often represents a clinical challenge because physicians cannot rely on the use of the ‘reflex TSH strategy’ for screening or therapy monitoring. Nevertheless, in contrast with general assumption, the finding of normal TSH levels may indicate thyroxine under-replacement in CeH patients. The clinical management of CeH is further complicated by the combination with multiple pituitary deficiencies, as the introduction of sex steroids or GH replacements may uncover latent forms of CeH or increase the thyroxine requirements.

Purpose:Classic Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a severe disease characterized by central obesity, hypertension, easy bruising, striae rubrae, buffalo hump, proximal myopathy and hypertricosis. However, several CS cases have also been reported with unusual or camouflaged manifestations. In recent years, several authors investigated the prevalence of "hidden hypercortisolism" (HidHyCo) among subjects affected with bone fragility, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). The prevalence of the HidHyCo is estimated to be much higher than that of classic CS. However, similarly to classic CS, HidHyCo is known to increase the risk of fractures, cardiovascular disease and mortality. Methods:We reviewed all published cases of unusual presentations of hypercortisolism and studies specifically assessing the HidHyCo prevalence in diabetic, osteoporotic and hypertensive patients. Results:We found 49 HidHyCo cases, in whom bone fragility, hypertension and diabetes were the presenting manifestations of an otherwise silent hypercortisolism. Amongst these cases, 34.7%, 32.7%, 6.1% and 19.0%, respectively, had bone fragility, hypertension, DM2 or hypertension plus DM2 as the sole clinical manifestations of HidHyCo. Overall, 25% of HidHyCo cases were of pituitary origin, and bone fragility was the very prevalent first manifestation among them. In population studies, it is possible to estimate that 1-4% of patients with apparent primary osteoporosis has a HidHyCo and the prevalence of this condition among diabetics ranges between 3.4 and 10%. Conclusion:These data indicate that patients with resistant or suddenly worsening hypertension or DM2 or unexplainable bone fragility should be screened for HidHyCo using the most recently approved sensitive cut-offs.

Background The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamic-pituitary-somatotropic (HPS) axes are strongly interconnected. Interactions between these axes are complex and poorly understood. These interactions are characterized by redundancies in reciprocal influences at each level of regulation and the combination of endocrine and paracrine effects that change during development. Objectives To comprehensively review the crosstalk between the HPG and HPS axes and related pathological and clinical aspects during various life stages of male subjects. Materials and methods A thorough search of publications available in PubMed was performed using proper keywords. Results Molecular studies confirmed the expressions of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) receptors on the HPG axis and reproductive organs, indicating a possible interaction between HPS and HPG axes at various levels. Insulin growth factors participate in sexual differentiation during fetal development, indicating that normal HPS axis activity is required for proper testicular development. IGF-I contributes to correct testicular position during minipuberty, determines linear growth during childhood, and promotes puberty onset and pace through gonadotropin-releasing hormone activation. IGF-I levels are high during transition age, even when linear growth is almost complete, suggesting its role in reproductive tract maturation. Patients with GH deficiency (GHD) and insensitivity (GHI) exhibit delayed puberty and impaired genital development; replacement therapy in such patients induces proper pubertal development. In adults, few studies have suggested that lower IGF-I levels are associated with impaired sperm parameters. Discussion and conclusion The role of GH-IGF-I in testicular development remains largely unexplored. However, it is important to evaluate gonadic development in children with GHD. Additionally, HPS axis function should be evaluated in children with urogenital malformation or gonadal development alterations. Correct diagnosis and prompt therapeutic intervention are needed for healthy puberty, attainment of complete gonadal development during transition age, and fertility potential in adulthood.

Distinguishing between constitutional delay of growth and puberty (CDGP) and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) may be challenging. CDGP and CHH appear to belong to the same clinical spectrum (with low sex hormones and low LH and FSH), although one is classically transient and known as a self-limited form of delayed puberty (CDGP) while the other is permanent (CHH). Thus, the clinical history and the outcomes of these two conditions require different approaches, and an adequate and timely management for the patients is mandatory. Since the initial presentation of CDGP and CHH is almost identical and given the similarities of CDGP and partial forms of CHH (i.e. patients with partial and early interrupted pubertal development) the scientific community has been struggling to find some diagnostic tests able to allow an accurate differential diagnosis between these two conditions in delayed puberty. In this review we provide an up to date insight on the tests available, their meanings and accuracy, as well as some clues to effectively differentiate between constitutional pubertal delay and pathologic CHH.

CHH is a rare disease characterized by a failure to enter (complete forms) or to complete (partial forms) pubertal development. It has a strong genetic background and it needs a treatment to allow the puberty to complete. In male this goal could be achieved either by the classic testosterone replacement therapy or by the exogenous gonadotropins (Gn) administration which allows both the endogenous testosterone production and the testicular development. So far, only few studies have explored this latter therapeutic approach in inducing the CHH pubertal development and no internationally recognized protocols are available. Aim of this retrospective analysis is to (i) investigate clinical and biochemical predictors of testicular response to Gn-induced puberty in CHH; (ii) study the non-reproductive outcomes of this treatment (height, body proportions) and their determinants. A total of 19 CHH male patients, undergoing two years of Gn-mediated (FSH and hCG) puberty induction started between the ages of 14 and 23 years, were retrospectively evaluated. For each patient clinical history, physical examination, hormonal evaluation, and genetic analysis using Targeted Next Generation Sequencing for CHH genes was performed; 8 patients accepted to perform a semen analysis (SA) at the end of their treatment.Mann Whitney test and multiple regression analysis showed testicular volume after 24 months of Gn-mediated pubertal induction, to be significantly associated with: (i) the presence of cryptorchidism; (ii) the presence of a completely definable genetic cause for the disease; (iii) the presence of a complete CHH form. No significant association was found with the cumulative dose of hCG administered in 24 months. The statistical analyses regarding SA could not find the same associations. Multiple regression analyses investigating the eunuchoid habitus and a measure of the difference of subject’s final height from his target (deltaSDSth), showed a significant association with: (i) age at the beginning of the induction; (ii) the duration of growth during induction; (iii) and (for deltaSDSth) bone age before the induction. Duration of growth during induction resulted to be associated with previous testosterone priming and with partial CHH.In summary, our study confirms cryptorchidism and complete genetic forms of CHH as negative predictors of testicular response probably because they usually affect early phases of life with a complete GnRH deficiency. We also found that the eunuchoid habitus and deltaSDSth are associated not only with delayed treatment, but also with the duration of stature growth during the induction, apparently related to earlier androgenization.

L’incidenza dei tumori neuroendocrini (NET) e aumentata negli ultimi anni. Nuove possibilita per il trattamento e la cura dei NET avanzati si prospettano con lo sviluppo di molecole volte a bersagliare punti chiave della proliferazione e differenziazione cellulare. Questo articolo ha lo scopo di fornire una rassegna sui farmaci a bersaglio molecolare recentemente utilizzati nella terapia dei NET e di illustrare i nuovi farmaci in via di sviluppo.

We describe a case of severe erythrocytosis caused by testosterone replacement therapy in a 66-year-old man affected with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) determining osteoporosis, resolved by switching to restoration therapy with clomiphene citrate. The patient complained fatigue, loss of libido and defective erections and a spontaneous vertebral fracture despite bisphosphonate therapy and vitamin D supplementation. The examinations proved isolated HH and he was therefore treated with testosterone gel with regression of specific manifestations but elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit values. Therefore, it was decided to switch to a restoration therapy with clomiphene citrate 25 mg/die, which resulted in the resolution of symptoms without evident side effects. In a couple of months, the patient showed normalization of testosterone levels and increment of testicular volume. Since secondary hypogonadism is the consequence of an insufficient stimulation of the gonads by hypothalamic–pituitary axis, therapeutic approaches aimed to restore endogenous testosterone production should be considered in alternative to testosterone replacement, particularly if side effects intervene. Among these strategies, clomiphene citrate seems to have a high efficacy and safety profile also in the elderly with isolated HH and no evident pituitary lesion. Learning points: Hypogonadism should always be assessed in patients with severe loss in BMD and undergo appropriate medical treatment. In hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, more approaches are available other than testosterone replacement therapy alone. In patients with severe late-onset central hypogonadism presenting with erythrocytosis even at low doses of replacement therapy, restoration therapy with clomiphene could prove to be an effective solution, particularly in patients with a reversible disruption of GNRH/gonadotropin functions. Clomiphene citrate increases gonadotropin levels and testicular volume and should therefore be considered in hypogonadal men who wish to remain fertile.

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is one of the most common chromosomal disorders in male, affecting around 1:600 live male births. It is an aneuploidy affecting the sex chromosomes, and it is characterized by the presence of two or more extra copies of the X chromosome in a male subject. The supernumerary X chromosome comes from the mother and the father near equally, being the maternal, and possibly paternal, advanced age a well-known risk factor for KS. Despite the insights provided by numerous studies concerning the clinical consequences of KS performed so far, our knowledge of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the KS pathogenesis is still limited in part due to the lack of in-depth mechanistic studies. Apart from the aneuploidy and that of the inter-individual genetic variation, several genetic mechanisms may play a role in modulating the phenotype variability observed in KS subjects. The present chapter will review the genetic and epigenetic aspects of the presence of the extra copy of the X chromosome in a male environment.

Triple-A Syndrome (TAS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by three cardinal symptoms: alacrimia, achalasia and adrenal insufficiency due to ACTH insensitivity. Various progressive neurological abnormalities and skin changes have been described in association with the syndrome. The disease is caused by mutation in the AAAS gene on chromosome 12q13. Mutations in AAAS were identified in more than 90% of individuals and families with TAS. The protein encoded by AAAS was termed ALADIN and is part of the WD repeat family of proteins, that have been found to be involved in many different functions such as protein-protein interaction, RNA processing, cytoskeleton assembly, control of cell division, signal transduction and apoptosis. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that mutated or truncated ALADIN localizes to the cytoplasm rather than to the nuclear pore complex. The exact function of ALADIN and the mechanisms that lead to the ACTH-resistant adrenal phenotype remains largely unknown. Nonetheless, recent studies provided some insights on the role of ALADIN as a member of the Nuclear Pore Complex not only implicated in the import of proteins involved in DNA repair and oxidative stress homeostasis but also in the strengthening of the mitotic spindle assembly. Early identification of the syndrome is challenging, given the rarity of the condition and high phenotypic heterogeneity even among members of the same family. In this review, we aim to summarize the current knowledge of clinical and molecular profile of patients with TAS and recommendations for the diagnosis, management, and follow-up of patients.

Purpose: Arthropathy is a common and disabling complication of acromegaly. Since in this condition radiological findings rarely correspond to functional impairment, we elected to quantify in a large cohort of acromegalic patients: the degree of motor disability compared with data from general population, the impact of joint involvement on quality of life and work productivity, and to look for associated factors. Methods: In 211 acromegalic patients, 131 with controlled disease and 80 with active disease, eight validated scales were used to evaluate the (i) prevalence and distribution of arthropathy, (ii) degree of motor disability and joint symptoms (VAS, AIMS symptoms and WOMAC), (iii) quality of life (AcroQoL and PASQ) and work capability (WPAI:GH) as consequences of joint complications. Results: Using the WOMAC questionnaire, for which population based normative values are available, a significantly higher prevalence and severity of motor disability was detected in acromegalics compared to the general population from literature. The results provided by the different questionnaires turned out to be highly concordant. All measures of motor disability correlated both with impaired quality of life and motor disability and were worse in females and in patients with higher BMI. Conclusions: The questionnaires VAS, AIMS symptoms, and WOMAC (this latter both as a whole and with its functionality subscale), with their scores, proved to be the most adequate tools to evaluate motor disability and its consequences on both quality of life and work productivity in acromegaly. Female gender and higher BMI are associated with worse articular symptoms.

Multiple metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms are considered the determinants of acquired functional isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in males, whereas classic IHH is a rare congenital condition with a strong genetic background.Since we recently uncovered a frequent familiarity for classic IHH among patients with mild adult-onset hypogonadism (AO-IHH), here we performed agenetic characterization by next generation sequencing of 160 males with classic or “functional” forms. The prevalence of rare variants in 28 candidate genes showed to be significantly higher than in controls in all IHH patients, independently of the age of IHH onset, degree of hypogonadism or presence of obesity. Interestingly, it did not differ among patients with classic or milder forms of IHH, however particular genes appear to be more specifically associated with one or the other category of IHH. ROC curves showed that Total Testostrone

Female congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare condition, with a strong genetic background, characterized by absent or incomplete pubertal development, for which inductive treatment with sex-hormone is required. Although the available data, mostly coming from studies in patients with Turner syndrome, indicate transdermal estradiol (TDE) as the first-choice formulation, no internationally validated therapeutic schemes are currently available. Furthermore, data on CHH patients are certainly lacking and there is no standard of care for pubertal induction in this specific population. The aim of our work was the retrospective analysis of the data from a collection of case reports of pubertal induction in CHH patients referred to our Center. Six patients underwent induction with transdermal estradiol (TDE) at the starting dose of 0.1µg/kg/day (night-time for the first 4-6 months), increased every 4-6 months up to the adult dose, for a mean period of 2.86 ± 0.45 ys. Micronized progesterone (200 mcg) was introduced at reaching of 50µg dose or if breakthrough bleeding occurred. Treatment was monitored through clinical and anthropometric evaluations at each dose modification. The average age of induction was 17.25 ± 1.41 ys, with each bone age> 13 ys. Three out of six patients already had a Tanner B2 stage at diagnosis. The mean times of pubertal advancement were respectively 1.3 ± 0.46 ys for the achievement of B3, 2.13 ± 0.29 ys for the B4 and 2.35 ± 0.77 ys for menarche; all the patients reached an adult breast conformation (B5) in 2.81 ± 0.28 ys. These data are consistent with physiological pubertal progress. All of them achieved adequate uterine development (medium longitudinal diameter 72.2 ± 3.37mm), except one patient with suboptimal development (54mm). The final height (FH) was adequate in all patients, with SDS FH +1.6 (-0.43 - +3.38), in spite of an average growth of 4.11 cm (2.5-6) ​​during the induction period and a growth rate > 2cm/year only in 50% of patients. No side effects were reported, and individual compliance and satisfaction were quite high. This clinical experience suggests that the adopted regimen, consistent with current literature, guarantees excellent efficacy and safety. However, further studies are needed to identify the optimal treatment in adolescents with CHH, taking into account their higher age at the start of induction, the modest impact on growth and final stature, to focus on the specific clinical objectives in these patients

Thyroid gland activity is the result of a dynamic regulating network that include the hypothalamic thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), the pituitary glycoprotein hormone thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and the circulating thyroid hormones with their feedback effects at the hypothalamic and pituitary levels. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) belongs to the family of pituitary glycoprotein hormones, and it controls the synthesis and the secretion of thyroid hormones. TSH secretion is mainly regulated by the stimulatory activity of the hypothalamic factor thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), and by the negative feedback mechanism of circulating thyroid hormones. The present article is considering the recent progress in our understanding of the different actors of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis, explaining the complex physiology at the basis of the correct functionality of the thyroid gland.

Multiple metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms are considered the determinants of acquired functional isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) in males, whereas classic IHH is a rare congenital condition with a strong genetic background. Since we recently uncovered a frequent familiarity for classic IHH among patients with mild adult-onset hypogonadism (AO-IHH), here we performed a genetic characterization by next generation sequencing of 160 males with classic or &ldquo, functional&rdquo, forms. The prevalence of rare variants in 28 candidate genes was significantly higher than in controls in all IHH patients, independently of the age of IHH onset, degree of hypogonadism or presence of obesity. In fact, it did not differ among patients with classic or milder forms of IHH, however particular genes appear to be more specifically associated with one or the other category of IHH. ROC curves showed that Total Testosterone &lt, 6.05 nmol/L and an age of onset &lt, 41 years are sensitive cutoffs to identify patients with significantly higher chances of harboring rare IHH gene variants. In conclusion, rare IHH genes variants can frequently predispose to AO-IHH with acquired mild hormonal deficiencies. The identification of a genetic predisposition can improve the familial and individual management of AO-IHH and explain the heritability of congenital IHH.