OBJECTIVE:--The efficacy and safety of adding liraglutide (a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist) to metformin were compared with addition of placebo or glimepiride to metformin in subjects ...previously treated with oral antidiabetes (OAD) therapy. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS--In this 26-week, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo- and active-controlled, parallel-group trial, 1,091 subjects were randomly assigned (2:2:2:1:2) to once-daily liraglutide (either 0.6, 1.2, or 1.8 mg/day injected subcutaneously), to placebo, or to glimepiride (4 mg once daily). All treatments were in combination therapy with metformin (1g twice daily). Enrolled subjects (aged 25-79 years) had type 2 diabetes, A1C of 7-11% (previous OAD monotherapy for greater-than-or-equal3 months) or 7-10% (previous OAD combination therapy for greater-than-or-equal3 months), and BMI less-than or equal to40 kg/m². RESULTS:--A1C values were significantly reduced in all liraglutide groups versus the placebo group (P < 0.0001) with mean decreases of 1.0% for 1.8 mg liraglutide, 1.2 mg liraglutide, and glimepiride and 0.7% for 0.6 mg liraglutide and an increase of 0.1% for placebo. Body weight decreased in all liraglutide groups (1.8-2.8 kg) compared with an increase in the glimepiride group (1.0 kg; P < 0.0001). The incidence of minor hypoglycemia with liraglutide (~3%) was comparable to that with placebo but less than that with glimepiride (17%; P < 0.001). Nausea was reported by 11-19% of the liraglutide-treated subjects versus 3-4% in the placebo and glimepiride groups. The incidence of nausea declined over time. CONCLUSIONS:--In subjects with type 2 diabetes, once-daily liraglutide induced similar glycemic control, reduced body weight, and lowered the occurrence of hypoglycemia compared with glimepiride, when both had background therapy of metformin.
Pituitary adenomas (PA) account for approximately 15% of all intracranial neoplasms. Pituitary adenomas can be of different subtypes based on the cell of origin or associated hormone hypersecretion ...(non-functioning pituitary adenoma, prolactinoma, somatotropinoma, corticotropinoma, thyrotropinoma, and gonadotropinoma). Functioning PAs are associated with relatively higher morbidity and mortality because of associated hormone hypersecretion syndromes. Diagnosis of functioning PA is established by biochemical confirmation of hormone hypersecretion and demonstration of a pituitary lesion on imaging. Trans-sphenoidal surgical resection of tumor represents the first-line treatment for most tumor types, except for prolactinomas where medical therapy with dopamine agonists is preferred. Radiotherapy (RT) and medical therapy are the other options for the management of PA. It is important to individualize treatment options based on tumor type, patient's clinical condition, expertise of surgeon, affordability and patient preferences. In the first part of this series, we review the presentation and management of adrenocorticotropic hormone secreting, gonadotropin secreting and aggressive PA. Despite several recent advances, the diagnosis and management of Cushing's disease is still a challenge. Modifications in magnetic resonance imaging techniques like volume interpolated 3D spoiled gradient echo sequence have improved the sensitivity to detect microcorticotropinomas. Pituitary RT, preferably conventional RT, is a useful second-line therapy for the management of CD. Besides the conventional drugs, few drugs such as pasireotide and osilodrostat have been approved by US FDA recently, whereas several others are in pipeline which provide hope for a better outcome in CD patients. Temozolomide is a useful drug for the management of aggressive PA.
Somatic mosaicism has been implicated as a causative mechanism in a number of genetic and genomic disorders. X-linked acrogigantism (XLAG) syndrome is a recently characterized genomic form of ...pediatric gigantism due to aggressive pituitary tumors that is caused by submicroscopic chromosome Xq26.3 duplications that include GPR101 We studied XLAG syndrome patients (n= 18) to determine if somatic mosaicism contributed to the genomic pathophysiology. Eighteen subjects with XLAG syndrome caused by Xq26.3 duplications were identified using high-definition array comparative genomic hybridization (HD-aCGH). We noted that males with XLAG had a decreased log2ratio (LR) compared with expected values, suggesting potential mosaicism, whereas females showed no such decrease. Compared with familial male XLAG cases, sporadic males had more marked evidence for mosaicism, with levels of Xq26.3 duplication between 16.1 and 53.8%. These characteristics were replicated using a novel, personalized breakpoint junction-specific quantification droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) technique. Using a separate ddPCR technique, we studied the feasibility of identifying XLAG syndrome cases in a distinct patient population of 64 unrelated subjects with acromegaly/gigantism, and identified one female gigantism patient who had had increased copy number variation (CNV) threshold for GPR101 that was subsequently diagnosed as having XLAG syndrome on HD-aCGH. Employing a combination of HD-aCGH and novel ddPCR approaches, we have demonstrated, for the first time, that XLAG syndrome can be caused by variable degrees of somatic mosaicism for duplications at chromosome Xq26.3. Somatic mosaicism was shown to occur in sporadic males but not in females with XLAG syndrome, although the clinical characteristics of the disease were similarly severe in both sexes.
Context
Selective deficiency of β‐subunit of luteinizing hormone (LHB) is a rare disease with scarce data on its characteristics.
Objectives
To describe a male with LHB deficiency and systematically ...review the literature.
Design and Patients
Description of a male patient with LHB deficiency and a systematic review of LHB deficiency patients published to date (10 males and 3 females) as per PRISMA guidelines.
Results
A 36‐year‐old Asian Indian male presented with infertility. On evaluation, he had sexual maturity of Tanner's stage 3, low testosterone (0.23 ng/ml), low LH (0.44 mIU/ml), high follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH, 22.4 mIU/ml), and a novel homozygous missense likely pathogenic variant (p.Cys46Arg) in LHB. In the molecular dynamics simulation study, this variant interferes with heterodimerization of alpha‐beta subunits. Eleven males with pathogenic variants in LHB reported to date, presented at a median age of 29 (17–38) years, most commonly with delayed puberty. Clinical and biochemical profiles were similar to those of our patient. In the majority, testosterone monotherapy modestly increased testicular volume whereas human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) monotherapy also improved spermatogenesis. In females, oligomenorrhoea after spontaneous menarche was the most common manifestation. Ten pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants (three in‐frame deletions, three missense, two splice‐site, one nonsense, and one frameshift variants) have been reported in nine index patients.
Conclusion
We report a novel likely pathogenic LHB variant in an Asian Indian patient. The typical phenotype in male patients with LHB deficiency is delayed puberty with low testosterone, low LH, and normal to high FSH and hCG monotherapy being the best therapeutic option.
Hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets with hypercalciuria (HHRH) is a rare disorder of phosphate homeostasis. We describe a single-center experience of genetically proven HHRH families and perform ...systematic review phenotype-genotype correlation in reported biallelic probands and their monoallelic relatives. Detailed clinical, biochemical, radiological, and genetic data were retrieved from our center and a systematic review of Pub-Med and Embase databases for patients and relatives who were genetically proven. Total of nine subjects (probands:5) carrying biallelic
SLC34A3
mutations (novel:2) from our center had a spectrum from rickets/osteomalacia to normal BMD, with hypophosphatemia and hypercalciuria in all. We describe the first case of genetically proven HHRH with enthesopathy. Elevated FGF23 in another patient with hypophosphatemia, iron deficiency anemia, and noncirrhotic periportal fibrosis led to initial misdiagnosis as tumoral osteomalacia. On systematic review of 58 probands (with biallelic
SLC34A3
mutations; 35 males), early-onset HHRH and renal calcification were present in ~ 70% and late-onset HHRH in 10%. c.575C > T p.(Ser192Leu) variant occurred in 53% of probands without skeletal involvement. Among 110 relatives harboring monoallelic
SLC34A3
mutation at median age 38 years, renal calcification, hypophosphatemia, high 1,25(OH)
2
D, and hypercalciuria were observed in ~30%, 22.3%, 40%, and 38.8%, respectively. Renal calcifications correlated with age but were similar across truncating and non-truncating variants. Although most relatives were asymptomatic for bone involvement, 6/12(50%) had low bone mineral density. We describe the first monocentric HHRH case series from India with varied phenotypes. In a systematic review, frequent renal calcifications and low BMD in relatives with monoallelic variants (HHRH trait) merit identification.
Introduction: 177Lu-DOTATATE-based peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) is a promising therapy for metastatic and/or inoperable pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL). We aim to evaluate ...the efficacy and safety of and identify predictors of response to 177Lu-DOTATATE therapy in metastatic and/or inoperable PPGL. Methods: This retrospective study involved 15 patients of metastatic or unresectable PPGL, who received 177Lu-DOTATATE PRRT therapy. Clinical, biochemical (plasma-free normetanephrine), and radiological (anatomical and functional) responses were compared before and after the last therapy. Results: A total of 15 patients (4 PCC, 4 sPGL, 5 HNPGL, 1 PCC + sPGL, 1 HNPGL + sPGL) were included. The median duration of follow up was 27 (range: 11–62) months from the start of PRRT. Based on the RECIST (1.1) criteria, progressive disease was seen in three (20%), stable disease in eight (53%), partial response in one (7%), and minor response in three (20%) and controlled disease in 12 (80%). On linear regression analysis the presence of PGL (P= 0.044) and baseline SUVmax >21 (P < 0.0001) were significant positive predictors of early response to PRRT. Encouraging safety profiles were noted with no long term nephrotoxicity and hematotoxicity. Conclusion: 177Lu-DOTATATE therapy is an effective and safe modality of treatment for patients with metastatic/inoperable PPGL. Although it is not prudent to withhold PRRT in metastatic PPGL with baseline SUVmax < 21, baseline SUVmax >21 can be used to predict early response to PRRT.
Introduction
Fanconi renotubular syndromes (FRTS) are a rare group of inherited phosphaturic disorders with limited Indian as well as global data on this condition. Here, we describe the experience ...of a single Endocrinology center from Western India on FRTS.
Materials and methods
Comprehensive clinical, biochemical, radiological, management, and genetic details of FRTS patients managed between 2010 and 2023 were collected and analyzed.
Results
FRTS probands had mutations (eight novel) in six genes
CLCN5
(
n
= 4)
, SLC2A2
(
n
= 2
), GATM
,
EHHADH, HNF4A,
and
OCRL
(1 each). Among 15 FRTS patients (11 families), rickets/osteomalacia was the most common (
n
= 14) presentation with wide inter- and intra-familial phenotypic variability. Delayed diagnosis (median: 8.8 years), initial misdiagnosis (8/11 probands), and syndrome-specific discriminatory features (8/11 probands) were commonly seen. Hypophosphatemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, normal parathyroid hormone (median: 36 pg/ml), high-normal/elevated 1,25(OH)
2
D (median: 152 pg/ml), hypercalciuria (median spot urinary calcium to creatinine ratio: 0.32), and variable proximal tubular dysfunction(s) were observed. Elevated C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23 in two probands was misleading, till the genetic diagnosis was reached. Novel observations in our FRTS cohort were preserved renal function (till sixth decade) and enthesopathy in FRTS1 and FRTS3 families, respectively.
Conclusion
Our findings underscore frequent under- and misdiagnosis of FRTS; hence, a high index of suspicion for FRTS in phosphopenic rickets/osteomalacia, with early consideration of genetic testing is essential to ensure timely diagnosis of FRTS. The novel variants and phenotypic manifestations described here expand the disease spectrum of FRTS.
Objective
To report clinical, hormonal and structural effects of CYP11B1 pathogenic variations in Indian patients with 11β‐hydroxylase deficiency (11βOHD) and find hormonal criteria that accurately ...distinguish 11βOHD from 21α‐hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD).
Design
Retrospective record review of genetically diagnosed patients with 11βOHD.
Patients and Measurements
Clinical features, hormonal parameters at diagnosis (by immunoassay) and recent follow‐up of 13 genetically proven 11βOHD patients managed at our centre were retrospectively reviewed. ACTH‐stimulated serum adrenal steroids (measured by LC‐MS/MS) of 11βOHD were compared with those of simple virilizing and non‐classic 21OHD. Structural analysis of the observed pathogenic variations was performed by computational modelling.
Results
Nine (four females) and four (all females) patients had classic and non‐classic disease, respectively. All 11βOHD patients had elevated ACTH‐stimulated serum 11‐deoxycortisol (26.5–342.7 nmol/L) whereas none had elevated serum 17‐hydroxyprogesterone (4.2–21.2 nmol/L); both hormonal parameters distinguished 11βOHD from 21OHD with 100% accuracy. ACTH‐stimulated serum cortisol, but not 11‐deoxycortisol, clearly distinguished classic (<70 nmol/L) from non‐classic (>160 nmol/L) disease. Thirteen (eight novel, two recurrent) pathogenic variants were observed. Only missense mutations were observed among patients with non‐classic disease. Computational modelling predicted the possible affection of enzyme structure and function for all the observed missense mutations.
Conclusions
This first Indian study describes 13 11βOHD patients, including four with the rarer non‐classic variant. A total of eight novel pathogenic variants were identified in our study, highlighting regional genetic heterogeneity. Measurement of ACTH‐stimulated adrenal steroids by LC‐MS/MS will help avoid the misdiagnosis of 11βOHD as 21OHD and has potential to distinguish classic from non‐classic 11βOHD.
Introduction
Pituitary apoplexy (PA) in Cushing’s disease (CD) is rare with data limited to case reports/series.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed case records of PA in CD managed at our center ...from 1987 to 2023 and performed a systematic literature review.
Results
We identified 58 patients (44 females), including twelve from our center (12/315 CD, yielding a PA prevalence in CD of 3.8%) and forty six from systematic review. The median age at PA diagnosis was 35 years. The most common presentation was type A (79.3%) and symptom was headache (89.6%), with a median Pituitary Apoplexy Score (PAS) of 2. Median cortisol and ACTH levels were 24.9 µg/dl and 94.1 pg/ml, respectively. Apoplexy was the first manifestation of underlying CD in 55.2% of cases, with 31.1% (14/45) presenting with hypocortisolemia (serum cortisol ≤ 5.0 µg/dl), underscoring the importance of recognizing clinical signs/symptoms of hypercortisolism. The median largest tumor dimension was 1.7 cm (53/58 were macroadenomas). PA was managed surgically in 57.8% of cases, with the remainder conservatively managed. All five PA cases in CD with microadenoma achieved remission through conservative management, though two later relapsed. Among treatment-naïve CD patients with macroadenoma, PA-related neuro-deficit improvement was comparable between surgical and conservative groups. However, a greater proportion of surgically managed patients remained in remission longer (70% vs. 38.5%;
p
= 0.07), for an average of 31 vs. 10.5 months.
Conclusion
PA in CD is more commonly associated with macroadenomas, may present with hypocortisolemia, and surgical treatment tends towards higher and longer-lasting remission rates.