Hyperprolactinaemia is characterised by gonadal dysfunction, including infertility and reduced libido and, if left untreated, is associated with an increased risk of long-term complications, such as osteoporosis. The first-line therapy for patients with hyperprolactinaemia is pharmacological intervention with a dopamine agonist. Currently, there are three dopamine agonists available for hyperprolactinaemia therapy: bromocriptine, quinagolide and cabergoline. Bromocriptine has a long history of use; however, a range of 5–18% of patients are reported to show bromocriptine resistance, with only partial lowering of plasma prolactin levels and an absence of tumour shrinkage. The newer dopamine agonists, quinagolide and cabergoline, offer improved efficacy over bromocriptine, with a lower incidence of adverse events. Quinagolide and cabergoline have also demonstrated efficacy in many patients intolerant or resistant to bromocriptine. Thus, the selection of dopamine agonists available provides more than one option for pharmacological intervention of hyperprolactinaemia. This review discusses the clinical use of quinagolide in comparison to other dopamine agonists for hyperprolactinaemia therapy. Quinagolide may improve patient compliance to treatment owing to its reduced side effect profile, simple and rapid titration over just 7 days, once-daily dosing regimen and easy to use starter pack (available in some countries). Quinagolide offers an additional benefit for patients wishing to become pregnant, as it can be used until the point of confirmation of pregnancy. Therefore, as a well tolerated and effective therapy, with a simple dosing regimen, quinagolide should be considered as a first-line therapy in the treatment of hyperprolactinaemia.
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Isabelle Morange, Anne Barlier, Isabelle Pellegrini, Thierry Brue, Alain Enjalbert, and Philippe Jaquet
Morange I, Barlier A, Pellegrini I. Brue T, Enjalbert A, Jaquet P. Prolactinomas resistant to bromocriptine: long-term efficacy of quinagolide and outcome of pregnancy. Eur J Endocrinol 1996; 135:413–20. ISSN 0804–4643
Resistance to bromocriptine, defined as the absence of normalization of prolactin (PRL) levels despite a 15–30 mg daily dose of bromocriptine during at least 6 months, has been observed in 5–17% of the prolactinomas according to the literature. The recent availability of a new potent dopamine agonist, quinagolide, prompted us to analyze its long-term therapeutic effects in 28 patients with prolactinomas resistant to bromocriptine. Before bromocriptine, their PRL levels were 520 ± 185 μg/l (mean ± sem) and decreased to 291 ± 154 μg/l after a 6–21 month period of bromocriptine treatment. All the women (N = 20) remained amenorrheic and hypogonadism was not improved in men (N = 8). Subsequently, after 1 year of 150–300 μg/day quinagolide, 12/28 patients of the present series recovered normal gonadal function and their initial mean baseline PRL value (404 ± 180 μg/l) was 16 ± 2 μg/l after 1 year of treatment. A significant tumor shrinkage was observed in 5/8 macroadenomas (62%). During the 3-year follow-up period under quinagolide, a similar good control was achieved in these patients, with the exception of one man presenting with a secondary rise of PRL under quinagolide. In contrast, 15 other patients (one patient interrupted quinagolide at 6 months because of poor tolerance) were not normalized under 150–450 μg/day quinagolide. Their initial PRL levels (606 ± 298 μg/l) were reduced to 343 ± 187 μg/l (versus 463 ± 265 μg/l under bromocriptine after the same duration of treatment). Despite such a partial inhibitory effect of quinagolide, 7/12 women resumed menstrual cycles and three pregnancies occurred. In no case was any tumor shrinkage noticed during the 3–4-year follow-up. Three patients even presented, after 2 years of quinagolide treatment, with a secondary rise of PRL values associated with a further tumor growth in two patients. During the 3-year follow-up period, nine pregnancies occurred in seven women. In five women, after quinagolide withdrawal, the plasma PRL baseline values ranged from 52 to 158 μg/l and from 65 to 192 μg/l, respectively, at the first trimester and at the end of uneventful pregnancies. In contrast, in two women a rapid increase of PRL (240–400 μg/l) correlated with tumor growth during the first trimester. Such a tumor progression was blocked by quinagolide treatment but not by bromocriptine. These data, although observed in a limited series, justify the careful follow-up of pregnancies in this subclass of patients at risk. Finally, in the whole population, long-term control of hyperprolactinemia by quinagolide was obtained in 11/28 patients (39%) previously resistant to bromocriptine, and 15/20 women (75%) resumed normal gonadal function with a quinagolide daily dose of 300 μg in most of them.
I Morange, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, 264 rue Saint-Pierre, 13005 Marseilles, France
Dermot O’Toole, Alexandru Saveanu, Anne Couvelard, Ginette Gunz, Alain Enjalbert, Philippe Jaquet, Philippe Ruszniewski, and Anne Barlier
Objective: Somatostatin (sst) are present in the majority of gastro-entero-pancreatic (GEP) tumours. Effects of somatostatin receptor (sst) analogues are partial and of limited duration. Cell lines derived from GEP express dopaminergic receptors D2. New chimeric analogues simultaneously recognising sst2 and sst5 or sst2 and D2 have additive effects in inhibition of GH and prolactin secretion in pituitary adenomas. Our aim was to quantify the expression of sst and D2 mRNA in human GEP tumours.
Design and methods: mRNA expression of sst1, sst2, sst3 and sst5 as well as D2, was analysed using real-time PCR (TaqMan probe) in a series of 35 patients with GEP tumours (pancreas (n = 19) and intestinal (n = 16)). Levels of expression were compared with a group of 13 somatotroph adenomas.
Results: All GEP tumours express sst1, sst2 and D2. Expression of sst3 and sst5 was observed in 89 and 76% of tumours respectively with highly variable levels. sst2 mRNA expression was higher in nonfunctional tumours (P < 0.009) and sst5 was higher in pancreatic than in intestinal tumours (P < 0.02). Whereas sst2 levels were similar between GEP and somatotroph tumours, levels of sst5 and D2 were higher in the former (394.9 ± 156.1 × 10−2 vs 69.7 ± 19.5 × 10−2 copy/copy β-Gus (P < 0.0036) and 519.6 ± 121.2 × 10−2 vs 50.0 ± 21.6 × 10−2 copy/copy β-Gus (P < 0.0001) respectively). In small tumours ( < 30 mm), sst2 density appeared as a crucial parameter in somatostatin receptor scintigraphy results, whereas in big tumours, a consistent bias in SRS results was introduced by the size. In pancreatic GEP, high-level sst3 expression was found in tumours with more active angiogenesis (higher microvessel density and vascular endothelial growth factor expression (P < 0.03)).
Conclusions: GEP tumours co-express sst2 and D2 in 100% of cases and sst5 in 89% thus supporting the testing of bi-specific agonists (sst2/sst5 or sst2/D2) in these tumours.
Alessandra Fusco, Ginette Gunz, Philippe Jaquet, Henry Dufour, Anne Laure Germanetti, Michael D Culler, Anne Barlier, and Alexandru Saveanu
Objective
Ten percent of patients with prolactinoma fail to respond with normalization of prolactin (PRL) and tumor shrinkage under dopamine agonist (DA) therapy. The resistance to treatment is linked to a loss of dopamine receptor 2 (D2DR). Prolactinomas express somatostatin (SST) receptor subtypes, SSTR1, 2, and 5. The aim of this study was to determine whether different SST compounds could overcome the resistance to DA in prolactinomas.
Design and methods
The efficacy of SSTR1, SSTR2, and SSTR5 ligands; the universal SST ligand, SOM230; and the chimeric SST-DA compound, BIM-23A760, was compared with cabergoline in suppressing PRL secretion from primary cultures of ten prolactinomas (six DA responders and four DA resistant). Receptor mRNAs were assessed by quantitative PCR.
Results
The mean mRNA levels for D2DR, SSTR1, SSTR2, and SSTR5 were 92.3±47.3, 2.2±1.4, 1.1±0.7, and 1.6±0.6 copy/copy β-glucuronidase (β-Gus) respectively. The SSTR1 agonist, BIM-23926, did not suppress PRL in prolactinomas. In a DA-resistant prolactinoma, it did not inhibit [3H]thymidine incorporation. The SSTR5 compound, BIM-23206, produced a dose-dependent inhibition of PRL release similar to that of cabergoline in three DA-sensitive prolactinomas. BIM-23A760 produced a maximal PRL inhibition superimposable to that obtained with cabergoline with a lower EC50 (0.5±0.1 vs 2.5±1.5 pmol/l). In DA-resistant prolactinomas, BIM-23206 and SOM230 were ineffective. Cabergoline and BIM-23A760 produced a partial inhibition of PRL secretion (19±6 and 21±3% respectively).
Conclusion
Although the SSTRs are expressed in prolactinomas, the somatostatinergic ligands analyzed do not appear to be highly effective in suppressing PRL. D2DR remains the primary target for effective treatment of prolactinomas.
Frederic Castinetti, Rachel Reynaud, Alexandru Saveanu, Nicolas Jullien, Marie Helene Quentien, Claire Rochette, Anne Barlier, Alain Enjalbert, and Thierry Brue
Over the last 5 years, new actors involved in the pathogenesis of combined pituitary hormone deficiency in humans have been reported: they included a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily glycoprotein and ciliary G protein-coupled receptors, as well as new transcription factors and signalling molecules. New modes of inheritance for alterations of genes encoding transcription factors have also been described. Finally, actors known to be involved in a very specific phenotype (hypogonadotroph hypogonadism for instance) have been identified in a wider range of phenotypes. These data thus suggest that new mechanisms could explain the low rate of aetiological identification in this heterogeneous group of diseases. Taking into account the fact that several reviews have been published in recent years on classical aetiologies of CPHD such as mutations of POU1F1 or PROP1, we focused the present overview on the data published in the last 5 years, to provide the reader with an updated review on this rapidly evolving field of knowledge.
Susanne Thiele, Giovanna Mantovani, Anne Barlier, Valentina Boldrin, Paolo Bordogna, Luisa De Sanctis, Francesca M Elli, Kathleen Freson, Intza Garin, Virginie Grybek, Patrick Hanna, Benedetta Izzi, Olaf Hiort, Beatriz Lecumberri, Arrate Pereda, Vrinda Saraff, Caroline Silve, Serap Turan, Alessia Usardi, Ralf Werner, Guiomar Perez de Nanclares, and Agnès Linglart
Objective
Disorders caused by impairments in the parathyroid hormone (PTH) signalling pathway are historically classified under the term pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP), which encompasses rare, related and highly heterogeneous diseases with demonstrated (epi)genetic causes. The actual classification is based on the presence or absence of specific clinical and biochemical signs together with an in vivo response to exogenous PTH and the results of an in vitro assay to measure Gsa protein activity. However, this classification disregards other related diseases such as acrodysostosis (ACRDYS) or progressive osseous heteroplasia (POH), as well as recent findings of clinical and genetic/epigenetic background of the different subtypes. Therefore, the EuroPHP network decided to develop a new classification that encompasses all disorders with impairments in PTH and/or PTHrP cAMP-mediated pathway.
Design and methods
Extensive review of the literature was performed. Several meetings were organised to discuss about a new, more effective and accurate way to describe disorders caused by abnormalities of the PTH/PTHrP signalling pathway.
Results and conclusions
After determining the major and minor criteria to be considered for the diagnosis of these disorders, we proposed to group them under the term ‘inactivating PTH/PTHrP signalling disorder’ (iPPSD). This terminology: (i) defines the common mechanism responsible for all diseases; (ii) does not require a confirmed genetic defect; (iii) avoids ambiguous terms like ‘pseudo’ and (iv) eliminates the clinical or molecular overlap between diseases. We believe that the use of this nomenclature and classification will facilitate the development of rationale and comprehensive international guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of iPPSDs.
Grégory Mougel, Arnaud Lagarde, Frédérique Albarel, Wassim Essamet, Perrine Luigi, Céline Mouly, Magaly Vialon, Thomas Cuny, Frédéric Castinetti, Alexandru Saveanu, Thierry Brue, Anne Barlier, and Pauline Romanet
Background:
The ‘3PAs’ syndrome, associating pituitary adenoma (PA) and pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PPGL), is sometimes associated with mutations in PPGL-predisposing genes, such as SDHx or MAX. In ’3PAs’ syndrome, PAs can occur before PPGL, suggesting a new gateway into SDHx/MAX-related diseases.
Objective:
To determine the SDHx/MAX mutation prevalence in patients with isolated PAs and characterize PAs of patients with SDHx/MAX mutations.
Design:
Genes involved in PAs (AIP/MEN1/CDKN1B) or PPGLs (SDHx/MAX) were sequenced in patients with isolated PAs. We then conducted a review of cases of PA in the setting of ’3PAs’ syndrome.
Results:
A total of 263 patients were recruited. Seven (likely) pathogenic variants were found in AIP, two in MEN1, two in SDHA, and one in SDHC. The prevalence of SDHx mutations reached 1.1% (3/263). Of 31 reported patients with PAs harboring SDHx/MAX mutations (28 published cases and 3 cases reported here), 6/31 (19%) developed PA before PPGL and 8/31 (26%) had isolated PA. The age of onset was later than in patients with AIP/MEN1 mutations. PAs were mainly macroprolactinomas and showed intracytoplasmic vacuoles seen on histopathology.
Conclusions:
We discovered SDHx mutations in patients bearing PA who had no familial or personal history of PPGL. However, the question of incidental association remains unresolved and data to determine the benefit of SDHx/MAX screening in these patients are lacking. We recommend that patients with isolated PA should be carefully examined for a family history of PPGLs. A family history of PPGL, as well as the presence of intracytoplasmic vacuoles in PA, requires SDHx/MAX genetic testing of patients.
Rachel Fourneaux, Rachel Reynaud, Gregory Mougel, Sarah Castets, Patricia Bretones, Benjamin Dauriat, Thomas Edouard, Gerald Raverot, Anne Barlier, Thierry Brue, Frederic Castinetti, and Alexandru Saveanu
Design
Thyroid-stimulating hormone deficiency (TSHD) is a rare disease. It may be isolated, secondary to abnormalities of genes involved in TSH biosynthesis, or associated with other pituitary deficits or abnormalities of genes involved in pituitary ontogenesis. Several genes are involved in thyrotroph development and function.
Objective
Our aim was to determine the genetic causes of TSHD, either isolated (ITSHD) or associated with somatotroph deficiency (TSHD-GHD), in the cohort of patients from the GENHYPOPIT network.
Methods
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) analyses were performed as a panel of genes on a cohort of patients with non-syndromic ITSHD or TSHGHD. The variants were classified according to the American College of Medical Genetics classification reviewed by the NGS-Diag network and correlated with the phenotype. Class 3, 4, and 5 single-nucleotide variants were checked by Sanger sequencing and copy number variants by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA).
Results
A total of 64 index cases (22 ITSHD and 42 TSHD-GHD) were included in this cohort. A genetic cause was identified in 26.5% of patients, with 36.3% in the ITSHD group (variants in TSHβ and IGSF1) and 21.4% in TSHD-GHD (variants in IGSF1, TSHβ, TRHR, GH1, POU1F1, and PROP1). Among the pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants identified, 42% were in IGSF1, including six not previously reported.
Conclusion
Our results show that IGSF1 variants represent the most frequent aetiology of TSH deficiency. Despite a systematic NGS approach and the identification of new variants, most patients remain without a molecular diagnosis. Larger scale studies, such as exome or genome studies, should be considered in the future.
Maria A Tichomirowa, Anne Barlier, Adrian F Daly, Marie-Lise Jaffrain-Rea, Cristina Ronchi, Maria Yaneva, Jonathan D Urban, Patrick Petrossians, Atanaska Elenkova, Antoine Tabarin, Rachel Desailloud, Dominique Maiter, Thomas Schürmeyer, Renato Cozzi, Marily Theodoropoulou, Caroline Sievers, Ignacio Bernabeu, Luciana A Naves, Olivier Chabre, Carmen Fajardo Montañana, Vaclav Hana, Georges Halaby, Brigitte Delemer, José Ignacio Labarta Aizpún, Emmanuel Sonnet, Ángel Ferrandez Longás, Marie-Thérèse Hagelstein, Philippe Caron, Günter K Stalla, Vincent Bours, Sabina Zacharieva, Anna Spada, Thierry Brue, and Albert Beckers
Background
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) mutations (AIPmut) cause aggressive pituitary adenomas in young patients, usually in the setting of familial isolated pituitary adenomas. The prevalence of AIPmut among sporadic pituitary adenoma patients appears to be low; studies have not addressed prevalence in the most clinically relevant population. Hence, we undertook an international, multicenter, prospective genetic, and clinical analysis at 21 tertiary referral endocrine departments.
Methods
We included 163 sporadic pituitary macroadenoma patients irrespective of clinical phenotype diagnosed at <30 years of age.
Results
Overall, 19/163 (11.7%) patients had germline AIPmut; a further nine patients had sequence changes of uncertain significance or polymorphisms. AIPmut were identified in 8/39 (20.5%) pediatric patients. Ten AIPmut were identified in 11/83 (13.3%) sporadic somatotropinoma patients, in 7/61 (11.5%) prolactinoma patients, and in 1/16 non-functioning pituitary adenoma patients. Large genetic deletions were not seen using multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. Familial screening was possible in the relatives of seven patients with AIPmut and carriers were found in six of the seven families. In total, pituitary adenomas were diagnosed in 2/21 AIPmut-screened carriers; both had asymptomatic microadenomas.
Conclusion
Germline AIPmut occur in 11.7% of patients <30 years with sporadic pituitary macroadenomas and in 20.5% of pediatric patients. AIPmut mutation testing in this population should be considered in order to optimize clinical genetic investigation and management.
Lucie Coppin, Margaux Dufosse, Pauline Romanet, Sophie Giraud, Marie-Odile North, Catherine Cardot Bauters, Françoise Borson-Chazot, Laurence Duchesne, Mélanie Métallo, Tonio Lovecchio, Anne Barlier, and Marie-Françoise Odou
Objective
Primary hyperparathyroism (PHPT) is a disease with either sporadic or inherited presentation. Germline mutations responsible for this disease can be found in different genes, the most frequently involved being MEN1, CDC73 = HRPT2 and CASR. During the last few years, new genes have been described as responsible for the development of PHPT such as GCM2. These genes are not systematically included in PHPT genetic screening yet. The aim of this work was to assess the importance of GCM2 genetic analysis in PHPT to determine if this gene should be included in gene panel investigated for this disease.
Design and methods
The TENGEN network (French Oncogenetic Network of Neuroendocrine Tumors) collected and interpreted allelic variants according to the clinical characteristics of the GCM2-positive patients identified through genetic testing performed in French laboratories (713 patients with PHPT).
Results
From 713 patients with PHPT included in this study, 85 (6.6%) carried at least one GCM2 variant. A total of 12 variants classified as uncertain significance or likely pathogenic were reported in 47 patients. Their mean age at PHPT diagnosis was 49 years. Additionally, the investigation of a large family showed that GCM2 variants could be associated with low penetrance.
Conclusion
We provide a description and interpretation for GCM2 variants identified in a French population. We suggest that this gene should be included in genetic screening of patients with PHPT and propose the follow-up of asymptomatic patients carrying such variants for calcemia.