Alterations of neonatal thyroid function

Recent progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of neonatal thyroid disorders. Autosomal recessive inheritance of mutations of the thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin genes has been described in some patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and a family history of CH. Autosomal recessive inheritance of mutations of the thyrotrophin (TSH) receptor gene has also been reported in patients with CH and thyroid hypoplasia, and autosomal dominant mutations of the PAX8 gene have been described in patients with different forms of thyroid dysgenesis. These discoveries are important for patients with CH diagnosed by neonatal screening, as these patients will have normal fertility. The molecular genetic analysis of mutations of the TSH gene in patients with familial and sporadic cases of isolated central CH, who are missed by TSH screening programmes, now enables rapid diagnosis and appropriate therapy in the neonate. In newborn infants with severe non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism, autosomal dominant gain-of-function mutations in the TSH receptor gene have been demonstrated. In these patients, molecular genetic studies are extremely helpful in therapeutic decision making, as early thyroid ablation is the only effective treatment that avoids the sequelae of long-term hyperthyroidism. Molecular genetic studies are therefore useful in the diagnostic work-up of neonatal thyroid alterations.     

Alterations of neonatal thyroid function

Grüters A, Krude H, Biebermann H, Liesenkötter KP, Schöneberg T, Gudermann T. Alterations of neonatal thyroid function. Acta Pædiatr 1999; Suppl 428: 17–22. Stockholm. ISSN 0803–5326
Recent progress has been made in understanding the pathogenesis of neonatal thyroid disorders. Autosomal recessive inheritance of mutations of the thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin genes has been described in some patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and a family history of CH. Autosomal recessive inheritance of mutations of the thyrotrophin (TSH) receptor gene has also been reported in patients with CH and thyroid hypoplasia, and autosomal dominant mutations of the PAX8 gene have been described in patients with different forms of thyroid dysgenesis. These discoveries are important for patients with CH diagnosed by neonatal screening, as these patients will have normal fertility. The molecular genetic analysis of mutations of the TSH gene in patients with familial and sporadic cases of isolated central CH, who are missed by TSH screening programmes, now enables rapid diagnosis and appropriate therapy in the neonate. In newborn infants with severe non-autoimmune hyperthyroidism, autosomal dominant gain-of-function mutations in the TSH receptor gene have been demonstrated. In these patients, molecular genetic studies are extremely helpful in therapeutic decision making, as early thyroid ablation is the only effective treatment that avoids the sequelae of long-term hyperthyroidism. Molecular genetic studies are therefore useful in the diagnostic work-up of neonatal thyroid alterations. □ Congenital hypothyroidism, molecular pathogenesis, neonatal hyperthyroidism     

Analysis of the PAX8 gene in congenital hypothyroidism caused by different forms of thyroid dysgenesis in a father and daughter

Thyroid dysgenesis occurs sporadically with only rare familial presentation. We report a father and daughter with congenital hypothyroidism caused by different forms of thyroid dysgenesis. The father had a severely hypoplastic thyroid gland in a normal location, whereas the daughter had an ectopic thyroid gland in a sublingual position. Her brother had a hypoplastic thyroid but was euthyroid. The involvement of the candidate gene, PAX8, as the cause of thyroid dysgenesis in this family was partially excluded by linkage analysis, and the possibility of a de novo mutation excluded by sequencing.     

Thyroid hemiagenesis is a rare variant of thyroid dysgenesis with a familial component but without Pax8 mutations in a cohort of 22 cases

Thyroid hemiagenesis is a rare form of thyroid dysgenesis of which some familial cases have been reported, including one associated with a heterozygous mutation in the Pax8 gene. However, the physiopathology remains not well known. The objectives of this study were 1) to describe the clinical features, 2) to look for familial clustering, and 3) to search for Pax8 mutations in a relatively large cohort of affected patients. A family history of thyroid dysgenesis was found in nine patients (40%), whose affected relatives had ectopic thyroid (n = 4), athyreosis (n = 1), thyroid hemiagenesis (n = 2), or thyroglossal duct cysts (n = 2). Screening for Pax8 mutations identified abnormal migration profiles by SSCP analysis in 3 patients, but direct sequencing did not show coding region mutations in any of the 22 patients. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence that thyroid hemiagenesis can occur as a familial disorder associated with any form of thyroid dysgenesis. This finding supports both a common underlying mechanism to the various abnormalities in thyroid development and a role for genetic factors; however, our results from Pax8 analysis suggest that this gene may not be a key factor.     

先天性原发性甲状腺功能减低症50例TSHR基因研究

目的探讨促甲状腺激素受体（TSHR）基因在先天性原发性甲状腺功能减低症（甲低）病因学中的地位。方法对50例先天性甲状腺功能减低症患者,从外周血白细胞中提取基因组DNA,采用PCR-SSCP方法对TSHR基因外显子10、6、1进行分析。结果在TSHR基因外显子10、6、1中未发现突变。结论已发现的TSHR基因编码区的结构改变,在中国人甲低的病因学中可能不具有重要地位。     

Aniridia: Recent achievements in paediatric practice

Aniridia is a rare panocular disorder which primarily involves not only the iris, but also the retina, optic nerve, lens and cornea. Visual acuity deteriorates as a result of nystagmus, glaucoma, cataract, corneal opacities and retinal hypoplasia. Aniridia may appear as an isolated disorder, most often familial with autosomal dominance or sporadically in association with at least 12 syndromes. Both familial isolated and Wilms tumour, bilateral sporadic aniridia, genitourinary abnormalities and mental retardation syndrome-associated aniridia have been traced to a mutation of the PAX6 gene on band 11p13. Since genetic diagnosis of this disorder is already possible, counselling affected families should be preceded by karyotype studies and linkage analysis in familial cases of isolated aniridia. In sporadic cases of isolated aniridia or WAGR syndrome, we suggest that PAX6 mutation analysis be employed.     

先天性甲状腺功能减低症汉族儿童的促甲状腺素受体基因失活突变

目的探讨汉族儿童促甲状腺素受体（TSHR）基因失活突变与先天性甲状腺功能减低症（CH）的相关性。方法（1）选择79例CH汉族儿童（亚临床甲减14例,年龄1～5.5岁,男8例,女6例;甲减65例,年龄1.5～6岁,男27例,女38例）为研究对象;100名正常儿童（男40例,女60例,年龄1～8岁）作为对照组。（2）采用PCR和DNA测序技术检测TSHR基因失活突变。结果（1）79例CH患儿中有1例发生复合杂合子突变,其突变位点为（Pro52Thr／Val689Gly）。1例发生杂合子突变,其突变位点为（Gly245Ser）。30例患儿在第10外显子2181位核苷酸处发生C-G转换（GAC→GAG）,使727位密码子天冬氨酸被谷氨酸代替（Asp727Glu）。47例患儿在第7外显子561位核苷酸处发生T-c转换（AAT→AAc）,相应的187位氨基酸（Asn）不发生改变。（2）33例正常对照儿童在第10外显子2181位核苷酸处发生C-G转换;50例正常对照儿童在第7外显子561位核苷酸处发生T-c转换（AAT→AAc）。结论浙江汉族CH患儿TSHR基因有3个杂合子突变位点：（Pr052Thr）、（Gly245Ser）、（Val689Gly）,第10外显子2181位核苷酸处（GAc→GAG）及第7外显子561位核苷酸处（AAT→AAC）存在TSHR基因多态性。     

Pathology of the TSH receptor

Gain of function and loss of function mutations of the TSH receptor have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various thyroid diseases. Gain of function mutations, when somatic, are the first cause of autonomous nodules; when germline, they are responsible for hereditary non-autoimmune toxic thyroid hyperplasia and for some cases of sporadic congenital hyperthyroidism. A subset of mutations modifying the receptor selectivity have recently been found to be involved in the pathogenesis of familial gestational hyperthyroidism. These mutations are of great interest for understanding the mechanism of receptor activation. Loss of function mutations of the TSH receptor are responsible for different phenotypes ranging from asymptomatic resistance to TSH to overt congenital hypothyroidism.     

中国儿童先天性甲状腺功能减退症的基因学研究进展

先天性甲状腺功能减退症（先天性甲减）是新生儿最常见的一种内分泌障碍性疾病,是由于甲状腺激素的合成不足而不能满足机体的需求。其发病机制主要分为两种,即甲状腺发育不全和甲状腺内分泌障碍,均可引起甲状腺激素合成过程中相关酶的缺陷而导致甲状腺激素合成不足。近年许多研究者在先天性甲减的基因学方面开展了广泛研究,本文就已发现的与中国人先天性甲减相关的基因学研究进行综述。     

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 and sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma: Turkish experience

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2) is a rare autosomal dominantly inherited familial cancer syndrome caused by mutations in the ret proto-oncogene. MEN 2 has three distinct subtypes, which are MEN 2A, MEN 2B and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma. Identification of a disease gene has enabled a DNA-based strategy for detection of direct mutation in patients with MEN 2 syndromes and in patients with sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma. The identification of mutations responsible for MEN 2 syndromes has resulted in the routine identification of gene carriers early in life before the development of disease, causing timely prophylactic thyroidectomy in these patients. This report includes our clinical and molecular experience on Turkish MEN 2 families and patients with sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma diagnosed and treated between 1994 and 2005.     

Sporadic congenital nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism caused by P639S mutation in thyrotropin receptor gene

Germline mutations of thyrotropin receptor (TSHR) gene determining a constitutive activation of the receptor were identified as a molecular cause of familial or sporadic congenital nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism (OMIM: 609152) (Nat Genet 7:396-401, 1994; N Engl J Med 332:150-154, 1995; Acta Endocrinol (Copenh) 100:512-518, 1982). We report the case of an Italian child subjected to the first clinical investigation at 24?months for an increased growth velocity; biochemical investigation showed high FT4 and FT3 serum values and undetectable thyrotropin in the absence of anti-thyroid antibodies; the thyroid gland was normal at ultrasound examination. Treatment with methimazole was started at the age of 30?months when her growth velocity was high and the bone age was advanced. DNA was extracted from her parents', brother's, and the patient's blood. Exons 9 and 10 of the TSHR gene were amplified by polymerase chain reaction and subjected to direct sequencing. In proband, a heterozygous substitution of cytosine to thymine determining a proline to serine change at position 639 (P639S) of the TSHR was detected while the parents and brothers of the propositus, all euthyroid, showed only the wild-type sequence of the TSHR gene. This mutation was previously described as somatic in patients affected by hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules and as germline in a single Chinese family affected by thyrotoxicosis and mitral valve prolapse. This constitutively activating mutation is able to activate both the cyclic AMP and the inositol phosphate metabolic pathways when expressed in a heterologous system. In conclusion, we describe the first case of sporadic congenital nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism caused by de novo germinal P639S mutation of TSHR.     

Thyroid function abnormalities among first‐degree relatives of Iranian congenital hypothyroidism neonates

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a relatively common metabolic disease in neonates. Until recent years the disorder was usually regarded as occurring in a sporadic manner. Over the past few years, however, a considerable proportion of familial cases have been identified, and possible roles of autoimmune factors suggested. The aim of the present study was to evaluate abnormality of thyroid function tests in first‐degree relatives of CH neonates and compared this to the normal population. Methods: From 2002 until 2007 thyroid function tests (T4 and thyroid‐stimulating hormone [TSH]) were done in randomly selected CH and normal neonates (n= 194 and n= 350, respectively) and their first‐degree relatives. Most mothers of the CH neonates and control groups were also evaluated for thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb). Results: Thyroid function test in first‐degree relative of neonates with CH (361 parents, 136 siblings) were compared with those in control groups (665 parents, 478 siblings). Abnormal thyroid function tests were found in 85 patients in the CH group versus 96 patients in the control group; hypothyroidism was found in 75 (15.1%) and 57 subjects (5%) person in the CH and control groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Positive TPO antibody was found in 22 mothers (17.3%) of CH neonates in comparison with 65 mothers (32.5%) of control groups (P < 0.05). Frequency of hyperthyroidism in parents of control group had trend to be higher than parents of CH neonates (P= 0.05) Conclusion: Familial and genetic components play a role in inheritance of CH, but maternal thyroid autoimmunity may not play an important role in the development of CH in Iran.     

Central hypothyroidism

A 15-mth-old male child of consanguineous parents, presented with classical features of congenital hypothyroidism. Serum total thyroxine (T4), total triiodothyronine (T3) and TSH were low. There was no evidence of deficiency of other pituitary hormones. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary was normal. TSHB gene sequencing revealed a homozygous missense mutation due to single base substitution G?A at codon 85 resulting in change from Glycine to Arginine. This mutation in TSHB gene has been reported earlier in three cases with similar phenotype from Japan.     

Genotype/phenotype association in Indian congenital aniridia

The developmental birth eye disorder of iris is known as aniridia. Heterozygous PAX6 gene, which causes human aniridia and small eye in mice, is located on chromosome 11p13. The variability had been documented between the affected individuals within the families, is due to genotypic variation. Haploinsufficiency renders PAX6 allele non-functional or amorphic, however it presents hypomorphic or neomorphic alleles. India is not a well-studied ethnic group, hence the focus on congenital aniridia gene analysis supports the literature and the phenotypic association were analysed both in sporadic as well as familial. The consistent association of truncating PAX6 mutations with the phenotype is owing to non-sense-mediated decay (NMD). It is presumed that the genetic impact of increased homozygosity and heterozygocity in Indian counter part arises as the consequence of consanguineous marriages. The real fact involved in congenital aniridia with other related phenotypes with PAX6 mutations are still controversial.     

Newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism, Victoria, Australia, 1977-1997. Part 1: The screening programme, demography, baseline perinatal data and diagnostic classification.

Clinical, demographic and laboratory data from infants with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) born in the Australian state of Victoria from the commencement of neonatal screening in mid-1977 until December 1988 are reported. These provide a baseline for a 12-year prospective longitudinal study on physical and neuro-psychological outcome until mid-1997, the subject of a second paper. Infants with CH were detected using a primary TT4 screening test. Demographic data were collected prospectively using a clinical assessment protocol. Nearly all affected infants underwent 99mTc pertechnetate scanning at the initial assessment to determine the underlying aetiology of their hypothyroidism. 704,723 infants were screened and 199 with permanent primary hypothyroidism (one in 3,541) were identified. The most common aetiologies were thyroid ectopia (46%), thyroid aplasia (33%), and 'dyshormonogenesis' (11%). The clinical abnormalities classically described in CH were more evident in infants with aplasia, and the striking female preponderance in infants with thyroid dysplasia (syn. dysgenesis) was confirmed. Other features included increased frequencies of 'dyshormonogenesis' in infants of parents of Middle-Eastern origin and of labour induction in infants with dysplasia. A closed posterior fontanelle was not found in any infant with thyroid aplasia.     

Behavioural correlates of early-treated congenital hypothyroidism

Parents' and teachers' ratings were used to evaluate the behavioural characteristics of children with early-treated congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Comparisons were made between 63 children with early-treated CH and 34 healthy controls at the ages of 7.5 and 9.5 y. Additional comparisons were made between the two largest CH subgroups (thyroid agenesis, thyroid dysgenesis) and controls. The most marked differences were found on the introversion cluster and the motor clumsiness scale within it. Children with CH, particularly those with thyroid agenesis, showed introversion and motor clumsiness rather than social negativity and inattention. It is suggested that this behavioural profile may well have its origins in the often-reported inefficient motor behaviour of these children. Results are discussed in the light of recent findings suggesting an association between thyroid hormone problems and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Conclusion: Early-treated CH is associated with introversion rather than with social negativity.     

Thyroid dysfunction and developmental anomalies in first degree relatives of children with thyroid dysgenesis

Background

Familial clustering in patients with permanent congenital hypothyroidism (CH) caused by thyroid dysgenesis (TD) has been reported in developed countries. There is no information on familial TD from developing countries.

Methods

A total of 312 first degree relatives belonging to 80 families of children with TD (group 1) and 40 families of age-matched normal children (group 2) were screened by thyroid ultrasonography, serum total thyroxine (T4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

Results

Thyroid scintigraphy revealed agenesis in 78.7% of the patients, ectopic gland in 15%, and hypoplasia in 6.2%. The mean thyroid volumes were similar in parents and siblings of both groups. Eight (10.6%) mothers in group 1 were identified to have thyroid hypoplasia as compared with none in group 2 (P=0.03). Serum TSH was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (P=0.004). Sixteen (7.8%) subjects (6 mothers, 5 fathers, and 5 siblings) in group 1 were found to have subclinical hypothyroidism as compared to none in group 2 (P<0.05). Four families were identified to have thyroid developmental anomalies and abnormal thyroid functions accounting for 5% of cases of familial TD in our cohort.

Conclusion

Thyroid developmental anomalies and thyroid function abnormalities are more frequent in first degree relatives of children with TD as compared with a control population. These findings suggest that possibly there is a genetic component of TD in Indian patients.

     

房间隔缺损患儿NKX2-5基因突变的研究

目的 本研究旨在识别先天性房间隔缺损(atrial septal defect,ASD)患者的分子遗传缺陷,为其早期防治奠定基础.方法 收集180例特发性ASD患者(其中12例有阳性ASD家族史)的临床资料和血标本,以200名健康者为对照.应用聚合酶链反应扩增NKX2-5基因的全部外显子和外显子两侧的部分内含子,采用双脱氧核苷链末端合成终止法对全部扩增片段进行测序.借助BLAST程序将所测序列与GenBank中的已知序列进行比对以识别基因突变,并用ClustalW软件分析突变氨基酸的保守性.结果 在1例家族史阳性的ASD患者的NKX2-5基因识别出一个新的杂合突变,即编码核苷酸序列第536位的胞嘧啶变为胸腺嘧啶,导致第179位的丝氨酸变为苯丙氨酸.该突变也存在于这个家系中的另外3位患病成员,但不存在于这一家系中的健康成员和200名正常对照者,多物种NKX2-5基因编码氨基酸序列比对显示突变氨基酸在进化上高度保守.此外,还发现了一个常见的单核苷酸多态,即编码核苷酸序列第63位的腺嘌呤变为鸟嘌呤,但这种多态在ASD患者和健康对照者间的频率分布差异无统计学意义(χ~2=2.8641,P=0.0906).结论 NKX2-5基因突变能够导致家族性ASD.