Researchers at University of Sao Paulo have published new data on androgen-insensitivity syndrome
2007 APR 18 -- Research findings, "Height and bone mineral density in androgen insensitivity syndrome with mutations in the androgen receptor gene," are discussed in a new report. "AND Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) constitutes a natural model to study effects of androgens and estrogens on growth and bone density. We evaluated height and bone density in patients with AIS with mutations in the androgen receptor (AR) gene," scientists writing in the journal Osteoporosis International report. "A retrospective analysis was conducted of eight subjects with complete AIS (CAIS) and four with partial AIS (PAIS) submitted to gonadectomy followed by estrogen replacement, and three with PAIS who did not undergo gonadectomy. Standing height and bone mineral apparent density (BMAD) by DXA were measured and compared with male (z (m)) and female (z (f)) reference populations. The z-scores were compared with a value of zero using the one-sample t-test. Final heights of patients with CAIS and PAIS were intermediate between those predicted for females and males. BMAD of the lumbar spine in CAIS and PAIS after gonadectomy and estrogen replacement (z (f)=-1.56 ±1.04, p=0.006, and z (m)=-0.75 ±0.89, p=0.04) indicated vertebral bone deficit, whereas BMAD at the femoral neck was normal. No patient reported fractures. Subjects with AIS had mean final height intermediate between mean normal male and female, and decreased bone mineral density in the lumbar spine," wrote D.L. Danilovic and colleagues, University of Sao Paulo. The researchers concluded: "These data suggest an important role for androgens in normal male growth and bone density not replaced by estrogens." Danilovic and colleagues published their study in Osteoporosis International (Height and bone mineral density in androgen insensitivity syndrome with mutations in the androgen receptor gene. Osteoporosis International, 2007;18(3):369-74). Additional information can be obtained by contacting D.L. Danilovic, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo, Unidade de Endocrinologia do Desenvolvimento, Laboratorio de Hormonios e Genetica Molecular LIM, 42, Sao Paulo, Brazil. The publisher of the journal Osteoporosis International can be contacted at: Springer London Ltd., Sweetapple House Catteshall Road, Godalming GU7 3DJ, Surrey, England. Keywords: Brazil, Sao Paulo, Androgen-Insensitivity Syndrome, Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome, Endocrinology, Genetics. This article was prepared by Genetics & Environmental Health Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Genetics & Environmental Health Week via NewsRx.com.
|
