Objective: To describe a case of a personal and family history of early uterine leiomyomatosis that revealed a pathogenic variant in the FH gene encoding fumarate hydratase. After the patient's diagnosis, a first-degree relative was detected with early-stage renal cell carcinoma. The patient decided to undergo preimplantation genetic testing to reduce the risk to her future children. Design: A case report of autosomal dominant hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome where the patient underwent 2 cycles of in vitro fertilization with preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease/aneuploidy (PGT-MA) that resulted in 3 unaffected, euploid embryos. Setting: Large academic single-center hospital. Patient(s): A 35-year-old nulligravida woman with a personal history of an early-onset uterine leiomyomatosis and a family history of renal cell carcinoma and uterine leiomyomas, who is heterozygous for a pathogenic variant in FH and diagnosed with hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome. Informed consent was obtained. Intervention(s): Two laparoscopic myomectomies were performed, and tissue was sent for histopathology and immunostaining. Hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer syndrome was confirmed by germline testing, and 2 cycles of PGT-MA were performed. Main Outcome Measure(s): Through PGT-MA, the patient was able to mitigate the risk of passing a known familial variant to her future children. Result(s): After 2 cycles of in vitro fertilization with PGT-MA, 3 unaffected embryos were available for transfer. An unaffected, euploid embryo was transferred for pregnancy, and the patient is currently pregnant in her second trimester. Conclusion(s): Pathogenic variants in FH should be suspected in patients with early-onset uterine leiomyomas and a family history of cutaneous and/or uterine leiomyomas. Familial variant testing is crucial in identifying relatives at risk to start early screening.
BACKGROUND Hypergonadotropic hypogonadism is a burdensome complication of classic galactosemia (CG), an inborn error of galactose metabolism that invariably affects female patients. Since its recognition in 1979, data have become available regarding the clinical spectrum, and the impact on fertility. Many women have been counseled for infertility and the majority never try to conceive, yet spontaneous pregnancies can occur. Onset and mechanism of damage have not been elucidated, yet new insights at the molecular level are becoming available that might greatly benefit our understanding. Fertility preservation options have expanded, and treatments to mitigate this complication either by directly rescuing the metabolic defect or by influencing the cascade of events are being explored. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE The aims are to review: the clinical picture and the need to revisit the counseling paradigm; insights into the onset and mechanism of damage at the molecular level; and current treatments to mitigate ovarian damage. SEARCH METHODS In addition to the work on this topic by the authors, the PubMed database has been used to search for peer-reviewed articles and reviews using the following terms: ‘classic galactosemia’, ‘gonadal damage’, ‘primary ovarian insufficiency’, ‘fertility’, ‘animal models’ and ‘fertility preservation’ in combination with other keywords related to the subject area. All relevant publications until August 2022 have been critically evaluated and reviewed. OUTCOMES A diagnosis of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) results in a significant psychological burden with a high incidence of depression and anxiety that urges adequate counseling at an early stage, appropriate treatment and timely discussion of fertility preservation options. The cause of POI in CG is unknown, but evidence exists of dysregulation in pathways crucial for folliculogenesis such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, inositol pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase, insulin-like growth factor-1 and transforming growth factor-beta signaling. Recent findings from the GalT gene-trapped (GalTKO) mouse model suggest that early molecular changes in 1-month-old ovaries elicit an accelerated growth activation and burnout of primordial follicles, resembling the progressive ovarian failure seen in patients. Although data on safety and efficacy outcomes are still limited, ovarian tissue cryopreservation can be a fertility preservation option. Treatments to overcome the genetic defect, for example nucleic acid therapy such as mRNA or gene therapy, or that influence the cascade of events are being explored at the (pre-)clinical level. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Elucidation of the molecular pathways underlying POI of any origin can greatly advance our insight into the pathogenesis and open new treatment avenues. Alterations in these molecular pathways might serve as markers of disease progression and efficiency of new treatment options.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.