ESPE Abstracts

Background: Differentiation of the gonads in men is closely dependent on Sertoli cells maturation. Differences of sex development (DSD) are caused by variations in this process. The study of the mechanisms underlying these complex conditions is crucial for optimal clinical management and Sertoli cells would be an ideal model for this purpose. However, there are two main obstacles for the study of human Sertoli cells. Firstly, mature human Sertoli cells lose their proliferation...

Background: The process of sexual differentiation is central for reproduction of almost all metazoan. Recently, we identified CBX2.1 a chromatin architecture regulator, as an essential transactivator for human male gonadal development. CBX2 has a second isoform CBX2.2. Since nothing is known about the role of CBX2.2 in human sex development, we took advantage of the p.C132R mutation in CBX2.2 in a 46,XY disorder of sex development (DSD) patient with complete female phenotype a...

Background: Ovarian sex differentiation network involves a panoply of interacting factors. Yet, no single sex-determining factor has been identified to be an equivalent of SRY or SOX9 in the testis. Recently, data suggested CBX2 as a pioneer regulator promoting testis development. In addition to its implication in ovary pathway differentiation which remains unclear.Objective and hypotheses: To deepen our understanding of the regulatory network that under...

Gonadal dysfunction is among the most commonly reported endocrine late effects in childhood cancer survivors (CCS). The main risk factors include the exposure of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis to radiotherapy and treatment with gonadotoxic chemotherapy drugs such as alkylating agents. Individuals may experience gonadal dysfunction because of central (or hypogonadotropic) hypogonadism or as a result of primary gonadal injury. The testes have two distinct functional ent...

Endocrine and reproductive sequelae are among the most commonly reported complications in survivors of childhood cancer and brain tumors with nearly 50% individuals affected. Treatment related hormonal disorders may occur in a delayed fashion as late effects, several years to decades after the completion of cancer or tumor therapy, especially when resulting from the irradiation of the endocrine glands. This phenomenon requires a systematic, risk-based, approach in the screenin...

Background: Adverse changes in metabolic parameters and body composition are frequently reported among childhood cancer survivors treated with cranial or total body irradiation. Data regarding the occurrence of metabolic impairments among survivors following abdominal and pelvic radiation are lacking.Objective and hypotheses: To define the prevalence of metabolic impairments among survivors of paediatric abdominal and pelvic solid tumours and to assess t...

Background: Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (POI) and infertility are common concerns of female Childhood Cancer Survivors (CCS) and are known to impact their quality of life. Increased availability of fertility preservation techniques mandate a better understanding of risk factors for POI in this population.Objective and hypotheses: To describe the prevalence of and risk factors for POI in a cohort of adult CCS.Method: Cross-section...

Background: The prevalence of atypical genitalia and the time taken to assign sex in such cases remains unclear. Provision of optimum healthcare during this period requires a clear understanding of the occurrence of atypical genitalia.Methods: Prospective electronic survey of clinical members of managed clinical networks in Scotland between 2013 and 2018 seeking notification of term neonates requiring specialist input fo...

Introduction: Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a complex genetic condition associated with feeding difficulties, hypotonia, developmental delay in infancy; hyperphagia leading to extreme obesity, growth failure and behavioral problems in childhood. Coeliac disease (CD), is an autoimmune disease characterized by gluten intolerance and a variety of symptoms most commonly diarrhea or constipation and failure to thrive. In PWS the challenge is to optimize growth while avoiding obesi...

Introduction: Testicular adrenal rest tumour (TART) is a complication in males with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). However, the prevalence, risk factors and treatment in children are not clear.Objective: 1) To identify the incidence of TART and risk factors in patients with classical CAH in our centre 2) To study the clinical characteristics, hormonal profile, treatment interventions and outcome of patients with T...