ESPE Abstracts

Introduction: The envelope protein of Human Endogenous Retrovirus type W (HERV-W-Env) has been shown to be associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) pathogenesis in adults patients. This protein is expressed in pancreas of T1D patients and it seems to correlate with macrophage infiltrations. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that HERV-W-Env inhibits insulin secretion and promotes hyperglycemia. Furthermore, HERV could be implicated in other auto-immune disorders. The ...

Background: Neonates born from mothers with Graves’ disease are at risk to develop hyperthyroidism due to placental transmission of TSH-receptor antibodies. Neonatal hyperthyroidism should be effectively diagnosed and treated to prevent severe complications of this disease (cardiac symptoms, poor weight gain, severe neurological manifestations).Objectives: To describe the post-natal follow-up of neonates born from women with Graves’ disease.</p...

Background: Prenatal androgen exposure can lead to variable virilization of external female genitalia. The lack of a consensus definition of clitoromegaly and the limited data available on normal steroid levels in female neonates makes its diagnosis difficult.Objective and hypotheses: The aims of this study were (i) to define reference sizes for external female genitalia in term and preterm neonates as a function of gestational age and birth weight; and ...

Background: Although growth hormone (GH) and the GH releasing hormone receptor (GHRHR) are known as etiologic factors in non-syndromic isolated growth hormone deficiency (IGHD), very few mutations have been identified in this rare condition (accounting for only 6–12.5% and 0–6.7% of IGHD cases depending on studies). The functional consequences of the identified variants have rarely been assessed.Objective and hypotheses: To assess the contribut...

Background: We recently demonstrated the presence of mast cells in human fetal adrenal gland from 18–20 weeks of gestation (WG) within the subcapsular layer. In the adult adrenal, mast cells have been implicated in mineralocorticoid synthesis and secretion especially in aldosterone-producing adenomas. Because similarities exist between tumors and normal fetal development and as cell-to-cell interactions involving immune cells are implicated in organogenesis, we hypothesiz...

Background: Disorders of sex genitalia are a large group of genetic disorders whose management is still unaffordable in many countries in sub Saharan Africa. In Cameroon, although many collaborative initiatives of management are developed, little data are available.Objectives: Describe epidemiological clinical, aetiologies and management aspect of DSD in a developing country.Patients and methods: This is a 5 years retrospective stu...

Background: Partial androgen insensitivity syndromes (PAIS) are rare 46,XY DSD (disorder of sex development).Objective and hypotheses: Three families with PAIS (six patients) are reported, focusing on their phenotype and treatment depending on sex of rearing. Biological investigations and surgical management are described.Method: Between 2009 and 2015 a consultation for uro-genital malformations in pediatric patients was set up in ...

Background: Mutations in the gene encoding the Chromodomain Helicase DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7) are found in 60% of patients with CHARGE Syndrome (Coloboma, Heart Defects, Choanal Atresia, Retarded growth and development, Genital hypoplasia, Ear abnormalities and/or hearing problems) and in 6% of patients with Kallmann syndrome.Objectives and hypotheses: To describe a novel CHD7 mutation and its clinical presentation.<p class="abs...

Background: The broad spectrum of associated diseases underlying the diverse phenotypes of patients with Turner syndrome (TS) has been extensively described. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown. Few studies have analyzed congenital and acquired diseases as a function of karyotype, and conflicting results have been obtained, calling into question the role of haploinsufficiency for genes located on the X chromosome.Objectiv...

Background: Early-life risk factors of childhood obesity include maternal obesity; smoking, diabetes and high weight gain during pregnancy for the mother; short duration of breastfeeding and poor quality of early feeding in the infants. Perinatal life thus may be a good period for primary prevention.Objective and hypotheses: We aimed to evaluate whether perinatal education of overweight pregnant women would reduce childhood overweight.<p class="abste...