17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-3 deficiency: a rare endocrine cause of male-to-female sex reversal.
Deficiency of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17beta-HSD3), due to mutations in the gene encoding the enzyme, results in a rare autosomal recessive form of male-to-female sex reversal. Mutated genes encode an abnormal enzyme with absent or reduced ability to convert Delta4-androstenedione to testosterone in the testis. Affected individuals are genetically males who developed internal male Wolffian structures but female external genitalia. Such individuals are usually raised as females and diagnosis is made at puberty, when they show virilization. Correct diagnosis is mandatory to optimize treatment and follow-up. In the present paper we report the clinical history, endocrine evaluation and molecular genetics of a prepubertal girl affected by 17beta-HSD3 deficiency, in whom an erroneous diagnosis of androgen insensitivity syndrome was made. The clinical, endocrine and genetic features of 17beta-HSD3 deficiency are also reviewed.
Bertelloni
Silvano
S
Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Reproductive Medicine and Paediatrics, University of Pisa, Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy. s.bertelloni@clp.med.unipi.it
Maggio
M Cristina
MC
Federico
Giovanni
G
Baroncelli
Giampiero
G
Hiort
Olaf
O
D015067:17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D000728:Androgens / Q000378:metabolism; D002675:Child, Preschool; D012734:Disorders of Sex Development / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male
D000728:Androgens; D015067:17-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases; C476565:17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3