PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

D M Malchoff

Publications and source records attributed to D M Malchoff.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

Papillary thyroid carcinoma associated with papillary renal neoplasia: genetic linkage analysis of a distinct heritable tumor syndrome.

Papillary thyroid carcinoma usually is sporadic, but may occur in a familial form. The complete clinical and pathological phenotype of familial papillary thyroid carcinoma (fPTC) has not been determined, and the susceptibility gene(s) is unknown. We investigated the clinical and pathological characteristics of an unusually large three-generation fPTC kindred to characterize more fully the clinical phenotype. We performed linkage analysis to determine the chromosomal location of a fPTC susceptibility gene. In addition to the known association of fPTC with nodular thyroid disease, we observed the otherwise rare entity of papillary renal neoplasia (PRN) in two kindred members, one affected with PTC and the other an obligate carrier. The multifocality of PRN in one subject adds weight to the likelihood of a true genetic predisposition to PRN. Both genetic linkage and sequence analysis excluded MET, the protooncogene of isolated familial PRN, as the cause of the fPTC/PRN phenotype. A genome-wide screening and an investigation of specific candidate genes demonstrated that the fPTC/PRN phenotype was linked to 1q21. A maximum three-point log of likelihood ratio score of 3.58 was observed for markers D1S2343 and D1S2345 and for markers D1S2343 and D1S305. Critical recombination events limited the region of linkage to approximately 20 cM. A distinct inherited tumor syndrome has been characterized as the familial association of papillary thyroid cancer, nodular thyroid disease, and papillary renal neoplasia. The predisposing gene in a large kindred with this syndrome has been mapped to 1q21.

Adult↗

Familial papillary thyroid carcinoma is genetically distinct from familial adenomatous polyposis coli.

Familial papillary thyroid carcinoma (fPTC) is an inherited tumor syndrome characterized by isolated papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in affected subjects. Its etiology is unknown. Large multigeneration families with PTC are very rare, and therefore, modern genetic linkage studies have not been applied extensively to this disorder. Familial adenomatous polyposis coli (FAP) is an inherited tumor syndrome enriched in PTC. FAP is caused by germline mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene that is located in the 5q21 region. It is not known if fPTC is a phenotypic variant of FAP, or if it is a genetically distinct disorder. We report a large 3-generation fPTC kindred and use linkage analysis to test the hypothesis that fPTC and FAP are genetically distinct. In this kindred there are 25 living informative subjects; 5 have PTC, and 1 is an obligate carrier. Inheritance is autosomal dominant with incomplete penetrance. There is vertical transmission, multifocal disease, an average age of onset of 36 years, and 1 subject has colon cancer. The probability is approximately 1 in 2 billion against the clustering of 5 sporadic PTC cases in this kindred. To test for linkage to the APC gene we used 2 highly polymorphic markers, D5S656 and D5S421, which are located within a maximum distance of 1.7 megabase (Mb) of the APC gene and within an estimated genetic region of less than 1 centimorgan (cM) from each other. After polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification 18 family members were genotyped. Construction and inspection of haplotypes showed that the affected subjects do not share the same allelic composition. Using a penetrance ratio of 75%, linkage was excluded at 2 cM and 3 cM on both sides of D5S656 and D5S421, respectively. The combined haplotype of these 2 markers provided an exclusion region of 4 cM. We conclude that fPTC is genetically distinct from FAP.

Adenomatous Polyposis Coli↗

An unusual presentation of McCune-Albright syndrome confirmed by an activating mutation of the Gs alpha-subunit from a bone lesion.

The McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS) is characterized clinically by polyostotic fibrous dysplasia, café-au-lait skin lesions, sexual precocity, and various other endocrinopathies. Recent investigations suggest an etiological role for embryonic somatic missense mutations that predict the substitution of a His or Cys for Arg at amino acid 201 of the Gs alpha-subunit (Gs alpha). Identification of these mutations in affected tissues is a sensitive assay that may help define a more complete clinical spectrum of the MAS. We investigated a woman who developed fibrous dysplasia 24 yr after premature menstruation. To determine if this was an unusual MAS variant, DNA and RNA were analyzed from affected and unaffected tissues. From samples of affected rib and normal rib DNA was extracted, amplified by polymerase chain reaction, subcloned, and sequenced. RNA was extracted from affected bone, reverse transcribed, amplified by polymerase chain reaction, subcloned, and sequenced. DNA sequence predicting a His for Arg substitution at Gs alpha amino acid 201 was found in 47% of the recombinant plasmids from DNA of affected bone and 17% of the plasmids from DNA of unaffected bone; a significant (P < 0.05) difference in frequency. The His201 substitution was found in 42% of the recombinant plasmids from RNA of affected bone. We conclude that this clinical variant is qualitatively indistinguishable from presentations of the complete MAS.

Adult↗

Dexamethasone therapy for isosexual precocious pseudopuberty caused by generalized glucocorticoid resistance.

Generalized glucocorticoid resistance presents with clinical features secondary to excess production of mineralocorticoids and adrenal androgens. It is our hypothesis that these clinical and biochemical features will respond to glucocorticoid therapy. We tested this hypothesis in a boy with generalized glucocorticoid resistance and increased adrenal androgens. Dexamethasone was administered from age 7 6/12 yr until the onset of true puberty at 11 0/12 yr. Serum concentrations of cortisol and adrenal androgens decreased to the normal or near normal range. The accelerated precocity improved. Secondary sex characteristics did not progress; the difference between bone age and chronological age decreased from 3 1/2 yr to 2 yr, and the difference between height age and bone age decreased from 2 yr to 1/2 yr. We conclude that dexamethasone is effective and safe therapy for the sexual precocity of generalized glucocorticoid resistance.

Age Determination by Skeleton↗

A mutation of the glucocorticoid receptor in primary cortisol resistance.

The precise molecular abnormalities that cause primary cortisol resistance have not been completely described. In a subject with primary cortisol resistance we have observed glucocorticoid receptors (hGR) with a decreased affinity for dexamethasone. We hypothesize that a mutation of the hGR glucocorticoid-binding domain is the cause of cortisol resistance. Total RNA isolated from the index subject's mononuclear leukocytes was used to produce first strand hGR cDNAs, and the entire hGR cDNA was amplified in segments and sequenced. At nucleotide 2,317 we identified a homozygous A for G point mutation that predicts an isoleucine (ATT) for valine (GTT) substitution at amino acid 729. When the wild-type hGR and hGR-Ile 729 were expressed in COS-1 cells and assayed for [3H]-Dexamethasone binding, the dissociation constants were 0.799 +/- 0.068 and 1.54 +/- 0.06 nM (mean +/- SEM) (P < 0.01), respectively. When the wild-type hGR and hGR-Ile 729 were expressed in CV-1 cells that were cotransfected with the mouse mammary tumor virus long terminal repeat fused to the chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene, the hGR-Ile 729 conferred a fourfold decrease in apparent potency on dexamethasone stimulation of CAT activity. The isoleucine for valine substitution at amino acid 729 impairs the function of the hGR and is the likely cause of primary cortisol resistance in this subject.

Adult↗

Primary cortisol resistance presenting as isosexual precocity.

Primary cortisol resistance (PCR) is a rare cause of hypercortisolism and usually does not produce clinical manifestations. This report describes primary cortisol resistance in a boy with isosexual precocity. A 6 7/12-yr-old boy had Tanner stage 3 pubic hair, accelerated linear growth, and advanced bone age (10 yr), but normal (for age) tests. There were no features of glucocorticoid excess. Serum androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations were 4.7 +/- 0.3 nmol/L (mean +/- SEM of four measurements; normal less than 1.2) and 13.5 nmol/L (single measurement; normal, 1.0-2.2), respectively. The serum testosterone concentration was 0.9 nmol/L (normal, less than 0.7), and FSH and LH were normal. Serum cortisol concentrations were 1590 +/- 110 nmol/L (normal, 190-630) and 580 +/- 60 nmol/L (normal, 50-410) at 0800 and 2000 h, respectively. Serum cortisol responded normally to insulin-induced hypoglycemia. Glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens were resistant to suppression by dexamethasone. The Kd of [3H]dexamethasone binding to the glucocorticoid receptors of mononuclear leukocytes was increased (6.4 +/- 0.8 nM; mean +/- SEM of four determinations; normal, 1.4-3.4; P less than 0.001), but the binding capacity was normal. This patient with isosexual precocity has PCR, as indicated by functionally abnormal glucocorticoid receptors and hypercortisolism without other clinical or biochemical manifestations of Cushing's syndrome. Excessive adrenal stimulation by ACTH caused increased secretion of both cortisol and adrenal androgens, and the latter caused the clinical manifestations. PCR should be considered in other male children with isosexual precocity or female children with heterosexual precocity.

Adrenal Glands↗

Adrenocorticotropin-independent bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia: an unusual cause of Cushing's syndrome.

Inappropriate ACTH secretion with bilateral diffuse or macronodular adrenal hyperplasia is the most common cause of Cushing's syndrome. This report describes a patient with Cushing's syndrome and feminization due to ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia. A 47-yr-old black man presented with Cushingoid features, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, impotence, and gynecomastia. Urinary cortisol and 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion were 94 nmol/mmol creatinine (normal, less than 32) and 5.8 mumol/mmol creatinine (normal, 0.6-3.6), respectively. Both decreased by less than 30% after administration of dexamethasone (8 and 16 mg/day), and urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroid excretion did not increase after metyrapone (750 mg, orally, every 4 h for six doses). Plasma ACTH was undetectable (less than 1 pmol/L) and was not stimulated by administration of metyrapone or ovine CRH. Serum testosterone was 5.2 nmol/L (normal, 7-30), FSH was 5 U/L (normal, 3-18), LH was 2.8 U/L (normal, 1.5-9.2), and estrone was 767 pmol/L (normal, 55-240). Both adrenal glands were enlarged, with a total weight of 86 g (normal, 8-10), and contained multiple nodules (diameter, greater than 0.5 cm) composed of two active cell types, one of which was also observed between the nodules. Cushing's syndrome with feminization due to ACTH-independent bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia is an unusual process of unknown etiology that should be included with the other known causes of Cushing's syndrome.

Adrenal Glands↗

Responses to insulin by two forms of rat hepatic microsomal cytochrome P-450 that undergo major (RLM6) and minor (RLM5b) elevations in diabetes.

Total cytochrome P-450 levels rise in diabetic rats. Two specific forms of cytochrome P-450 that are elevated have been isolated from liver microsomes of streptozotocin-induced idabetic male rats. One enzyme, termed RLM6, metabolizes aniline and acetol, but not testosterone, in a reconstituted system with NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase. RLM6 is isolated as a high spin cytochrome with a minimum molecular weight of 53,500. It has a unique amino-terminal amino acid sequence lacking methionine at the amino-terminal position. Polyclonal antibodies to RLM6 recognized most other forms of cytochrome P-450 in Western blots, but could be made monospecific by adsorption to cross-reacting proteins coupled to Sepharose 4B. Using the monospecific antibodies, RLM6 was estimated to be present in microsomes of untreated male rats at 0.04 nmol/mg protein (5% of total P-450). In chronically diabetic rats this level rose to 0.35 nmol/mg protein and 24% of the P-450 content. Immunoreactive protein of molecular weight identical to RLM6 was elevated in microsomes of non-diabetic rats treated with ethanol, acetone, or isoniazid as well as in rats starved for 48 h. Insulin treatment of diabetic rats for 1 week lowered the immunologically detectable levels of RLM6 to levels found in the untreated rat. The other form of cytochrome P-450, RLM5b, does not metabolize aniline and only poorly metabolizes acetol and testosterone. This 52.5-kDa protein is isolated as a predominantly (60%) high spin enzyme. It has a unique NH2-terminal amino acid sequence with methionine as the terminal residue, and is present in untreated male rat liver microsomes at 0.16 nmol/mg protein. It is elevated in diabetes, like RLM6, but treatment with insulin for 1 week does not completely restore the microsomal content to that of the non-diabetic rat.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Reconstitution of the glucose transport activity of rat adipocytes.

Rat epididymal fat cell membrane proteins were extracted from adipocyte ghosts with octylglucoside and incorporated by detergent dialysis into unilamellar phosphatidylcholine vesicles approx. 200 nm in diameter. The rate of glucose transport into the vesicles under zero-trans conditions was substrate dependent, saturable and inhibited by phloretin and cytochalasin B. Their maximum specific transport activity was 35.6 mumol/min per mg protein, and their half saturation constant for glucose was 15 mM. Glucose transport into the reconstituted vesicles was inhibited by only those sugars which competitively inhibited glucose transport into intact adipocytes. A major protein component of the vesicles was a 100 kDa protein which we had previously found to react with the affinity label maltosyl isothiocyanate (Malchoff, D.M., Olansky, L., Pohl, S. and Langdon, R.G. (1981) Fed. Proc. 40, 1893). Removal of adipocyte ghost membrane extrinsic proteins with dimethylmaleic anhydride followed by extraction of the resulting membrane pellet with octylglucoside yielded a solution which contained two major proteins, of Mr 100 000 and 85 000, with very small quantities of lower Mr proteins. Vesicles into which these proteins were incorporated had average specific transport activities of 624 mumol/min per mg protein and half saturation constants of 22 mM. Our results strongly indicate that the native glucose transporter of the rat adipocyte, like that of the human erythrocyte (Shelton, R.L. and Langdon, R.G. (1983) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 733, 25-33), is a 100 kDa protein.

Adipose Tissue↗

Familial nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma.

It is well-known that medullary thyroid carcinoma occurs in a familial form as part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) 2 syndromes. However, it is less well-recognized that nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma (NMTC) sometimes is familial. Arising from the thyroid epithelial cell, the NMTCs include papillary, follicular, and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Although most NMTC are sporadic, there is increasing evidence for a familial form. When inherited, NMTC is autosomal dominant with partial penetrance, and it is not associated consistently with other malignancies. The average age of onset is about 38 years, and in some cases, it may be more aggressive than sporadic PTC; up to 5% of subjects with NMTC have a family history positive for the same disorder. The etiologic gene(s) have not been identified, although positional cloning of these genes may be possible. The evidence for and characteristics of familial NMTC will be reviewed, and the clinical and research implications will be discussed.

Adenocarcinoma, Follicular↗