XX male syndrome | |
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Other names | De la Chapelle syndrome [1] |
Human karyotype 46 XX | |
Specialty | Medical genetics |
XX male syndrome, also known as de la Chapelle syndrome, is a rare intersex condition in which an individual with a 46,XX karyotype develops a male phenotype. [2] Synonyms for XX male syndrome include 46,XX testicular difference of sex development (or 46,XX DSD) [3] [4] [5] [6]
In 90 percent of these individuals, the syndrome is caused by the Y chromosome's SRY gene, which triggers male reproductive development, being atypically included in the crossing over of genetic information that takes place between the pseudoautosomal regions of the X and Y chromosomes during meiosis in the father. [2] [7] When the X with the SRY gene combines with a normal X from the mother during fertilization, the result is an XX male. Less common are SRY-negative XX males, which can be caused by a mutation in an autosomal or X chromosomal gene. [2] The masculinization of XX males is variable.
This syndrome is diagnosed and occurs in approximately 1:20,000 new-born males, making it much less common than Klinefelter syndrome. [8] [9] [10] Medical treatment of the condition varies, with medical treatment usually not necessary. The alternative name for XX male syndrome, de la Chapelle syndrome, refers to Finnish scientist Albert de la Chapelle, who first described the condition. [11]
While there is some degree of variability, a vast majority of XX males have a typical male phenotype, with male-typical external genitalia, making early diagnosis uncommon. [12] [13] Genital ambiguity is seen most commonly in men without the SRY gene/other Y chromosome-derived genes, though reported rates are inconsistent. [13] [14] [9] These ambiguities can include traits such as hypospadias, micropenis, and cryptorchidism. [15] In most SRY-positive men, there are few significant signs before puberty, though small testes appear an almost universal finding; following puberty, some XX males develop gynaecomastia. [13] [1] [16] XX males appear to be shorter on average than XY males. [2] [1]
Based on limited evidence, most XX males appear to have typical body and pubic hair, penis size, libido, and erectile function. [13] In all reported cases, individuals have been sterile, with azoospermia (no sperm in the ejaculate). [17] [16] One study found spermatogonia –undifferentiated cells which develop into sperm –present in some XX male children, the oldest of which was 5 years old, but none in the older XX males tested. [18] Multiple studies in mice have also found largely normal male-type germ cells in XX males soon after birth, but a progressive loss with maturation. [19] [20]
Due to its often-subtle presentation, many XX males remain undiagnosed until seeking treatment for infertility in adulthood; it's likely a significant proportion of cases remain undiagnosed. [12] [9]
The degree to which individuals with XX male syndrome develop the male phenotype is variable, even among SRY-positive individuals. [21]
Masculinization of SRY-positive XX males is believed to be dependent on which X chromosome is made inactivate. Typical XX females undergo X inactivation during which one copy of the X chromosome is silenced. It is thought that X inactivation in XX males may account for the genital ambiguities and incomplete masculinization seen in SRY-positive XX males. [22] [21] The X chromosome with the SRY gene is preferentially chosen to be the active X chromosome 90% of the time, which explains complete male phenotype being observed often in SRY-positive XX males. [22] [21] In the remaining 10%, however, X inactivation occurs on the X chromosome with the SRY gene, thereby silencing it and resulting in incomplete masculinization. [22] [21]
Masculinization of SRY-negative XX males is dependent upon which genes have mutations and at what point in development these mutations occur. [23]
Males typically have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome in each diploid cell of their bodies. Females typically have two X chromosomes. XX males that are SRY-positive have two X chromosomes, with one of them containing genetic material (the SRY gene) from the Y chromosome; this gene causes them to develop a male phenotype despite having chromosomes more typical of females. [2] Some XX males, however, do not have the SRY gene (SRY-negative); the reason a male phenotype develops in these individuals is poorly understood, and subject to further research. [24]
The SRY gene, normally found on the Y chromosome, plays an important role in sex determination by initiating testicular development. In about 80 percent of XX males, the SRY gene is present on one of the X chromosomes. [16] [25]
The condition results from an abnormal exchange of genetic material between chromosomes (translocation). This exchange occurs as a random event during the formation of sperm cells in the affected person's father. The tip of the Y chromosome contains the SRY gene and, during recombination, a translocation occurs in which the SRY gene becomes part of the X chromosome. [15] [26] If a fetus is conceived from a sperm cell with an X chromosome bearing the SRY gene, it will develop as a male despite not having a Y chromosome. This form of the condition is called SRY-positive 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development. [3]
About 20 percent of those with 46 XX testicular disorder of sex development do not have the SRY gene. This form of the condition is called SRY-negative 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development. The cause of the disorder in these individuals is often unknown, although changes affecting other genes have been identified. Individuals with SRY-negative 46,XX testicular disorder of sex development are more likely to have ambiguous genitalia than are people with the SRY-positive form. [3] [2]
The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but three theories have been proposed: first, undetected gonadal mosaicism for SRY; second, de-repression of male development due to mutations in genes on chromosomes other than the Y chromosome; third, altered expression of other genes downstream of SRY, resulting in masculinisation. [27] For example, it has been proposed that mutations in the SOX9 gene may contribute to this syndrome, as SOX9 plays a role in testes differentiation during development. [28] [23] Another proposed cause is mutations to the DAX1 gene, which may suppress masculinisation; if there is a loss of function of DAX1, then testes can develop in an XX individual. [29] [30] Mutations in SF1 and WNT4 genes have also been studied in connection with SRY-negative 46 XX female xx male syndrome. [29]
There is no consensus on the diagnostic criteria; diagnosis typically involves evaluating the individual's physical development in combination with karyotyping, and presence of the SRY gene or associated genes, such as SOX9. Tests for hormone levels and azoospermia may also be completed. [31]
Most XX males have a typical male-type phenotype at birth, so diagnosis tends to occur either at the onset of puberty, if traits such as gynaecomastia develop and are investigated, or later, when investigating infertility. [9] [24] Diagnosis at birth occurs more frequently in SRY-negative XX males, who are more likely to have ambiguous genitalia. [14] [9]
In cases where the individual is being evaluated for ambiguous genitalia, such as a small phallus, hypospadias, or labioscrotal folds, exploratory surgery may be used to determine if male and/or female internal genitalia is present. [32] Indicators include two testes which have not descended the inguinal canal, although this is seen in a minority of XX males, and the absence of Müllerian tissue. [33] External indicators include decreased body weight, gynecomastia, and small testes. [2]
A standard karyotype can be completed to cytogenetically determine that an individual with a partial or complete male phenotype has an XX genotype. [15] [32] [5]
The presence and location of the SRY gene can by determined using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). [2] [21]
Treatments are generally focused on affirming the gender presentation of affected men, vary to a large degree based on the phenotype of the individual, and may include counselling. [34] In some XX males, testosterone therapy may be used to increase virilisation. [25] While the vast majority of XX males have typical male external genital development, cases of genital ambiguity may be treated with hormonal therapy, surgery, or both. In some cases, gonadal surgery can be performed to remove partial or whole female genitalia. This may be followed by plastic and reconstructive surgery to make the individual appear more externally male. [35] Conversely, the individual may wish to become more feminine and feminizing genitoplasty can be performed to make the ambiguous genitalia appear more female. [36]
There is no treatment for infertility in XX males –supportive management and alternatives such as sperm donation or adoption are recommended. [37]
It is estimated that 1 of every 20,000 to 30,000 males has a 46,XX karyotype, making it much less common than other related syndromes, such as Klinefelter syndrome. [2] [8] [9] [10]
5α-Reductase 2 deficiency (5αR2D) is an autosomal recessive condition caused by a mutation in SRD5A2, a gene encoding the enzyme 5α-reductase type 2 (5αR2). The condition is rare, affects only genetic males, and has a broad spectrum.
The XY sex-determination system is a sex-determination system present in many mammals, including humans, some insects (Drosophila), some snakes, some fish (guppies), and some plants.
Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a condition involving the inability to respond to androgens, typically due to androgen receptor dysfunction.
XY complete gonadal dysgenesis, also known as Swyer syndrome, is a type of defect hypogonadism in a person whose karyotype is 46,XY. Though they typically have normal vulvas, the person has underdeveloped gonads, fibrous tissue termed "streak gonads", and if left untreated, will not experience puberty. The cause is a lack or inactivation of an SRY gene which is responsible for sexual differentiation. Pregnancy is sometimes possible in Swyer syndrome with assisted reproductive technology. The phenotype is usually similar to Turner syndrome (45,X0) due to a lack of X inactivation. The typical medical treatment is hormone replacement therapy. The syndrome was named after Gerald Swyer, an endocrinologist based in London.
Virilization or masculinization is the biological development of adult male characteristics in young males or females. Most of the changes of virilization are produced by androgens.
Sex-determining region Y protein (SRY), or testis-determining factor (TDF), is a DNA-binding protein encoded by the SRY gene that is responsible for the initiation of male sex determination in therian mammals. SRY is an intronless sex-determining gene on the Y chromosome. Mutations in this gene lead to a range of disorders of sex development with varying effects on an individual's phenotype and genotype.
Ovotesticular syndrome is a rare congenital condition where an individual is born with both ovarian and testicular tissue. It is one of the rarest DSDs, with only 500 reported cases. Commonly, one or both gonads is an ovotestis containing both types of tissue. Although it is similar in some ways to mixed gonadal dysgenesis, the conditions can be distinguished histologically.
XXYY syndrome is a sex chromosome anomaly in which males have two extra chromosomes, one X and one Y chromosome. Human cells usually contain two sex chromosomes, one from the mother and one from the father. Usually, females have two X chromosomes (XX) and males have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). The appearance of at least one Y chromosome with a properly functioning SRY gene makes a male. Therefore, humans with XXYY are genotypically male. Males with XXYY syndrome have 48 chromosomes instead of the typical 46. This is why XXYY syndrome is sometimes written as 48, XXYY syndrome or 48, XXYY. It affects an estimated one in every 18,000–40,000 male births.
XX gonadal dysgenesis is a type of female hypogonadism in which the ovaries do not function to induce puberty in an otherwise normal girl whose karyotype is found to be 46,XX. With nonfunctional streak ovaries, she is low in estrogen levels (hypoestrogenic) and has high levels of FSH and LH. Estrogen and progesterone therapy is usually then commenced. Some cases are considered a severe version of premature ovarian failure where the ovaries fail before puberty.
Gonadal dysgenesis is classified as any congenital developmental disorder of the reproductive system characterized by a progressive loss of primordial germ cells on the developing gonads of an embryo. One type of gonadal dysgenesis is the development of functionless, fibrous tissue, termed streak gonads, instead of reproductive tissue. Streak gonads are a form of aplasia, resulting in hormonal failure that manifests as sexual infantism and infertility, with no initiation of puberty and secondary sex characteristics.
Partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS) is a condition that results in the partial inability of the cell to respond to androgens. It is an X linked recessive condition. The partial unresponsiveness of the cell to the presence of androgenic hormones impairs the masculinization of male genitalia in the developing fetus, as well as the development of male secondary sexual characteristics at puberty, but does not significantly impair female genital or sexual development. As such, the insensitivity to androgens is clinically significant only when it occurs in individuals with a Y chromosome. Clinical features include ambiguous genitalia at birth and primary amenhorrhoea with clitoromegaly with inguinal masses. Müllerian structures are not present in the individual.
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Sexual differentiation in humans is the process of development of sex differences in humans. It is defined as the development of phenotypic structures consequent to the action of hormones produced following gonadal determination. Sexual differentiation includes development of different genitalia and the internal genital tracts and body hair plays a role in sex identification.
Disorders of sex development (DSDs), also known as differences in sex development or variations in sex characteristics (VSC), are congenital conditions affecting the reproductive system, in which development of chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical sex is atypical. DSDs is a clinical term used in some medical settings for what are otherwise referred to as intersex traits. The term was first introduced in 2006 and has not been without controversy.
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46,XX/46,XY is either a chimeric or mosaic genetic condition characterized by the presence of some cells that express a 46,XX karyotype and some cells that express a 46,XY karyotype in a single human being. While some individuals with this condition may be classified as intersex, others may have typical male or female characteristics.
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45,X/46,XY mosaicism, also known as X0/XY mosaicism and mixed gonadal dysgenesis, is a mutation of sex development in humans associated with sex chromosome aneuploidy and mosaicism of the Y chromosome. It is a fairly rare chromosomal disorder at birth, with an estimated incidence rate of about 1 in 15,000 live births. Mosaic loss of the Y chromosome in previously non-mosaic men grows increasingly common with age.
Sexual anomalies, also known as sexual abnormalities, are a set of clinical conditions due to chromosomal, gonadal and/or genitalia variation. Individuals with congenital (inborn) discrepancy between sex chromosome, gonadal, and their internal and external genitalia are categorised as individuals with a disorder of sex development (DSD). Afterwards, if the family or individual wishes, they can partake in different management and treatment options for their conditions.
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