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Inhibin A as a tumor marker for primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia
Rachel Wurth1, Crystal Kamilaris1, Naris Nilubol2
1Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.
Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism Case Reports
|June 2, 2020
Summary
Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is a rare cause of Cushing syndrome. Elevated serum inhibin A levels in PBMAH patients suggest its potential as a novel tumor marker for early detection and treatment monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia (PBMAH) is a rare endocrine disorder causing ACTH-independent Cushing syndrome.
- PBMAH is characterized by excess glucocorticoid and/or mineralocorticoid production, often with subclinical progression.
- Aberrant G-protein coupled receptor expression is a common regulatory mechanism in PBMAH.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate serum inhibin A levels as a potential tumor marker for PBMAH.
- To evaluate the correlation between inhibin A and PBMAH disease status before and after treatment.
Main Methods:
- Serum inhibin A levels were measured in three PBMAH patients pre- and post-adrenalectomy.
- Adrenal tissue samples were analyzed for inhibin A expression via staining.
Main Results:
- Preoperative serum inhibin A levels were elevated in all three PBMAH patients.
- Postoperative serum inhibin A levels normalized after adrenalectomy.
- Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed inhibin A expression in adrenal tissues from PBMAH patients.
Conclusions:
- Serum inhibin A may serve as a potential tumor marker for primary bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia.
- Elevated inhibin A levels correlate with PBMAH and decrease after surgical intervention.
- Further research is warranted to establish inhibin A as an early detection and treatment response marker for PBMAH.
Keywords:
17-hydroxysteroids*2020ACTHAdrenalAdrenalectomyAdultAmenorrhoeaAprilAsian - KoreanBlack - AfricanCT scanCortisolCushing's syndromeDiabetes mellitus type 1Diabetes mellitus type 2FemaleGeneticsGynaecomastiaHistopathologyHypercortisolaemiaHyperglycaemiaHypogonadismImmunohistochemistryInhibinInhibin A*Macronodular Adrenal HyperplasiaMacronodular hyperplasiaMaleMolecular genetic analysisNovel diagnostic procedureTelangiectasiasUnited StatesUrinary free cortisolWeight gainWhite
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