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Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

Androgen insensitivity syndrome is a condition where cells are unable to respond to androgen hormones due to a lack of androgen receptors. It is an X-linked recessive genetic condition, caused by a mutation in the androgen receptor gene on the X chromosome. Extra androgens are converted into oestrogen, resulting in female secondary sexual characteristics. It was previously known as testicular feminisation syndrome. Patients with androgen insensitivity syndrome are genetically male, with XY sex chromosome. However, the absent response to testosterone and the conversion of additional androgens to oestrogen result in a female phenotype externally. Typical male sexual characteristics do not…

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 The challenges of androgen insensitivity syndrome

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is an X-linked recessive genetic syndrome that occurs as result of an androgen receptor mutation; it affects the normal masculinization process in chromosomal male patients. More than 900 androgen receptor mutations that can lead to AIS have been identified. The complete androgen insensitivity is characterized by a total lack of response to androgens, usually in patients with 46XY karyotype but with feminine phenotype. Primary amenorrhoea and inguinal swellings in female patients are the main signs that could raise suspicion for this syndrome.

Articles of Interest

Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is typically characterized by evidence of feminization (i.e., undermasculinization) of the external genitalia at birth, abnormal secondary sexual development in puberty, and infertility in individuals with a 46,XY karyotype. AIS represents a spectrum of defects in androgen action and can be subdivided into three broad phenotypes

Androgen insensitivity syndrome

The management of this DSD is based on pharmacotherapies, surgery and psychological support: all of them must be directed to facilitate the patient’s life, considering his/her sexual identity.

Androgen insensitivity syndrome: a review

Androgenic insensitivity syndrome is the most common cause of disorders of sexual differentiation in 46,XY individuals. It results from alterations in the androgen receptor gene, leading to a frame of hormonal resistance, which may present clinically under 3 phenotypes: complete (CAIS), partial (PAIS) or mild (MAIS).

Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: From Bench to Bed

Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is due to complete resistance to the action of androgens, determining a female phenotype in persons with a 46,XY karyotype and functioning testes. CAIS is caused by inactivating mutations in the androgen receptor gene (AR).

Mild Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome: The Current Landscape

Mild androgen insensitivity syndrome (MAIS) belongs to the androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) spectrum, an X-linked genetic disease that is the most common cause of differences in sex development. Unfortunately, AIS studies mainly focus on the partial and complete phenotypes, and the mild phenotype (MAIS) has been barely reported.

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StatPearls

Androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) is a common etiology of sexual developmental disorders and results in varying phenotypes. These disorders of androgen action present as 46 XY disorders or differences in sex development (DSD). Untreated or inadequately managed, AIS may result in severe psychological distress in patients as they go through puberty into adulthood and their families at the same time.