Spontaneous Improvement of Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in a Patient with <i>PCSK1</i> and <i>HS6ST1</i> Mutations: A Case Report

Kallmann syndrome (KS) is a form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) characterized by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency and anosmia due to defective neuronal migration. While traditionally considered irreversible, cases of spontaneous improvement of HH have been reported, suggesting...

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Main Authors: Alanna Asgeirsson, Eujean Park, Vinicius Seidel, Mathew Shedd, Matheni Sathananthan, Tania Arous, Kevin Codorniz, Silvana Giannelli, Justin Do, Wyut Yi Thin, Arsenije Jelovac, Scott Lee
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Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-07-01
Series:Life
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/7/1151
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author Alanna Asgeirsson
Eujean Park
Vinicius Seidel
Mathew Shedd
Matheni Sathananthan
Tania Arous
Kevin Codorniz
Silvana Giannelli
Justin Do
Wyut Yi Thin
Arsenije Jelovac
Scott Lee
author_facet Alanna Asgeirsson
Eujean Park
Vinicius Seidel
Mathew Shedd
Matheni Sathananthan
Tania Arous
Kevin Codorniz
Silvana Giannelli
Justin Do
Wyut Yi Thin
Arsenije Jelovac
Scott Lee
author_sort Alanna Asgeirsson
collection DOAJ
description Kallmann syndrome (KS) is a form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) characterized by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency and anosmia due to defective neuronal migration. While traditionally considered irreversible, cases of spontaneous improvement of HH have been reported, suggesting residual GnRH neuronal function in some individuals. We present a case of a 29-year-old man with KS who exhibited spontaneous recovery of endogenous testosterone production following the cessation of long-term androgen therapy without the use of alternative hormonal agents. After ceasing testosterone therapy for several months, the patient’s total testosterone levels normalized (407–424 ng/dL), accompanied by increased secondary sexual characteristics, stable gonadotropin levels, and normal testicular volume. Persistent anosmia was noted, suggesting that restoration of reproductive endocrine function can occur independently of olfactory recovery. Genetic testing identified heterozygous mutations in <i>PCSK1</i> and <i>HS6ST1</i>, genes implicated in GnRH regulation and KS pathogenesis. This case highlights the potential role of genetic variation in spontaneous HH improvement and underscores the need for individualized management strategies, including periodic reassessment of gonadal function and fertility potential. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms driving spontaneous HH improvement, identify predictive biomarkers of reversibility, and explore therapeutic strategies that may promote endogenous GnRH activity in select patients with KS.
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spelling doaj-art-96c3ad3e6b3e400fadccc81c0b635fdb2025-08-20T03:58:30ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292025-07-01157115110.3390/life15071151Spontaneous Improvement of Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in a Patient with <i>PCSK1</i> and <i>HS6ST1</i> Mutations: A Case ReportAlanna Asgeirsson0Eujean Park1Vinicius Seidel2Mathew Shedd3Matheni Sathananthan4Tania Arous5Kevin Codorniz6Silvana Giannelli7Justin Do8Wyut Yi Thin9Arsenije Jelovac10Scott Lee11Department of Internal Medicine, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USADivision of Endocrinology, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USADepartment of Internal Medicine, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USADepartment of Internal Medicine, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USADivision of Endocrinology, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USADivision of Endocrinology, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USADivision of Endocrinology, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USADivision of Endocrinology, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USADivision of Endocrinology, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USADivision of Endocrinology, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USAProvidence Little Company of Mary Medical Center Torrance, Torrance, CA 4101, USADivision of Endocrinology, Loma Linda University Health Consortium, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USAKallmann syndrome (KS) is a form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) characterized by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) deficiency and anosmia due to defective neuronal migration. While traditionally considered irreversible, cases of spontaneous improvement of HH have been reported, suggesting residual GnRH neuronal function in some individuals. We present a case of a 29-year-old man with KS who exhibited spontaneous recovery of endogenous testosterone production following the cessation of long-term androgen therapy without the use of alternative hormonal agents. After ceasing testosterone therapy for several months, the patient’s total testosterone levels normalized (407–424 ng/dL), accompanied by increased secondary sexual characteristics, stable gonadotropin levels, and normal testicular volume. Persistent anosmia was noted, suggesting that restoration of reproductive endocrine function can occur independently of olfactory recovery. Genetic testing identified heterozygous mutations in <i>PCSK1</i> and <i>HS6ST1</i>, genes implicated in GnRH regulation and KS pathogenesis. This case highlights the potential role of genetic variation in spontaneous HH improvement and underscores the need for individualized management strategies, including periodic reassessment of gonadal function and fertility potential. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms driving spontaneous HH improvement, identify predictive biomarkers of reversibility, and explore therapeutic strategies that may promote endogenous GnRH activity in select patients with KS.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/7/1151spontaneous hypogonadotropic hypogonadism reversal<i>PCSK1</i> mutation<i>HS6ST1</i> mutationGnRH neurons
spellingShingle Alanna Asgeirsson
Eujean Park
Vinicius Seidel
Mathew Shedd
Matheni Sathananthan
Tania Arous
Kevin Codorniz
Silvana Giannelli
Justin Do
Wyut Yi Thin
Arsenije Jelovac
Scott Lee
Spontaneous Improvement of Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in a Patient with <i>PCSK1</i> and <i>HS6ST1</i> Mutations: A Case Report
Life
spontaneous hypogonadotropic hypogonadism reversal
<i>PCSK1</i> mutation
<i>HS6ST1</i> mutation
GnRH neurons
title Spontaneous Improvement of Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in a Patient with <i>PCSK1</i> and <i>HS6ST1</i> Mutations: A Case Report
title_full Spontaneous Improvement of Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in a Patient with <i>PCSK1</i> and <i>HS6ST1</i> Mutations: A Case Report
title_fullStr Spontaneous Improvement of Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in a Patient with <i>PCSK1</i> and <i>HS6ST1</i> Mutations: A Case Report
title_full_unstemmed Spontaneous Improvement of Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in a Patient with <i>PCSK1</i> and <i>HS6ST1</i> Mutations: A Case Report
title_short Spontaneous Improvement of Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism in a Patient with <i>PCSK1</i> and <i>HS6ST1</i> Mutations: A Case Report
title_sort spontaneous improvement of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in a patient with i pcsk1 i and i hs6st1 i mutations a case report
topic spontaneous hypogonadotropic hypogonadism reversal
<i>PCSK1</i> mutation
<i>HS6ST1</i> mutation
GnRH neurons
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/7/1151
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