Non tumoral hyperserotoninaemia responsive to octreotide due to dual polymorphism in UGT1A1 and UGT1A6

Hormones (Athens). 2012 Jan-Mar;11(1):104-8. doi: 10.1007/BF03401544.

Abstract

Gilbert's syndrome is a common inherited metabolic disorder, caused by genetic aberration in the enzyme UDP-glucuronosyl-transferase 1A1 that leads to reduced glucuronidation of bilirubin. Recent advances in molecular genetics have frequently reported the concurrence of dual genetic polymorphisms in UDP glucuronosyl-transferases 1A6 and 1A1 in patients with Gilbert's syndrome, leading to defective glucuronidation of bilirubin, as well as several other endogenous and exogenous substrates, such as serotonin. We present a case of Gilbert's syndrome with severe persistent hyperserotoninaemia, mimicking carcinoid syndrome, due to dual polymorphisms in UDP-glucuronosyl-transferases 1A1 and 1A6. The patient was treated with a long-acting somatostatin analogue (octreotide) for 8 months, resulting in a significant reduction in serum serotonin levels and immediate relief of the symptomatology, followed by a long-term remission. The frequent occurrence of hyperserotoninaemia in Gilbert's syndrome may contribute, at least partly, to the nonspecific symptomatology commonly seen in these patients and should be promptly evaluated.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Gilbert Disease / blood*
  • Gilbert Disease / genetics
  • Glucuronosyltransferase / genetics
  • Glucuronosyltransferase / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Octreotide / therapeutic use*
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Serotonin / blood*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Serotonin
  • UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, UGT1A6
  • UGT1A1 enzyme
  • Glucuronosyltransferase
  • Octreotide