Dunnigan-Type Familial Partial Lipodystrophy : Understanding and Treating the Syndrome

Dunnigan-type partial lipodystrophy, which is characterized by a number of metabolic alterations, change in body fat distribution, and autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, is rare in the general population. Objective: To report the case of an adolescent with clinical and laboratory findings suggestive of Dunnigan-type partial lipodystrophy. Methods: Case report and literature review. Results: A 15-year-old adolescent presented at the clinic complaining of darkening of skin folds on her trunk and back. During physical examination, the presence of serious acanthosis nigricans in her cervical region, axillae, and intergluteal space was noted. Hirsutism in androgen-dependent areas was also observed, as well as relevant reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the limbs, gluteal region, abdomen, and trunk and fat accumulation in the face and chin. Discussion. Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy is a rare dominant autosomal disease resulting from a heterozygous missense mutation in the LMNA gene, known as LPF type 2 (Dunnigan variant), which encodes the nuclear protein A/C-type lamin. It is characterized by the progressive disappearance of the subcutaneous adipose tissue in the limbs, gluteal region, abdomen, and trunk, with onset in puberty, followed by fat accumulation in other areas such as the face, chin, labia majora, and intra-abdominal region, leading to hypertrophy that may mimic the Cushing’s syndrome phenotype. Affected patients display marked insulin resistance and may consequently develop diabetes mellitus, acanthosis nigricans, hirsutism, and polycystic ovary syndrome. Conclusion: This case report highlights the importance of suspecting Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy in clinical practice. Early clinical diagnosis allows for measures that minimize the severe metabolic disorders associated with this disease and, consequently, these adolescents’ self-esteem issues. How to cite this paper: Santos, A.R.J., Ferreira, S.P., Benazzi, M., Capra, M., Medeiros, H.P.A., de Jesus, A.L., de Almeida, M.H., de Sá, L.B.P.C. and Arbex, A.K. (2017) Dunnigan-Type Familial Partial Lipodystrophy: Understanding and Treating the Syndrome. Open Journal of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, 7, 22-34. http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/ojemd.2017.71003 Received: December 6, 2016 Accepted: January 3, 2017 Published: January 6, 2017 Copyright © 2017 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Open Access A. R. J. Santos et al.


Introduction
Lipodystrophies are a heterogeneous class of adipose tissue disorders characterized by body fat loss.The acquired forms are more common.Among the familial or genetic forms, the most prevalent is type-2 familial partial lipodystrophy (Dunnigan variant; FPLD2).This disease is characterized by the loss of subcutaneous tissue in the extremities and trunk and fat accumulation on the neck [1] [2].Patients display severe insulin resistance, with subsequent development of diabetes mellitus, acanthosis nigricans, hepatic steatosis, and polycystic ovary syndrome [3].
The prognosis of this syndrome is linked to metabolic and cardiac complications.Body dysmorphia related to this syndrome can cause serious psychological disorders in patients, such as depression and social repulsion [4].Because no medication has been able to reverse the effects of lipodystrophy, therapy is directed toward prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis, and cardiovascular disease [5].The treatment includes changes in lifestyle, the use of insulin sensitizers such as metformin and glitazones, and subcutaneous leptin replacement [3] [6].

Case Report
A black female patient, 15 years of age, was referred to an endocrinology clinic for hyperandrogenism.Her main complaint was "dark spots on her skin".During physical examination, the patient had weight, height, body mass index, and abdominal circumference of 58 kg, 164 cm, 21.56 kg/m 2 , and 67 cm, respectively.
There was substantial reduction in the gluteal area, abdomen, and upper and lower limbs.In addition, coarse facies; enlargement of the hands and feet; a hirsutism score of 14 on the Ferriman-Gallwey scale; and acanthosis nigricans in the cervical region, groin, and axillae were observed.Fat accumulation was prominent in the facial, neck, and dorsal regions.Arterial pressure was 120/80 mmHg, with normal cardiac and lung auscultation.The abdomen was flat and flaccid, with no visceromegaly.Menarche occurred at 11 years old, followed by regular menstrual cycles.The patient denied a similar phenotype in any family members.
Laboratory exams were performed to investigate hyperandrogyny and insulin resistance (     The suspected diagnosis was FPLD2 with severe clinical and laboratory hyperandrogyny and insulin resistance. Metformin XR 1000 mg/day was used as the initial treatment, which was increased to 2000 mg/day after the first month, in association with vitamin D3 administration of 50,000 UI/week for 8 weeks.Metformin XR was increased to 2500 mg/day after 2 months of treatment; then, pioglitazone at a dosage of 15 mg/day was added.For the purpose of improving clinical hyperandrogeny, in the fourth month of treatment, an oral contraceptive (ethinyl estradiol 0.035 mcg + cyproterone 2 mg) was initiated, and the dose of pioglitazone was increased to 30 mg/day.Later, cyproterone 50 mg was added for 10 days/month.While the patient was being monitored, she maintained her weight (58 kg), her skin spots cleared, cervical and axillar acanthosis improved, body hair decreased (Ferriman-Gallwey score = 10), and acne improved.The patient did not undergo genetic assessment to confirm FPLD2.

Classification of Lipodystrophies
For many years, lipodystrophies have been classified according to their clinical characteristics, such as family history, age at appearance, form of progression, and pattern of subcutaneous adipose tissue loss.With advances in genetic testing, the genetic bases of these pathologies are now better understood and can confirm diagnosis and classification.Lipodystrophies are classified with regard to their origin (acquired or familial) or according to the extent of subcutaneous adipose tissue loss (generalized or partial) [5].It is a phenotypic, genetically heterogeneous disease, caused by mutations in the LMNA, PPARG, AKT2, PLIN1, CAV1, and CIDEC genes [4].The main clinical characteristics of lipodystrophies and its classifications are described in Table 2.

Diagnosis of Dunnigan-Type Lipodystrophy
FPLD2, also called Kobberling-Dunnigan syndrome or Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy, is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by missense mutations in the A/C lamin or LMNA gene [7].Diseases related to mutations in the LMNA gene are highly heterogeneous, including neuromuscular and cardiac dystrophies, lipodystrophies, and precocious aging syndromes [8].
FPLD2 is diagnosed based on clinical and laboratory assessments and genetic studies.Clinically, there is progressive loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the  limbs, trunk, and body and fat accumulation in the face and neck, which are associated with grave metabolic disorders including insulin resistance (with acanthosis nigricans in skin fold regions), glucose intolerance, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and hepatic steatosis [9].The progressive loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue in the limbs and trunk is diagnosed via body composition analysis with dual energy X-ray densitometry, which demonstrates accentuated body fat reduction in affected patients [10].
To assess metabolic disorders, the laboratory panel must include fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profile, insulin, transaminase, and serum leptin dose.Upper abdomen ultrasonography may help in assessing hepatic steatosis.
Genetic analyses demonstrate missense mutations in the LMNA gene [11], which are associated with defective adipogenesis, premature death of adipocytes, and lipotoxicity [12].The first report of a mutation in the LMNA gene, located on chromosome 1q21-22, related to FPLD2, in 2000, confirmed the mutation as p.R482Q [11].

Dunnigan-Type Lipodystrophy Phenotype Assessment
FPLD2 presents during or soon after puberty.Lipoatrophy in the limbs, gluteal region, abdomen, and trunk is followed by fat accumulation in the face, chin, neck, back, intra-abdominal region, and labia majora and apparent muscle hypertrophy, typically more rapidly identified in female patients [8] [13].Some women display hyperandrogyny, clinically manifested by severe hirsutism and alterations in the menstrual cycle such as oligomenorrhea.Proximal enlargement of the fingers (producing an appearance of fused fingers) and acanthosis nigricans are also more frequently observed among females [14].
Furthermore, affected women are particularly predisposed to insulin resistance and complications, which include glucose intolerance, diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridemia, reduction of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, increase of arterial pressure, elevation of uric acid, hepatic steatosis, and precocious arteriosclerosis, with an increase in the risk of cardiovascular disease and predisposition to polycystic ovary syndrome [13] [15] [16].In fact, it has been suggested that lipodystrophies are etiologically linked to polycystic ovary syndrome [17] and, in isolated publications, to some obstetric complications [18].In milder forms of the disease, the phenotype may be indistinguishable from the regular metabolic syndrome.Diabetes mellitus may be the first sign of lipodystrophy [19].
Despite being a rare disease, better understanding of this pathology may reveal insights into the mechanisms underlying insulin resistance and its metabolic consequences.Patients with FPLD2 and insulin resistance are usually glucose intolerant or have diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, acanthosis nigricans, and elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.This risk is similar to that described for visceral obesity, which is associated to the development of metabolic syndrome and increase of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality [15] [20].
The gain in muscle mass could further be related to insulin resistance and the side effects of hyperinsulinemia in IGF-I receptors [21].Both hyperandrogyny and hyperinsulinemia may play a role in muscle gain in women with polycystic ovary syndrome [22].Muscular hypertrophy could also be explained by the accumulation of lipids within myocytes.This phenomenon has been demonstrated in insulin resistance, which has been related to intramyocellular triglyceride levels, and failure to store subcutaneous fat in the extremities and trunk and may cause aberrant fat deposition in the muscle [23].

Genetic Assessment of Lipodystrophies
Familial partial lipodystrophy (FPL) has an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.The main familial forms are FPLD2 and Berardinelli-Seip syndrome.
FPLD2 is associated with mutations in the LMNA gene [24], located on chromosome lq21-22, which lead to defective adipogenesis [25].The genesis of FPLD2 is closely related to alterations in the structure and function of the nuclear envelope of eukaryotic cells, which are composed of three parts: the nuclear membrane, the nuclear pore complexes (NPCs), and the nuclear lamina [20].The nuclear lamina is spotted by the NPCs, which regulate the passage of macromolecules between the nucleus and the cytoplasm [26].The nuclear lamina, organized as an intertwined mesh of fibers inside the nuclear membrane, interacts with the NPCs and nuclear envelope transmembrane proteins (NETs), promoting organization and NPC interconnection, and NET anchoring to the nuclear membrane.Consequently, the nuclear lamina performs numerous biological functions, including maintenance of nuclear structural integrity, chromatin organization, control of cell division during mitosis and meiosis, and regulation of the access of transcription factors to the nucleus [27].
The LMNA gene contains 12 exons and encodes A and C lamins through alternative exon 10 processing.Lamins A and C polymerize with B-type lamins, forming the nuclear lamina, a meshwork of intermediate-type filaments located between chromatin and the internal nuclear membrane, with functions ranging from maintenance, nuclear structure, spatial arrangement of the nuclear pores, transcriptional regulation and organization of chromatin [24].
Diseases related to mutations in the LMNA gene are highly heterogeneous, including neuromuscular and cardiac dystrophies, lipodystrophies, and precocious aging syndromes [15].

Differential Diagnosis
For the differential diagnosis of Dunnigan-type familial partial lipodystrophy, Berardinelli-Seip syndrome [28] must be taken into account.Both genetic syndromes are characterized by severe insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, associated with lipoatrophy, lipodystrophy, and hypertriglyceridemia. Dunnigan syndrome manifests as fat accumulation in the face, autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, and hyperinsulinemia, which is associated with lipoatrophy, lipodystrophy, and hypertriglyceridemia, and it is caused by mutations in the LMNA gene.Berardinelli syndrome, another form of generalized congenital lipoatrophy, is caused by a mutation in the BSCL2 or AGPAT2 gene and demonstrates autosomal recessive transmission.The most common clinical manifestations of Berardinelli syndrome are acanthosis nigricans, steatosis with hepatomegaly, and tall stature.Acromegaloid features, cardiomyopathy, hypertension, and developmental disability may also occur.Among women, other findings include clitoromegaly, hirsutism, polycystic ovaries, and reduced fertility.
Cushing's syndrome, characterized by endogenous or exogenous hypercortisolism, is another important differential diagnosis of FPLD2 [29].The main symptoms associated with the excess of glucocorticoids are weight gain, lethargy, weakness, menstrual irregularity, loss of libido, hirsutism, acne, purple cutaneous stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, depression, and psychosis.
Other differential diagnoses of FPLD2 include polycystic ovary syndrome [30], which may also involve oligomenorrhea or amenorrhea.In addition, hyperandrogyny, particularly in the form of hirsutism, acne, androgenetic alopecia, and obesity may occur.Insulin resistance and acanthosis nigricans are also frequent.

Treatment of Dunnigan Lipodystrophy
FPLD2 treatment must be based on an interdisciplinary approach that includes an endocrinologist, nutritionist, and psychologist.Considering the metabolic and aesthetic complications caused by FPLD2, the therapeutic approach should be individualized to improve the patient's quality of life.In addition to pharmacological therapy, lifestyle change counseling should emphasize a balanced diet with low fat and sugar intake and regular physical activity, preferably aerobic, as essential to improving these patients' metabolic profile.
The use of sensitizers to improve insulin resistance, such as metformin and glitazones, is of paramount importance.Additionally, lipid-lowering drugs and even recombinant leptin are warranted in specific cases [31].The recommended doses for metformin and pioglitazone are 2.250 mg/day and 30 mg/day, respectively [32].If glycaemia is not controlled with oral medication and lifestyle change counseling, insulin use may be necessary.
Lipid-lowering therapy with fibrates should be initiated to control high triglyceride levels [33].Some authors recommend supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce triglyceride levels [31].Combination therapy with statins may be administered, but they are contraindicated in patients receiving gemfibrozil due to a high risk of myopathy.Table 3 summarizes the main drug classes used as lipid-lowering agents.
Oral estrogen therapy should be avoided in female patients with FPLD2 and associated polycystic ovary syndrome due to a risk of increasing triglyceride levels [33].The use of recombinant leptin (metreleptin) for the treatment of genetic lipodystrophic syndromes has been proposed recently, with the aim to improve glycemic and lipid control, hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, and hyperpulsatility of pituitary gonadotropins associated with polycystic ovary syndrome  [34].The suggested recombinant leptin dose is based on the patient's body weight (Table 4).Aesthetic treatments for FPLD2 include facial filling, autologous adipose tissue transplant, and reconstructive surgeries such as liposuction, with the possibility of recurrence of abnormal adipose tissue deposition in areas where liposuction is performed [35] [36].Dermatological treatment is suggested for skin bleaching caused by acanthosis, along with hair removal using definitive depilation.

Discussion
FPLD2 is a rare disease of autosomal dominant inheritance, resulting from a heterozygous missense mutation in the LMNA gene [13].FPLD2 usually has an earlier onset and is more and easily recognizable in women because of the muscle hypertrophy phenotype and significant subcutaneous adipose tissue disorder in the extremities, with variable reduction in the trunk [37].Here we report the case of an adolescent with a clinical history and classic FPLD2 phenotype.She was investigated at 15 years of age, upon demonstrating significant metabolic alterations in her initial laboratory exams.On physical examination, and abnormal pattern of fat distribution and severe lipodystrophy were noted, followed by signs of insulin resistance (severe acanthosis nigricans), coarse facies, enlargement of the hands and feet, and clinical hyperandrogyny, characterized by acne and hirsutism.
The progressive accumulation of prelamin resulting from the mutation of the R482W gene reduces the interaction of SREBP1c with DNA, hindering transcription of PPARγ.This mechanism also hinders transcription of the genes involved in controlling the production, transport, and use of glucose, as well as differentiation between preadipocytes and adipocytes [37].This effect assumes particular importance in the subcutaneous cellular tissue of limbs and trunk, due to the marked reduction of adipogenesis in these sites.Consequently, lipid deposition increases in other sites, including the intra-abdominal cavity [38] [39].Thus, the interaction between lamin A precursors such as SEBP1c reduces expression of PPARγ.Moreover, it may represent an important pathological mechanism underlying lipodystrophies, which justifies the use of glitazones (a selective ligand of PPARγ) for the treatment of these disorders.PPARγ activation by glitazones reenables the differentiation of preadipocytes in subcutaneous adipose cellular tissue [40], reducing visceral fat deposition [38].Furthermore, the transcription of insulin-responsive genes and the capacity of adipose tissue to remove fatty acids from circulation are increased, thus reducing intrahepatic and intramuscular deposits and preventing insulin resistance, which is induced by fatty acids [41].
Treating FPLD2 patients with glitazones aims to reduce serum insulin levels, clinical and laboratory indicators of hyperandrogyny, and regulate menstrual cycles in cases involving polycystic ovary syndrome [42].The main antihyperglycemic effect of metformin involves the reduction of hepatic gluconeogenesis [43] [44].Furthermore, it decreases the gastrointestinal absorption of glucose, despite increasing sensitivity to insulin in muscle and adipose tissues, and decreases free fatty acid levels [45].In peripheral tissues, metformin facilitates glucose transport by increasing tyrosine kinase activity in insulin receptors [46] and translocation of glucose transporters to the cellular membrane [47] [48].Metformin reduces insulin resistance and secretion, followed by a decrease in the production of ovarian androgens.The direct action of metformin on ovarian theca cells also reduces androgen production [49].

Conclusion
The early diagnosis of FPLD2 enables the adoption of measures that minimize severe metabolic and hyperandrogenic disorders related to this condition.A multidisciplinary approach to this disease should aim to improve patients' metabolism, quality of life, and, ultimately, self-esteem.

Table 1 .
Initial laboratory tests and clinical monitoring.

Table 2 .
Main lipodystrophy characteristics and classification.

Table 3 .
Oral lipid-lowering agents used in FPLD2 treatment.