Study of Metabolic Modifications in Children With Noonan Syndrome

Overview

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a rare genetic disease (incidence 1/2500 live births) characterized by the association of craniofacial manifestations, cardiopathies, short stature, and tumor predisposition. The genetic causes of Noonan Syndrome are mutations of genes involved in the Ras/Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) pathway, mainly the gene encoding the tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 (50% of patients).Shp2 appears to be involved in many facets of energy metabolism control (glucose homeostasis, adipose tissue function…), through mechanisms that are poorly understood. Several metabolic anomalies (reduced adiposity, improved glucose tolerance) have been recently identified in an original mouse model carrying Shp2 mutation. Moreover, recent clinical survey has shown that adult Noonan Syndrome patients are protected from developping overweight and obesity when compared to the general population. However, the metabolic status associated with Noonan Syndrome condition has not been explored to date.

Differential hormone sensitivity is associated with Noonan Syndrome and participates in the development of some symptoms. The investigators have demonstrated that MAPK upregulation in Noonan Syndrome is responsible for partial growth hormone (GH) insensitivity, and subsequent growth retardation. Clinical traits evocative of energy metabolism dysfunctions have been recently reported in Noonan Syndrome patients, although the origins and consequences of these metabolic changes have not been documented to date. The aim of this study is to explore the metabolic status of children with Noonan Syndrome. Children with Noonan Syndrome will be compared with age- and sex-matched healthy children. The investigators hypothesize than Noonan Syndrome children have an increased insulin sensitivity compared to GHD children. Study parameters will be collected including: clinical measurements (height, weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure), glucose and insulin levels at baseline and after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), body composition measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The study will include only one visit.