A Family case of von Hippel-Lindau syndrome

Abstract

Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (FHL) is a rare autosomal dominant disease that leads to the formation of multiple organ tumor syndrome. The pathology is primarily caused by the inactivation of the VHL gene, which is located on chromosome 3 (3p25/26) and encodes ubiquitin ligase, which destroys hypoxia-induced factor-1α (HIF-1α). The genetic defect leads to the accumulation of HIF-1a protein, activating key carcinogenic pathways, and activated cytokines cause abnormal proliferation of tumor cells and oncogenesis. To date, more than 500 mutations have been registered in VHL. FHL syndrome is characterized by various tumors, including hemangioblastomas of the retina and central nervous system, pheochromocytomas, clear cell renal cell carcinoma, cystic adenoma and others. In the presented clinical description, pheochromocytoma was initially diagnosed in the patient’s mother, and 2 months later in the eldest son. Subsequently, the results of a molecular genetic study made it possible to verify the diagnosis, since in the gene in exon 3 of VHL, a single nucleotide was replaced in the heterozygous state of C.500 G>A, leading to the replacement of the amino acid p.R167Q. Identification of the VHL gene mutation required genetic counseling of all family members, during which a similar mutation was identified in the younger brother. Surgical treatment is the main method of treating FHL syndrome, but advances in genetic research technologies provide new opportunities for the treatment of tumors associated with this syndrome.