Genetic diagnosis and genetic counseling for androgen-insensitivity syndrome: a report of three cases.

Aim In order to verify androgen-insensitivity syndrome (AIS) for three individuals and their mothers, genetic diagnosis was performed after genetic counseling. Methods Polymerase chain reaction analysis was used for each exon of the androgen receptor (AR Xq11-q12) gene. The amplified DNA fragments were detected by gel electrophoresis. The DNA fragments were sequenced and their sequences were compared with those in a database (The Androgen Receptor Gene Mutations Database World Wide Web Server). Results A missense mutation was identified in exon 7 in case 1, deletions of exons 1 and 2 were identified in case 2, and a nonsense mutation was identified in the triplet repeat region of exon 1 in case 3. The mothers of the patients were also verified to be carriers of the mutations. Conclusion Genetic diagnosis is a very useful method for diagnosing AIS. However, genetic counseling, including emotional support for the mother, is an essential component of genetic diagnosis.