Glycyrrhizic acid induced acquired apparent mineralocorticoid excess syndrome with a hyperadrenergic state: a case report

Abstract

Background: Syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME) is characterized by excessive MR stimulation despite low levels of aldosterone. 11Beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-2 (11βDSH-2) inactivates cortisol to cortisone, preventing cortisol-induced MR activation. Genetic defects in 11βDSH-2 cause AME through accumulation of cortisol in the distal nephron, leading to MR activation induced hypertension, hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis. Acquired AME can occur due to the ingestion of glycyrrhizic acid, found in licorice root, which inhibits 11βDSH-2 and has additional effects on cortisol homeostasis through inhibition of 11βDSH-1.

Case report: We present a case of acquired AME with a hyperadrenergic symptoms induced by ingestion of Advanced Liver Support, a nutritional supplement produced by Advanced BioNutritionals^(R), in a 65-year-old Caucasian female who presented with accelerated hypertension, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis and adrenergic symptoms. Cessation of the licorice-containing supplement resulted in complete resolution of the patient's hypertension, symptoms and abnormal lab values. To our knowledge this is the first reported case of AME from this supplement, and the first to describe accompanying hyperadrenergic symptoms.

Conclusions: Glycyrrhizic acid is increasingly being found in unregulated nutritional supplements and has the potential to induce a reversable syndrome of AME. Acquired AME should be suspected in individuals who present with hypertension along with hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis and low plasma renin and serum aldosterone levels.

Keywords: Apparent mineralocorticoid excess; Case report; Glycyrrhizic acid; Hypertension; Nutritional supplement.