Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signalling involved in many physiological and pathophysiological processes requires the complex formation of FGF receptor, FGF and heparan sulphate, which is regulated by multiple extracellular inputs. FGFR1 as KAL-2 gene and anosmin-1, an extracellular matrix protein encoded by KAL-1 gene are associated with Kallmann syndrome characterised by anosmia and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Anosmin-1 induces neurite outgrowth and cytoske...

Background: Dopamine agonists may act on prolactinoma size and secretion through additional effects on adenoma vascularity which can be visualised using Dynamic Contrast Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DCE-MRI). To investigate this 23 subjects, 5 with macroprolactinomas (prolactin (PRL) range 14631-500000mU/L), 11 with microprolactinomas (PRL range 621-4777mU/L), 7 individuals with non-lesion hyperprolactinemia and 15 normal volunteers, including 5 females on oral contrac...

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most highly prevalent chronic liver condition and is associated with significant adverse outcomes, both through liver-specific morbidity and mortality, but perhaps more importantly, through adverse cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes. NAFLD is a spectrum of disease, extending from simple steatosis, through to inflammation and fibrosis and risk of cirrhosis. The mechanisms that govern hepatic lipid accumulation and the predispo...

Inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) as a means of reducing tissue corticosteroids is showing marked potential as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. However, reduction in tissue corticosteroids may lead to upregulation of the HPA axis. Therefore this study investigates the effect of 11β-HSD1 inhibition on HPA axis biomarkers and examines whether time of dosing impacts on the biomarkers.C57Bl6/Jax mice were fed 60% kcal...

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) derived peptides coordinate energy balance via central melanocortin receptors. In order to monitor central POMC expression and processing in-vivo, we have quantified the POMC derived peptides ACTH, alpha-MSH and the high molecular weight precursors POMC/proACTH in rat cerebrospinal fluid (csf). POMC/proACTH levels were significantly lower in csf samples from fasted versus fed rats (65.2 ± 4.5 pmol/l versus 112 ± 10.1 pmol/l; p = 0.00...

Glucocorticoids (GC), such as prednisolone, are widely prescribed for their anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. However, they have significant side-effects including insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) converts 11-dehydrocorticosterone (11DHC) to active corticosterone (CORT) and thus amplifies local GC action. We hypothesise that enhanced local GC regeneration of exogenously administered GCs by ...

Glucocorticoids have potent effects on almost every tissue in the body and this is exemplified in patients with Cushing’s disease. Whilst Cushing’s disease is rare, glucocorticoids are commonly prescribed for their anti-inflammatory actions, but their use is associated with a series of undesirable adverse effects, including obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, myopathy and osteoporosis. Within tissues, glucocorticoids (both endogenous and exogenous) are metabol...

Hypophosphataemia is a common mineral metabolic abnormality affecting 2-3% of all hospital in patients and up to 34% of ICU patients. The causes are numerous. Over the last two decades following the identification of Fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) as the phosphaturic hormone responsible for Autosomal Dominant Hypophosphataemic Rickets (ADHR) in 2000 there has been an explosion in the understanding of phosphate homeostatic physiology and disorders of phosphate homeostasis...

Within tissues, glucocorticoids (both endogenous and exogenous) are metabolised by a series of enzymes that have the ability to tightly control local hormone availability and thus regulate binding to, and activation of, the glucocorticoid receptor. The 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (type 1 [11β-HSD1] and type 2 11β-HSD2]) interconvert active (cortisol, prednisolone and corticosterone) and inactive glucocorticoids (cortisone, prednisone and 11-dehydrocorticos...

Acute hypocalcaemia can be a serious and potentially fatal medical emergency while chronic hypocalcaemia may be debilitating and is often associated with reduced quality of life. The usual aetiology of hypocalcaemia is hypoparathyroidism which is sufficiently rare to be officially recognised as an ‘orphan’ condition. Other causes of hypocalcaemia include vitamin D deficiency and hypomagnesaemia secondary to proton pump inhibitor therapy. The relative rarity of hypopa...