Endocrine Abstracts

Physiological role of acylated ghrelin (AG), unacylated ghrelin (UAG) and obestatin is poorly understood especially in childhood. To understand their biological implications in obesity and metabolic syndrome (MS), we measured AG, UAG, obestatin, at fasting and every 60′ during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 60 prepubertal (PP–OB; 32) and pubertal (P-OB; 28) children. Paediatric IDF 2007 criteria was used to identifying MS. In PP-OB group, 20 (62.5%) children ...

Introduction: CBG is the main transport protein for glucocorticoids in blood. CBG gene is a member of the serine protease inhibitor family, located at chromosome 14q32. Inherited CBG deficiency (MIM 611489) is a rarely recessive disorder, and the phenotype associated includes low cortisol levels, presence of normal ACTH levels, hypotension and fatigue, although the exact pathophysiological mechanisms involved remain uncertain. We identified a family with a complex phe...

Introduction: The association between vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and metabolic parameters is not confirmed in some population studies. 25(OH)D concentration in blood is influenced by seasons and this covariate may explain some discordant results. The first aim of our study was to evaluate the prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in a population of obesity children (2–18 years) living in the North of Italy (latitude, 45°27′n) with respect to the season. The...

Introduction: Generously supported by IPSEN)-->In children, GH secretion is considered sufficient when at least one value is >20 ng/ml at the GHRH + arginine (ARG) test. Because GH typically peaks at 45 min, we evaluated whether peak occurrence at one specific time is predictive of clinical outcomes in short stature children who are GH sufficient.Subjects and methods: Children who performed a GHRH plus ARG ...

TSH receptor (TSHR) is a G-protein-coupled seven-transmembrane domain receptor located in the basolateral membrane of thyroid follicular cells. The activated receptor couples to two major signal transductions pathways: the Gs/adenylate cyclase and the Gq/11/phospholipase C signalling. Many loss of function mutations have been identified in this gene leading to a wide spectrum of thyroid abnormalities, ranging from hyperthyrotropinemia and TSH resistance to severe hypothyroidis...

Introduction: Three peptides, acylated ghrelin (AG), unacylated ghrelin (UAG) and obestatin are derived from a common prohormone, preproghrelin by posttranslational processing, originating from endocrine cells in the stomach. Circulating ghrelin levels are decreased in obese subjects and increased by fasting and in patients with anorexia nervosa, but the physiological role of the three peptides is poorly understood in particular in childhood.Aim: In orde...

Introduction: Therapy with recombinant GH (rhGH) allows GH-deficient children (GHD) to reach an adequate adult stature. Previous studies have reported a significant rise in serum insulin levels during GH therapy. It has been demonstrated that insulin resistance is a risk factor for the development of DMT2, atherosclerosis, dyslipidemia and hypertension.Subjects and methods: Aim of our study was to evaluate changes in insulin sensitivity in a group of GHD...

Introduction: Prader Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a genetic syndrome characterized by hyperphagia, morbid obesity, and many other endocrine alterations. PWS subjects present higher ghrelin levels. The cause of this increase as well as the modulation of ghrelin secretion at fasting and feeding in relation to other metabolic parameters in PWS is largely unknown. It has also been demonstrated that many ghrelin gene (GHRL) polymorphisms are associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and...

Mutations in genes encoding pituitary-specific factors have been identified in patients with idiopathic isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) or combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD), with or without neuro-morphological abnormalities. We screened 205 IGHD (M/F:131/74; 183 sporadic and 22 belonging to 12 families) for mutations in GH1, GHRH-R, HESX1 and 129 CPHD, (M/F:75/54; 118 sporadic and 13 belonging to 9 families) for mutations in PIT1, PROP1, <i...

Background: Variations in gut microbiota might impact metabolic functions like caloric intake and energy expenditure leading to body weight excess. Microbiota modulation may be a potential approach for obesity management, especially in subject characterized by specific microbial enterotypes.Objective: We aimed to assess the impact of probiotic treatment in obese children and adolescents, under diet control, on weight loss, glucose, and insulin homeostasi...