Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Vitamin D (VD) metabolism is active in normal testis, but lost during the malignant progression from carcinoma in situ (CIS) to overt germ cell tumors (TGCTs). CIS and TGCTs are often associated with intratubular deposition of hydroxyapatite (microlithiasis). Imbalance in FGF23 and PTH homeostasis may result in calcification of mesodermal-derived tissue, so we hypothesized that this mechanism may be involved in testicular microlithiasis. Here, we investi...

Background: Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is associated with increased risk of psychiatric disease and behavioral problems, as well as social problems. The background for these risks is not known.Aim: The aim was to describe the cognitive function, personality traits and the vulnerability to psychiatric symptoms in patients with KS.Methods: Fourty one KS patients and 41 age- and educational-matched control subjects participated in the ...

Introduction: Two identically designed randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind studies (one conducted in North America and the other one in Europe and Australia) showed that an oral contraceptive containing estradiol valerate (E2V)/dienogest (DNG) in an estrogen step-down, progestogen step-up 28-day regimen was effective in women with heavy and/or prolonged menstrual bleeding without organic pathology. Both studies applied a strict definition of treatment succes...

Steroids present in human serum can be used to identify a number of conditions such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Addison’s disease and Cushing’s disorder. Historically this has been completed using immunoassays; currently there is a move towards mass spectrometry which reduces analysis time, cross reactivity and improves sensitivity. When mass spectrometers are coupled with liquid chromatography systems (LC–MS) it is possible to monitor a number of steroid...

A small subset of genes in the human genome encode peptides that have intrinsic therapeutic value. These genes, collectively known as the "theratome", most often encode ligands and are of particular interest to endocrinology. The genes encoding growth hormone, somatostatin, erythropoeitin, neuropeptides, placental and pituitary hormones are all examples of the theratome. Unfortunately, the sequences encoding many ligands are not always detectable within the sequences of their ...

Introduction: Maintenance immunosuppressive regimens after renal transplantation (RTx) most often include prednisolone which may induce secondary adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency is a potentially life-threatening side effect to glucocorticoid treatment due to the risk of acute adrenal crisis. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of prednisolone-induced adrenal insufficiency in RTx patients receiving long-term low-dose prednisolone treatment.<p class="abstext"...

The pathological expansion of white adipose tissue (WAT) in obesity involves adipocyte hypertrophy accompanied by expansion of collagen-rich pericellular extracellular matrix (ECM) and the development of crown-like structures (CLS). Traditionally, WAT morphology is assessed through immunohistochemical analysis of WAT sections. However, manual analysis of large histological sections is time-consuming, and available digital tools for analyzing adipocyte size and pericellular ECM...

Today there exist no treatment that can improve semen quality in more than 85% of infertile men. Interaction between germ and Sertoli cells is critical for sperm production, and Denosumab, an inhibitor of RANKL, has previously been shown to stimulate sperm production in a fraction of infertile men. Here, we show in a humanized RANKL mouse that Denosumab dose dependently increase germ cell proliferation and testicular weight. RANKL was modified so it can be blocked by Denosumab...

Background: Gender disparity and age pattern in the incidence of thyroid cancer indicate a link between hormonal- and reproductive factors and risk of thyroid cancer. Thus, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be a plausible risk factor for this malignancy.Aim: In this nationwide cohort study, we investigated the association between PCOS and the risk of differentiated and papillary thyroid cancer.Methods: We included all Danish wom...

Background: Maternal cortisol levels increase during pregnancy and prenatal cortisol exposure have been linked to cognitive function in childhood. Higher activity of the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) downregulates the amount of maternal cortisol crossing the placenta by inactivation of cortisol to cortisone. In childhood, boys perform significantly poorer in tests of intelligence than girls.Aim: To investigate associ...