Endocrine Abstracts

Evidence indicates that normal pattern of progression of puberty is altered under certain conditions of stress, whereas growth rate is affected by sustained higher concentrations of cortisol, a marker of stress reactivity. Available data show that early teens commonly resort to use of drugs. The use of drugs may evoke stress responses, which may alter pubertal development and affect growth rate. Body weight (BW), height, BMI and plasma concentrations of LH, testosterone (T), G...

The secretion of leptin, an indicator of energy reserves, declines as energy stores are consumed in growth and development at puberty. The pubertal growth and development are often altered under different kinds of stresses. Usually, stress stimulates the release of cortisol, which is a labelled marker of stress. Early teens are inclined to drug abuse that may put their bodies under stress and may induce excessive secretion of cortisol. Since, sustained high levels of cortisol ...

Therapeutic glucocorticoids are used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to reduce inflammation and bone destruction. We recently reported that primary synovial fibroblasts generate active glucocorticoids via expression of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). This enzyme activates cortisol from inactive cortisone (and prednisolone from prednisone) and this activity is up-regulated by inflammation. We have now examined glucocorticoid metabolism in synovial tissu...

Stress is any uncomfortable emotional experience accompanied by predictable psychological, physiological and behavioral changes. A sudden and severe stress generally produces an increase in the heart rate and blood pressure and induces a state of alertness in an individual. Evidence indicates that chronic stress depresses thyroid function, resulting in low levels of T3 and T4, which affects cardiomyocytes’ function and leads to development of cardiov...

Arginine vasopressin (AVP) is a neurohormone, which regulates blood and extracellular fluid volume and hence blood pressure (BP). AVP has its chief action in kidneys where it reduces flow of urine, increases permeability of convoluted tubules of kidneys to water and its reabsorption. It binds to receptors on sweat glands and decreases water loss by perspiration from the skin. Also, AVP binds to peripheral arteriolar receptors, causing vasoconstriction and increase in BP. The s...

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an endocrine system within the body that is essential for regulation of blood pressure (BP) and fluid balance. The system is mainly comprised of three hormones renin, angiotensin II (Ang II) and aldosterone. The RAAS pathway is initiated in the kidney with the proteolytic conversion of liver derived angiotensinogen to angiotensin I (Ang I) by renin secreted by juxtaglomerular apparatus of the nephron. Ang I is cleaved by angio...

23-year-old scaffolder, fit and well, presented several times to A&E with episodes of fitting which comprised of an energy surge followed by typical neuroglycopenic and autonomic signs of hypoglycaemia. He was only found to be hypoglycaemic after a severe episode where paramedics were called to his home and discovered his blood sugars to be 1.8 mmol/l with a serum insulin was measurable. His symptoms were moderately relieved by eating a combination of sugary food like hone...

A 50-year-old lady presented with fatigue, tiredness and constipation, has more than twenty years history of hypercalcemia. She was clinically and biochemically diagnosed as familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia with high calcium, normal parathormone, low urinary calcium, low fractional excretion of calcium, positive family history. Genetic confirmation was done by positive molecular genetic analysis of CASR gene. She has persistent high calcium level ranging between 2.8 and 3....

Leptin is regarded as an essential adipokine for controlling energy homeostasis, caloric intake reduction and increase of caloric expenditure by negative feedback mechanisms via receptors in the hypothalamus. Puberty is said to be triggered by leptin, which signals the hypothalamus that adequate fat reserves are available for initiation of energetically costly process of reproduction. Leptin activates gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) system, which stimulates luteinizing h...

During the time of puberty, thyroid hormones (THs), thyroxin (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), influence growth and developmental processes by working in association with growth hormone (GH), insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-1), glucocorticoids, insulin and gonadal steroids. THs have a direct effect on GH secretion, which stimulates IGF system. It has been suggested that THs control increase in bone length through synergy with GH. This investigation determ...