Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Increased levels of cortisol are associated with worse prognosis in heart failure (HF). The final step in cortisol production is catalysed by 11β-hydroxylase encoded by CYP11B1, which is highly homologous with CYP11B2. A common polymorphism in the aldosterone synthase gene (CYP11B2 −344T) is associated with a raised ratio of 11-deoxycortisol/ cortisol (S/F). We examined the relationship between −344C/T polymorphism and corticos...

X-linked IGSF1 (immunoglobulin superfamily, member 1) loss-of-function mutations in males are associated with central hypothyroidism, macroorchidism, and a variable spectrum of anterior pituitary dysfunction. Igsf1 deficient male mice also exhibit central hypothyroidism, however, the physiological and molecular function of IGSF1 in both species has not yet been elucidated. Although partial transient GH deficiency is a ra...

X-linked IGSF1 (immunoglobulin superfamily, member 1) loss-of-function mutations in males are associated with central hypothyroidism, macroorchidism, and a variable spectrum of anterior pituitary dysfunction. Igsf1 deficient male mice also exhibit central hypothyroidism, however, the physiological and molecular function of IGSF1 in both species has not yet been elucidated. Although partial transient GH deficiency is a ra...

Background: Liver fibrosis in cirrhosis is characterized by accumulation of extracellular matrix from activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Glucocorticoids (GCs) limit HSC activation in vitro. Local GC levels are regulated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (11βHSD1) which converts inactive GCs (11-dehydrocorticosterone) into active GCs (corticosterone). In this study we hypothesized that 11βHSD1 could potentially inhibit liver fibrosis.<p cla...

This prestigious prize is intended for established workers in the field of basic or clinical neuroendocrinology, and is generously support by Ipsen. This year's recipient is Professor George P Chrousos. The prize will be presented as part of the ECE 2008 opening ceremony where Professor Chrousos will deliver his lecture. Professor Chrousos will also give two other lectures at future ESE scientific meetings. Further information can be found at <a href="http://www...

The anterior pituitary gland is a critical endocrine organ responsible for many important physiological processes including puberty, fertility, metabolism and the stress response. It is derived from, and maintained by, a population of SOX2+ progenitor/stem cells which become more quiescent with age until their direct contribution to tissue turnover becomes negligible. Previous research has demonstrated that the postnatal SOX2+ population exhibits heterogeneity in terms of mark...

Background: The pancreatic β-cell KATP channel plays a key role in glucose stimulated insulin secretion and is encoded by the genes ABCC8 and KCNJ11. Recessive mutations in ABCC8/KCNJ11 cause severe medically unresponsive HH. Recently, dominant mutations in these genes have been described that cause mild, medically responsive HH. Controversy exists on whether these dominant ABCC8/KCNJ11 mutations predispose to diabetes mellitus in ad...

Background/objective: Published data suggest that growth hormone replacement (GHR) may be safely given to patients with hypopituitarism consequent upon a pituitary/peri-pituitary tumour. However, to date, these series have included a preponderance of patients treated with external pituitary irradiation. We have performed a retrospective study to evaluate the recurrence rate in a group of patients with pituitary/peripituitary tumours treated with GHR.Meth...

Background: Diabetes increases the risk of developing coronary heart disease irrespective of glycaemic control. Cortisol and growth hormone (GH) abnormalities have been found in these patients and have been proposed as possible mechanisms for this increased risk.Regular exercise, through an unknown mechanism, can modify cardiovascular risk and so prevent or delay the progression of coronary heart disease. In this study we assessed whether an exercise program would a...

Background: Cortisol is an essential stress hormone and deficient patients suffering a systemic inflammatory response (SIR) will rapidly die if not replaced. However, controversy remains on the definition for a normal adrenal response in critically ill patients. We investigated cortisol status in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), surgery frequently associated with a SIR, varying in severity from sub-clinical, to life-threatening....