Endocrine Abstracts

Hyperprolactinaemia in association with a large sellar lesion could represent either tumoural secretion of prolactin (PRL) or stalk disruption by a non-prolactinoma: the differentiation has important therapeutic consequences. We have previously shown that based on currently used assays disconnection hyperprolactinaemia associated with non-functioning adenoma (NFA) practically never exceeds levels above 2000 mU/l. We aimed to verify our proposed disconnection hyperprolactinaemi...

Introduction: Large prolactinomas are uncommon and there is limited information on their presentation and progression. In this study we reviewed the presenting features, associated endocrinopathy and the response to treatment.Methods: 16 patients (aged 20–80 years, 75% male) were identified from our endocrine database as presenting with prolactin >20,000 mU/l between 1985 and 2005.Results: 75% of patients presented with ma...

The objective of our study was to evaluate the potential benefit of short-term combined treatment with LT4plusLT3 in patients with persistent hypothyroidism and malabsorption. We report ten cases of patients with hypothyroidism secondary to total thyroidectomy, in which high doses of L-T4 (2,7-3.5 mcg/kg/die) were not adequate to normalize thyroid function. TSH was persistently high (from 10 to 100 mU/L) with low serum levels of thyroid hormones.<p class="ab...

Introduction: Commonest causes of pancreatitis are alcohol and gallstones but less common causes like hypertriglyceridemia should also be considered as management may differ.Case history: 47 years old gentleman with history of pancreatitis and hyperlipidaemia type1 taking atorvastatin and bezafibrate, admitted with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. He was non-smoker and non-drinker. No history of cholelithiasis or medications causing pancreatitis. He w...

High protein diets are effective at promoting weight loss and stimulating the secretion of pancreatic hormones. Understanding the mechanisms underlying these effects may highlight new potential therapeutic targets. The calcium sensing receptor (CaSR) is stimulated by calcium and plays a critical role in calcium homeostasis. However, it is also found in many tissues unrelated to calcium regulation. CaSR activity can be modulated by aromatic amino acids, most potently by ...

Gonadotrophs have previously been shown to be the predominant source of C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) in the anterior pituitary, and CNP causes enhanced cGMP accumulation in αT3-1 gonadotrophs. However, the biological role of CNP in gonadotrophs remains elusive. In the current study, we examined the molecular and functional characteristics of the gonadotroph natriuretic peptide system. Using two well-characterised gonadotroph cell lines of different developmental origi...

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) has been reported as a potent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, independent of cholesterol levels. Endothelial dysfunction, which is the earliest manifestation of atherosclerosis, may account for some of this cardiovascular risk. It has never been studied in a randomised controlled manner whether L-thyroxine therapy improves endothelial function.Methods: 100 patients with SCH (mean TSH of 6.6 mIU/L and n...

Background: An association of pregnancy outcomes with subclinical hypothyroidism have been reported, however, there still exists a strong controversy regarding whether subclinical hypothyroidism ought to be dealt with or not. The latest American Thyroid Association’s guideline gives support to a higher TSH upper reference range of 4 mIU/l than the one proposed a few years ago of 2.5 mIU/l for the first trimester of pregnancy, in the absence of local normal ranges of TSH. ...

The pathogenesis of gonadotrophin secreting pituitary tumours (gonadotrophinomas) remains poorly understood. BMP2, known to be important in the control of cell proliferation and differentiation, is essential for commitment of undifferentiated pituitary cells to the gonadotroph cell lineage. Attenuation of its expression is critical in allowing terminal differentiation. BMPs are associated with up-regulated expression of Id (Inhibitors of differentiation) proteins with predicte...

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) is an endocrine disorder defined by increased thyrotropin (TSH) levels associated with normal free thyroxine (fT4) and free triiodothyronine (fT3). Resistin is secreted from the adipose tissue and is reported to be associated with insulin resistance and/or inflammation. High-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) is a reliable marker of inflammation. Data related to levels of resistin and hS-CRP in SH is limited.<p class="a...