Endocrine Abstracts

Context: There is growing evidence that cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB-1) blockade reduces inflammation and neovascularization by decreasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels associated with a reduction in inflammatory markers, thereby potentially reducing cardiovascular risk.Objective: To determine the impact of CB1 antagonism by rimonabant on VEGF and inflammatory markers in obese PCOS women.Design: Randomised, open-la...

Aim: Endocrine and metabolic disorders are among the most common complications in survivors after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT). The aim of this study was to evaluate thyroid function and glucose metabolism in patients treated with HSCT.Material and methods: This was a retrospective study which included 257 adult patients (173 males and 84 females) who underwent allogeneic HSCT between 2002 and 2014 in an Irish University Hospital. All patien...

Introduction: Interleukin (IL)-6 can activate signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3-dependent signaling similar to leptin in neurons. Here we demonstrate that central application of IL-6 suppresses feeding and improves glucose tolerance in mice. Furthermore, we found that central IL-6 trans-signaling is enhanced in obese mice to improve anorexigenic and glucoregulatory effects of IL-6.Methods/design: Glucose tolerance and insulin sensi...

Bone is involved in both phosphate-calcium and energetic metabolism. Osteocalcin, secreted by the osteoblasts, stimulates insulin secretion and improves insulin sensitivity. FGF-23, secreted by the osteoclasts, increases phosphate urinary excretion and is a marker of insulin resistance. Relationship between insulin-resistance, body fat and bone metabolism remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate osteocalcin and FGF-23 levels in diseases differing by bo...

Introduction: The demand of cortisol rises during stress and to avoid acute cortisol deficiency, patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery at Skåne University Hospital (Sweden) receive peri- and postoperative substitution with hydrocortisone (HC), even at normal ACTH function. Some anesthetics are known to affect cortisol levels.This study aimed to assess the perioperative cortisol plasma levels during transsphenoidal surgery in ACTH sufficient an...

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is associated with poor health outcomes. This is, in part, because doses of glucocorticoid sufficient to suppress excess adrenal androgens are also associated with adverse metabolic effects such as insulin resistance. This toxicity occurs with efficacious doses of all commonly prescribed glucocorticoids (hydrocortisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone). However, the glucocorticoid corticosterone may have an improved therapeutic index because...

Objective: Incidentally discovered adrenal masses (‘incidentalomas’) are found in 2% of the population. Adrenalectomy is necessary only in a small proportion of such subjects as outlined by the relevant ESE/ENSAT guideline1. However, uncertainty exists over the need for removal of lesions between 4 and 6 cm and those with low lipid content on CT scanning (found in 20% of benign adenomas). Our centre tends to offer surgery for all adenomas >4 cm.<p ...

Aim: The short Synacthen test (SST) is an established test used to assess the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. There remains debate whether a 30 minute or 60 minute cortisol sample has diagnostic superiority. Currently at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow all tests arranged by endocrinology are performed by endocrine nurse specialists who utilise a 0 and 30 minute cortisol protocol. Performing a further 60 minute sample requires more nursing time and space r...

Craniopharyngioma is a rare benign pituitary tumour that occurs in children and adults. Recurrence rates are high (up to 90%) but factors underpinning this are unclear, particularly in cases of childhood onset. We aimed to investigate factors that may influence subsequent recurrence rates in childhood onset craniopharyngiomas in patients attending our centre. A retrospective study of patients followed up at the Oxford Late Effects of Childhood Cancer service was conducted. Pat...

Severe hyponatraemia (SHN, <120 mmol/l) is reported to be associated with mortality as high as 50%; although there are several international guidelines for management of SHN, there are few data on the impact of treatment. We have longitudinally audited our treatment outcomes of SHN. We present the results of three audit periods, of six months each, from 2005, 2010 and 2015. The three periods represented; 2005, prior to hospital policy for SHN, 2010, audit of impact of poli...