Endocrine Abstracts

Acute critical illness has an effect on normal physiology resulting in changes in the inter-relations of the endocrine system.Evidence suggests that these changes may be due to the pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g. interleukin-6 (IL-6)), which are known to have a paradoxical effect on the hypothalamo-pituitary axis, stimulating the adrenal axis, whilst suppressing the remaining axes.Multiple myeloma (MM) patients have elevated IL-6 ...

Objective : to estimate the activative and adhesive ability of leucocytes and endothelial cells in active PDR ( with neovascularisation ).Materials and methods : 17 young patients, age mediana 26,4 years, with Diabetes Type 1 and active PDR were compared with 17 healthy controls. ICAM-1 (CD 54) on the surface of lymphocytes and granulocytes was measured by flow cytometry ' Becton Dickinson '.Serum soluble E - selectin ( CD 62 ) was identified by ELISA ( 'R and D', UK ).Mean Di...

The cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of BMP-2 to induce gonadotroph-specific gene expression during pituitary development are poorly understood. We have characterised BMP receptor (BMP-R) expression in two gonadotroph models, the alphaT3-1 and LbetaT2 cells, which represent different stages of gonadotroph development. Signal transduction via BMP-R requires a heterodimeric complex between type I (A or B) and type II receptors. RT-PCR for BMP-R, using sub...

While previous studies have shown relatively low concentrations of insulin-like growth factors (IGF)in human ejaculates, high levels of IGF binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2)have been reported. The IGF/IGFBP system was investigated in ejaculates from thirty men aged 23-46 years consulting a fertility clinic. Volume, viscosity, total and motile sperm counts were estimated by standard methods and each subject consented for the specimen to be used in this study. Local Ethical Committee ...

IGF-1 generation tests (IGF-1GT) have been used extensively in children to investigate growth hormone (GH) responsiveness. To help understand differences in the GH/IGF-1 axis in health and disease in adulthood interest has turned to the use of the IGF-1GT in adults. Different designs of IGF-1GT have been used with no clear evidence delineating which is the most sensitive to describe subtle changes in GH responsiveness. In order to design an IGF-1GT we have performed the first ...

Background:Circulating levels of IGFBP-3 are inversely associated with the risk of developing colorectal cancers (CRC). In addition to modulating IGF bioavailability, IGFBP-3 also exerts independent pro-apoptotic effects. Furthermore, the mode of action of several apoptotic and antiproliferative agents, including vitamin D, has been shown to involve induction of IGFBP-3.Aims:To quantitate and compare IGFBP-3 ...

Introduction: The GH/IGF-I axis is implicated in colorectal cancer development. We have previously shown regional variations of the GH/IGF-I axis, and other tumour associated genes between the rectum (RS) and caecum (C). Whether variations in the GH/IGF-I axis align with differing expression patterns is unknown.Aim: To determine the association between colonic expression of the GH/IGF-I axis and that of tumour associated genes by region.<p class="abs...