Endocrine Abstracts

While organisms have evolved to maintain the fidelity of their genome, the epigenome, in contrast, is inherently plastic, with extensive remodeling required during normal development. This epigenomic plasticity plays a role in preparing the developing organism for its adult environment. The epigenome is able to sense environmental cues, providing an opportunity for adaptive changes during development that can provide a later-life survival advantage. However, epigenomic plastic...

Iodine as the main component of thyroid hormones is an essential micronutrient for proper neurodevelopment. According to the WHO, its deficiency is the most common cause of preventable brain damage worldwide. Although most severe forms of iodine malnutrition have almost been eliminated, mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency is still very common, affecting approximately two billions people worldwide. Due to increased iodine requirements during gestation, iodine deficiency in pregn...

According to the World Health Organization, obesity is one of the most important public health challenges of the 21st Century. There is no doubt that excessive calories intake and lack of exercise, are important factors, and that genetics plays a critical role. However, because genes in the population do not change fast enough, other causes must be involved. The involvement of other causes in the etiology of obesity is further strengthened by the fact that obesity is increasin...