Endocrine Abstracts

The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes diverse cellular components such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and immune cells. MSC are a subset of heterogeneous cell populations characterized by the expression of CD105, CD73, and CD90 that can differentiate into chondrocytes, osteoblasts, and adipocytes in vitro. They are known to have immunomodulatory capabilities. Our aim was to isolate and characterize the immunomodulatory capabilities of MSC from pituitary tumors (P...

Pituitary tumors (PT) represent 20% of all intracranial neoplasms. Some behave aggressively, growing rapidly and invading surrounding tissues, with high recurrence rates and are frequently resistant to conventional therapies. We performed exome and transcriptome sequencing, as well as methylation profiling of primary and recurrent PT of the same patient. The cohort consisted of patients with GH- and gonadotropin-producing PT and a patient with an ACTH carcinom...

Introduction: Hepatic metabolism of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) takes place via cytochrome P450 3A4. Nevertheless, it can be decreased by enzyme inhibitors such as itraconazole or ritonavir, thus leading to an increase in the bioavailability of ICS. This can result in an accumulation of the steroid drug and a cushing’s syndrome.Case report: We present the case of a 48 year old woman with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on highly activ...

IntroductionNon-functioning secretory pituitary adenomas are usually characterized by the lack of associated hormone overproduction. The absence of symptoms of excess hormone production results in a delayed diagnosis: sometimes as an incidental diagnosis, sometimes due to compressive symptoms with visual involvement or neurological symptoms as headache. Howewer, hydrocephalus associating Hakim-Adams Syndrome caused by foramen of Monro obstruction seconda...

Introduction: Prolactinomas are benign tumors usually well controlled with dopamine agonists; few progress on medical therapy through unclear molecular mechanisms. Although the SF3B1 mutation has been recently associated with aggressive prolactinomas, in most cases, no genetic mutations have been reported. We aimed to identify somatic genetic alterations associated with prolactinomas using a gene panel.Method and Results: Oncopanel, a massively ...

In this talk, which will include part my submission for a PhD in Film Studies in the University of London, I explore some of the reasons for the widespread and enduring popularity of Disney’s first feature-length animated films (Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs (1937), Pinocchio (1940), Dumbo (1941) and Bambi (1942)). Despite their old fashioned style, the first two have recently been rereleased – in 70th anniversary editions in Blu-Ray for...

With the recent publication of the results of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of HRT we are at last developing the potential to assess the relative safety as well as the relative efficacy of preventative treatment. As detailed on the website of the Medicines Control Agency (www.mca.gov.uk), treatment with HRT is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the breast and ovary, of stroke and venous thromboembolism, together with an increased rate of surgery for gallstone...

Metabolism of the dimeric glycoprotein hormone human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) results in the urinary excretion of hCG beta core fragment originating from the beta subunit of hCG (hCGbeta). hCG beta core fragmant retains a certain antigenic shape as well as two metabolically processed N-linked oligosaccharides. Hyperglycosylation of hCGbeta has been used as an indication of aberrant pregnancy especially in malignant disease. We have previously characterised the carbohydrat...

A 55-year-old post-menopausal female presented with hirsutism and increased libido. Testosterone was elevated at 9.7 (RR <1.8 nmol/l). LH/FSH were appropriate post-menopause (LH 28.8; FSH 54.1U/l). DHEAS, androstenedione and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were unremarkable. GnRH analogue suppression testing (GnST) appropriately suppressed LH/FSH and testosterone (testosterone 0.2 nmol/l), suggesting an LH-dependent source of testosterone. Pelvic MRI suggested a left ovarian tumour...

Two dominant inherited disorders of phosphate homeostasis, X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH), and ADHR are known to be caused by inactivating mutations in the PHEX gene or activating mutations in the FGF23 gene (fibroblast growth factor 23), respectively. Both diseases show a similar phenotype with renal phosphate wasting and inappropriately normal or low 1,25-(OH)2-Vitamin D3 serum levels, leading to hypophosphatemic rickets and osteomalacia. The different...