Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Historically there are many examples of doctors using language which does not aid joint decision making with patients. At medical school we are taught to find out the presenting complaint rather than the reason for attendance. We write about non-compliance with treatment in the medical records rather than barriers to adherence. Similarly we use language in the Diabetes clinic which can disempower the children and families who attend our clinics.<p class="abst...

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a family of endogenous small noncoding RNA molecules, of 19–28 nucleotides in length. In humans, up to 3% of all genes are estimated to encode these evolutionarily conserved sequences. miRNAs are thought to control expression of thousands of target mRNAs. Mammalian miRNAs generally negatively regulate gene expression by repressing translation, possibly through effects on mRNA stability and compartmentalisation, and/or the translation process itself....

AimsThe premixed insulin analogue, biphasic insulin aspart 30/70 (BIAsp 30, 30% insulin aspart, 70% protaminated aspart) has a more physiological absorption profile than conventional premixed insulin, biphasic human insulin 30/70 (BHI 30, 30% soluble human insulin, 70% NPH), but no studies have previously tested how a switch from BHI 30 to BIAsp 30 can be done safely using a simple guideline. We investigated the occurrence of low interstitial glucose (IG...

We present a commentary based on both history and experiences of the many contributions to steroid biochemistry and endocrinology made in Edinburgh over the past 75 years. Reflections will be made commencing with the contributions of Guy Marrian (1904–1981) and colleagues. Marian, occupied the Chair of Medicine with relation to Medicine (later Medical Biochemistry, then Biochemistry) at Edinburgh University from 1939 until his appointment as Director of the ICRF Laborator...

Background: Acidosis activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and induces glucocorticoid-mediated atrophy of skeletal muscle. The enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) converts inactive cortisone to active cortisol and modulates glucocorticoid signalling locally within skeletal muscle. Here, we address a gap in knowledge how acidosis affects 11β-HSD1 activity in human skeletal muscle cells.Methods: Quadrice...

Background: Chronic kidney disease aggravates loss of skeletal muscles mass and function, which is an independent risk factor for hospitalisation, morbidity and mortality. Glucocorticoid signalling has been implicated as a critical factor in the pathogenesis of muscle atrophy in kidney disease. This study tests whether genetic deletion of the glucocorticoid-activating enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11bHSD1) protects against muscle atrophy in the adenine-die...

Increased intake of sodium is postulated to be controlled by aldosterone-sensitive cells in a select region of the adult mouse brain, the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). These cells express the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (HSD2) which inactivates glucocorticoids, allowing selective activation of mineralocorticoid receptors by aldosterone. However in the developing brain, HSD2 is widely expressed to protect against adverse glucocorticoid action, whi...

A 67-year male presented to his GP with polydypsia, ployuria and bone pains. Routine blood tests showed hypercalcemia (corrected calcium 2.77 mmol/l). Patient was otherwise well. He had a history of ethanol abuse, hypertension and gout.Medications: Allopurinol, ramipril simvastatin and co-dydramol. Repeat blood tests after 4 weeks show a rising calcium of 3.24 mmol/l with intact PTH 33.6 pmol/l (<6.4). He was referred to our endocrinology department ...

Hypertension is the most important risk factor in the development of cerebrovascular diseases including vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Aldosterone is a key regulator of blood pressure, acting via the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the kidney to promote sodium/water reabsorption. Elevated aldosterone, as in primary aldosteronism (PA) is a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. In addition to its traditional role, the MR is expressed throughout the brain and vasculat...

Background: Apart from traditional cardiovascular-risk factors and fluctuating sex hormone levels, environmental and lifestyle factors might also contribute to the heightened cardiovascular risk after menopause.Objective: To explore whether nutritional factors are associated with subclinical vessel disease in postmenopausal women.Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 310 apparently healthy postmenopausal women, attending a ...