Endocrine Abstracts

Observational studies have consistently shown a relationship between low testosterone (T) and a higher cardiovascular (CV) risk profile. However, it is still obscure whether reduced T levels in the elderly play a direct pathogenetic role in the stratification of CV risk, or if CV diseases (CVD) and low T are concomitant conditions, both associated with the aging process. Much evidence supports both of these possibilities. In the meanwhile, recent reports in the scientific and ...

Metabolic and endocrine dysregulation induced by high-fat diet (HFD) can lead to decreased male fertility potential and have a negative impact on the offspring’s metabolic health. Small non-coding RNAs (sncRNAs) were proposed as being potential mediators of metabolic queues across transgenerational inheritance. During development and epidydimal transit, spermatozoa become enriched with tRNA-derived stress-induced RNAs (tiRNAs). This sncRNAs class appears to be particularl...

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Since our first report on successful treatment of one patient with moderate-severe GO in 2006, several non-controlled studies have suggested that RTX can be more effective in active GO than intravenous methylprednisolone (ivMP). One randomised controlled trial comparing RTX to placebo and one comparing RTX to steroids in moderate-severe GO were recently published.We have randomised 32 patients with active moderate-severe GO to be treated with RTX or ivMP...

There is preliminary evidence that B cell depletion with rituximab (RTX), a chimeric mouse-human monoclonal antibody directed against the CD 20 antigen on B lymphocytes, may be effective for the treatment of moderate-severe Graves’ orbitopathy (GO). While mostly non-controlled studies have shown that this modality of immunosuppression has potential in the therapy of moderate–severe GO, in particular for the control of the active, inflammatory phase of the disease. Th...

The role of B-cell in human autoimmune disease have recently been emphasized due to the therapeutic benefit of B-cell depleting therapies. B cells are involved in the production of autoantibodies, CD4+T-cell activation and control of T-cell function and inflammation, through cytokine production. Although autoantibodies alone may not initiate autoimmune disease, their relationship with the disease course suggests that they are a key factor contributing to the mechanisms of dise...

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a multidimensional disorder characterized by the inability to have successful intercourse with negative consequences in personal self-esteem and in couple relationship. Organic, relational and intrapsychic problems always concur in determining the erectile problem, although in different combination according to the patient characteristics, including age. Fifteen years ago, we have developed and validated a structured interview to identify and quant...

IntroductionMedical immunosuppressive treatment of Graves’ orbitopathy (GO) is advised for patents with moderate-severe disease. Steroids represent the mainstay of therapy, as they possess anti-inflammatory activity, but about 20 – 30% of patients are unresponsive and up to 20% of patients may relapse. Immunosuppressive therapeutics alternative to corticosteroids are those targeting the different antigens involved in the pathogenic reactions of...

Objective: Evidence shows type 1 diabetes leads to vascular damage and neuropathy. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review and a meta-analysis to asses the evidence of the effects of type 1 diabetes on hearing function.Methods: Three different electronic databases were used to identify eligible studies including a manual searching of references. The articles obtained were independently reviewed by two authors using predefined inclusi...

The patient is a 45 year old gentleman known case of HIV seropositivity (well-controlled, undetectable viral load) and polycystic kidney disease, who was referred to our Endocrine clinic by the Infectious disease specialists in view of a 4 year history of erectile dysfunction (ED – preceded diagnosis of HIV) and a low testosterone level. During the first consultation, the patient reported occasional lethargy and long term nausea which was attributed to his retroviral trea...