Endocrine Abstracts

Serous ovarian cancer is one of the leading causes of death among all gynaecological malignancies. Even though a hereditary component has been suggested, most ovarian carcinomas are sporadic and markers for a diagnosis at an early stage of the disease are still to be identified. Since gonadotropins may stimulate the growth of certain cancer cells, we aim to identify tumour markers linked to gonadotropin receptor-mediated pathways. Through an in silico and ex vivo<...

The aim of this study was to analyze IGF1R gene expression in patients with idiopathic short stature (ISS) and correlate it with their GH and IGF1 status. In a previous study, we reported lower final height in subjects with ISS and GH peak ≥40 mU/l (Group1, n=16) compared to those with ISS and GH peak between 20 and 40 mU/l (Group2, n=15), after stimulation test (ITT) performed before or during puberty. Patients were 16–24 (Group1) and 15–26 (Grou...

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is an asbestos-related tumour which is highly resistant to standard treatments, thus continuing to present a therapeutically challenge. Insulin-like growth factor system (IGFs), play an important role in the regulation of solid tumour cell growth. IGFBP-3, the most abundant circulating IGF binding protein, inhibits cell growth by both IGF-I dependent and independent pathways.The aim of our study was to evaluate the ef...

Background: Regular physical exercise during childhood and adolescence can promote growth and development of muscle and bone mass. Although physical exercise is closely linked to the anabolic function of the GH /IGF-I axis the real impact of resistance training on GH/IGF axis is still unclear. The kinetics of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 during chronic training is not fully understood yet and an initial catabolic phase followed by an later anabolic phase has been reported in swimmers.</p...

Background: The GH-IGF system plays an important role in strength gain. Some studies suggest that Zinc, Magnesium and Pyridoxine (ZMA) supplementation could increase GH/IGF and testosterone levels in young subjects. This hypothetical increase could lead to significant changes in body composition. ZMA is a very popular supplement, easily found in specialty stores, and it is presumed to increase GH, IGF-I and testosterone levels. However, studies are divergent regarding its effi...

The first case of pituitary abscess was described a 100 years ago and since then, only a few 100 cases have been reported in the literature, mainly as case reports. Bacterial infections are the most common etiology, while tuberculosis, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections occur much less frequently. Pituitary infections may be primary or secondary and may develop due to hematogenous seeding or by direct extension of adjacent infections (sphenoid sinusitis, cavernous sinus t...

Thyroid hormones T3 and T4 have fundamental roles in development, differentiation and metabolism. Many of these actions can be explained by the well-known binding of T3 to specific nuclear receptors TRα and TRβ, which regulate the expression of numerous genes. However, more and more examples of extranuclear or nongenomic effects of thyroid hormones are now appearing, based on mechanisms that are independent of the nuclear receptors an...

Graves’ hyperthyroidism is caused by autoantibodies to the thyrotrophin receptor (TSHR) that mimic thyroid stimulation by TSH. The disease develops spontaneously in humans but not in animals and conventional immunization with purified TSHR protein and adjuvant fails to generate Graves’-like antibodies that stimulate the thyroid. However, antibody-mediated hyperthyroidism can be induced in mice or hamsters by novel approaches involving multiple injections of cells exp...

Background: HIV-infected paediatric patients usually show impaired growth. Data reporting abnormalities in GH–IGF–IGFBPs system are scarce and inconclusive.Aim: To analyse blood concentration of the major components of IGF–IGFBPs system in these children and compare them to growth parameters and to cytokines levels.Methods: prepubertal HIV-infected children, aged 8.2±1.7 years, were evaluated every 6 months duri...

Introduction: Defects in the pseudogene, CYP21A1P, can be transferred to the functional CYP21A2 gene by recombination and account for approximately 95% of CYP21A2 mutations, leading to CAH-21OHD. We conducted a comprehensive genetic analysis to assess whether Multiplex Ligation dependent Probes Amplification (MLPA) could substitute southern blotting with radioactive probes without compromising reliability of the diagnosis.Patients and Methods: We studied...