Endocrine Abstracts

In the ovary, 11βHSD enzymes inter-convert cortisol (F) with its inert metabolite, cortisone (E). Porcine follicular fluid from antral follicles and spontaneous ovarian cysts contains hydrophobic compounds that inhibit NADP(H)-dependent cortisol metabolism by 11βHSD1. The aim of this study was to measure intra-follicular F:E ratios in porcine antral follicles and ovarian cysts, and determine whether F:E ratios correlate with the inhibition of 11βHSD1 by porcine ...

Methods: The diagnosis of Cushing’s Syndrome (CS) was made as per the prevalent endocrine society guidelines. CS patients with serum ACTH>15 pg/ml were considered as ACTH-dependent CS. Baseline ACTH (both inferior petrosal sinuses and peripheral) values were obtained, and since 2014, stimulated ACTH values (5 and 10 minutes post one unit iv vasopressin) were obtained as standard protocol. Prolactin corrected ACTH ratios were additionally being calculated since 2016. The h...

The synthetic retinoid N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4HPR) has manifold actions which may be involved in its chemopreventive effects on breast cancer growth and progression. Ceramide is a sphingolipid involved in the mammalian stress response and is implicated in the induction of apoptosis. Its role in the mechanism of 4HPR action has not been fully explored. Here we attempt to elucidate the relationship between 4HPR, ceramide production and cell viability. Survival of viable...

The vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphism, BsmI, has previously been associated with the efficacy of raloxifene therapy. The aim of this study was to examine associations between the BsmI and FokI polymorphisms of the VDR gene and bone density and bone turnover response to raloxifene. One hundred osteopenic postmenopausal women (ages 52 to 80 years, mean 64 years) were prescribed raloxifene (60mg/day) and calcium carbonate (500mg/day) for 48 weeks. Bone density at the lumbar s...

Background: Evaluation of plantar pressure is useful for detecting functional abnormality of foot, especially in diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate plantar pressure and force in diabetic patients using Tekscan F-Scan in-shoe foot force and gait analysis system.Methods: Plantar pressure and force were measured by selecting an area of interest under the six areas of the foot: hallux, first metatarsal, second metatarsal, 3–5 metat...

Central obesity is strongly associated with insulin resistance and chronic sub-clinical inflammation, which is implicated in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2DM). However, the mechanisms underlying this link remain unclear. Recently JNK, a mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), has been implicated in obesity and insulin resistance by interfering with insulin action. Studies in rodent models show that phosphorylated JNK-1 is elevated in obesity, whilst the absence of JNK...

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is an endocrine disorder wherein enlargement of one or more of the parathyroid glands causes autonomous overproduction of the parathyroid hormone (PTH), which leads to high serum calcium levels.Objective: Comparison of clinical, laboratory, and operative variables between premenopausal (pre-M) and postmenopausal (post-M) women with PHPT.Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis...

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a rare but severe disease associated with an increased mortality especially due to cardiovascular diseases, and associated with various systemic complications, including hypertension, glucose intolerance or diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and coagulopathy. Few studies have systematically evaluated the mortality of CS in a large and worldwide population of CS. The MISSION study is a retrospective study aimed at assessing the mortality in a large ...

INTRODUCTIONThe plasma concentrations and urinary excretion rates of 18-OH-F and 18-oxo-F are high in Conn's syndrome and glucocorticoid suppressible hyperaldosteronism, reputedly because aldosterone synthase (AS) has abnormal access to cortisol (F). However, both compounds are also excreted in normal subjects. Two enzymes, 11beta-hydroxylase (11OH) and AS, located in the zona fasiculata (ZF) and zona glomerulosa (ZG) respectively, are capable of 18-hydroxylation but only ...

Introduction: Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) regulates the bioavailability of sex steroid hormones, which in turn regulate reproductive function. The potential association of SHBG gene polymorphisms with the age at menopause has not been examined.Objective: The present study aimed to assess the possible relationship between the pentanucleotide (TAAAA)n repeat polymorphism in the promoter of the SHBG gene and the age at menopause in a Greek fe...