Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Cross-sectional imaging (e.g. CT/MRI) can not always reliably identify the site of ACTH secretion in Cushing’s disease (CD) or the ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS). We report our experience of localising the source of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome, using functional imaging with 11C-methionine positron emission tomography (Met-PET).Methods: Forty consecutive patients with: (i) de novo ...

Background: BIPSS is considered the gold-standard procedure for differentiating autonomous pituitary [Cushing’s Disease (CD)] and ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) sources of ACTH hypersecretion. A basal (i.e. unstimulated) pituitary:peripheral ACTH ratio >2, and/or a CRH stimulated pituitary:peripheral ACTH ratio >3, have been proposed as indicative of CD, with a range of sensitivities and specificities cited in the literature. Ad...

Background: Cross-sectional imaging (e.g. CT/MRI) can not always reliably identify the site of ACTH secretion in Cushing’s disease (CD) or the ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS). We report our experience of localising the source of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome, using functional imaging with 11C-methionine positron emission tomography (Met-PET).Methods: Forty consecutive patients with: (i) de novo ...

Background: BIPSS is considered the gold-standard procedure for differentiating autonomous pituitary [Cushing’s Disease (CD)] and ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) sources of ACTH hypersecretion. A basal (i.e. unstimulated) pituitary:peripheral ACTH ratio >2, and/or a CRH stimulated pituitary:peripheral ACTH ratio >3, have been proposed as indicative of CD, with a range of sensitivities and specificities cited in the literature. Ad...

Adipocytes have a key role in obesity and precursor cells can differentiate into white or brown adipocytes, with different metabolic functions. However the process by which stem cells commit to these lineages, and the factors that distinguish white adipogenesis from brown, are poorly understood.Fetal mesenchymal stem cells (fMSCs) can differentiate into adipocytes, but neither the regulation of this process, nor the phenotype differentiated cells has bee...

Introduction: Klinefelter syndrome may involve multiple organ systems. The CNS, magnetic resonance brain imaging (MRI) findings (white matter changes, reduction in ventricular volume and brain size) are under recognised.We present the case report of a 47-year-old man with schizophrenia who presented with a 4-month history of lethargy, self-neglect and decline in cognitive function. Brain MRI revealed abnormal white matter changes in left frontal and temp...

Introduction: 3-Iodothyronamine (T1AM) is a novel thyroid hormone derivative, which has been detected in rat blood and tissues. In vivo, T1AM has been reported to produce several functional effects, including the switch of fuel utilization from carbohydrates to lipids. In the present work we used rat white adipocytes to investigate T1AM uptake, metabolism, and metabolic effects.Methods: Rat white adipocytes were incubated with exogenous T1AM. The ...

Good clinical practice encourages patients to minimise long-term glucocorticoid overexposure to preserve bone density and prevent the development of glucose intolerance or hyperlipidaemia. However, the absence of a protective “cushion” of excess cortisol implies an increased risk of adrenal crisis. (White & Arlt 2010) This assumption has been challenged by a leading adrenal specialist, who suggested instead that chronic over-replacement may increase the susceptib...

Background: Excess adipose tissue accumulation and obesity are characterised by a chronic, low-grade, systemic inflammation that contributes to obesity-related cardio-metabolic disease. Nestfatin-1 is a neuropeptide derived from the precursor protein nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2), which was initially reported to exert anorexigenic effects. We have previously shown that NUCB2/Nesfatin-1 is highly expressed in human and mouse subcutaneous white adipose tissue (Sc-WAT) and that circulat...

A 57-year-old gentleman presented with a very sudden change in hair colour to bright white and eyebrow loss. On further questioning, he had been shaving much less and had not been getting any erections. On examination he had gynaecomastia. Initial blood tests showed hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (LH 0.6 IU/l, FSH 0.1 IU/l, testosterone 1.6 nmol/l) with an otherwise normal anterior pituitary hormonal profile. Oestradiol was found to be significantly elevated at 582 pmol/l. He ...