Endocrine Abstracts

Matrix-GLA-protein (MGP) was repeatedly associated with inflammation markers during the last decade. It is expressed in leucocytes and is a regulator of immune response. Due to posttranslational modification, there are 4 forms. The form responsible for immunomodulation is still unknown. Since the predicted active form - carboxylated, phosphorylated MGP - is not directly associated with immunomodulation, we aimed to investigate the association of dp-ucMGP (dephosphorylated, unc...

Background: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) is well known for its association with ovarian follicular count and ovarian reserve in general as well as for its recruitment of primordial follicles in women. With an explicit decrease in menopause, it is mainly used for clinical questions from in-vitro-fertilisation to polycystic ovary syndrome. Interestingly, AMH levels in men are quite high during lifetime, but there is only few data about its relevance and potential effects in...

Background: C-peptide consists of 31 amino acids, synthesized in the beta cells of the pancreas and co-secreted along with insulin. Hence, serum C-peptide may be the preferred diagnostic biomarker for evaluating beta cell function compared to insulin. The urinary C-peptide to creatinine ratio (UCPCR) recently gained attention as a non-invasive biomarker for evaluating and monitoring metabolic risk. In this study, we aimed to characterize guiding values of UCPCR in healthy indi...

Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), known for its role in fetal development and female reproduction, is also present in adult and elderly men in considerable amounts. In recent years, controversial findings regarding relations to age, other hormones, and BMI (possibly based on a dilutional effect due to higher blood volume) have been discussed. To date, little is known of its clinical relevance in this population. We aimed to further investigate AMH levels in an aging male popu...

Background: A negative relationship between body mass index (BMI) and serum Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels has been previously reported. Whether this is because of an adverse effect of adiposity on AMH production or the hormone’s dilution in a higher blood volume that accompanies larger body size (‘hemodilution’) is not yet clear. Blood volume can be estimated by body weight, body surface area (BSA) or lean mass (LM). Of note, adipose tissue is poorly ...

Background: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), the most prevalent autoimmune disorder of the thyroid (AITD) is characterized by the presence of circulating autoantibodies, induced by a not fully understood dysregulation of the immune system. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs, which can play a pivotal role in immune functions and the development of autoimmunity. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate whether a panel of nine selected miRNAs differs in ser...

Sarcopenia is characterized by progressive loss of both mass and function of skeletal muscle when ageing. It poses a serious issue for healthcare systems, as it is associated with increased risk of falls, osteoporosis, and mortality. To date, no ideal serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of this complex condition have been identified. Matrix-GLA-protein (MGP), primarily known as a vitamin K dependent calcification inhibitor, is present and active in bone, muscle, and adipose tis...