Endocrine Abstracts

Bromocriptine (BC) and cabergoline (CAB) are ergot-derived dopamine agonists (DAs) used for the treatment of hyperprolactinaemia. Recently, concern has been raised about a possible association between long-term DA use and cardiac valvular abnormalities. These concerns are largely derived from studies in patients with Parkinson’s disease receiving higher doses (typically CAB 3 mg/day vs 0.5–1 mg/week for hyperprolactinaemic patients). Studies in hyperprolactinaemic pa...

Prostate growth during development and at puberty is dependent on androgens. After puberty, growth ceases and the secretory function of the organ is maintained in the presence of high circulating testosterone levels. However, in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, growth resumes inappropriately. Like normal prostate growth, tumour growth is initially androgen-dependent; hence, treatment involves removing circulating androgens by chemical castration and o...