Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The genetic mechanisms underlying adrenocortical tumor development are still largely unknown. We used high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarrays to detect copy number alterations (CNAs) and copy neutral losses of heterozygosity (cnLOH) in cortisol-secreting adrenocortical adenomas (ACAs). We focused on microalterations aiming to discover new candidate genes involved in early tumorigenesis and/or autonomous cortisol secretion.<p class="ab...

Background: GH deficiency (GHD) may occur in about 60% of acromegalics treated and cured by surgery or radiotherapy. Effects of GH replacement have not yet been extensively studied in such a patients.Aim: To investigate whether rhGH replacement improve metabolic parameters in acromegalic patients who become GHD.Patients and methods: Forty GHD patients (mean age (S.D.): 48±10, BMI 27±3 kg/m2) were...

Radiation therapy is a useful adjuvant tool for the management of difficult acromegalic patients. Its effects on cardiovascular morbidity are still unknown. Aim of the study was to investigate the long-term effects of radiotherapy on metabolic parameters and cardiovascular risk factors.A total of 42 acromegalic patients (11 M and 31 F, age: 55±12 years, RT group), cured after conventional RT (CRT, n=31) or radiosurgery by gamma-knife (GKRS, <...