Endocrine Abstracts

Morphological and therapeutic interventions have uncovered an inflammatory process in patients with type 2 diabetes. This inflammation is due to a pathological activation of the innate immune system by metabolic stress and is largely governed by IL-1 signaling. Initially, the inflammatory response is probably deployed to promote adaptation and regeneration. Indeed, we identified a role for IL-1β and insulin in the regulation of both metabolism and immunity in response to ...

Background: Increased cortisol levels in obesity may contribute to the associated metabolic syndrome. In obesity, the activated innate immune system leads to increased interleukin (IL)-1β, which is known to stimulate the release of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). We therefore hypothesised that in obesity IL-1 antagonism would result in downregulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to decreased cortisol levels.Methods: I...

Background: Low testosterone levels in men appear to be an independent cardiovascular risk factor closely associated with the metabolic syndrome. Reciprocally, the metabolic syndrome leads to a decrease in testosterone levels, suggesting a bidirectional relationship. It has been hypothesized that increased inflammation is causative for the development of obesity-associated hypogonadism. However, clinical evidence supporting this hypothesis is lacking. The aim of the present st...

Background: Interleukin (IL)-1 antagonism decreases systolic blood pressure in obese individuals. However, the underlying mechanism is unknown. Based on experimental data in animals we hypothesised a blood-pressure lowering effect of IL-1-antagonism via modulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS).Methods: In this post-hoc explorative study, we examined short- (2 days) and long-term effects (4 weeks) of IL-1 antagonism (anakinra/Kineret<...

Introduction: Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) induces the cytokine interleukin (IL)-6 in adipocytes. IL-6 enhances insulin secretion from β-cells via L- and α-cell-derived GLP-1.Therefore we hypothesized that GIP regulates Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 as well as glucose control via IL-6.Methods/Design: Basic research study on isolated human and mouse pancreatic islets and FACS-sorted human α-and β-cells that were treat...

BackgroundPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. The main components are hyperandrogenemia and oligo-/amenorrhea. The pathophysiology of PCOS is not fully understood which is why no causal treatment options are available. A multitude of observational studies demonstrated elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in patients with PCOS compared with weight-matched controls. CRP is a sensitive ...

Background: Patients with type 2 diabetes and overweight have a chronic activation of the innate immune system possibly explaining the increased risk of a hyperinflammatory response and severe COVID-19. We aimed to test whether blockade of interleukin-1β(IL-1β) using canakinumab improves clinical outcome.Methods: CanCovDia was a multicenter, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of canakinumab plus standard-o...