Endocrine Abstracts

Ovarian function in mammals is regulated by gonadotropins and by sympathetic nervous system. Norepinephrine (NE) is one of the major neurotransmitters present in the fibres innervating the gonad and regulates follicular development and ovarian steroids release. Surgical section of the sympathetic fibres partially decreased the release of NE as compared with non-denervated rats. The remnant release capability supposes the existence of an intraovarian compartment able to incorpo...

Sepsis is a major clinical problem, caused by a hyperactive immune response following infection. Worldwide prevalence is estimated at 1.8 m/year and mortality at around 40%1. Protective effects of the endogenous anti-inflammatory protein annexin A1 have previously been shown in many models, including sepsis2. We therefore chose to investigate the role of the annexin A1 peptide mimetic, Ac2–26, in murine experimental endotoxaemia, and to ascertain whe...

Sexual dimorphisms have been observed in numerous diseases, particularly those associated with inflammation. Generally, males are more at risk of developing infection and subsequent mortality1, whilst women are more prone to develop autoimmune disorders2. Hormones, particularly oestrogens, are thought to play a significant role effecting these dimorphisms, and oestrogens have been shown to reduce the severity of sepsis3.I...

Introduction: Metformin is now one of the most common treatments for PCOS. However controversy exists about the usefulness of metformin in PCOS women with normal insulin sensitivity and normal weight. The aim of this study was to compare efficacy of metformin treatment for the purpose of restoration of ovulation in lean and obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome.Design: Thirty-six unovulatory women with PCOS (21 lean with mean body mass index (BMI) 2...

Introduction: Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) has an inhibitory role during folliculogenesis, which may contribute to anovulation in polycistic ovary syndrome (PCOS). AMH level has been shown to be a predictor of reproductive response to weight loss and clomiphene citrate in women with PCOS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of AMH as a predictor of improvements in menstrual cyclicity and ovulation induction by metformin in lean women with PCOS.<p class="abs...

Context: Recombinant human GH (rhGH) is indicated for the treatment of adult subjects with GH deficiency (GHD). However, conflicting data are available on the efficacy of rhGH treatment in elderly GHD patients.Objective: To assess the efficacy of rhGH treatment in elderly GHD subjects.Methods: We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EMBASE.Study selection: Eligible studies included GHD patie...

Background: The long-term prevalence of adrenal insufficiency after transsphenoidal surgery for GH secreting pituitary adenomas was unknown. However, recently a single study reported a high prevalence of adrenal insufficiency after surgical and/or medical treatment without postoperative radiotherapy in acromegalic patients.Aim: To assess the prevalence and incidence rate of adrenal insufficiency in consecutive patients during long-term follow-up after su...

Background: We have previously demonstrated that the natriuretic peptides BNP and NT-proBNP rise with ascent to high altitude (HA). Both peptides are classically markers of congestive cardiac failure but have also recently been found to be associated with pulmonary hypertension at sea-level (SL). As pulmonary hypertension is central to the risk of high altitude pulmonary oedema we aimed to establish if there was any association between high pulmonary artery systolic pressure (...

Background: Military personnel on operational deployment commonly lose weight despite the adequate supply of rations. Moderate weight loss (~5% body mass) occurred during the initial phase of a 6-month deployment to Afghanistan without affecting physical fitness. Reasons for this weight loss are presently unknown. We sought to establish whether changes in appetite regulatory hormones contribute to the observed weight loss.Methods: Body mass and body comp...

Background: Military training has been associated with changes in the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis that are consistent with central hypogonadism (fall in testosterone, LH and FSH concentrations). The effects on the hypothalamic–pituitary–testicular axis of deployment to a combat zone are not known. The aim of this study was to clarify this situation.Methods: Military personnel were investigated pre-deployment (Pre-) and foll...