Endocrine Abstracts

Hyponatraemia represents an independent risk factor for osteoporosis and fractures, affecting both bone density and quality. A direct stimulation of osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption in the presence of reduced extracellular sodium concentrations ([Na+]) has been shown, but, to date, the effects of reduced [Na+] on osteoblasts have not been elucidated. This study investigated the effects of a chronic reduction of extracellular [Na+], independently of osmotic stress, on hum...

Introduction: There is evidence that chronic mild hyponatremia (serum (Na+) 130–135 mmol/l) may have clinical consequences, such as fracture occurrence and neurological symptoms including unsteadiness, falls and attention deficits. These have been traditionally associated to water movement into nervous cells, as a result of the hypotonic state. The aim of the present study was to determine whether low extracellular sodium directly exerts negative effects on human neuronal...

Introduction: Accumulating evidence suggests an association of vitamin D with insulin resistance (IR) in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The role of PTH in insulin metabolism is less clear. We aim to study the association of PTH and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels with metabolic and endocrine parameters in a cohort of PCOS women.Methods: We measured PTH and 25(OH)D levels in 544 PCOS and 139 healthy control women within the same age ran...

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting about 5-10% of women. PCOS is characterized by hyperandrogenism, ovulatory disturbances, and polycystic ovaries. Many women with PCOS present with insulin resistance and central obesity and are at an increased risk for developing diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. Vitamin D deficiency is an important pathogenetic factor in the development of type II diabetes. The aim of the study was to...

Introduction: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in clinical practice, and evidence to date indicates that severe hyponatremia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to perform a comprehensive meta-analysis that included all the published studies that compared mortality rates in subjects with or without hyponatremia of any degree.Methods: An extensive Medline, Embase, and Cochrane search was perfo...

Objective: Central obesity plays a major role in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, little information exists concerning the impact of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) on metabolic disturbances in PCOS. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SAT topography influences insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, and metabolic parameters in PCOS women.Design: Prospective case-control trial.<p class="abstext"...

Hyponatraemia is the most frequent electrolyte disorder encountered in hospitalized patients. Hyponatraemia causes a wide variety of neurological signs and symptoms, depending on the rate and degree of serum sodium drop. The negative effects of low extracellular sodium concentrations ((Na+)) on neuronal cells are known to be due to the entry of fluids into the cells, as a consequence of reduced plasma osmolality. To date, it has not been investigated whether low (Na+) ...

About 5–10% of fertile women have anti-thyroid antibodies (AAT); however this prevalence is higher in infertile women. Few studies have been focused so far on the role of thyroid autoimmunity in the outcome of ART. Aims of our studies have therefore been: a) evaluate prevalence of thyroid antibodies in infertile women before ART; b) investigate whether AAT are more prevalent in a specific subset of infertile women; c) investigate the possible influence of AAT or thyroid d...