Endocrine Abstracts

Aims: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular complications. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a novel anti-angiogenic adipokine highly expressed in obese, insulin-resistant subjects. We sought to assess TSP-1 levels in adipose (AT) from PCOS women and matched controls. The effects of metformin treatment on circulating TSP-1 levels in PCOS subjects; effects of serum from normal and PCOS women on in vitro migration and...

The melanocortin system plays a significant role in the hypothalamic regulation of body weight and energy expenditure. Prolonged central administration of the melanocortin receptor 4 (MC-4) agonist ACTH(4-10) reduces body weight in animals and humans by increasing energy expenditure and by reducing food intake. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of intranasally administered alpha-MSH on local lipolysis in subcutaneous adipose tissue and on sympathetic nerve ac...

Adipose tissue produces several hormones and cytokines termed ‘adipokines’ that have widespread effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. They appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. Chemerin is a novel adipokine, highly expressed in obese, insulin-resistant subjects. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance and obesity. We assessed chemerin levels in sera and adipose...