Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: 3βHSD catalyses the formation of Δ4-3-ketosteroids including progesterone and androgens. Levonorgestrel (LNG) is an androgenic progestogen used in the LNG intra-uterine system (LNG-IUS). 17βHSD-5 is involved not only in androgen and oestrogen metabolism, but also has 3β-reductase activity.Objective: To determine expression patterns of 3βHSD-1 and -2, and 17βHSD-5 in human endometrium across the normal menstrual...

3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) expression is essential for the synthesis of all classes of steroid hormones, converting delta5-3beta-hydroxysteroids into hormonally active delta4-3-ketosteroids in NAD+-dependent reactions. A variety of 3beta-HSD isoforms have been described in primate, rodent and other mammals, often exhibiting distinct kinetic properties, preferential subcellular localization, as well as alternative substrate s...

A 69-year-old woman was admitted with new uncontrolled diabetes, severe hypertension and bilateral leg oedema. Cushing’s syndrome was suspected when she developed resistant hypokalemic alkalosis on diuretic therapy. Detailed questioning also revealed a history of episodic sweating, palpitation and tremor.Investigation & management: ACTH-dependant Cushing’s syndrome was confirmed: Serum ACTH 516 ng/l; urine free cortisol 20 045 nmol/24 h; 09...

Case report: A 56-year old man presented with a 3 month history of painful bilateral gynaecomastia and sexual dysfunction. Investigations revealed hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism with markedly elevated serum E2, but otherwise normal baseline anterior pituitary function. Tumour markers were negative and adrenal androgens and LFTs were normal. Imaging identified a ∼6 cm right adrenal mass. Preoperative workup excluded phaechromocytoma, but identified low-grade, ACTH-indepen...