Endocrine Abstracts

Background: We have recently demonstrated universal and high levels of expression of growth hormone in the human colon, despite the absence of GHRH or its receptor. Although ghrelin, recently shown to be an additional endogenous GH secretagogue, is expressed in the human colon, little is known about its distribution within the colon or function and whether any effects are GH-dependent.Aims: To investigate the mRNA expression of ghrelin and ...

Introduction: Lanreotide Autogel(R) is a long-acting somatostatin analogue preparation that is presented in pre-filled syringes for deep subcutaneous (sc) injection. The efficacy and tolerability of lanreotide Autogel given in titrated doses (ATG-TITRATE) for the treatment of acromegaly was assessed during this study.Methods: The study extended an existing study, during which fixed doses of lanreotide Autogel (ATG-FIX, 60, 90 and 120 mg) were ...

Introduction Diabetes is a strong risk factor for coronary heart disease (CHD). Coronary artery calcium measurement (CAC) provides a non-invasive accurate assessment of the presence and severity of CHD, and thus the need for further cardiological investigations and risk-factor modifications.Methods We analysed data from CACS assessment on 3337 male subjects who had no cardiovascular symptoms, of whom 188 had diabetes. CACS was measured by an Electron Bea...

Background: Tamoxifen is a partial estrogen agonist used to treat estrogen receptor positive breast cancer. It has been discovered however that resistance to tamoxifen develops in some cancers. In order to investigate the mechanisms underlying the development of resistance we have created a tamoxifen resistant breast cancer cell line.Aims: To develop a breast cancer cell line that is resistant to the anti-growth effects of tamoxifen.<p class="abstext...

Background: The pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic IGF-I is implicated in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) in both the general population and patients with acromegaly. The local intracolonic environment is also likely to be important, particularly unconjugated bile acids such as deoxycholic acid (DCA). Whilst low faecal concentrations may be proliferative, high levels are toxic to colonic epithelial cells.High levels of DCA have been linked t...

Introduction: The GH/IGF-I axis is implicated in colorectal cancer development. We have previously shown regional variations of the GH/IGF-I axis, and other tumour associated genes between the rectum (RS) and caecum (C). Whether variations in the GH/IGF-I axis align with differing expression patterns is unknown.Aim: To determine the association between colonic expression of the GH/IGF-I axis and that of tumour associated genes by region.<p class="abs...

Background. The GH/IGF-I axis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of colon and breast cancer. We have recently demonstrated that the local expression of its components correlates with that of tumour-associated genes and angiogenesis. The two predominant isomers of GH in humans are 22kDa and 20kDa isomers. A recent study reported that the two isomers exert opposing effects on breast cancer cells: 22kDa GH promotes proliferation whereas 20kDa GH inhibits proliferation. The l...

Background: The growth hormone/ insulin-like growth factor-1 (GH/IGF-1) axis has been increasingly implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. We have recently demonstrated the local expression of both GH and IGF-I in normal and malignant breast tissue. However, the regulation of this local GH/IGF-1 expression is unknown. Aims: (i) To quantify the mRNA levels of GHRH, ghrelin and their receptors in malignant and adjacent normal breast tissue, and (ii) to determine any cor...

Transsphenoidal surgery results in biochemical cure of approximately 50% of all acromegalic patients, depending on tumour size and surgical expertise. It is uncertain whether prior treatment with somatostatin analogues would result in tumour shrinkage and therefore improve the efficacy of subsequent surgery. Aims: To determine whether 6 months de novo treatment with Sandostatin LAR results in tumour shrinkage. Methods: 6 patients (mean age 53 yr; range 42-...

Background. Recent studies have linked high serum levels of IGF-1 and low levels of IGFBP-3 with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. BP3 has been shown to have IGF-1 independent effects on cell proliferation in breast and prostate cells, but its effects on colon cancer cells is largely unknown. Aims. To determine: 1) the effects of BP-3 on colonic epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, and 2) whether any effects are independent of IGF-1. Methods....