Endocrine Abstracts

Background and aims: Mechanism underlying the IR (Insulin-resistance) remains yet to be identified. Resistin has been shown to antagonize insulin action, and thus might be implicated in the pathogenesis of IR. In contrast, adiponectin has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and improve glucose tolerance. We aimed to test the hypothesis that resistin levels might correlate positively with the indices of insulin resistance, while the opposite might be true for adiponectin...

Background: Hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that is linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Thrombospondin, the matricellular protein, is an important player in the process of cardiac remodelling with complex effects on cardiovascular disease (e.g. prothrombotic and antiangiogenic effects vs potential protective effects in heart failure). Adiponectin is an adipose tissue-derived hormone that shows beneficial effects on atherogenesis, endothel...

Sclerostin, a product of a SOST gene, is a protein expressed by osteocytes that inhibits osteoblastic bone formation. Several hormones including PTH and glucocorticosteroids and have been suggested as possible regulators of sclerostin production. The influence of thyroid hormones on sclerostin synthesis has not been investigated so far. The aim of the study was to evaluate sclerostin concentrations in patients before and after treatment of thyrotoxicosis.<p class="abstext"...

Presentation: A 66 year old woman, was admitted as an emergency with one week history of profound weakness ('had to crawl to the fridge to get milk for tea'), lethargy, productive cough and hypokalaemia (GP results: Na 141, K 1.5, bicarbonate 47 (23-28), Creatinine 54 (μmol/l). Her medication: Amlodipine 5 mg od, Bendrofluazide 2.5 mg od, Aspirin 75 mg.PMH: hypertension, moderate COPD and peripheral vascular disease. She smoked 20 cigarettes a day an...

Background: The so called ‘big-big’ prolactin, also known as macroprolactin is formed by prolactin-immunoglobulin complexes, is considered to be biologically inactive, but may cause elevation of serum prolactin (Prl) concentrations measured by standard assays. In women presenting with oligo- and/or amenorrhoea the cause of menstrual irregularity needs to be explained even in the setting of concomitant macroprolactinaemia. We have therefore attempted to assess the pre...

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), together with their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), remodel extracellular matrix under physiological and pathological conditions and are implicated in pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, cancer and in chronic inflammation. We have endeavoured to assess whether concentrations of MMPs, TIMPs, proinflammtory thrombospondin and anti-inflammatory adiponectin are altered by administration of radioiodine during treatment of thyrotoxicosis...

Acute presentation: 46 year old patient was admitted as an emergency with vomiting, hypotension and serum cortisol of 26 nmol/L indicative of adrenal failure. Despite previous history of panhypopituitarism he was found to be hyperthyroid (free T4 6.32 ng/dL (0.93-1.7), free T3 22.21 pg/mL (1.8-4.6)).Past Medical History: He was fit & well till the age of 45. Eight months prior to this hospitalisation he presented with diabetes insipidus and was found...

29-year old woman was admitted with tetany & severe hypocalcaemia despite treatment with high dose alpha-calcidiol (6 micrograms/day) and Calcium (8.0 g/day).PMH: Six years previously she had subtotal thyroidectomy for non-toxic goitre in another Department. Postoperatively she required Thyroxine, but was lost to formal endocrine follow-up. Five years later she presented with abdominal discomfort and occasional diarrhoea. Investigations performed by ...

A 71 year old woman presented to neurologist with taste disturbance, tingling and stabbing pains across the face. Examination, blood tests and MRI scan of the brain were normal. Later that year she lost considerable amount of hair, developed severe onycholysis, nausea and loose stools. Weight started to decline and skin became darker. Endocrine referral was made.On examination she had titubation, partial alopecia and severe onycholysis. BP 140/80 mm Hg, ...

A 22 year old student sought medical attention with a month's complaint of intermittent tingling and spasms in his hands and in the last week more difficulty with phonation. He had previously been fit and active except in his neonatal period. He was a 6 weeks premature 'blue baby' and was transfused 6 times in his first week of life and received anti-D antibodies. He had mild asthma from age 2 but this no longer troubles him. He had been an otherwise fit student playing footba...