Endocrine Abstracts

Cushing Disease (CD) is a serious endocrine disorder that is primarily caused by an ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma. Current treatments of CD present low efficiency in controlling the tumor mass growth and reducing the release of ACTH. This work investigates a possible new therapy for the treatment of pituitary tumors. Using a nanoparticle extract (nanoOse) of a typical Brazilian palm tree, we verify the in vitro effects of this extract on a ACTH-secreting mouse pituit...

The extracellular matrix protein laminin forms polymers both in vivo and in vitro. Acidification of pH leads to the formation of an artificial polymer with biomimetical properties, named poly-laminin (polyLM). Follicular cells in the thyroid are in close contact with laminin, but their response to this important extracellular signal is still poorly understood. Thyroid PCCL3 epithelial cells cultivated either on glass, regular laminin (LM) or laminin previously po...

Pituitary adenomas account for ~10–15% of intracranial tumors and result in morbidity due to both altered hormonal patterns as well as side effects of therapy. Currently, great attention has been given to natural coumpouds from functional foods. Among these substances, we highlight that the consumption of carotenoids is associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases including cancer and vascular diseases. In this study we evaluate the influence of β-carotene and ly...