Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) remodel extracellular matrix (ECM) in physiology as well as in cancer, inflammatory states and cardiovascular disease. In type 2 diabetes, there is evidence of activation of MMPs in vasculature, while decreased activity of MMPs and excessive accumulation of ECM is thought to contribute to the development of diabetic nephropathy.Material and methods: We measured serum MMP-2, MMP-9 in 22 subjects with type 2 DM ...

Background: Adiponectin and resistin belong to the group of adipocytokines, that are thought to be involved in regulation of insulin sensitivity, and that also exert the opposite effects on inflammatory processes related to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. Glucocorticoids have anti-inflammatory properties, but also increase insulin resistance. There are, however, conflicting data on the effects of glucocorticoids on serum concentrations of adiponectin and resistin....

Thymidine kinase 1 (TK1), deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), and thymidine phosphorylase (dThdPase) are the enzymes involved in pyrimidine and purine metabolism; TK1 activity is correlated with growth processes, and dThdPase is involved in the mechanisms of angiogenesis. The increased activities of TK1, dCK and dThdPase or the increased expression of genes for theses enzymes have been found in different tumors. The aim of the study was to estimate the expression of mRNA, specific for...

Introduction: Cushing’s disease (CD) is the most common cause of hypercortisolism. Therefore, the majority of studies focused on the efficacy and safety of novel steroidogenesis inhibitors included CD patients only. This is exactly the case with osilodrostat – new potent inhibitor of 11β-hydroxylase. However, approximately 10% of hypercortisolism result from cortisol-secreting adrenal adenoma. Data on potential differences in the treatment with osilodrostat betw...

A 59-year-old female presented with apathy and 6 kg weight gain. Investigations revealed primary hypothyroidism (TSH >100 μIU/ml). Thyroxine (L-T4) was started and titrated up to 75 μg, o.d., with clinical improvement. Other investigations revealed high titres of anti-thyroid peroxidase and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. After three months, there was a fall in TSH to 12.74 μIU/ml, however, with unexpectedly high free T4 (...

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...

Introduction: Cytological diagnostics has got an established position in thyroid diseases. In the recent years, attempts have been undertaken to use the biological material, left in needles after cytological preparation is ready, to obtain additional diagnostic data.Goal of study: The goal of the study was evaluation of the possibility to use the results of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for confirmation of either the presence or the absence of lym...

Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is a known prooxidant and carcinogen. Melatonin is a highly effective antioxidant. Indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) – an indole substance, and propylothiouracil (PTU) – an antithyroid drug, also reveal some antioxidative effects. The aim of the study was to evaluate KBrO3-induced lipid peroxidation in vitro in tissues collected from either control or melatonin-treated rats, and to compare potential preventive effect...

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...