Endocrine Abstracts

A 37-year old gentleman with MEN 1 was referred to our Centre for further assessment. MEN 1 had manifested as recurrent primary hyperparathyroidism and multiple pancreatic gastrinomas. He complained of reduced libido, with absent early morning erections for the preceding 18 months. Biochemistry confirmed hyperprolactinaemia (prolactin 1494, NR 0–625 mU/l, testosterone 12 NR 10–28 nmol/l, LH 2.6 NR 2–12 IU/l, FSH 3.7 NR 1.7–8 IU/l). During investigation of h...

The adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most prominent circulating steroid in humans and is also a precursor for sex steroids in peripheral tissues. In prostate, DHEA is a substrate for two major metabolic pathways that produce antagonistic sex steroids. In one pathway, DHEA is converted into potent 5alpha-reduced androgens such as 5alpha-dihydrotestoterone (DHT) and thus shares with testicular androgens the control of prostate growth and functions in both nor...

Introduction: The current epidemic of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and obesity is positively correlated with a rise in consumption of high-fructose syrups and refined carbohydrates. Recent reports have showed that feeding rodent a high-fructose diet leads to insulin resistance, glucose intolerance and dyslipidaemia. Nevertheless, its mitochondrial effects has not been fully studied yet.Aim: We decided to explore the alterations in mitochondrial bioene...

Introduction: The risk for the development of germ cell tumors is hard to predict in patients with disorders of sex development (DSD) and their optimal management has been a continuous matter of debate. The risk varies between unknown and 40–60% in Denys-Drash/Frasier syndrome. This malignant potential opposes itself firmly to the recent interest in a more conservative approach regarding gonadectomy.Case presentation: We present the case of a 20-yea...

Tolvaptan (TV), an ADH V2-receptor blocker, is useful in treating SIADH-induced hyponatremia. Maximum aquaresis following 15 mg TV occurs on day 1, when excess body water is greatest. This can cause a sharp rise in natremia, and poses a risk of overcorrection. Our aim was to evaluate an initial dose of 7.5 mg.Methods: We studied 7 hospitalized patients with SIADH (4 females), median age 80 (57–95), with nadir natremias (Nap) ranging from ...

Background: Diabetic gastroparesis is a disabling condition with no consistently effective treatment. Ghrelin infusion, in animal studies, increases gastric emptying and reverses post-operative ileus. We present the results of the first double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study of ghrelin in gastric emptying in patients with diabetic gastroparesis....

BackgroundDiabetic gastroparesis is a disabling condition with no consistently effective treatment. Ghrelin infusion, in animal studies, increases gastric emptying and reverses post-operative ileus. We present the results of the first double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over study of ghrelin in gastric emptying in patients with diabetic gastroparesis.MethodsTen insulin requiring diabetic patients (5 men, 6 ...