Endocrine Abstracts

In humans Growth Hormone Receptor (GHR) transcripts exist in two isoforms, the full-length (GHRfl) or exon 3 deletion isoform (GHRd3). Individuals with the GHRd3 isoform are associated with an increased response to recombinant human GH. The d3/fl-GHR polymorphism does not influence adult height. However, an association with the d3/fl-GHR polymorphism has been found with antenatal growth especially in small for gestational age (SGA) infants. H...

Leptin is a crucial hormone in the regulation of body weight. It is produced by adipose tissue and acts centrally decreasing appetite and increasing energy expenditure. Leptin has been shown to stimulate sympathetic nervous system activity in vitro although the physiological relevance of this remains unclear. Increased sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity has been implicated in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and a greatly increased cardiovascular risk. We have the...