Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The human GNAS gene is coding for the alpha stimulatory subunit of the guanine nucleotide-binding protein. This G protein stimulates the activity of the adenylate cyclase enzyme which is in control of the production of various hormones in endocrine glands and also regulates bone development. Mutations in GNAS can lead to McCune Albright syndrome, progressive osseous heteroplasia or pseudohypoparathyroidism.Aim: Our aim was to find the genet...

Introduction: Primary aldosteronism (PA) is a major cause of secondary hypertension. The two major forms of sporadic PA (aldosterone producing adenoma – APA and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia – BAH) can only be reliably differentiated by adrenal venous sampling (AVS). Several mutations have been described for APA, but the pathogenesis of BAH is poorly elucidated. Differentiation of APA and BAH is clinically pivotal, as their treatment is different. There is no blood-b...

Introduction: Spindle cell oncocytomas (SCO) of the pituitary are rare tumors accounting for 0.1–0.4% of all sellar tumors. Due to its rarity, little information is available regarding its pathogonesis. The altered gene expression and the possible pathogenetic role of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified in many tumor types, however, until now ther is no data regarding their role in pituitary oncocytoma.Materials and methods: Total RNA was extrac...