Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Liraglutide is a long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) receptor agonist that promotes weight loss. The minimum adequate/good response to liraglutide (≥5% weight loss at 3 months) is not achievable in all patients. Currently there are no biomarkers to predict good response. Enhanced postprandial glicentin concentration was recently considered as superior to GLP-1 in predicting weight loss following bariatric surgeries.Objective 1) T...

Background: Phaeochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumours arising from the adrenal medulla and paraganglia. Biochemical assessment relies on demonstrating elevated concentrations of catecholamines and their metabolites. Analytical methods for catecholamine and metanephrine measurement vary in sensitivity and specificity. We reviewed our biochemical work-up in order to optimise patient diagnosis.Methods: This retrospective au...

Introduction: Pituitary and adrenal Cushing’s may be managed by pharmacological-inhibition of adrenal steroidogenesis, using metyrapone and/or ketoconazole. Assessment of biochemical control is challenging owing to cross-reactivity in immunoassays (e.g. cortisol and 11-deoxycortisol) leading to over/under-treatment. Off-target effects can also result, e.g. hyperandrogenism/mineralocorticoid hypertension (increased 11-deoxycorticosterone/DOC). LC-MS/MS analysis is free fro...

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affects 5–10% of women of reproductive age. Hyperandrogenism and hyperinsulinaemia have been attributed to the pathophysiology of PCOS. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of fat distribution and insulin resistance on steroid metabolism in PCOS.Methods: The study recruited 20 PCOS and 20 matched controls. Fat distribution was assessed by waist circumference, skin fold measurements, and body ...

Background: Growing evidence suggests that hypothalamic lipid sensing plays a key role in controlling food intake, fat deposition and energy balance and that its dysregulation could lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recent investigations reported that sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is involved in the hypothalamic control of energy homeostasis. Intra-cerebroventricular administration of S1P decreased food intake and increased energy expenditure in rodents.<p class="...

Background: Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is considered the gold standard for lateralisation of aldosterone production in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). However, in some patients AVS is not technically successful and management may depend on radiological findings.Aim: To determine 1) the success rate of AVS and 2) the outcomes after surgery related to the lateralisation modality.Method: 156 patients were included who pre...