Endocrine Abstracts

Background: 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSD1&2) interconvert cortisol (F) and cortisone (E). Although 11β-HSD1 reductase activity has been measured in vivo, E production (dehydrogenase activity) has not been quantified using a Gold Standard technique, steady state tracer infusion.Aim: To develop a method to measure E production in vivo using the stable isotope tracer d2-cortisone (d2E).Me...

The contribution of conventional hormone replacement to the clinical features attributed to adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is poorly defined. We measured baseline bone mineral density (BMD/DXA) at the lumbar spine and femoral neck in patients with isolated GHD (IGHD, 16 patients, 14 female, 4 childhood onset, mean age 39, range 19- 63 years) and patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPD, 135 patients, 94 female, 14 childhood onset, mean age 44, range 19...

The contribution to adult growth hormone deficiency (GHD) of hormone replacement and other aspects of hypopituitarism are poorly defined. We compared baseline characteristics and response to GH treatment of patients with isolated GHD (IGHD, 16 patients) to patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPD, 135 patients). At baseline, MPD patients showed significantly greater waist-hip ratios (0.87 plus/minus 0.007 vs. 0.82 plus/minus 0.02, mean plus/minus SD; P < 0...

Background: Kisspeptin is a neuropeptide central to the regulation of gonadotrophin secretion but recent studies have suggested more diverse roles in human physiology. Kisspeptin is a potent inhibitor of tumour metastasis and plays a role in placentation, both processes involving angiogenesis. In addition, Kisspeptin and its receptor, GPR54, have been identified in human blood vessels including aorta, coronary artery and umbilical vein, where they mediate vasoconstriction. We,...

Increased activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in men of low birthweight may be an important link between early life events and adult metabolic syndrome. In animal models females are more sensitive to HPA axis programming by manipulations in utero, but whether gender influences susceptibility in humans is unknown.We studied 106 women aged 67-78 y, from Hertfordshire UK, in whom birthweight was recorded. None had pituitary or adrenal disease or were rec...

An 18 year old young man was first seen in the ENT department with bilateral swelling of the supraclavicular fossae. A clinical diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome was made and the patient was referred to the Endocrine team. Examination showed a BP of 150/100 and clinical features of gross Cushing's syndrome. Initial investigations revealed normal electrolytes, fT4 8.7 pmol/L, TSH 0.69 mIU/L and a basal prolactin of 68280 mIU/ml. A 24 hr urinary free cortisol (UFC) was 3860 nmol/L...

Introduction: In sheep, modest maternal nutrient restriction over the period of rapid placental growth followed by normal feeding to term results in offspring with a larger placenta and increased expression of the glucocorticoid receptor in a range of tissues. The aim of the present study was to determine whether this subsequently alters the relationship between basal cortisol and blood pressure in later life.Methods: Fourteen Welsh Mountai...

Intra-adipose steroid metabolism may be a key determinant of accumulation and distribution of body fat. Adverse 'central' fat can be driven by glucocorticoid excess or decreased oestrogen/androgen ratio. We previously demonstrated increased regeneration of cortisol by 11beta-HSD1 in adipose in human obesity. Here, we measured mRNAs for enzymes dictating local activation of oestrogens (aromatase) and androgens (5alpha-reductase type 1) in subcutaneous human adipose and related ...