Endocrine Abstracts

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that carries an increased risk of liver cirrhosis. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score comprises serum hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) that correlate with hepatic fibrosis staging.Objective: To determine the effect of vitamin D suppleme...

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that carries an increased risk of liver cirrhosis. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score comprises serum hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) that correlate with hepatic fibrosis staging.Objective: To determine the effect of vitamin D suppleme...

The prevalence of obesity is increasing in most populations. The aim of this study was to provide baseline data on the concentrations of chlorinated and brominated dioxins and related compounds as well as polybrominated diphenyl ethers to assess whether concentrations of these compounds are higher in obese than control subjects.Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing Roux-en-y gastric bypass surgery for weight loss and control patients who were underg...

Context: There is growing evidence that cannabinoid receptor-1 (CB-1) blockade reduces inflammation and neovascularization by decreasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels associated with a reduction in inflammatory markers, thereby potentially reducing cardiovascular risk.Objective: To determine the impact of CB1 antagonism by rimonabant on VEGF and inflammatory markers in obese PCOS women.Design: Randomised, open-la...

Background: Vitamin D deficiency has become the most common nutritional deficiency throughout the world. 67–85% of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) patients have low serum levels of Vitamin D. Studies have reported conflicting data as to whether or not Vitamin D may play a role in human reproduction. The objective of this prospective cohort study was to investigate what effect vitamin D had on parameters within an in vitro fertilisation (IVF) cycle in a populatio...

Objective: Androsterone glucuronide (ADTG) concentrations have been suggested as a more reliable marker of the effects of androgens at the target tissue level and they are significantly elevated in hirsute compared to non-hirsute women with PCOS. This study compared the different precursors of testosterone, including dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), ADTG and androstenedione in non-obese compared to obese women with PCOS, and in normal subjects and their implications on...

Background: Endocrine Disrupting Agents (EDAs) are external substances that have the potential to interfere with the natural endocrine pathways such as the reproductive axis. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition resulting in, hyperinsulinaemia, hyperandrogenaemia and subfertility. This study was conducted to see whether there was any association between EDAs and PCOS.Methods: Blood samples were collected from 59 women (29 PCOS...

Background: Empagliflozin is a sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 that improves cardiovascular risk and weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with obesity and increased cardiovascular risk; therefore, empagliflozin may be of benefit in PCOS.Methods: A randomised, open-label study in 40 overweight and obese women with PCOS treated with either empagliflozin 25 mg or metformin 1500mg daily for 12 weeks....

Isoflavones are a subgroup of phytoestrogens and have a chemical structure similar to oestrogen, leading to concerns regarding possible adverse effects of isoflavones in men. Testosterone levels in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are lower.Materials and methods: A randomised double-blind, parallel study was undertaken with 200 men with T2DM, of median age of 50 years (25th/75th centiles; 50, 55) years with a total testosterone level ≤12 nm...

Background: Endothelial damage is one of the early signs of cardiovascular disorders. Assessing endothelial function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has shown evidence of cardiovascular disease in the absence of clinically evident disorder. Flow mediated dilation (FMD) and reactive hyperaemia peripheral arterial tonometry (RH-PAT) are the frequently used non-invasive techniques for assessing endothelial function. Both the techniques have been used to assess endo...