Endocrine Abstracts

The route of oestrogen replacement has an important influence on growth hormone (GH) sensitivity, but it remains unclear whether the route of testosterone treatment in hypopituitarism influences the response to GH replacement. We have compared IGF-I levels, body composition and BMD in hypopituitary male patients with severe GH-deficiency receiving either oral testosterone undecanoate (T.U.)(80-160 milligrams per day) or intramuscular testosterone (I.M.) (250-500 milligrams per...

Prostate cancer is currently treated with hormonal therapies, which aim to block the production and/or action of androgens. However, tumours eventually progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer and there is a great need for new therapeutic approaches. We have designed and tested engineered repressors which could be effective in circumstances where current therapies fail. These consist of two modules: an interaction domain, which binds directly to the androgen receptor (...

Cranial Diabetes Insipidus (CDI) is associated with significant polyuria and is treated with desmopressin. Inappropriate or missed treatment can result in significant electrolyte imbalance and potential harm. A recent UK survey of Endocrinologists reported 55% had concerns about knowledge in their trust, 39% felt they had observed patients come to harm. Patients not receiving desmopressin have been associated with death, leading to an NHS England (NHSE) safety alert in 2016. W...

61 patients (104 invited participants), within 10 years of active treatment for acromegaly, from five hospitals in the UK (one neurosurgical centre) were interviewed to explore the experience of living with acromegaly, access to information, support and their ability to make decisions about their care. Semi-structured interviews by an independent consultant (60–120 min each) included 34 males, 27 females; 25–85 years old; 85% patients had surgery. 56 (92%) experience...

61 patients (104 invited participants), within 10 years of active treatment for acromegaly, from five hospitals in the South West Peninsula (UK) (one neurosurgical centre) were interviewed to explore the experience of living with acromegaly, access to information, support and their ability to make decisions about their care. Semi-structured interviews by an independent consultant (60–120 min each) included 34 males and 27 females; 25–85 years old; 52 (85%) patients h...

Introduction: There is a strong association between testosterone deficiency and the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in men. Physiological testosterone replacement (TRT) improves insulin resistance and glycaemic control in hypogonadal men. The mechanism by which testosterone mediates these beneficial actions are unknown but may be due to an effect on major metabolically active tissues such as liver and muscle. This study investigates the expression of key regulatory targets ...

Testosterone deficiency increases risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes. Testosterone replacement (TRT) improves insulin resistance, glycaemic control and cholesterol in hypogonadal men. Liver X receptor (LXR) is a nuclear receptor which regulates lipid and glucose metabolism. LXR agonists protect against atherosclerosis but cause hepatic steatosis. We have previously shown that TRT protects against hepatic steatosis and atherosclerosis in high-fat diet-fed...

Objectives: A clinical feature of insulin resistance is the development of fatty liver (hepatic steatosis). Testosterone deficiency is common in men with type-2 diabetes and is associated with insulin resistance. The testicular feminised mouse (Tfm) exhibits a non-functional androgen receptor (AR) and low circulating testosterone. We have previously shown that a high-cholesterol diet promotes hepatic steatosis in Tfm mice, and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) attenuates ...

Introduction: Both low testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction (ED) are highly prevalent in men with type 2 diabetes. Lower testosterone levels are known to be associated with worsening severity of ED as assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function score (IIEF). Testosterone deficiency and erectile dysfunction are both independently correlated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.Aim: To investigate the effect of low testoste...

Thalassaemia patients are transfusion dependent and at risk of iron overload with end organ damage. Iron deposition is reduced by chelation treatment. We present the data on endocrinopathy and bone density in the adult patients under our care with thalassaemia. In addition, we will discuss therapeutic approaches to these problems including the use of newer chelation agents and possible reversal of endocrine end organ damage. We will also review the correlation in our patients ...