Endocrine Abstracts

Prostaglandin (PG) E2 acts through its receptors (EP1–4) to modulate myometrial contractions and cervical ripening at term gestation. Although uterine PGE2 biosynthesis is augmented with labour progression (Durn et al. 2008); functional EP1–4 receptors have yet to be determined. To characterise these receptors in gravid human myometrium, in vitro responses to selective and novel EP agonists were investigated b...

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) supply precursors for prostaglandin (PG) synthesis and PGs in turn influence many aspects of reproduction. We have previously demonstrated that supplementation of the diet of dairy cows with the n-6 PUFA [linoleic acid (LA)] significantly inhibited uterine PG production. In this study we have investigated the effects of various n-6 PUFAs in vitro on PG production by ovine endometrial cells.Endometrial tissue was...

11β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD) type 2 inactivates cortisol and has not been previously found in ovine or human adipose tissue (1,2). Early-mid nutrient restriction (NR) increases adipose tissue stores in term offspring and upregulates 11βHSD1 mRNA expression in perirenal adipose tissue. We determined the presence of 11βHSD2 mRNA expression in omental adipose tissue of neonatal lambs after early-mid maternal NR.19 twin-beari...

A 55 year old lady was referred by her general practioner with a six months history of generalised lethargy and cold intolerance.This was associated with abdominal bloating and constipation.She had been more irritable recently and was getting depressed. She also described symptoms suggestive of carpal tunnel syndrome. The only past history of note was of lactose intolerance.There was no family history of thyroid disorder.On examination she was clinically...

Congenital Generalised Lipodystrophy (CGL) is characterised by an inability to store energy in adipose tissue. Integral to CGL is severe insulin resistance resulting in hyperinsulinaemia and premature Type 2 diabetes (DM). Sulphonylureas are ineffective in CGL whilst insulin therapy is complicated by insulin resistance and absence of subcutaneous fat. We explored the possibility of using Metformin and Pioglitazone (both insulin sensitising agents) in CGL.PD presented aged ...

The glucagon stimulation test (GST) is used as a provocative test of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis (HPAA) but the response to this test is variable and the mechanism of action remains unclear. The GST has never been studied in diabetic patients with autonomic neuropathy (AN). We illustrate the assessment of cortisol response in two diabetic patients with AN who were suspected of having adrenocortical deficiency. Case one: A 40 year old type 1 diabetic suffers from di...

Background and aims: Recent studies shows that SGLT-2 inhibitors affect phosphorus and calcium homeostasis in healthy individuals, but their effects in patients with type 2 diabetes are still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate effects of empagliflozin on parameters of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and preserved kidney function.Materials and methods: The subjects were 30 patients with T2DM, ...

Background: Nationally, there has been a concerted drive to utilise technology to support the provision and delivery of specialist services. Within our local area, both secondary care and 95% of GP surgeries utilise the Systm-One electronic health care record. Since October 2016, we have been providing a local Endocrine E-consultation service. A GP requiring advice, rather than referring the patient to the hospital would (after obtaining patient consent), share their record, t...

The distal gut harbours microbial communities that outnumber our own eukaryotic cells. Over the last 15 years, our work has been devoted to examine the way by which gut microbiota interacts with nutrients and host physiology. We and others have suggested that cross-talks between gut microbiota and the host cells contribute to the regulation of energy, glucose and lipid homeostasis.We described the concept of metabolic endotoxemia (increase in plasma LPS ...

Paget’s disease of bone (PDB) is the second commonest bone disease. The original disease description in 1876 by Sir James Paget remains an incisive, accurate report of the pathophysiology of PDB, which is characterised by focal regions of increased bone remodelling with initial excessive bone resorption and osteolytic lesions followed by long term increased bone formation and sclerosis. The majority of patients are elderly, many are asymptomatic. Those that are referred t...