Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Hypercortisolism is prevalent in type 2 diabetes (T2D), but analytical and functional uncertainties prevail. Measurement of salivary cortisol is considered an expedient screening method for hypercortisolism, but its usefulness in the context of T2D is uncertain.Aim: To compare late night salivary cortisol (LNSC) with the 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST), which was considered ‘reference standard’, in T2D.<p cla...

Glucocorticoids (Gcs) are used in the treatment of inflammatory disorders including asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. However, long-term use can cause metabolic side-effects including obesity and diabetes. Previous studies have shown that Gcs increase Agrp expression and that AgRP/NPY/GABA (ANG) neurons can regulate appetite and insulin sensitivity. To investigate the effects of chronic Gc treatment directly on ANG neurons, we crossed AgRP-IRES-Cre with GR...

The late gestation increase in glucocorticoid action promotes the structural and functional maturation of the fetal heart. Metabolic maturation of cardiomyocytes involves a switch from glucose utilization as a fuel source to fatty acid (FA) oxidation. In fetal cardiomyocytes, glucocorticoids induce expression of PGC1a (a master regulator of mitochondrial capacity), lipin1 and KLF15 (genes involved in FA oxidation). We hypothesized that glucocorticoids promote the metabolic swi...

Glucocorticoid (Gc) excess, either from endogenous overproduction in disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or exogenous medical therapy, is recognized to cause adverse metabolic side effects including obesity, hyperphagia, and hyperglycemia. The Gc receptor (GR) is widely expressed in the brain including the hypothalamus which is known to regulate energy balance. We have previously established through the administration of corticosterone (Cort) in the drinking w...

Glucocorticoids (Gcs) are widely prescribed to treat a number of conditions, such as arthritis and asthma. However, patients receiving Gcs often develop metabolic complications such as obesity and hyperglycaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms in the hypothalamus which drive these adverse effects. Male C57BL/6J mice were given ad libitum access to either corticosterone (CORT; 75 μg/ml) or vehicle (V; 1% ethanol) in their drinkin...

Background and objective: The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide and it is known that intra-uterine experience can program metabolic disorders. The hypothalamic appetite regulatory system is a key target of developmental programming by maternal nutrition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal overnutrition on the expression of hypothalamic genes controlling energy homeostasis.Research design: Eight week ol...

Introduction: Osteoporosis and fractures are common in liver disease and fracture incidence increases after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The value of bone turnover markers (BMTs) in the prediction of bone loss and fracture risk pre- and post-OLT is not known.Study design: The BMTs P1NP, osteocalcin, BALP and CTX were measured initially or in Biobank stored sera at screening and at 3, 6 and 12 months post-OLT in consecutive OLT recipients betwe...

Introduction: PATRO adults is an ongoing, international, open, longitudinal, non-interventional study of the long-term safety and efficacy of recombinant human GH (rhGH; Omnitrope, Sandoz). The study will provide further data on the long-term safety of rhGH in adult patients with severe GH deficiency (GHD). Here, we present safety data from an interim analysis.Methods: Adults who are receiving treatment with Omnitrope and who have provided informed conse...

Background: Pituitary apoplexy (PitApo) has significant associated-morbidity and its management is not yet standardised.Aim: To describe prevalence and characteristics of PitApo patients in GH deficient (GHD) patients compared with two control populations.Patients and methods: Patients with ‘infarction-apoplexy’ GHD aetiology code were identified from Pfizer International Metabolic Database (KIMS). Baseline characteristic...

Introduction: PATRO adults is an ongoing, international, open, longitudinal, non-interventional study of the long-term safety and efficacy of Omnitrope (Sandoz), a recombinant human GH (rhGH). This study will provide additional data on the long-term safety of rhGH in adult patients with severe GH deficiency (GHD). Here, we present safety data from an interim analysis.Methods: Eligible patients are male or female adults who are receiving treatment with Om...