Endocrine Abstracts

Avascular necrosis is a rare presenting feature of endogenous hypercortisolism. The literature suggests that, if left untreated, complete collapse of the femoral head may ensue, necessitating hip replacement in up to 70% of patients. The majority of described patients with avascular necrosis due to endogenous hypercortisolaemia were treated surgically.Case report: A 36-year-old female, investigated for right leg pain, reported rapid weight gain, easy bru...

Introduction: Insulin sensitising agents are reported to have a diverse range of effects on bone with metformin exerting positive effects and thiazolidinenediones (TZDs) exerting negative effects. 5′AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a critical role in cellular energy homeostasis. It is widely expressed in the body and can be activated by metformin.Aim: We investigated the role of AMPK pathway in mediating the effects of metformin on the ost...

Introduction: Xanthogranulomatous hypophysitis (XGH) is a very rare form of pituitary hypophysitis that may present both clinically and radiologically as a tumour. Our case series compares paediatric and adult presentations of XGH.Case series: Patient 1: A 15-year-old female presented with refractory headache, lethargy, short stature, delayed growth (weight (−3.36) SDS, height (−1.73) SDS, BMI 14 kg/m2), and pubertal arres...

Background: Peptide-YY is synthesised and secreted by specialised cells in the ileum and colon. Levels increase following food intake, having a satiety effect. Baseline and postprandial levels of PYY were found to be lower in obese subjects compared to lean, negatively correlating with the subjects BMI, however obese subjects were sensitive to the anorectic effects of PYY when given exogenous PYY.Hypothesis: We have recently demonstrated that another pra...

Background: Phaeochromocytoma/paraganglioma (PCC/PGL) are rare in children and young people (CYP) under 19 years of age. National registry data reveal an annual incidence between 0.2 and 0.3 per million in 5–9 and 10–14 year age groups respectively. Almost all result from a genetic predisposition and can present a significant management challenge.Aims: We aimed to provide the first interdisciplinary management guidelines using the AGREEII frame...

GnRH acts via Gq/11-coupled GPCRs on gonadotropes to control synthesis and secretion of LH and FSH. We use mathematical and statistical approaches as well as automated cell imaging to explore this system. In cells expressing ERK2–GFP and GnRH receptors, GnRH pulses cause rapid and transient nuclear translocation of ERK2–GFP, providing a live-cell readout for ERK activation1. A mathematical model trained against this data predicted greater sensitivity to re...

Objective: Denosumab is a highly specific MAB, which binds to RANK Ligand thus inhibiting osteoclast formation, function and survival1.It’s efficacy in the treatment of osteoporosis was demonstrated in the FREEDOM trial which was an international, randomised, placebo controlled trial involving 7686 post menopausal women. The trial demonstrated a reduction in risk for vertebral fractures (68%), non vertebral fractures (20%), and hip fractu...

In our institution, an observed loading dose of oral colecalciferol (D3) 300 000 units is used for treatment of vitamin D deficiency (Vit D <30 nmol/l), with subsequent re-evaluation at 6 weeks and 3 months. We evaluated the follow-up of all the patients who received loading dose colecalciferol against adherence to this protocol.Method: All patients who received observed loading dose of colecalciferol for a 1-year period were included. Demographic, c...

Introduction: Microparticles (MPs) are membrane sheds formed during cell activation or apoptosis and are characteristic to the cell of origin. Microparticles are thought to have procoagulant activity and a potential role in the inflammatory process. They have also been identified as potential cardiovascular risk factor markers. Microparticles are found to be elevated in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Annexin-V is a general apoptosis marker that binds to phospha...

Background: SAH is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. Survivors report long term psychological distress, sleep disturbance, libido changes and fatigue. Previous studies describe an increased incidence of hypopituitarism.Hypothesis: Evaluation of psychological symptoms and clinical and radiological features of SAH could predict the incidence of hypopituitarism.Patients and Methods: 102 post-interventional SAH survivors ...