Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The interplay of cortisol (F) and adipose tissue is complex and in many aspects is still obscure. Plasma F has been shown to be positively associated with lipolysis.Aim: To study in adipose tissue indices of lipolysis vs tissue F with microdialysis (MD).Subjects and methods: We studied 46 mechanically ventilated patients with a diagnosis of septic/non-septic shock, systemic inflammatory response syndrome or s...

Introduction: Nrf2 (Nfe2l2) is a transcription factor that regulates a series of cytoprotective and antioxidant enzymes. Upon exposure to oxidative or electrophilic stress, Nrf2 enters the nucleus and induces its target genes expression. Follicular thyroid cells have physiologically high levels of reactive oxygen species as oxidation of iodine is essential for iodination of thyroglobulin and thyroid hormones synthesis. We have shown previously that Nrf2 pathway is active in th...

Background/Aims: Post-operative hypoparathyroidism still remains a significant complication after thyroidectomy. Intraoperative imaging modalities, such as near infrared fluorescence by the use of indocyanine green (ICG), may assist to identify and preserve the parathyroid glands (PGs). The purpose of this study was to test the association between intra-operative ICG staining scoring system and 24-h post-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, as well as its capability of ...

Introduction: Postmenopausal virilization with acute onset and rapid progression requires a thorough investigation for the presence of adrenal or ovarian tumor. We present here a challenging case of a radiologically not visible and rare androgen-hypersecreting ovarian tumor.Case report: A 71-year old postmenopausal woman presented to our department for the investigation of terminal hair growth, of recent onset and rapid progression, on the upper lip, chi...

Glucocorticoids (GC) act at different target tissues by binding two different intracellular receptors, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the mineralcorticoid receptor (MR), but the their effects vary considerably between subjects, due to a different sensitivity, which is at least partially, genetically determined. GCs are so named based on their actions on carbohydrate metabolism, namely on insulin-dependent processes. In particular, the effect of GC includes increased hepa...

Introduction: The aim of this study was to examine whether the distribution of SHBG (TAAAA)n repeat variants contributes to the exposure of the female fetus to androgen excess, by influencing the, in utero, androgen availability.Methods: The study population consisted of 100 pregnant women that carried female fetuses and underwent the procedure of amniocentesis due to age (older than 35). Blood samples and amniotic fluid samples were dr...

Introduction: Aromatase is encoded by the CYP19 gene and catalyzes the conversion of androgens to estrogens, which in turn regulate skeletal homeostasis. Polymorphisms in the CYP19 gene have been studied for their association with bone mineral density (BMD) in the general population with mixed results.Objectives: To explore the influence of the CYP19 (TTTA)n repeat polymorphism on BMD and serum levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator...

Primary hyperparathyroidism is a rather frequent disorder characterized by high plasma PTH and calcium. Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in all areas of the world. Vitamin D deficiency has been described in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. When present, vitamin D deficiency may be associated with large size parathyroid adenomas and musculoskeletal pain.The aim was to describe two cases of primary hyperparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency.</...

Acromegaly is known to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Additionally, acromegaly is known to be associated with disordered carbohydrate metabolism. Lipid levels in acromegaly have not been extensively studied. The aim was to study lipid levels in acromegaly.Methods: In 32 patients with newly diagnosed acromegaly lipid levels were studied. In particular total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measu...

Mitochondria are essential for synthesising ATP required for cellular metabolism. Mitochondria are able to alter their morphology and abundance through the balance of fission and fusion genes. T2DM is often accompanied by a metabolic syndrome within the individual. The aim of my PhD is to investigate whether metabolic dysregulation in T2DM can be linked to dysfunction within their mitochondria.Declaration of funding: EPSRC....