Endocrine Abstracts

Cimetidine, an antagonist of histamine H2-receptors used for treatment of gastric ulcers, exerts antiandrogenic effect. In testes, cimetidine causes histopathological disorders in the seminiferous tubules and impairs spermatogenesis. Additionally to testosterone, Leydig cells (LC) produce several paracrine factors, including EG–VEGF (endocrine gland-derived vascular endothelial growth factor) which participates in the testicular microvasculature control. Regarding the imp...

Introduction: Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a pathogenesis that is not completely understood. Although a genetic origin has been recognized, a potential role for environmental factors, immune dysfunctions, and variations of hormonal levels was suggested. Ghrelin is a peptide hormone which can stimulate growth hormone (GH) release by activating GH secretagogue receptor. In addition, ghrelin exerts neuroprotective effects, inhibits apoptosis in hypothalamic neuron...

Recent data have shown that, in parallel to its transcriptional action down-regulating TSH synthesis, triiodothyronine (T3) also acts on posttranscriptional steps of beta TSH synthesis, reducing the polyadenylation and translational rate of the beta TSH mRNA, when acutely administered to thyroidectomized rats. This study aimed to investigate whether these effects also occur in TalphaT1 cells, and if they are dependent on gene transcription, which would characterize ...

Objectives: In normal subjects, inhibitory effect of a glucose load (OGTT) on GH secretion is probably mediated by an increase in hypothalamic release of somatostatin whereas the stimulatory effect of arginine on GH secretion is probably mediated by a decrease in somatostatin release. In humans and animals, somatostatin infusion inhibits basal and TRH-stimulated TSH secretion but little is known on the role of endogenous somatostatin in the regulation of TSH secretion. The aim...

Clinical presentation of pituitary adenomas is influenced by age of patients and stage of the tumour at diagnosis. In this study we intended to analyse the features of pituitary adenomas in old patients.Subjects and methods: It is a retro- and prospective study concerning 37 patients (19F/18M) aged 60 years and over harbouring a pituitary adenoma, these patients were divided into two groups:Group 1 (G1): Patients with invasive and/or giant tum...

It has been suggested that DHEA metabolites, especially 7-hydroxy and/or 7-keto derivatives could possess anti-inflammatory activity and enhance immune, cognitive and metabolic functions in rodents. It is thus important to elucidate the exact pathway (s) leading to the formation of these metabolites. While the role of cytochrome P450 CYP7B1 in the transformation of DHEA into 7α-OHDHEA is well recognized, the role of type 1 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-H...

Introduction: While the androgens of testicular origin (representing about 50% of total androgens in men over 50 years) can be completely eliminated by surgical or medical castration with GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) agonists or antagonists, the antiandrogens currently available as blockers of androgen binding to the androgen receptor (AR), namely bicalutamide (BICA), flutamide (FLU) and nilutamide have too weak affinity to completely neutralize the 50% of androgens m...

A 42-year-old gentleman of Ghanaian origin presented with a 1 month history of worsening severe proximal myopathy. On presentation his symptoms had progressed to the extent that he was unable to mobilise from his bed. Prior to this illness he had been fit and well. Examination revealed severe proximal myopathy and a uniformly enlarged, smooth thyroid gland. There was no clinical evidence of hyperthyroidism.Blood tests on admission showed a serum potassiu...

Introduction: Post-partum thyroiditis (PPT) is an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid gland, which occurs in the first year after parturition. Post-partum thyroiditis occurs in 50% of TPO AB+ve women and is characterised by transient hyperthyroidism followed by transient hypothyroidism during the first 6 months, post-partum. A third of the latter group develop permanent hypothyroidism. The aim of this study was to evaluate sonographic characteristics in a g...

Background: The most important aspect in the diagnostic approach of thyroid nodule is identifying the malignancy. Elastography is a newly technique that measures the elasticity of tissue, after applying a external force, standardized control. US elastography is currently used in differentiation of malignant from benign lesions.Material, Method: This prospective study included 69 patients, mean age 50.08±12.43 years, 67 females and 2 men, with thyroi...