Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), an inducible enzyme in prostaglandin synthesis, plays a major role in the pathogenesis of sporadic colorectal carcinoma (CRC). COX-2 inhibitors reduce the mortality from sporadic CRC. Acromegaly is associated with an increased risk of CRC, with a preponderance of right sided disease, but COX-2 protein is reduced or absent in acromegalic normal and malignant colonic mucosa. The mechanisms responsible for this are unknown.Aims: (i) To ...

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by pituitary infarction or haemorrhage. We have retrospectively analysed 16 patients (10 male, 6 female) with pituitary apoplexy, who presented to our institutions between 1992-2002. The mean age at presentation was 49 years (range 24-72). Only two (12%) patients had previously known pituitary tumours. Pituitary apoplexy was precipitated by major surgery in two patients (coronary artery bypass graft...

The functional interleukin-4 receptor is a heterodimeric complex composed of the IL-4 receptor alpha chain and the common cytokine gamma chain. The interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) gene is located on human chromosome 16p12.1-11.2. A polymorphism at codon 50 of the alpha chain alters the receptor response to the Th2 cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4). The allele with the amino acid isoleucine at position 50 (Ile50) upregulates receptor activity in response to binding with IL-4 ...

Background: Acromegalics are at increased risk of developing colorectal neoplasia with an increase of right-sided disease. Several genes are implicated in colorectal neoplasia including components of the GH/IGF-1 axis. It is unclear whether regional variations in neoplasia are explained by variations in local expression of these genes. Aims: To compare the expression of the components of the GH/IGF-1 axis and other putative genes between the left and right colon of patients wi...

Background: Patients with acromegaly have an increased risk of colorectal neoplasia. In non-acromegalic subjects, carcinomas develop from dysplastic tubular adenomas and colonoscopic removal of these reduces the subsequent incidence of carcinoma. The frequency of such screening in acromegaly is controversial and it is uncertain which patients should be considered to be at particular increased risk. Methods: We reviewed the incidence of new colonic lesions amongst our large coh...

Background: We have previously demonstrated colonic expression of the endogenous GH secretagogue, ghrelin, but not the GHS-R, and that ghrelin exerts proliferative effects on colonic epithelial cells. However, whether these are specific to ghrelin, or which genes are affected in response is uncertain.Aims: Determine the specificity of the proliferative effects of ghrelin on colonic epithelial cells, and effects on mRNA levels of the cancer associated ge...

Objectives: Gender affirming hormonal and/or surgical care is associated with reduced fertility. Over the last years, the options for transgender persons to fulfill their child wish have increased. Previous research (mainly focused on transgender persons visiting health care professionals) on fertility in transgender persons assigned female at birth (AFAB) shows low fertility preservation utilization. Ideas and concerns of AFAB transgender persons regarding fertility preservat...

Background: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPis) have become a cornerstone of cancer management. Whilst endocrine-related adverse effects are one of the most common immune-related adverse events, ICPi-induced de novo diabetes occurs at low frequencies1. We describe a case of ICPi-induced de novo type 1 diabetes presenting with severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a female with metastatic melanoma.Case report: A 50-year-old l...

Introduction: Knowledge about end-user perceptions is important to ensure educational resources have maximal impact.Objective: To understand school children’s perceptions and ideas about three endocrine topics.Methods: This activity was done as part of Society for Endocrinology public engagement grant. Years 5 and 6 school children (aged 10-11 years) from Nonsuch Primary School in Birmingham were invited to create posters on t...

Background: The incidence of adrenal crisis remains constant, despite the introduction of behavioural interventions to educate and empower patients. To increase the success of future behaviour change interventions, theoretically informed and empirically supported behaviour change frameworks are available. The current review aimed to identify and evaluate available evidence of interventions used to prevent adrenal crisis in people with primary adrenal insufficiency to inform fu...