Endocrine Abstracts

The pregnancy associated plasma proteins (PAPP) -A, -B, -C and -D were first isolated from pregnancy serum in 1974. Since, these proteins have been re-characterised; PAPP-B and PAPP-C are now known as pregnancy-specific beta-1 glycoproteins and PAPP-D as placental lactogen. PAPP-A was subsequently found to be a member of the metzincins family of metalloproteases. Recently we have identified a full-length cDNA encoding the preproprotein of pregnancy associated plasma protein-E ...

Obesity pandemic has a tremendous impact on economic and healthcare systems. Our group investigates molecular mechanisms involved in obesity and its associated diseases such as type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We are particularly interested in studying the actions and mechanisms by which the central nervous system, and more precisely the hypothalamus, controls energy homeostasis. We have provided evidence that different gastrointestinal hormones such as G...

Sarcopenic obesity is a clinical condition characterized by the coexistence of excess fat mass and sarcopenia, i.e. a decrease in muscle mass or function. This coincidence leads to an increased risk of complications. Sarcopenia induces increased insulin resistance and worsens the metabolic status of obesity, while impairing functional capacity. Obesity itself can induce changes in muscle mass and function, as a consequence of changes in diet and physical activity and alteratio...

Background: Restrictive anorexia nervosa (AN) presents an adaptive appetite regulating profile including mainly high levels of ghrelin. Because this adaptive mechanism is not effective on food intake, other appetite regulating peptides need to be explored. 26RFa is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that stimulates appetite, gonadotropin release and bone metabolism. The aim of the current study was to evaluate circadian levels of 26RFa in AN patients compared with healthy subjects, o...

Background: Intermittent fasting increase maximum lifespan in several species and this effect is associated with reduced protein synthesis signaling. During fasting, a progressive loss of protein in human skeletal muscle is evident. Furthermore, fasting is associated with increased lipid oxidation and insulin resistance.Aim: To define which protein metabolic mechanisms are activated in skeletal muscle during fasting.Methods: We inv...

Recent reports on the interplay between adiponectin, thyroid hormones and metformin have given conflicting results. Our study aimed to investigate adiponectin concentration in thyroid disorders and to assess the possibility of involvement of adiponectin in the regulation of thyroid hormone production, also to clarify the role of pituitary-thyroid axis in the modulation of adiponectin production and to assess the interplay between metformin treatment, thyroid function and adipo...

Transitional care has become a high priority for the Department of Health (1). The paediatric and adult endocrinology teams have been running a joint transition service since October 2000. A review of this service was undertaken in order to examine its effectiveness and aid service improvement.The details of all 81 patients, who had been through transitional care since October 2000, were acquired. Both their electronic records and adult endocrinology not...

The tachykinin neurokinin B (NKB) has prominent roles in neuroendocrine function, behaviour and the control of reproductive processes, yet little is known about its evolution, potential splice variants or the manner in which it is processed. Indeed, the cloning of human TAC3 in 2000 revealed a single gene transcript encoding a single precursor and single tachykinin. Here, we deduce the phylogenetic relationship of a family of NKB peptides, and identify novel TAC3...

Background: Studies of memory function in patients treated for pituitary adenoma demonstrate deficits in immediate memory (IM) regardless of whether surgery or radiotherapy was received. We have previously shown variability in IM between patients who received the same treatment. The present study was designed to identify changes in the neurological pathways associated with memory function in patients treated for non-functioning pituitary adenoma (NFA) using functional magnetic...

Background: A variety of preparations for testosterone replacement therapy are currently available. Testogel, a transdermal gel, is widely used and considered one of the most convenient. Measurement of serum testosterone level at various times after application of the gel is regarded as one of the ways of monitoring response to treatment.Aim: To investigate the variability of testosterone absorption and whether testosterone levels prior to application of...