Endocrine Abstracts

Ovariectomized (OVX) rats are commonly used for the investigation of estrogenic compounds in vivo. We previously showed that estrogen treated OVX animals apparently respond differently to Genistein (GEN) treatment than hormonally intact animals. An observation, that indicated that progestins might interfere in the estradiol (E2)–GEN interaction.As the molecular effects of GEN seem to be modified by progesterone (P4), its...

Introduction: Observations in patients with GH disturbances and in normal populations have suggested that GH/IGF1 activity could have anti-inflammatory effects. On the other hand, in vitro studies have shown that IGF1 may stimulate the immune system.Methods/design: The study population consisted of 12 healthy volunteers (mean age 36, range 27–49 years) treated with GH for 3 weeks (1st week 0.01 mg/day, 2nd 0.02 mg/day, 3rd 0.03 mg/day) and su...

We have previously reported, that cultured female- derived human Osteoblats (hObs) responded to DT56a (Femarelle). Since the skeletal protective effects of estrogens are not discernible in diabetic women, we sought to test the effects of DT56a on hObs grown in high glucose concentration in the growth medium (HG) as compared to estradiol-17β (E2). We used the stimulation of creatine kinase specific activity (CK), and 3[H] thymidine incorporation into ...

The loss of regulatory control of the cell, leading to unrestrained cell proliferation, is a hallmark of cancer. In a number of cancers, over expression of cyclin A and cyclin B1 proteins has been reported and in some instances the level of expression correlated well with the grades of malignancy. In the present study, we analyzed, by immunohistochemistry, the expression of cyclins A and B1, proteins enable passing G(2)-restriction point, in different histological variants of ...

Background: The symptoms typically associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) such as acne, hirsutism, irregular menses, amenorrhoea, obesity and infertility are a major source of psychological morbidity and can negatively affect quality of life (QOL). Limited data are available regarding effects of different treatment modalities on emotional distress of women with PCOS.Objective: To determine potential impact of treatment on health-related quality...

Aims: Testosterone treatment is controversial as long-term outcome data are not available; however prescriptions for testosterone are becoming more common.We looked at the symptoms on presentation, indications for testosterone replacement, forms of testosterone replacement, and adherence to present guidelines for monitoring.Methods: Data was collected from case notes of 47 patients on testosterone replacement attending endocrine cl...

Several recent studies have identified Npr2 gene mutations (encoding the guanylyl cyclase B (GC-B) receptor) as causing dwarfism and achondroplasia. Npr2 null mice have a similar bone phenotype, pituitary growth hormone deficiency and female infertility. As the endogenous ligand for GC-B, C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is expressed at high levels in the anterior pituitary of rats and mice, we examined whether components of the natriuretic peptide system were al...

Genome wide association (GWA) studies have revolutionised the search for new susceptibility loci for complex diseases such as Graves’ disease (GD), by confirming association of known genes and identifying several novel susceptibility loci. The high density lipoprotein binding protein (HDLBP) on chromosome 2q37 is one such novel locus recently identified by the WTCCC as part of a 14 500 nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) screen performed in 900 UK C...

Background: In clinical practice, occasional hypothyroid patients require more than the expected dose of levothyroxine. This could be due to compliance issues, excess body weight, drug interference or malabsorption. The Grampian Automated Follow-Up Register (GAFUR) currently monitors around 17 500 hypothyroid patients on levothyroxine; 36 (0.6%) patients take more than 250 μg of levothyroxine daily.Methods: A questionnaire was sent to these patients...

Introduction: We present an interesting case of cyclical Cushing’s syndrome who became too unwell to loose her job and confidence as a result of the condition prior to diagnosis of her condition.Case report: A 44-year-old social worker referred by GP in 2007 for investigation of ‘possible hypo- or hyperadrenalism’. She had been diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome in 2002 (based on symptoms and ovarian ultrasound) and recently diagnose...