Endocrine Abstracts

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a loss of lean mass and a corresponding increase in fat mass. How fat accumulation in RA is linked to synovial inflammation is unknown. Wnts comprise a family of secreted glycoproteins that are crucial in regulating adipocyte proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation. Recently we demonstrated that endogenously generated glucocorticoids (GCs) alter the pattern of wnt secretion by synovial fibroblasts (SFs), favouring production of...

Neuromedin B (NMB) is a highly conserved bombesin-related peptide found in mammals. The mammalian bombesin family of receptors consists of three closely related G protein coupled receptors, BB1, BB2 and BB3. The BB1 receptor subtype has the highest affinity for NMB. NMB mRNA is detected in the CNS and is expressed at relatively high levels in the rat hypothalamus, in particular the medial preoptic area and the arcuate nucleus.<p ...

Nesfatin is an 82 amino acid peptide identified as a novel hypothalamic regulator of feeding. In rodents, central administration of nesfatin acutely inhibits feeding and chronic administration reduces weight gain. Subsequent research has demonstrated nesfatin is involved in the control of puberty in female rats. During puberty i.c.v. administration of nesfatin stimulates release of LH and FSH but has no effect in adult female rats.We investigated the eff...

Introduction: The UK has seen a steady rise in childhood obesity over the last 30 years, with nearly a third of children aged 2–15 now overweight or obese. Childhood obesity represents a significant health burden, costing the NHS many millions of pounds.Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, perception and actions of obese patients at the Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital (RMCH), to guide recommendations for improving t...

Carriage of the exon 3 deletion in the GH receptor (GHR) gene has been reported to enhance growth response to GH therapy. JAK2 and PI3K are involved in signal transduction from the GH (JAK2/PI3K) and IGF1 (PI3K) receptors. We have investigated whether a single nucleotide polymorphism within these genes influences growth response to GH therapy. DNA was taken, with ethical approval, from 104 children treated with GH therapy. Diagnoses were: GHD (n=44), TS (n=23), S...

Background: Obese young people are likely to suffer significant morbidity in adult life. Successful intervention during adolescence may have far-reaching benefits. Evidence is emerging that patient-responsive clinical services may deliver improved outcomes.Aims: To assess the perceptions of obese young people about weight and weight-management services.Method: Annonymised, postal questionnaire survey of 116 obese young people (9&#1...

Background: Severe primary IGF1 deficiency (SPIGFD) is defined in children as a height less than −3sds, low IGF1 levels with normal growth hormone levels. Recombinant IGF1 (rhIGF1, Mecasermin) given twice daily as a subcutaneous injection is the only therapy available to improve the height potential in this group of children. However it may have important side effects including hypoglycaemia, growth of lymphoid tissue and injection site lipohypertrophy.<p class="abst...

An estimated 5% of all newborns are born SGA (weight less than −2SD at birth), with 10% failing to catch up and becoming eligible for GH treatment. Not all children respond to GH, but the criteria for determining a non-responder have not been clearly defined. We have therefore evaluated first year growth performance of short SGA children treated with GH in The Growth Clinic, Manchester. Clinical and auxological data were collected retrospectively from the case records of...

Background: Seeing the doctor alone has been associated with a better outcome following transition to adult services.Methods: A simple questionnaire was designed for young people (YP) to enquire about being seen alone in paediatric endocrine clinics.Results: The questionnaire was administered to 72 YP young people (37 male) with long term endocrine conditions. The mean age was 15.5 (2.5). 10% of YP thought they should be offered th...

Background: Poor glycaemic control with erratic blood glucose levels manifesting as recurrent hyperglycaemia with unpredictable episodes of hypoglycaemia is problem still faced today in daily practice. The causes include poor compliance and failure of oral hypoglycaemic. Despite being on insulin (38% of type 2 diabetes patients who require insulin treatment after 10 years) and type 1 diabetes patients continue to have fluctuing glucose concentration. The poor glycaemic control...