Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: We previously reported the novel finding that leptin, and several other fat-derived hormones (adipokines), is expressed and regulated in rat hypothalamus (1). Subsequently leptin (ob) mRNA was found in human, sheep and pig brain, but was surprisingly undetectable in mouse brain. In the present experiments we used a mouse hypothalamic neuronal cell line to investigate possible inhibitory mechanisms that may prevent mouse neurons from expressing ob mRNA. These incl...

The potent effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) upon carbohydrate metabolism are well described. However, their actions upon lipid metabolism are poorly characterized. Patients with GC excess (Cushing’s syndrome) develop central obesity, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis in up to 20% of cases. The A-ring reductases (5α-reductase type 1 [5αR1] and type 2 [5αR2]), inactivate cortisol as well as generate dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from testosterone (T) and a...

Background: The level of 25OH vitamin D (25OHD) which separates deficiency from sufficiency is heavily deabted. With decreasing 25OHD levels, typical biochemical derangements set in, such as increasing parathyroid hormone (PTH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, and decreasing phosphate and calcium levels. In adults, serum concentrations of PTH reportedly start to rise when serum 25OHD levels drop below 30 μg/l. Such data are scarce in children....

Background: Pigmented hypertrichotic dermatosis with insulin-dependent diabetes (PHID) syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder due mutations in SLC29A3. SLC29A3 encodes for an equilibrative nucleoside transporter 3 (ENT 3). A hallmark of PHID syndrome is the chronic inflammation characterised by the persistently raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. A key pathway involved in triggering inflammation is the nuclear factor kappa β (N...

Individuals considering research participation are provided with information but this is usually at the end of the process of engagement. Getting young people interested in research can be difficult, even more so when competing against a demanding school and social life that many young people lead. Working with a group of young people we produced a pilot website containing video and text material about diabetes and research that was designed to be appealing and informative.</p...

Iodothyronines stimulate neovascularization in tumor beds, brain, ischemic myocardium and striated muscle. The molecular basis of the action can be studied in models such as the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and human microvascular endothelial cell (HDMEC) microtubule formation. Nongenomic and genomic actions of the hormone may contribute to angiogenesis. The initial description of the cell surface receptor for thyroid hormone (T4 and 3,5,3′-triiodo-<sm...

Introduction: Hip fractures are the most serious osteoporotic fractures and difficult to prevent them without a precise knowledge of the causative factors. The risk factors, which precipitate hip fracture in elderly may vary according to the local customs and practices. Indian data on risk factors for hip fractures are scant. The present study was undertaken to assess the various risk factors leading to femoral neck fracture in postmenopausal women and also to define the thres...

Background: Testosterone replacement therapy has been shown to produce a wide range of benefits for men with hypogonadism with studies showing improvement in libido, bone density, muscle mass, body composition, mood, cognition, and erythopoiesis. The risks associated with testosterone replacement therapy are less well characterised and there is a lack of larger randomised trials. One recognised risk is polycythaemia. The aim of this study is to assess the frequency of polycyth...

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most common causes of dementia world wide. Accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) has been implicated as a causal factor of AD. Beta secretase (BACE1) catalyses the rate limiting step in the production Aβ and has been postulated as a potential therapeutic target for AD treatment. Environmental factors, including psychological stress, accelerate the development of dementia and AD. This study examined hypothalamic–pituitary...

Changes in maternal dietary intake during gestation can affect muscle development1 and may be linked to the catabolic actions of hormones, such as glucocorticoids, which inhibits the insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF1) pathway. This study examines the potential effects of glucocorticoids and skeletal muscle adaptations in seven-day-old offspring exposed to suboptimal gestational environments.Pregnant sows were randomly assigned to a commercial...