Endocrine Abstracts

Coordinated interaction between the immune and neuroendocrine systems is of key importance in regulating the host's response to inflammation and anoxic stress. Adenosine, released under such conditions in high concentration, modulates a number of inflammatory processes and can regulate the activity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Although adenosine receptors (ARs) have been described in the pituitary gland, the distribution of the receptor subtypes (A1, A2A, A...

Introduction: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are submicron vesicles released by most cells. They contain protein, enzymes and microRNA of the donor cells and are believed to play a role in paracrine communication. Circulating EVs might reflect heightened immune/inflammatory status in obese individuals and play a role in initiation/modulation of chronic low grade inflammation associated with obesity.Aims: To compare circulating plasma EVs between healthy vo...

Objective: Diagnostic uncertainty arises for paediatric patients when establishing a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) due to concurrent pubertal changes. Management decisions can also therefore be challenging. The investigations and management of patients referred to the Paediatric Endocrinology Service was audited against international guidelines.Methods: Retrospective audit of patients referred with susp...

Background: The clinical presentation of non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFAs) can range from an incidental finding on imaging to pituitary hormone deficiencies and visual compromise.Objective: To assess the clinical presentation of patients who had undergone surgical resection of histologically proven NFAs.Methods: Patients presenting to the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, with non-functioning pituitary adenomas (histol...

Introduction: Polycystic Ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a metabolic disorder associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Exercise is an effective treatment strategy to manage symptoms and reduce long-term health risk. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been suggested as a more efficient exercise mode in PCOS; however, it is not clear whether HIIT is superior to moderate intensity steady state exercise (MISS).Methods: We synthesized availabl...

Introduction: Neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) have diverse natural history and clinical syndromes. As a result of the disease or related to management, patients may have altered gut or pancreatic function that can cause nutritional deficiencies. There is a lack of consistent evidence-based dietetic guidance for patients with NETs.Aim: This study evaluated whether nutritional status and nutritional deficiencies had been assessed in patients with NETs in an ...

Background: Serum total cortisol responses to the short Synacthen® test (SST) are used to confirm or refute a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. Salivary cortisol measurement offers a non-invasive alternative and has the potential advantage of evaluating free, bioavailable cortisol. However, reference ranges and its performance in the investigation of suspected hypoadrenalism (SH) have not been firmly established.Aims: 1....

Background: Serum total cortisol responses to the short Synacthen® test (SST) are used to confirm or refute a diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency. Salivary cortisol measurement offers a non-invasive alternative and has the potential advantage of evaluating free, bioavailable cortisol. However, reference ranges and its performance in the investigation of suspected hypoadrenalism (SH) have not been firmly established.Aims: 1....

Objectives: Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is a key enzyme in the synthesis of thyroid hormones and is a target for autoimmune responses in autoimmune thyroid disease. TPO autoantibody (TPOAb) binding epitopes have been mapped on the peroxidase domain (POD) and the complement control protein like domain (CCP). This study aimed to solve the molecular structures of TPO bound to TPO antibodies.Methods: An extracellular domain (ECD) of human TPO (amino acids; aa 1...

Objectives: TSH receptor (TSHR) autoantibodies (TRAb) which mimic the actions of TSH are responsible for hyperthyroidism in Graves’ disease (GD) which is often associated with Graves’ orbitopathy (GO). K1-70 is a TSHR specific human monoclonal autoantibody which binds to the TSHR with high affinity and prevents stimulation of the TSHR by TSH and TRAb. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetic, pharmocodynamic and immunogenic effects of K1-70 in patients with GD were asse...