Endocrine Abstracts

Ghrelin is able to stimulate HPA axis in both humans and animals. Exaggerated ACTH and cortisol responses to ghrelin have been shown in patients with CD. Here we studied the role of ghrelin alone or in combination with CRH in the diagnosis of CD. In 21 CD patient (18 female, age 49.8±10.2 years, BMI 29.8±0.8 kg/m2, ten macroadenomas 11 microadenomas) we performed: i) ghrelin test (100 μg iv bolus) ii) CRH test (100 μg iv bolus) and iii) ghrelin+C...

Hypopituitarism as deficiency of one or more anterior pituitary hormones, in adults can be consequence of acquired or genetic causes. Only few published studies investigated population-based aetiology of hypopituitarism. In the last 10 years new risks for hypopituitarism have been recognised (traumatic brain injury-TBI, subarachnoid haemorrhage, cranial irradiation).Aim: To present our experiences in the aetiology of hypopituitarism based on data collect...

Background: Pituitary adenoma (PA) is an under-investigated pathology in the elderly.Objective: To review our case records of patients >70 years with PA, in order to evaluate presentation symptoms, hormonal results, and pituitary morphology.Patients: 48 patients aged 70 years or older (21 females/27 males) were identified from the group of 610 patients with PA (7.9%) diagnosed at Neuroendocrine Unit, Clinic for Endocrinology, B...

Objective: It has been difficult to identify factors that affect the risk of cancer but we know that people are at higher risk as they get older, or have a strong family history of cancer. The potential influence of environmental and behavioral factors remains poorly understood.Aim: To study associations between PA and family history of malignancy in first-degree and second-degree relatives. As separate analysis, to study associations between PA patients...

Introduction: Recently, major advances have been made in genetics of familial acromegaly and isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA). Mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon interacting protein (AIP) gene have been found in 25–50% of patients with FIPA and familial acromegaly.Aim of the study: Our goal was to identify and collect data on patients who met the criteria for FIPA.Patients and methods: The patients were identified between 2008...

Introduction: Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a chronic disorder characterized of profound reduction in body weight and amenorrhoea. A product of complex interactions between psychological and clinical variables are important for the presence of the disease.Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the variables which might predict full reproductive recovery of patients with anorexia nervosa.Material and methods: We studied closely mat...

Introduction: Both GH deficiency (GHD) and male hypogonadism are thought to be associated with an increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality which is at least partly attributed to higher Insulin resistance. Potential reversibility of increased risk factors after gonadal replacement was assessed in this study, by comparing replaced and unreplaced hypogonadal men with GHD.Subjects and methods: Seventy-seven hypogonadal adult male patients with GHD ha...

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a chronic disorder characterized of profound reduction in body weight and amenorrhoea. Despite emaciation and avoidance of cholesterol-rich food, hypercholesterolaemia is a common feature. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in lipid metabolism with weight gain in 17 severe AN patients aged 23.8±1.6 years (DSM-IV criteria). They were compared with age-matched cohorts of 11 healthy controls (22.5±3.9 years) before and after wei...

Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) impairs bone mass and strength. Androgen deficient men exhibit impaired bone mass, but the extent to which testosterone replacement can prevent this remains disputable. The aim of this study was to assess whether androgen deficiency presents an additional risk factor for bone health in male patients with GHD and whether this is correctable by testosterone substitution.A group of 81 male patients with GHD, not receiving GH ...

Previous studies have shown exaggerated ACTH and cortisol responses to ghrelin. Seven patients who were cured by transsphenoidal operation from CD were included in the study and tested with ghrelin (1 mcg/kg i.v.) before and six months after the operation. Their results were compared with eight healthy control subjects. Results are presented as mean±S.D. Mann–Whitney and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for statistical analysis.<p class="abstext...