Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Abnormal microRNAs (miRNAs) expression profiles have been recently associated with sporadic pituitary adenomas, suggesting that miRNAs can contribute to tumor formation. miRNAs are small noncoding RNAs which inhibit post-transcriptional expression of target mRNAs by binding to complementary sequences usually located in the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR). However, the substantial lack of knowledge about miRNAs’ targets hinder full understanding of t...

Background: Idiopathic scoliosis is a pathological entity of unknown etiology, characterized by a three-dimensional deformity of the spine and a low bone mass. The exact mechanism of bone loss in idiopathic scoliosis is unknown yet. However is well known that RANKL is a potent stimulator of bone resorption by binding receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB (RANK) in the osteoclasts cell membrane. OPG is a decoy receptor for RANKL, which interferes with RANKL/RANK binding and i...

Hypersecretion of hCG in transgenic mice produces profound alterations in the ovary, thus triggering failures in ovulation and affecting fertility. The objective of this study was to analyze the response of immature female mice overexpressing moderated (hCGβ+; 0.1 IU/ml) and elevated (hCGαβ+; 7 IU/ml) levels of hCG to an ovulation induction protocol (PMSG 7.5 IU i.p.; after 48 h, hCG 7.5 IU i.p). Wild-type (WT) females subjected to the same protocol were used as...

Objective: To explore if the polymorphisms of the estrogen receptor alpha gene, XbaI (IVS1-351 A/G) and PvuII (IVS1-397 T/C) are associated with age-dependent changes in hormone levels for a better understanding of the biological actions of estrogens.Subjects and methods: Subjects, both genders aged between 20 and 80 years were classified into two groups: reproductive age (1) and over 55 years (2). The study received the Ethical Committee approval. Morni...

Background: Pituitary adenomas usually occur as sporadic tumours, but familial cases are increasingly identified. Patients of 15–40% with familial-isolated-pituitary-adenoma (FIPA) harbour germline mutations in the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor interacting gene (AIP). AIP is thought to act as a tumour suppressor gene, with loss of heterozygosity shown in pituitary tumour samples at the 11q13 locus, where AIP is located. Previously we have shown AIP has properties consistent w...

There are controversial data on the beneficial/detrimental effects on the cardiovascular as well as on the metabolic system by the sex hormone testosterone. Recent data support the hypothesis that low levels of androgens are associated with adverse cardiovascular risk factors including an atherogenic lipid profile, obesity, insulin resistance and hypertension. AMPK is a sensor of energy balance at both the cellular and whole-body level. Once activated by low energy status, it ...

Objectives: To determine the effect on bone mineral density (BMD) of the sub clinical hyperthyroidism (SH) due to TSH-suppressive treatment with levothyroxine after thyroidectomy in men with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).Materials and methods: Cross-sectional and retrospective study in 32 men (56±14 years) treated with levothyroxine for a minimum of 5 years, with TSH concentrations <0.05 mUI/ml and normal T3 levels in all determinations...

Objective: The aim of this study is the characterizing of genetic variation in PvuII and XbaI polymorphisms of the ESR1 gene associated with age-dependent endocrine, metabolic and cognitive changes in a representative sample of Romanian population stratified by age and sex.Subjects and methods: Subjects, both genders aged between 20 and 80 yr were assigned to three lots 1) 177 subjects aged 55–80 years with moderately cognitive impairment (MCI) (MMS...

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant negative disorder characterised by the occurrence of multiple adenomas including hyperplasia and/or neoplasm of the parathyroid glands, pancreatic islets and pituitary glands. Germline mutations in the menin gene predispose to the MEN1 syndrome; however, about 10–20% of patients with MEN1 do not have a detectable menin mutation. Recently, a mouse strain with a MEN1-like phenotype has been re...

Introduction: Iodine is the key element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones and its intake modulates the physiology and physiopathology of thyroid gland. In Portugal, endemic goiter has disappeared, but some data make us consider that iodine intake, as in other European areas, is far from being sufficient. Taking into account the potential harmful effects of moderate iodine deficiency during pregnancy, when needs are increased, and the absence of recent data on iodine intake...