Endocrine Abstracts

Apart from its role in energy storage, adipose tissue produces several hormones and cytokines termed ‘adipokines’ that have wide-ranging effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism; and thereby, play an important role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. Visfatin is a novel adipokine, levels of which increase in obesity and is adipogenic; properties common to that of leptin. Thus, leptin may modulate visfatin production in adipose tissue. We investigated t...

A 59-year-old lady presented with significant weight gain, and a history of hypertension for investigation of possible Cushing’s syndrome. Her BMI was 29, with mainly central obesity. Initial tests revealed elevated untimed cortisol on two separate occasions, at 905 nmol/l and 893 respectively with detectable midnight cortisol, at 548 and 481. Of 24-hour urinary free cortisol (UFC) was also elevated on two separate occasions, at 931 nmol/24 h and 827 respectively. ACTH wa...

NESFATIN-1 is a recently identified hypothalamic satiety molecule derived from its precursor protein, NEFA/nucleobindin2 (NUCB2). Although the hypothalamus is considered the cornerstone for maintenance of energy homeostasis, adipose tissue plays an important role in the integration of metabolic activity and energy balance; communicating with peripheral organs and the brain via secreted proteins, termed adipokines. Many hypothalamic satiety regulatory peptides have been describ...

Aims: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular complications. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is a novel anti-angiogenic adipokine highly expressed in obese, insulin-resistant subjects. We sought to assess TSP-1 levels in adipose (AT) from PCOS women and matched controls. The effects of metformin treatment on circulating TSP-1 levels in PCOS subjects; effects of serum from normal and PCOS women on in vitro migration and...

A 30-year-old lady was transferred to our hospital at 37 weeks of pregnancy. Hypertension was noted at 24 weeks of gestation and managed with methyldopa and labetalol. Despite treatment, BP was labile with a systolic of 90–220 and diastolic of 50–129 mmHg. She reported occasional palpitations but not chest pain or shortness of breath. The patient had a history of migrainous headaches but not hypertension prior to pregnancy. Her brother had previously had an operation...

Primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in pregnancy is an uncommon phenomenon, mostly occurring in the 2nd or 3rd trimester. HPT in pregnancy may cause complications affecting both the mother (renal stones, pancreatitis) and fetus (neonatal tetany, seizures, intra-uterine growth retardation and preterm labour). We report two recent cases that highlight the potential risks.Results: The patients, 37 and 35 years old at presentation respectively, both presented ...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance and obesity. Recent studies have shown that plasma omentin-1 levels decrease with obesity. Currently, no data exists on the relative expression and regulation of omentin-1 in adipose tissue (AT) of PCOS women.Objectives: To assess mRNA and protein levels of omentin-1 in omental (om) AT of PCOS women and matched controls, including circulating omentin-1. Ex vivo and in vivo</...

It is unclear why GHD is associated with a reduced quality of life. Previous studies of GHD have shown impaired cardiovascular function and an increased cardiovascular mortality. We investigated whether the reduced quality of life is correlated with cardiac function and levels of cardiorespiratory fitness.Eighteen adults (9 male) with severe, untreated, GHD were studied. Cardiac power and cardiorespiratory fitness were investigated using a new, non-invas...

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and obesity, both predisposing factors to type 2 diabetes. A very recently described adipokine, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP-4), has been shown to modulate insulin signalling and possibly lead to IR. At present, there is no data that depict the relative expression of RBP-4 in either serum or adipose tissue of PCOS women.Objectives: In women with PCOS compared to matche...

The two primary functions of the adult testis (sperm production and hormone production) need to be co-ordinated because sperm production is completely dependent on appropriate hormone (primarily testosterone) production. However, it is equally evident from animal studies that Leydig cell (LC) development and function are also affected by developmental and functional status of the seminiferous tubules. For example, development of the adult LC population is dependent on reduced ...