Endocrine Abstracts

Pancreatic endocrine tumours (PETs) have a low proliferation index and this partially accounts for their lack of response to chemotherapy. The assessment of proliferation rates relies largely on the use of markers such as Ki67 in patients, and uptake of DNA nucleotide precursors such as tritiated thymidine or 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) in animals. Amongst these, BrdU is recognised to be the most reliable marker of cell proliferation as it allows the substitution of an endog...

D cells comprise 3–10% of the human endocrine pancreas and secrete somatostatin, which inhibits cell proliferation and hormone secretion. Pancreatic tumours secreting somatostatin are associated with the somatostatinoma syndrome, which is characterised by hyperglycaemia, cholethiasis, a low acid output and anaemia. We have examined for the presence of somatostatin secreting cells in pancreatic tumours from a multiple endocrine neoplastic type 1 (MEN1) knockout mouse model...

Case history: Vitamin D-dependent rickets type 2 (VDDR2) is an autosomal recessive condition caused by resistance to 1,25(OH)2D3, either through vitamin D receptor (VDR) mutations (type A) or abnormal expression of interfering proteins (type B), resulting in hypocalcaemia despite elevated plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 and parathyroid hormone concentrations. We report a proband, born to Caucasian non-consanguineous parents, who presente...

Mutations of the calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR), G-protein alpha-11 subunit (Gα11), and adaptor protein-2 sigma subunit (AP2σ) resulting in a loss-of-function, cause familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia types 1-3 (FHH1-3), respectively. We investigated a family with FHH (four affected and two unaffected members) for CaSR, Gα11 and AP2σ mutations, and identified a heterozygous Gα11 missense mutation, Phe220Ser, which is predicted to disrupt a cluster o...

Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is due to parathyroid hormone (PTH) resistance that results in hypocalcaemia, hyperphosphataemia and elevated plasma PTH concentrations. Some PHP patients also have Albright’s hereditary dystrophy (AHO), which is characterised by short stature, round faces, dental hypoplasia, brachydactyly, subcutaneous ossifications and reduced mental acuity. The 3 major types of PHP referred to as PHP type 1a (PHP1a), PHP1b and pseudopseudohypoparathyroidi...

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by the combined occurrence of parathyroid tumours, and neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) of the pituitary and pancreas. MEN1 is caused by mutations of the tumour suppressor gene MEN1, and MEN1 germline mutations are found in >75% of MEN1 patients. The remaining 25% of patients may have mutations involving as yet unidentified gene...

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterised by the combined occurrence of parathyroid tumours, and neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) of the pituitary and pancreas. MEN1 is caused by mutations of the tumour suppressor gene MEN1, and MEN1 germline mutations are found in >75% of MEN1 patients. The remaining 25% of patients may have mutations involving as yet unidentified gene...

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP), usually due to multigland hyperplasia, occurs in >90% of patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). The literature is divided on the optimal surgical management for such patients. We report a retrospective cohort study on the long-term outcomes associated with limited, subtotal, or total parathyroidectomy as initial surgery for PHP in MEN1. The primary endpoint was recurrent PHP defined as an adjusted serum calcium >2.6 mmol/l ...

Introduction and aim: Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) may occur sporadically (sPNETs) or as part of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1(MEN1) syndrome, which is characterised by occurrence of PNETs, parathyroid and anterior pituitary tumours. Our aim was to review the management of these patients in relation to the clinical practice MEN1 guidelines, and the ENETS and UKINETS guidelines for PNETs.Patients and methods: Patients attending with...

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) has the potential to identify nearly all forms of genetic variation. In complex disorders with multiple manifestations WGS can establish a definitive diagnosis that may change clinical management (Stavropoulos et al. 2016 Genomic Med). Here, we report on the utility of WGS in establishing the correct diagnosis in a family with hyperuricaemia. Hyperuricaemia may occur as: part of a syndromic disorder (e.g. Lowe syndrome, renal col...