Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: MicroRNAs (miRNA) are a novel class of small noncoding single-stranded RNA molecules 18–24 nucleotides long that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. There is increasing evidence of their importance in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), with their differential expression depending on obesity. There is recent evidence that miRNA-93 and mi-RNA-223 may have a role to play in the modulation of insulin resistance, through GLUT4 modulation in...

Background: Insulin, derived from a single chain precursor pro-insulin, is cleaved by convertases to form insulin (t1/2 – 4 min) and C-peptide (t1/2 – 30 min). The ratio of insulin to C-peptide levels, which is usually less than one, is reversed in presence of exogenous insulin and insulin autoimmune syndrome. We present the significance of insulin-C-peptide ratio (ICR) in the diagnostic algorithm for the investigation of endogenous hyperinsulinaemia.<p class="ab...

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are both associated with the metabolic syndrome and are each associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Endothelial function, an early feature in the development of atherosclerosis, has been shown to be abnormal in both PCOS and NAFLD.The aim of this study was to determine if NAFLD conferred additional cardiovascular risk compared to PCOS alone.<p class="ab...

Background: Obesity is associated with increased insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and increased cardiovascular risk leading to atherosclerosis. Bariatric surgery has been shown to improve some of these factors in obese patients with glucose intolerance. A form of bariatric surgery is the Roux-en-Y procedure which can result in greater weight loss and restriction with less malabsorption than other procedures (such as the bilious-pancreatic diversion); but the effect of some ...

A 15-year-old boy presented with a spiral fracture of left tibia and fibula in 1980. Adjusted serum calcium was 3.38 mmol/l. He had biochemical primary hyperparathyroidism and a superior parathyroid adenoma was removed. His calcium normalised and he was well for next 13 years until 1993 when his calcium began to rise with multiple palpable cervical lymph nodes. He underwent extensive neck dissection. Lymph node histology showed metastases from poorly differentiated parathyroid...

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5–10% of reproductive-aged women and is associated with hyperandrogenism and chronic anovulation. Leukocytes, together with granulosa cells, may contribute to the pathogenesis of PCOS via their ability to secrete an array of cytokines implicated in follicle growth.Aim: Using RT-PCR, we screened for the expression of a range of cytokines in ovarian biopsies obtained from PCOS patients and normal individuals to...

Case: A 25-year-old male with a history of Asperger’s syndrome, not on regular medication, with no family history of endocrinopathy; was referred with mild hypercalcaemia found during routine investigations for fatigue, weight loss, diarrhoea and vomiting. A normal PTH suggested PTH-dependent hypercalcaemia. There was no history of fractures or nephrolithiasis. DEXA scan showed normal bone mineral density (femur, spine and forearm). The gastrointestinal symptoms and fatig...

PCOS is the most common endocrine disorder affecting the women of reproductive age group and weight loss is the mainstay of management of PCOS. We performed an open-label randomised controlled trial to compare the effects of a conventional energy deficit approach (-600 kcal/day of the total energy requirements) vs. a very low-calorie diet (VLCD: 800 kcal/day) on free androgen index (FAI), body weight, and metabolic markers in women with PCOS. Forty-one eligible patients were r...

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that carries an increased risk of liver cirrhosis. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score comprises serum hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) that correlate with hepatic fibrosis staging.Objective: To determine the effect of vitamin D suppleme...

Context: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that carries an increased risk of liver cirrhosis. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) score comprises serum hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) that correlate with hepatic fibrosis staging.Objective: To determine the effect of vitamin D suppleme...