Endocrine Abstracts

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a clinical triad of anovulation, insulin resistance, and androgen excess in women. Adipose androgen generation of testosterone from androstenedione by aldo-ketoreductase type 1C3 (AKR1C3) may contribute to hyperandrogenism, particularly in the setting of obesity. We aimed to determine the effects of BMI and age on AKR1C3 expression in subcutaneous (SC) and omental (OM) fat depots in both women and men.Paired SC and OM ...

CYP17A1 is a key enzyme of human steroidogenesis, which is unique in that it catalyses two reactions, 17-hydroxylase activity and 17,20 lyase activity. 17-hydroxylase deficiency, a variant of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, results in hypertension and mild glucocorticoid deficiency. Loss of 17,20 lyase activity results in sex steroid deficiency, presenting with undervirilisation in boys (46, XY DSD) and lack of pubertal development in girls. Here we present the cases of two si...

The adrenal steroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate ester, DHEAS have been shown to oppose the effects of glucocorticoids, thereby producing beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity in rodent models of diabetes and obesity and in hypoadrenal patients. Glucocorticoids, key regulators of adipose differentiation and insulin sensitivity, are reactivated locally by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type (11β-HSD1) oxoreductase activity, which increases with...

Acute adrenal insufficiency requires immediate treatment with high-dose glucocorticoid and represents a life-threatening emergency. Previous research suggests that primary hypoadrenalism patients (Addison’s disease) are more vulnerable to adrenal emergency than steroid-dependent pituitary patients (Arlt & Allolio 2003).In 2006, we surveyed the membership of the UK Addison’s disease Self-Help Group, comprising 982 hypoadrenalism patients, an...

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate ester DHEAS, have been shown to oppose the effects of glucocorticoids in vivo, thus producing beneficial effects on insulin sensitivity in rodent models of diabetes and obesity as well as in hypoadrenal patients. Glucocorticoids play a key role in regulating fat metabolism and distribution and are reactivated locally by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) oxoreductase activity, which increases with ...

The human CYP17A1 enzyme exerts two activities, 17a-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase, catalysing key steps in human adrenal steroid biosynthesis. An in frame deletion of 3 bp in exon 1 of the CYP17A1 gene, resulting in the loss of phenylalanine in position 53 (F53del), is one of the first CYP17A1 mutations described (JBC 1989, 264:18076). Reported patients have invariably presented with severe hypokalaemic hypertension, reflecting 17α-hydoxylase deficiency, and s...

Background: Management of large indeterminate adrenal masses detected during pregnancy is challenging due to the risk of malignancy and the obstetric risks of surgical intervention. The spectrum of endocrine-related complications of Covid-19 is expanding. We present a case that highlights the challenging management of a large adrenal mass during pregnancy and draws attention to a rare complication of Covid-19.Case description: 26 yr-old lady presented wi...

Background: September is celebrated as PCOS awareness month worldwide and is aimed at improving the lives of those with PCOS, promoting research, and strengthening advocacy efforts. While significant financial and human resources are invested in promotions during this month, to the best of our knowledge, there is no evidence to show the impact of this initiative. In our study, we evaluated the global digital impact of PCOS Awareness Month, tracking commonly used hashtags as su...

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogenous condition that affects approximately 12% of females. The diagnosis can be complex and biochemistry tests are routinely relied upon to help identify hyperandrogenaemia and to exclude other conditions. However, although national and international guidelines advocate the use biochemistry tests, little information is provided as to which tests should be used and which other endocrinopathies should be excluded.<p cl...

Background: It has been proposed that menopause has a beneficial effect on the natural history of hyperprolactinaemia attributed to prolactinoma. Nonetheless, series systematically assessing outcome in females with prolactinoma who have passed through menopause are very limited.Aim: To investigate the impact of menopause on prolactinomas in patients not on dopamine agonist (DA) treatment.Patie...