Endocrine Abstracts

Objective: Denosumab is a highly specific MAB, which binds to RANK Ligand thus inhibiting osteoclast formation, function and survival1.It’s efficacy in the treatment of osteoporosis was demonstrated in the FREEDOM trial which was an international, randomised, placebo controlled trial involving 7686 post menopausal women. The trial demonstrated a reduction in risk for vertebral fractures (68%), non vertebral fractures (20%), and hip fractu...

Oestradiol (E2) and oestrone (E1) are implicated in many diseases and drive cell proliferation in breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. Inactive sulphated oestrogens (E2S and E1S) represent a circulating reservoir forming active de-sulphated oestrogens. Therefore, new methods that accurately measure both sulphated and non-sulphated oestrogen concentrations have potential value for understanding oestrogen-related cancer. We present...

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) summarizes a group of genetic disorders of enzymes involved in cortisol biosynthesis. The most common causes detrimental mutations in the steroidogenic cytochrome P450 enzyme 21-hydroxylase (CYP21A2). Patients are dependent on a lifelong oral cortisol replacement therapy to ensure survival but quality of life is often reduced and co-morbidities are substantially increased. Also, the administered supraphysiological glucocorticoid dosescannot...

Background: Medical treatment of pituitary adenomas with somatostatin analogs depends on tumor type and somatostatin receptor expression. Using polyclonal antibodies, their immunohistochemical (IHC) detection gave conflicting results. Therefore, we studied the IHC expression of SSTR2A and SSTR5 using two specific MABs in five types of pituitary adenomas.Methods: SSTR2A and SSTR5 expression was studied using two...

Introduction: The assessment of pituitary function is often achieved by means of sequential determinations (pool) of hormone levels such as prolactin and gonadotrophins. For the determination of prolactin levels the guidelines of the Endocrine Society are clear in recommending a single sample determination.Objective: To evaluate differences between single sample and pool (0′, 20′ and 60′) determinations for assessing prolactin, FSH and ...

Introduction: Amenorrhoea and galactorrhoea are manifestations that may allow earlier diagnosis of pituitary tumors associated with excess somatotropin (ST) and prolactin (PRL) levels.Objective: To evaluate clinical, analytical and imaging characteristics of ST and PRL producing tumors and its affect on diagnosis.Methods: Retrospective study including acromegalic patients diagnosed between 1982 and 2012. Information on clinical, an...

Introduction: Generously supported by IPSEN)-->Elevated levels of somatotropin (ST) and IGF1 in acromegalic patients are associated with high morbidity and mortality. The normalization of ST and IGF1 allows the reversal of most of their negative effects.Objective: To evaluate characteristics present at diagnosis, predictive of cure, after surgery, in patients with ST-producing tumors.Meth...

Introduction: Generously supported by IPSEN)-->Acromegaly is a chronic disease caused by GH hypersecretion resulting in increased IGF1 levels. The actions of these hormones result into a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations.Objective: To evaluate clinical and analytical parameters, imaging, and treatment outcome in a population of acromegalic patients.Methods: Retrospective study of ...

Objective: Recent papers reported that basal calcitonin (CT) level may be related to thyroid volume. This study aims to evaluate if this finding is confirmed in patients undergoing ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for thyroid nodules.Design: Retrospective university-center study.Methods: From February 2010 to September 2012, 561 patients underwent ultrasonography-guided FNAC and a complete evaluation in...

Mitochondrial steroidogenic cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, such as P450 side-chain cleavage, rely on electron transfer from the redox partner ferredoxin (FDX1) for catalytic activity. Previous in vitro data suggest these cofactors are key regulators of CYP enzyme activity. This study aims to establish the role of redox regulation on steroidogenesis using zebrafish as a vertebrate in vivo model.In contrast to humans, zebrafish have two F...