Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: The proto-oncogene KIT (CD117) is widely expressed in neoplastic tissues. Gain-of-function mutations of the KIT gene were found in some types of leukaemia, gastrointestinal stromal tumours, germinal cell tumours and rarely in other malignancies. Studies on the KIT protein and gene in different tumours have been intensified by the availability of imatinibe mesylate, KIT/PDGFRA inhibitor.Methods: We have immunohistochemically investiga...

Background: Signal intensity in T2 weighted (w) MRI in somatotroph pituitary adenomas has been described to correlate with histological granulation pattern. Long-term somato-statin analogue (SSA)-response is associated with both histological subtype and T2wMRI.Objective: To describe secretory baseline characteristics in newly diagnosed acromegalic patients in relation to T2 signal intensity. Moreover, to test whether T2 w images could predict preoperativ...

Background: In many acromegalics neurosurgery is unable to control GH secretion while it may harm the normal pituitary.Objective: To investigate the effect of pre-treatment with octreotide on surgical outcome in acromegaly.Methods: Previously untreated acromegalics were randomised directly to surgery or octreotide for six month before transsphenoidal surgery. Three months postoperatively patients underwent OGTT and Insulin Toleranc...

ObjectiveIn order to improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with acromegaly, new treatment algorithms have been developed over the last decades. Valid epidemiological data of acromegaly in Norway is lacking. The overall aim of this study was to investigate incidence, prevalence and mortality of acromegaly in South-Eastern Norway, and to investigate effects of new treatment algorithms.Design and methodPatie...

Background: Functioning (FCA) and silent corticotroph (SCA) pituitary adenomas act differently from a clinical perspective, despite both subtypes showing positive ACTH staining by immunohistochemistry. They are challenging to treat, the former due to functional ACTH production and consequently hypercortisolemia leading to Cushing disease, whereas the latter due to invasive and recurrent behaviour. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms behind their distinct behaviour are not clear...

Objectives: To study the effect of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) on hormone expression in gonadotroph non-functioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumours (NF-PitNET).Background: Gonadotroph PitNETs can express FSH and LH or be hormone negative, however they rarely secrete hormones. During tumour development, epithelial cells develop a mesenchymal phenotype. This process is characterised by decreased membranous E-cadherin and translocation of E-...

Background: Patients report a variety of persisting symptoms that reduce their quality of life after treatment for non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA). Digital tools have the potential to improve patient-provider communication and patient outcomes by giving opportunities for patients to report their current status, which can be helpful in recognizing symptoms and identifying needs. Mapping patients’ symptoms, needs and preferences prior to the consultation can aid ...

Background: Diabetes mellitus is prevalent in adults with Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS), and GH therapy may deteriorate glucose balance.Design: We prospectively investigated effects of 12 months of GH treatment on body composition and insulin resistance in relation to BMI in forty-two adults, mean(±S.D.) age 28.5±6.7 years with genetically verified PWS. Three patients with known diabetes were excluded. Data from baseline and 1...

Introduction: Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) presents clinically with a multitude of findings, including abnormal body composition and partial GH deficiency. Until now three studies have reported beneficial effects upon body composition of GH treatment in adults with PWS. However, only one of these studies had the optimal randomised controlled design.Aim: The aim of this study was to confirm and substantiate the results from previous studies.<p cla...

Background: Surgery is accepted as first line treatment of somatotroph macroadenomas with involvement of the optic chiasm. However, during recent years somatostatin analogues (SA) have increasingly been used as primary treatment improving ultimate cure rate, as SA’s have anti-proliferative effects in most tumours. We demonstrate here positive effect of subacute/acute SA treatment on tumour shrinkage and chiasm decompression in two recently diagnosed acromegalic patients.<...