Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Human saliva is a valuable and flexible source of endocrine biomarkers, from which several significant steroids representing indices of development, well being, stress and reproduction can be quantified. Although for many disciplines blood represents the ‘gold standard’ for endocrine measurement, it also has its limitations, specifically requiring trained phlebotomists and appropriate facilities. The painful and invasive nature of blood draws can deter re...

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a relatively uncommon condition presenting with combinations of focal bone abnormalities, cutaneous hyperpigmentation and endocrinopathy. It is caused by a post-zygotic mutation in a G-protein coupled receptor (GNAS1) leading to constitutive activation of several hormone signaling pathways. Severely affected patients present in childhood with extensive bone lesions+endocrine disorder e.g. premature puberty (McCune–Albright syndrome) but less seve...

Older population and people with type II diabetes have a significantly higher rate of decline in cognitive function. However, the mechanisms are poorly understood. There are strong links between insulin and cognitive function supported by epidemiological data from humans and animal studies and in vitro research. Protein kinase C (PKC) signaling cascades and insulin pathways are closely integrated. The consequences of PKC activation by insulin in the CNS influence memory...

Introduction: Adolescents with type 1 diabetes often have poor control causing them significant future danger. An area of particular concern is that of worsening control around the complex time of transition to young adult services from paediatric services. Multiple guidelines and methods to help better this control and transition process are in place.Aim: This study aims to survey attitudes towards and possible improvements to clinics to aid adherence a...

We present the case of a 55 year old woman with Graves’ disease currently in remission but previous agranulocytosis with carbimazole therapy.She has a past medical history of Sjogrens syndrome on no medication. There is a family history of type 1 diabetes and thyroid disease in several members. She is Caucasian, a non smoker and drinks no alcohol. She is a primary school teacher.In December 2014 she presented to her GP with pa...

Introduction: A sample of females (aged 19–40) was recruited from the local community to examine female health with regard to reproductive and metabolic indices. Data collected included saliva samples, anthropometrics, blood glucose, birth weight, pubertal development, health (current / previous / family history), reproductive health history and risk / diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).Objectives: 1) Improve understanding of female healt...

Background: There are over 650 liver transplants performed in the UK each year and about 5000 throughout Europe. After transplantation patients suffer from bone loss due to multiple factors. We present a unique case of severe Vitamin D deficiency resulting in life threatening hypocalcaemia following liver transplantation.Case: A 65-year-old Indian lady underwent an uncomplicated liver transplant, for hepatocellular carcinoma related to Hepatitis C. Pre a...

A 72-year-old man known to have Churg-Strauss syndrome, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and asthma presented with history of polyuria, night sweats, weight loss of 6 kg over 8 weeks and poor mobility. Pulse rate was 88/min and blood pressure 131/74 mmHg. He had generalised muscle wasting with significant proximal myopathy and grade 4/5 power in all four limbs. There was no evidence of vasculitis, arthropathy or other neurological deficit. Blood tests showed urea 10.6 mm...

Glucocorticoids have potent but paradoxical effects on bone. In vitro they are required for the differentiation of osteoblasts but in excess can cause suppression of the mature osteoblast phenotype by reducing proliferation and inducing apoptosis. In vivo, glucocorticoids are anabolic at physiological concentrations, but in excess have an adverse effect on the skeleton most clearly seen in steroid-induced osteoporosis. We have postulated that this paradox may be ...

Background: The adverse effects of corticosteroid therapy are similar to those of endogenous glucocorticoid excess. Previous studies have established the usage patterns of oral corticosteroids in the primary healthcare setting, but these have concentrated on corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and morbidity of long-term oral corticosteroids in a General Practice setting.Methods: From a population ...