Endocrine Abstracts

Women with Turners Syndrome (TS) have been shown to have reduced bone mineral density (BMD) but there is uncertainty about how this relates to fracture risk. The little data that does exist is conflicting, with one case series finding no difference compared to controls and one survey suggesting an increased risk of fracture particularly of the forearm. Proposed mechanisms for reduced BMD include short stature, oestrogen deficiency and bone dysplasia. In addition, fracture risk...

Glucocorticoid (Gc) excess, either from endogenous overproduction in disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or exogenous medical therapy, is recognized to cause adverse metabolic side effects including obesity, hyperphagia, and hyperglycemia. The Gc receptor (GR) is widely expressed in the brain including the hypothalamus which is known to regulate energy balance. We have previously established through the administration of corticosterone (Cort) in the drinking w...

Glucocorticoids (Gcs) are widely prescribed to treat a number of conditions, such as arthritis and asthma. However, patients receiving Gcs often develop metabolic complications such as obesity and hyperglycaemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms in the hypothalamus which drive these adverse effects. Male C57BL/6J mice were given ad libitum access to either corticosterone (CORT; 75 μg/ml) or vehicle (V; 1% ethanol) in their drinkin...

Background and objective: The prevalence of obesity is increasing worldwide and it is known that intra-uterine experience can program metabolic disorders. The hypothalamic appetite regulatory system is a key target of developmental programming by maternal nutrition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of maternal overnutrition on the expression of hypothalamic genes controlling energy homeostasis.Research design: Eight week ol...

Background: Structured education programmes (SEP) have proved effective in changing illness perception and increasing physical activity (PA) in those with or at risk of diabetes. The SUCCESS–RCT was designed to test such a programme in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Methods: This was a single centre, randomised controlled trial in overweight and obese women with PCOS aimed at increasing their walking activity by 2000 steps/day after 12 ...

Introduction: Children with adrenal insufficiency requiring hydrocortisone rely on compounded adult medication. This study aimed to evaluate the absorption, palatability and safety of Alkindi® (hydrocortisone granules in capsules for opening).Methods: The phase 3 study was an open-label, single-dose study in a total of 24 children (aged 0–6 years) with adrenal insufficiency. Fasted children were given a single dose of Alkindi&#1...

Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) implicate the CYP17A1 locus in human blood pressure regulation. This gene is important in steroidogenesis, regulating both glucocorticoid and androgen synthesis through catalysis of 17α-hydroxylation and 17,20 lyase reactions. We hypothesised that functional CYP17A1 polymorphisms linked to those identified by GWAS influence blood pressure levels. We therefore screened the entire CYP17A1 locus by dire...

Background: Serum prolactin levels at presentation can be useful in distinguishing between non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas and prolactinomas in order to guide appropriate therapy. Although thresholds have been suggested to distinguish between the two tumour-types, there remains some debate regarding discriminatory levels.Objective: To assess the baseline serum prolactin levels in a series of patients with histologically-proven non-functioning pit...

Development of the fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is important for normal maturation of the fetus and the timing of parturition. In hypothyroid fetuses, gestational length may be prolonged and maturational processes delayed, although the role of the HPA axis is unknown. This study investigated the effects of hypothyroidism before birth on the structure and function of the anterior pituitary and adrenal glands in fetal sheep near term.All...

The Society for Endocrinology Nurse Committee provides national, international and local guidance, support and networking for nurses working in Endocrinology. Following review and revalidation of the endocrine nurse certificate, the Nurse Committee looked to explicate adult endocrine nurse competencies. The need for core competencies to standardise role expectations was a concern voiced from nurses and committee members. Up to the introduction of paediatric endocrine nurse com...