Endocrine Abstracts

The key enzymes in the terminal stages of human adrenal gland corticosteroid biosynthesis are aldosterone synthase (AS) and 11-beta hydroxylase (11beta-OHase). Their amino acid sequences differ by only 7% but they exhibit markedly different enzymatic activities. AS is expressed solely in the zona glomerulosa and converts 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) to aldosterone whereas 11beta-OHase is expressed mainly in the zona fasciculata and produces cortisol from 11-deoxycortisol. The ...

Background: The pro-proliferative and anti-apoptotic IGF-I is implicated in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC) in both the general population and patients with acromegaly. The local intracolonic environment is also likely to be important, particularly unconjugated bile acids such as deoxycholic acid (DCA). Whilst low faecal concentrations may be proliferative, high levels are toxic to colonic epithelial cells.High levels of DCA have been linked t...

Metformin has gained a reputation as an effective fertility treatment in PCOS. Most publications use ovulation rate as the main outcome measure and few quote pregnancy rates. We have audited the first 39 patients with PCOS treated with Metformin in our Reproductive Unit. In this practice, as opposed to a research setting, there were often multiple factors contributing to infertility and they were usually proven resistant to other forms of treatment.In t...

The key enzymes in the terminal stages of human adrenal gland corticosteroid biosynthesis are aldosterone synthase (AS) and 11beta-hydroxylase (11beta-OHase). Their amino acid sequences differ by only 7% but they exhibit markedly different enzymatic activities. AS is expressed solely in the zona glomerulosa and converts 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC) to aldosterone whereas 11beta-OHase is expressed mainly in the zona fasciculata and produces cortisol from 11-deoxycortisol. The 3...

Background. Recent studies have linked high serum levels of IGF-1 and low levels of IGFBP-3 with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. BP3 has been shown to have IGF-1 independent effects on cell proliferation in breast and prostate cells, but its effects on colon cancer cells is largely unknown. Aims. To determine: 1) the effects of BP-3 on colonic epithelial cell proliferation and apoptosis, and 2) whether any effects are independent of IGF-1. Methods....

Hypertension is the most important risk factor in the development of cerebrovascular diseases including vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Aldosterone is a key regulator of blood pressure, acting via the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the kidney to promote sodium/water reabsorption. Elevated aldosterone, as in primary aldosteronism (PA) is a risk factor for cerebrovascular disease. In addition to its traditional role, the MR is expressed throughout the brain and vasculat...

Background: There have been a number of drivers that have led nurses to take on extended roles that have been traditionally been the domain of doctors. Competency frameworks for specialist nurses have been developed in other paediatric specialities, such as diabetes, oncology and epilepsy. However, this has not been established for paediatric endocrine nurses.Aim: To establish a competency framework for paediatric endocrine nurse specialists.<p class...

Aim: To analyse outcome of transsphenoidal surgery for acromegaly in Wales using stringent remission criteria.Method: We retrospectively analysed 90 patients who underwent transsphenoidal surgery (performed by 3 surgeons) as initial therapy for acromegaly in our centre between January 1980 and December 2001. A combination of modern, evidence-based remission criteria including mean day curve GH < 5 mU/l and /or a nadir GH < 2 mU/l after an oral glucose tolerance test ...

We report the case of a previously healthy, 40 years old obese male, who was admitted in emergency with complaints of chest pain, shortness of breath and loose stools. His physical examination was relatively unremarkable except for sinus tachycardia and restlessness. He had no history of ischemic heart disease. He was admitted under cardiologists and had various investigations (echocardiogram, stress test and coronary angiogram), all normal. Due to the presentation, thyroid fu...

Introduction: Clinical Practice Guidelines1 advocate adrenal vein sampling (AVS) to distinguish between unilateral and bilateral primary aldosteronism (PA). Cannulating the right adrenal vein is difficult, and there is a lack of standardisation in sampling procedure and interpretation2. We audited our local service to identify improvements.Methods: All AVS procedures performed between January 2018-December 2020 (n = 31) wer...