Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism. In many cases this leads to hirsutism, for which a common treatment is combined anti-androgen and estrogen therapy (Dianette; Schering Ltd). The insulin sensitising agent metformin has been reported to reduce hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS.The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of Dianette with metformin (Glucophage; Merck, 500mgs tds) in the ...

ER-alpha and ER-beta function as transcription factors to modulate expression of target genes. Both interact with nuclear regulatory proteins to enhance or inhibit transcription. We hypothesized that these co-regulators are expressed in breast cancer tissue and may be differentially regulated by estrogen and tamoxifen.ER-alpha, ER-beta, the co-activator SRC-1, and the co-repressor SMRT were localized within breast tissue by immunohistochemistry, and the spatial co-expressi...

ER-alpha and ER-beta function as transcription factors to modulate expression of target genes. Both interact with nuclear regulatory proteins to enhance or inhibit transcription. We hypothesized that these co-regulators are expressed in breast cancer tissue and may be differentially regulated by estrogen and tamoxifen.ER-alpha, ER-beta, the co-activator SRC-1, and the co-repressor SMRT were localized within breast tissue by immunohistochemistry, and the ...

Metformin treatment of women with PCOS has been shown to improve ovarian function, reduce hyperandrogenicity and induce weight loss. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the nature of the weight loss in obese women with PCOS, using 2 dose regimes.Methods: Obese (body mass index [BMI] > 29 kilograms /m2) women with PCOS (n = 44) were recruited to the study, and randomised to receive either 1500mg metformin daily (n = 22), or ...

Hirsutism in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. The insulin sensitising agent metformin can reduce hyperandrogenism in women with PCOS. Conventional treatment for hirsutism in such women is combined anti-androgen and estrogen (Dianette; Schering Ltd). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of Dianette with metformin (Glucophage; Merck, 500mgs tds) in the treatment of hirsutism in women wit...

In the adult animal the Leydig cells are the primary source of androgens in the male and are required to maintain fertility and male behaviour. To help towards understanding the development, control and function of these cells we have analysed the adult Leydig cell transcriptome using the SAGE technique which provides a comprehensive and quantitative gene expression profile of cells or tissues. Leydig cells were isolated from normal adult mouse testes using collagenase and the...

Background: Cranial diabetes insipidus (DI) is characterised by the inability to produce ADH (antidiuretic hormone) also known as AVP (arginine vasopressin) resulting in uncontrolled diuresis. Desmopressin is a synthetic form of AVP used to treat this. Treatment errors can lead to dehydration and hypernatremia which can be life-threatening. In view of recent literature suggesting current concerns with Desmopressin administration worldwide, Diabetes Insipidus i...

Introduction: Efficient fuel selection between glucose and fatty acids in insulin-sensitive organs is a key feature which determines metabolic health in humans. In skeletal muscle, lipid storage and utilisation can differ between healthy and diseased individuals, however to date there are limited in vitro models to explore this. Therefore, aim of this work was to investigate the effects of nutrition on engineered skeletal muscle health and metabolism.<p class="abs...

A 30-year-old lady was transferred to our hospital at 37 weeks of pregnancy. Hypertension was noted at 24 weeks of gestation and managed with methyldopa and labetalol. Despite treatment, BP was labile with a systolic of 90–220 and diastolic of 50–129 mmHg. She reported occasional palpitations but not chest pain or shortness of breath. The patient had a history of migrainous headaches but not hypertension prior to pregnancy. Her brother had previously had an operation...

We report a case surviving hyperparathyroid crisis, with the second highest serum calcium concentration ever reported.A 45-year-old female with type 2 diabetes and mixed hyperlipidaemia was admitted with extreme lethargy, dehydration and drowsiness. Serum corrected calcium was 6.49 mmol/l (2.2–2.6 mmol/l), phosphate 1.79 mmol/l, intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) 1059 pg/ml (15–65 pg/ml), creatinine 124 μmol/l and urea 16.0 mmol/l.<p cla...