Endocrine Abstracts

The establishment of pregnancy requires dynamic remodelling of the endometrium. Decidualization, a key part of this process, is characterised by differentiation of endometrial stromal fibroblasts (ESF) which secrete factors that regulate implantation and placental development. We recently discovered that ESF synthesise androgens which modulate the expression of endometrial receptivity and decidualization markers. Utilisation of the circulating androgen precursor DHEA within ta...

In women, establishment of pregnancy is dependent upon ‘fine-tuning’ of the endometrial microenvironment which is mediated by differentiation (decidualisation) of human endometrial stromal fibroblasts (hESF). Using a robust in vitro model of decidualisation we have demonstrated an important role for local steroid metabolism in regulating hESF, something previously considered a solely endocrine-mediated process. We have conducted detailed time-course profilin...

A patient from a known family with MEN-1 was referred to the endocrine team in 1995 for endocrine screening. At that time she was well although she had hyperprolactinaemia which was attributed to macroprolactin isoforms. Subsequently she was found to have an occipital meningioma which was removed in 2002, but unfortunately developed post-operative partial seizures.In 2006 she developed a non-functioning adenoma in the tail of the pancreas which was succe...

Osteoporosis is defined as a skeletal disorder characterised by reduced bone mineral density, predisposing a person to an increased risk of fracture. An estimated 3 million people in the UK suffer from the condition, most of these are women. Early intervention is important because bone loss is progressive and so is the risk of fracture.A 28 year old lady presented to a local hospital complaining of pain in her right hip which caused her to limp. She was ...

We describe the case of a 57 year old patient who was referred in 1992. He gave a past history of renal colic in 1974 and a parathyroidectomy for hypercalcaemia in 1976. A duodenal ulcer was diagnosed in 1991. His presenting complaint was of watery diarrhoea persisting over several years. His calcium had remained slightly elevated and was 2.70 millimoles per litre at referral (normal 2.15 - 2.65). Prolactin was 617 micrograms per litre (normal up to 425) and gastrin 400 picomo...

Explosive, multiple episodes of diarrhoea are common in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms affecting around 30% of the patient population. This is combination with other symptoms such as red, dry flushing and wheezing constitute carcinoid syndrome. This syndrome can have a devastating effect on patients impacting upon all aspects of their being. Somatostatin analogues alone can be successful in the management of diarrhoea however in some cases this is inadequate. In 2018 T...

Background: Patients with low grade GI tract (GEP) neuroendocrine tumours and low grade neuroendocrine tumours of unknown primary (LG NETs) often live for many years even in the context of advanced disease. Their nutritional status is important to maintain wellbeing. Both the tumour and its treatment can potentially affect nutritional status.Method: Patients attending routine follow up appointments with the NET team in Edinburgh were invited to participa...

We report a case of Carney complex who demonstrated most of the disease-defining features and an unusual manifestation of choroidal malignant melanoma not previously reported in the literature.A 16-year-old female patient initially presented to the endocrinologists in 1991 with secondary amenorrhea and raised prolactin levels, diagnosed to have a pituitary microprolactinoma. Past history included episodes of vague syncope and palpitations treated as comp...

Some patients with Cushing’s have only periodic hypercortisolism, known as cyclical Cushing’s, becoming eucortisolaemic or even transiently subnormal between periods of hypercortisolaemia. We report two cases and discuss the management.A 23-year-old lady presented in March 2007 with Cushingoid features. Initial urinary free cortisol was raised at 594 nmol/l. A midnight cortisol of 568 nmol/l and post-48 h low dose dexamethasone cortisol of 351 ...

IntroductionRecent studies have confirmed that IGF-I is an important determinant of future glucose homeostasis and cardiovascular risk. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) is the principal carrier protein for IGF-I in the circulation. Therefore we tested the relationship of IGF-I and IGFBP-3 to insulin resistance in an ethnic group with a high incidence of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.Methods. In a population-based study 100 subjects of...