Endocrine Abstracts

Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) play a fundamental role in the control of insulin secretion from pancreatic B-cells since they govern rises in cytosolic Ca2+ in response to depolarization-dependent agonists, such as glucose. Here, we have examined the function and expression of VGCC in human B-cells. We isolated tissue from patients with B-cell adenoma (AD) and Hyperinsulinism in Infancy (HI) following surgery and used transplantable human islets as controls. ...

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is an excessive accumulation of fibrous filaments in the extracellular matrix (ECM), in response to an inflammatory reaction that disrupts normal lung architecture and physiology. Collagen is the most abundant fibrous protein in the ECM. The GLP-1 receptor is highly expressed on lung tissue, where his activation plays an essential role in the synthesis and secretion of surfactant proteins. The objective of this study was to elucidate the eff...

Introduction: In patients with primary hyperaldosteronism, distinguishing between unilateral and bilateral adrenal hypersecretion is critical in assessing treatment options. Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) has been advocated by some to be the gold standard for localization of the responsible lesion however is invasive, technically challenging, and difficult to interpret. Adrenal computed tomographic scanning (TC) is mandatory before AVS but more studies are warranted to identify...

Introduction: Non-classic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) is an autosomal recessive disorder, that affects adrenal steroidogenesis, and it is characterized by an enzymatic defect in corticosteroids biosynthesis. NCCAH diagnosis is based on the determination of 17a-hydroxiprogesterone (17a-OHP) basal levels, and levels after stimulation with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and it is confirmed with molecular testing. Treatment is still controversial, and it must be in...

Background: Insulinoma is a rare pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor but a life-threatening condition if untreated. Surgical resection is the standard of care with a high cure rate for benign insulinomas but complications can occur in nearly 30% of cases. New non-surgical mini-invasive ablative therapies can be considered in patients with benign insulinoma who are either unfit for surgery or refuse it, although current data are scarce and long-term outcomes are unknown.<p clas...

Introduction: Hypercalcemia is a frequent hydroelectrolytic disorder, and primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause in oupatients. It is important to make an early diagnosis and adequate treatment in order to avoid possible complications such as nephrolithiasis, osteoporosis or the deterioration of glomerular filtration rate.Clinical case: A 63-year-old female patient referred for hypercalcemia. Past medical history included stage IV chronic r...

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is used for the long-term management of patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Hemoglobin variants other than HbA1c and e-N-lysine-glycated HbA0 may cause analytical interference in determinations of HbA1c. Hemoglobin J is an abnormal hemoglobin, an alpha globin gene variant and present in various geographic locations. Hemoglobin J (depending on its type) has different characteristics and functions. For example hemoglobin J Capetown (α2 92Gln β2...

Introduction: Aging is associated with a decrease in muscle and bone mass, and a gain in fat mass. Similar changes are more pronounced in hypercortisolism. We previously demonstrated that high 8 PM salivary cortisol is independently associated with increased prevalence of radiologic vertebral fractures. We wanted to determine whether salivary cortisol circadian rhythm played also a role on body composition.Material and Methods: Cross-sectional study incl...

Introduction: Central diabetes insipidus is a disorder characterized by polyuria and polydipsia due to vasopressin deficiency caused by a lesion at the hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis. Frequently, central diabetes insipidus is wrongly considered idiopathic if not associated with other neurological signs and symptoms. Herein we present the report of a case that illustrates the difficulties in the diagnosis of this condition.Case report: A 17 year-old male wa...

Introduction: Cushing disease (CD) results from excessive exposure to glucocorticoids caused by an adrenocorticotropic hormone–secreting pituitary tumor. Inadequately treated CD is associated with significant morbidity and elevated mortality.Objetive: The study purpose was to describe the long term treatment outcomes for CD patients in our hospital.Methods: Retrospective analysis of the records of 36 patients with Cushing dise...