Endocrine Abstracts

Richard JM Ross, Professor of Endocrinology, Faculty Academic Lead for Innovation and Head of Unit Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Sheffield, UK AbstractRichard Ross trained in Medicine at The Royal London Hospital (1974–1979) and in Endocrinology at St Bartholomew's Hospital, London (1983–1988). He was appointed to Sheffield University in 1995 and is Professor of Endocrinology and He...

Hyponatraemia is the commonest electrolyte abnormality in hospitalised patients, with a prevalence of 20–30% and particularly high incidence in neurosurgical, pulmonary, geriatric, intensive care and oncology units. Up to 6% of patients have severe hyponatraemia (plasma sodium <125 mmol/l). A wealth of data is available which indicates that severe hyponatraemia is associated with cerebral irritation, causing confusion, coma and seizures, and significant excess mortali...

Introduction: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a severe form of hyperlipidaemia resulting in early coronary heart disease (CHD). It has autosomal dominant inheritance with a prevalence of 1 in 500.Aim: Given this prevalence we would expect 1000 cases in our local catchment area of East and North Hertfordshire. Far fewer cases are know about. We tried to find out where potential cases were and assess the management of all cases.<p class="abstext...

The escalating public health problem represented by obesity has spurred multidisciplinary research into adipose tissue and importantly, the molecular biology of the adipocyte. Recent studies suggest that obesity related metabolic disorders are characterised by chronic mild inflammation as a result of adipocytokine production from fat tissue leading to dysregulation in the pro/anti-inflammatory systemic balance. Adipokines and pro-inflammatory markers are implicated in insulin ...

Background: Human saliva is a valuable and flexible source of endocrine biomarkers, from which several significant steroids representing indices of development, well being, stress and reproduction can be quantified. Although for many disciplines blood represents the ‘gold standard’ for endocrine measurement, it also has its limitations, specifically requiring trained phlebotomists and appropriate facilities. The painful and invasive nature of blood draws can deter re...

Introduction and aims: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are at significantly increased risk of developing impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; prevalence 9–35%) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM; prevalence 2–10%), hence screening for these complications is recommended. The American Androgen Excess Society (AAES) recommends a biannual oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in all women with PCOS but this is costly and inconvenient. Alternative strategies which minimise th...

Aim: The investigation of female androgen status in our laboratory is measured as a profile. Androstenedione, testosterone and DHEAS are analysed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. SHBG is analysed by immunoassay, and all results are reported simultaneously. The main aim was to investigate the management of patients who have a raised DHEAS level.Method: Ethical approval was granted for this study. Females with DHEAS levels >6.9 n...

Background: Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a disorder caused by mutations of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene, that controls central tolerance. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4)-dependent hydroxylases, consisting of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH1 and TPH2), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) are commonly targeted autoantigens. Nevertheless, detailed characterization of their epitopes and independent roles of TPH isoforms has ...

Background: Orlistat is a lipase inhibitor used in the treatment of obesity. Recent published work has shown that orlistat may have a role in affecting the release of appetite regulating gastrointestinal derived peptides. However, the precise effect of orlistat on these hormones remains uncertain. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of orlistat with a high fat meal on levels of plasma Peptide YY (PYY) and on appetite.Methods: Ethical perm...

Mammalian differentiation of the external genitalia must be strictly dimorphic for reproductive success. In humans, this is established by a complex interplay of genetic and hormonal factors during 7–12 weeks post-conception (wpc). Despite being fundamental to normal human biology, understanding of human sexual differentiation remains limited. Our objective was to define the onset and regulation of androgen biosynthesis in the human fetal testis and correlate this to diff...