Endocrine Abstracts

Sub-clinical Cushing’s syndrome has, in recent years, been described among diabetic populations but no consensus has emerged about the value of screening. We enrolled 201 consecutive diabetics attending clinic and 80 controls. Local ethics committee approval was obtained. Patients with at least 2 of the following 3 criteria were offered screening: HbA1c≥7%, BMI≥25 and history of hypertension or BP≥140/90. An 11 pm salivary sample was stored at room tempe...

Introduction: Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is emerging as a cause of secondary hypertension. Between 20 and 50% of patients with PHPT have hypertension, this being directly proportional to the calcemia. The elevation of blood pressure in PHPT is mediated by hypercalcemia that acts directly stimulating the contraction of muscle fibers of the arterial vessel wall, and increases plasma renin levels and the release of catecholamines.Objectives: (1) Det...

Introduction: Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), a member of the natriuretic peptide family, regulates several physiologic parameters including diuresis and natriuresis, and lowers arterial, blood pressure.It has been reported that plasma concentrations of ANP rise in response to acute hyperglycaemia in diabetes (1) (2) and this may indicate a neurohormonal response to limit target organ damage (3).We investigate if in situation chr...

Introduction: Its has been suggested that atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) may contribuye to the development of microalbuminuria in diabetes mellitus.Plasma ANP concentration have been reported to be elevated in association with microalbuminuria, all of wich predict the future development of overt nephropathy in diabetes (1).Key players in neurohormonal activation include neuropeptides and their receptors wich include the ANP (2).<...

Introduction: Gender identity disorder (GID) is a disagreement between biological sexual differentiation and self-declared gender identity. The aetiology of GID remains unclear, although endocrinological, neuroanatomical and psychosocial factors are all thought to be causally involved. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by chronic anovulation, polycystic ovarian morphology, and biochemical and/or biological signs of hyperandrogenism. Most women with PCOS also ex...

Introduction: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is a common condition and can lead to impaired systolic and diastolic cardiac function. However, controversy remains over the potential benefits of levothyroxine substitution in patients with SCH and concomitant heart disease. We aimed to examine the effects of levothyroxine treatment on all-cause mortality in patients diagnosed with SCH and heart disease.Methods: Primary care patients aged 18 years and olde...

Introduction: Mechanism underlying glucose-mediated development and progression of diabetic complication are incompletely understood. Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is a hormone released by atrial myocytes in response to acute and chronic extracellular volume expansion. Moderate hyperglycaemia (>400 mg/dl) in diabetic rats is associated with an elevation in circulating ANP levels and in GFR (glomerular filtration rate), (1) and play a role in the development of microalbu...

During starvation, ketone bodies acetoacetate and 3-D-hydroxybutyrate are freely soluble energy substrates made by the liver. Their major role is to supply an alternative glucose substrate for the brain under conditions of medium- and long-term energy restriction. The most common cause of pathological ketoacidosis is poorly controlled type 1 diabetic mellitus triggering uncontrolled hyperglycaemia. Other common causes are alcoholic ketoacidosis and fasting ketosis. In non-diab...

A 71 year old man presented with 6 months history of pain over the nipples, weight loss of ½ stone over the previous month and nausea. Initial investigations carried out by the breast surgeons including ultrasound scan of the breast and testes were normal. He was then referred to the Endocrine department for further investigations. There was no significant past medical history, he was taking over the counter vitamins and ...

A 42 year old male was referred to the endocrine clinic with accelerated hypertension (190/110) and an elevated aldosterone renin ratio (59). CT adrenal scan revealed a 16 mm diameter mass in the posterior limb of the right adrenal gland which was confirmed to be hyperfunctioning through adrenal vein sampling. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed and histology confirmed cortical adenoma of the right adrenal gland consistent with Conn’s syndr...