Endocrine Abstracts

11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11B-HSD1) catalyses the inter-conversion of cortisone and cortisol, and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a number of disorders including insulin resistance and obesity. The enzyme is a glycosylated membrane-bound protein, located in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and has proved difficult to purify in an active state. Previously, we reported the successful expression and purification of human 11B-HSD1 from E. co...

The Androgen Receptor (AR) is a ligand dependent transcription factor that regulates the development and maintenance of the male reproductive system. Previous studies in AIS have demonstrated ligand binding domain mutations resulting in decreased trans-activation activity through reduced N-terminal/C-terminal interaction of the AR, despite unaltered ligand binding ability.We have introduced mutations in the hinge region of the Androgen Receptor (AR) and assessed the effect...

Hormonal activation of the androgen receptor plays a critical role in male fetal sex differentiation.Current hypotheses concerning estrogen/androgen balance and the role of estrogenic environmental contaminants have led us to investigate the capacity for androgenic/antiandrogenic activity in such chemicals. We have previously developed a sensitive in vitro assay using a telomerase-immortalised human cell line capable of detecting putative endocrine disrupting activi...

Ghrelin, the natural ligand for the GHS-R, modulates proliferation in cell lines derived from malignant breast tissue. It has been suggested that this action is independent of the GHS-R. We have previously demonstrated that MCF7 cells expressed ghrelin but not GHS-R mRNA and MDA-MB231 cells expressed GHS-R but not ghrelin mRNA. To determine whether ghrelin modulates proliferation in MCF7 and MDA-MB231 cells we performed proliferation assays treating with saline, 1 and 10nM ghr...

Complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS), is generally caused by a mutation in the androgen receptor (AR) gene. In sequencing genomic DNA from patients with CAIS, we identified 7 novel mutations in the AR. Their effects on AR function are speculated in relation to AR functional domains and crystal structure. Local Ethical Committee approval was obtained for the use of patient samples.Exon 1 mutations, Q86X and Y480X, are located in the transactiv...

Background: Nearly a third of children aged 2–15 are overweight or obese (body mass index at or above 95th percentile) and children are becoming ‘obese’ at earlier ages and staying obese for longer. Obesity is linked to an array of medical conditions including hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and musculoskeletal pain and is associated with poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL) overall. Yet there is limited information on th...

Dysregulation of the enzymes that control local tissue steroid metabolism has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and insulin resistant states, however longitudinal changes in glucocorticoid metabolism over time have not been investigated. This study was designed to evaluate the role of pre-receptor glucocorticoid metabolism in the development of insulin resistance and obesity. 24 h urinary glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid metabolites were measured by gas chroma...

Background: Accurate genetic diagnosis is essential in disorders of sex development (DSD), guiding medical management and enabling optimal personalized care delivery.Case presentation: Two siblings (I and II) with a family history of 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydroxygenase (17β-HSD3) deficiency presented postnatally with isolated labial swelling. Karyotype was 46,XY and urinary steroid profile (USP) normal. HCG-stimulated testosterone/androstenedion...

Introduction: MRONJ is defined as exposed bone in the maxillofacial region that persists after eight weeks in patients treated with antiresorptive or anti-angiogenic drugs, without previous radiotherapy. The estimated United Kingdom incidence of MRONJ in osteoporosis patients is 0.01-0.1% (1). MRONJ can cause severe disfigurement, speech and feeding difficulties. We aim to investigate MRONJ incidence and utility of dental screening in patients receiving Zoledronate ...

Familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA) is an increasingly recognised cause of familial pituitary tumours with autosomal dominant inheritance. An increased population risk of AIP mutations has recently been reported in Ireland. We present the cases of three siblings, with likely AIP related disease, attending endocrinology clinics in Glasgow. Patient one has been confirmed to be an AIP mutation carrier.Patient 1 ...