Endocrine Abstracts

Gram negative bacterial meningitis with consequent meningeal inflammation is a major cause of death and morbidity worldwide. Meningitis denotes infection of the blood brain barrier (BBB) including the choroid plexus (CP), the site of secretion of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We propose that 1α 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1α25-(OH)2D3), an important immunomodulator, may suppress CP inflammation thereby reducing morbidity. We aimed to assess ...

Ocular and orbital tissues are extremely susceptible to damage by immune-mediated inflammatory conditions, such as thyroid-associated-ophthalmopathy (TAO). Recent studies have implicated fibroblasts in the development of chronic inflammation. Once activated by inflammatory cytokines, fibroblasts secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines perpetuating the inflammatory process, causing significant tissue damage. Synovial fibroblasts have been reported to regulate inflammation by increas...

Ion and fluid transport mechanisms within the eye are important for several key physiological processes including the maintenance of corneal transparency and the regulation of intraocular pressure (IOP). The mechanism involved in epithelial sodium transport in the eye is regulated by corticosteroids and at a pre-receptor level, by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β-HSD) activity. Recent studies localised type 1 (11β-HSD1), an oxo-reductase that activates cort...

The pre-receptor regulation of glucocorticoids is mediated by 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (11β-HSD). The type 1 isoform is primarily responsible for the generation of active cortisol in tissues such as liver and adipose, whereas 11β-HSD2 regulates sodium and ion transport. Recently, we have shown the presence of functional 11β-HSD1 in the ciliary body of the eye where it is important in control of sodium transport, aqueous humour production and intrao...

Three hundred and thirty six cases of pituitary adenomas were operated by the transpenoidal route in the last 10 years by a single surgeon. Majority of these were giant non functioning adenomas. Prolactinomas were excluded unless a part of dual adenoma.In nearly 80% of tumours, total or near total removal was achieved. Long term outcome with follow up of more than 5 years revealed recurrence requiring resurgery in only 4 out of 102 patients. Endocrine re...

Orbital fat (OF) represents a highly specialised adipose tissue depot that occupies a confined space behind the eyeball known as the orbit. OF fills most of the orbital cavity providing support to the delicate structures that link the eye to the brain, and protects against sight-threatening mechanical and inflammatory trauma. Subcutaneous (SC) and omental (OM) adipose tissues are highly active endocrine organs, regulated in part by glucocorticoids (GCs). The pre-receptor regul...

Objective: Long-term androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) negatively influences bone. The short-term effects on bone and mineral homeostasis are less known. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the early effects of ADT on calcium/phosphate homeostasis and bone turnover.Design: Prospective cohort study.Methods: Eugonadal adult male sex offenders, who were referred for ADT to the endocrine outpatient clinic, received cyproterone acetate....

Lorenz C Hofbauer, Germany AbstractThe European Journal of Endocrinology Prize is awarded to a candidate who has significantly contributed to the advancement of the knowledge in the field of endocrinology through publication. This year’s recipient is Dr Lorenz Hofbauer. The prize will be presented as part of the ECE 2010 opening ceremony where Dr Hofbauer will deliver his lecture. Dr Hofbau...