Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The objective of this study was to define the incidence and prevalence of treated thyroid dysfunction in a complete and representative population base.Method: We used record-linkage technology to retrospectively identify subjects treated for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism in the general population of Tayside, Scotland from 1 January 1993 to 30 April 1997. Thyroid status was ascertained by record-linkage of patient-level datasets containing...

IntroductionThe prognosis in head and neck cancer has remained unchanged over the last 20 years (overall 5 year survival 50-60 percent), and is adversely affected by tumour angiogenesis. The effects of the anti-proliferative and anti-angiogenic peptide somatostatin (SST) are mediated through a family 5 receptors (SSTRs 1-5), whilst the angiogenic cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) acts predominantly via 2 receptors: FLK and FLT. The objective of this study ...

Background: Glucocorticoid (GC) therapy is standard of care of management of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) but its use is associated with a range of side-effects. Weight gain leading to significant obesity is common in GC-treated boys.Aim(s): To evaluate changes in growth parameters: height-SDS, weight-SDS, body mass index (BMI)-SDS following initiation of GC in DMD.Methods: Between 2013-2019, 26 boys with DMD were commenced on...

Vitamin D deficiency is associated with the development of some cancers and in vitro 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25D) reduces cell proliferation. We suggest that modification of tissue specific immune responses, as a consequence of local synthesis of 1,25D, may be key. To assess the impact of serum 25D on the risk of bladder cancer we conducted a systematic review. To test our hypothesis, expression of vitamin D signalling components and the synthesis of 1,25D were exa...

Ovarian neuroendocrine tumours are rare (< 2% gynaecological tumours) and first described in 1939 by Stewart et al. The occurrence of carcinoid heart disease alongside this is anecdotal. We present a previously fit 66 year old female, with a 6 month history of shortness of breath and ankle oedema. Echocardiogram revealed severe fixed tricuspid regurgitation, pulmonary valve disease, dilated right heart chambers and preserved left ventricular function. Carcinoid heart disea...

Disorders of sex development (DSDs) refer to a range of congenital disorders where the chromosomal, gonadal or anatomical sex is atypical. Patients typically present in the newborn period where ambiguous genitalia often prevents immediate gender assignment or during the adolescent period where atypical sexual development becomes apparent. Genetic testing is key in establishing the diagnosis allowing for personalised management of these patients, and can significantly reduce th...

Objective: Transphenoidal hypophysectomy is currently the primary treatment for patients with acromegaly. Advances in medical and radiotherapy treatment options have resulted in uncertainty whether surgery should remain the treatment of choice for all acromegalics. The surgical cure rate for acromegaly is variable and there is a need to accurately counsel patients regarding the likelihood of successful surgical cure. We examined how lateral tumour extension into the cavernous ...

Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) has diverse in vitro effects as an inhibitor of 11beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11HSD), 5alpha reductase and hormone receptor binding. However, in vivo GA studies have focussed on the hypertensive effects associated with the syndrome of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (SAME) in which 11HSD inhibition allows glucocorticoid hormones to bind inappropriately to MR and subsequent decreased aldosterone synthesis. Here we consider whether...

Objectives: (1) to establish the relative level of osteoporotic fracture in the thyroid population compared to the general population, and (2) to establish whether osteoporotic fracture in patients receiving thyroxine was associated with plasma thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level or thyroxine dose.Method: A database of clinical information from subjects with treated thyroid disease was linked to morbidity records describing all in-patient episodes of...

Osteoporosis and associated fractures are the most common and debilitating complication of glucocorticoid use. The use of alternative anti-inflammatory agents without the catabolic and deleterious skeletal side-effects of glucocorticoids is needed. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may have immunomodulatory as well as positive effects on bone. To further our understanding of the mechanisms of action of DHEA, as a steroid-sparing agent, we investigated and compared the effects of D...