Endocrine Abstracts

11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) activates cortisol (F) from cortisone (E). Our recent human studies identified 11beta-HSD1 to the non-pigmented layer (NPE) of the ocular ciliary epithelium, confirming that this enzyme is integral to the physiology of aqueous humour (AH) production vital for the maintenance of intraocular pressure (IOP). 11beta-HSD1 has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity, and our previous data have defined this enzyme i...

The epithelial cells of the choroid plexus (CP) are responsible for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) secretion into the ventricles of the brain, which then drains principally into the dural sinuses. The balance between production and drainage, in part, facilitates a normal intracranial pressure. The secretion of sodium and anions by the CP, creates an osmotic gradient driving the movement of water into the ventricles. This mechanism is analogous to that found in the ocular ciliary ep...

The risk of hypertension is 3-fold increased in women with Turner Syndrome (TS). Coarctation is a known cause of secondary hypertension but for others the aetiology of hypertension is unclear. Studies have demonstrated elevated plasma renin activity (PRA) in girls and young women with TS and hypothesized that the aetiology of hypertension is small vessel renovascular disease. To explore this possibility further blood pressure (BP) and PRA were measured routinely at the Adult T...

Introduction: Overfeeding adolescent ewes with singleton pregnancies results in reduced placental size and low lamb birth weight at term. We have investigated if reduced placental size is associated with altered placental cell proliferation and apoptosis at day 80 of pregnancy (peak placental growth period). Methods: Singleton pregnancies to a single sire were established by embryo transfer to adolescent recipient dams. Pregnant ewes were offered high (H, n = 14) or moderate (...

The clinically available somatostatin (SRIF) analogues, octreotide and lanreotide, are the mainstay of treatment for patients with acromegaly in whom surgery has failed to adequately control GH and IGF-I levels or where surgery is contra-indicated. Both analogues exhibit selective high affinity for SRIF receptor subtype 2 (SSTR2). GH and TSH secretion are regulated by SSTR subtypes 2 & 5, with an additional effect on GH secretion via SSTR1. Prolactin is regulated by SSTR5 ...

In contrast to bone formation biomarkers, reliable bone resorption biomarkers have not been available in serum. Recently, automated measurement of C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), has been promoted as a reliable indicator of bone resorption. The objective of the study was to examine the correlation of CTX-I, with the traditional urinary markers, N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX-I) and deoxypyridinoline (DPD) in a series of patients with Pag...

Measurement of the various available bone formation and resorption markers provide insights into different aspects of the bone metabolism process. Interpretation of bone biomarkers in a clinical setting is complex. Analysis of formation markers including bone alkaline phosphatase, procollagen type 1 propeptide and intact osteocalcin and resorption markers including free deoxypyridinoline and N-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen were performed. From the inter...

Growth hormone (GH) deficiency is associated with insulin insensitivity, abnormalities of endothelial function and increased cardiovascular mortality. Hyperhomocysteinaemia is also associated with impaired endothelial function, and it has been established as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. GH treatment improves lipid profile and endothelial function, but it is not known whether it can affect homocysteine levels.Material & Methods: Twenty-t...

Sodium transport across the human ocular non-pigmented ciliary epithelium (NPE) is fundamental to the production aqueous humour and maintenance of intraocular pressure. In sodium transporting tissues, serum and glucocorticoid regulated kinase isoform 1 (SGK1) has been identified as an early corticosteroid target gene in the activation of pre-existing epithelial sodium channels (ENaC). We previously demonstrated the presence of both the mineralocorticoid (MR) and glucocorticoid...

Introduction: Omnitrope® (Sandoz) is a recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) and was the first biosimilar medicine approved by the European Medicines Agency. PATRO Adults is an international, longitudinal, non-interventional study of the long-term safety and efficacy of Omnitrope® in adults treated in routine clinical practice. The study provides data on the long-term safety of rhGH in adult patients with severe GH deficiency (GHD). Here we pr...