Endocrine Abstracts

Background: The rapid progression in diabetes related technology should in theory make it easier to self-manage diabetes. Previous studies have shown an improvement in glycaemic control and reduced disease burden. However young people show less sustained use of technology, with potential barriers hypothesised as body image difficulties, perception of standing out from peers and not wishing to have devices attached. This study aims to explore the reasons young ...

Objective: X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a rare, sometimes devastating disorder caused by-mainly inherited- mutations in the ABCD1 gene. Cerebral X-ALD can be prevented or modified if diagnosed presymptomatically. Mutation can lead to very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) accumulation in adrenocortical cells, which can cause antibody negative primary Addison’s disease (ANPAD). There are recommendations that all males affected by ANPAD should have VLCFA analysis. W...

Introduction: Pregnancy is associated with maternal metabolic adaptations (increased cholesterol and triglycerides) that are essential for the development and maintenance of the fetus. Physiological and behavioural changes are driven via biological clocks entrained by the light–dark/rest–activity cycles that define feeding time and body temperature. A number of oscillators are present in the peripheral organs that are synchronised by cues from the suprachiasmatic nuc...

Ectopic ACTH secretion accounts for 11–25% of Cushing’s syndrome, most commonly resulting from small cell lung carcinoma and bronchial carcinoid tumours. Ectopic ACTH requires meticulous consideration in the differential of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. Thymic carcinoids are a very rare cause of ectopic ACTH secretion, accounting for 5–12% of cases. A 28 year old gentleman was diagnosed with Cushing’s syndrome after presenting with lethargy, hyper...

The preproglucagon derived peptides glucagon, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and oxyntomodulin are all known to inhibit appetite and have been previously shown to activate the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in the brainstem. The NTS is involved in the processing of signals transmitted from the periphery to the brain via the vagus nerve. The anorectic effects of peripherally administered glucagon and GLP-1 have been shown to be diminished or ablated by subdiaphragmatic vagot...

Introduction: GH and its receptor (GHR) are expressed in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in the eyes of chick embryos, and in mouse, rat and human eyes. Within the retina, exogenous GH has neuroprotective actions, mediated by caspase-dependent and caspase-independent mechanisms that may also be dependent upon IGF1 signaling. Conversely, the immunoneutralization of endogenous GH promotes apoptosis in the retina and in isolated RCGs. The functional relevance of retinal GH was furt...

A 34-year-old female presented with an 18 months history of secondary amenorrhoea, hirsutism, weight gain and low mood. Examination confirmed typical stigmata of Cushing’s syndrome with skin thinning, purpura, acne, facial plethora, central adiposity and hypertension. Investigations revealed fT4 14.7 pmol/l, fT4 4.1 pmol/l, TSH 0.71 μ/l, prolactin 377 μIU/ml, FSH 3.5 μ/l, LH 2.2 μ/l, oestradiol 140 pmol/l, testosterone 5.1 nmol/l,...

Adipocytes have a key role in obesity and precursor cells can differentiate into white or brown adipocytes, with different metabolic functions. However the process by which stem cells commit to these lineages, and the factors that distinguish white adipogenesis from brown, are poorly understood.Fetal mesenchymal stem cells (fMSCs) can differentiate into adipocytes, but neither the regulation of this process, nor the phenotype differentiated cells has bee...

The nuclear receptor co-factor RIP140 has an essential role in metabolic regulation. Genetically manipulated mice lacking RIP140 show reduced fat accumulation, increased energy expenditure and increased insulin sensitivity. They gain less weight on high fat feeding than wild type littermates, and are protected from both age and high fat diet induced insulin resistance.RIP140 is a repressor of transcription and in its absence metabolic gene networks are u...

Background: Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) is the cornerstone of assessment of thyroid nodules. Cytological criteria for benign (THY2) and malignant (THY5) nodules are well-established and reliable. In a minority of patients cytology raises the possibility of a neoplasm (THY3) and only formal histological assesment can differentiate between benign and malignant lesions.Method: Retrospective review of histological and clinical data in a cohort of pat...