Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Inadequate glucocorticoid (GC) replacement may be associated with overexposure to GC, which can adversely influence metabolic and cardio-vascular state of hypopituitary growth hormone deficient adult patients (A-GHD). In this study we compared metabolic profile of ACTH insufficient and sufficient patients in A-GHD not treated with GH.Patients and methods: A cohort of 260 patients (age 48.6±12 years and BMI 28.7±6.6 kg/m2)...

Ghrelin is able to stimulate HPA axis in both humans and animals. Exaggerated ACTH and cortisol responses to ghrelin have been shown in patients with CD. Here we studied the role of ghrelin alone or in combination with CRH in the diagnosis of CD. In 21 CD patient (18 female, age 49.8±10.2 years, BMI 29.8±0.8 kg/m2, ten macroadenomas 11 microadenomas) we performed: i) ghrelin test (100 μg iv bolus) ii) CRH test (100 μg iv bolus) and iii) ghrelin+C...

Introduction: There is an increasing awareness for intrinsic imperfections of endocrine replacement therapy affecting general well-being in the long-term. For thyroid hormone, many factors affect the variable responses to hormone replacement, like common genetic variations in deiodinase and thyroid hormone transport proteins, and the inability to provide adequate individual combined T4 and T3 therapy. Despite levothyroxine (L-T4)...

Hypopituitarism as deficiency of one or more anterior pituitary hormones, in adults can be consequence of acquired or genetic causes. Only few published studies investigated population-based aetiology of hypopituitarism. In the last 10 years new risks for hypopituitarism have been recognised (traumatic brain injury-TBI, subarachnoid haemorrhage, cranial irradiation).Aim: To present our experiences in the aetiology of hypopituitarism based on data collect...

Background: Pituitary adenoma (PA) is an under-investigated pathology in the elderly.Objective: To review our case records of patients >70 years with PA, in order to evaluate presentation symptoms, hormonal results, and pituitary morphology.Patients: 48 patients aged 70 years or older (21 females/27 males) were identified from the group of 610 patients with PA (7.9%) diagnosed at Neuroendocrine Unit, Clinic for Endocrinology, B...

Introduction: Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and REM-sleep abnormalities. Lateral hypothalamic hypocretin/orexin neurones are critical for normal wakefulness and energy expenditure, and the reduction of their activity has been linked with narcolepsy. Their activity is inhibited by extracellular glucose and the ‘satiety’ hormone leptin but stimulated by the ’hunger’ hormone ghrelin. Patients with narcolepsy ...

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is known as a state of gonadotrophin and leptin deficiency. Leptin, the product of OB gene, secreted by adipocytes, is proved to play an important role in regulating apetite and energy expenditure. Thyroid hormones are Important regulators of total energy expenditure are thyroid hormones and also are able to increase oxygen consumption by tissues. The aim of the study was to evaluate a possible interaction of thyroid hormones (T3, T4...

Introduction: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent metabolic disorder in women of the reproductive age, and is characterized by multi-factorial cardiovascular risk factors. Insulin resistance is proposed as a central factor linking PCOS to increasing risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of our study was to explore a link between insulin resistance and oxidative stress, as a predictor of cardiovascular risk, in young, non-obese PCOS women.Met...

Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is anxious disorder that occurs following exposure to trauma. In the last two decades, numerous studies showed that dysregulation of hipothalamo–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPAA) is a core feature of the PTSD. Still, results are heterogeneous and often conflicted with one another. Therefore, we conducted strictly controlled study in order to characterize relationship between ACTH and cortisol secretion in patients with c...

Gaucher disease (GD) is autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by the deficiency of glucocerebrosidase with consequent massive acumulation of lipid-laden macrophages in various tissues. Estimated life expectancy is about 9 years shorter than for the reference population. Mortality due to macrovascular diseases is higher, and probably associated with metabolic abnormalities found in GD type 1 patients, including decreases in serum adiponectin levels. Because adip...