Endocrine Abstracts

Obesity is caused by an imbalance between dietary energy intake and expenditure. The expression of dopamine receptors (DRs) in human adipocytes has been already demonstrated. Moreover, the effects of cabergoline, a dopamine agonist, on body weight and glucose homeostasis in obese subjects without hyperprolactinemia has already been reported. The current study investigates the effects of cabergoline on lipid accumulation and on adipogenic factors expression to better define the...

Background: Vitamin D is an important modulator of cell growth, differentiation and death in normal and neoplastic cells. Its actions are mediated by vitamin D receptor (VDR), which heterodimerizes with nuclear retinoid X receptors (RXRα). Recently, it has been suggested that vitamin D system have a role in male reproduction. The aim of this study was to investigate the VDR and RXRα localization in normal and neoplastic human male reproductive tissues.<p class="a...

Introduction: Hyperprolactinemia is reportedly associated with an impaired metabolic profile, particularly in patients with concomitant hypogonadism. The current study aimed at investigating the effects of short (12 months) and long (60 months) treatment with cabergoline (CAB) on metabolic complications, metabolic syndrome (MS) prevalence and visceral adiposity index (VAI) in hyperprolactinemic patients.Patients and methods: Seventy-one patients (51 F, 2...

Introduction: Generously supported by IPSEN)-->Hyperprolactinemia (HPRL) is associated with an impaired metabolic profile, particularly in patients with hypogonadism. This study aimed to: i) investigate the effects of short and long treatment with cabergoline (CAB) on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and insulin sensitivity and ii) to evaluate the impact of gonadal function on metabolic changes, in male patients with HPRL.</...

Ovarian carcinoma (OC) is associated with poor prognosis and low survival rate. Eligible treatment for advanced OC is surgery followed by chemotherapy based on a combination of Platinum and Taxol, but unfortunately long-term outcome of such therapy is disappointing. Moreover, systemic administration of cytotoxic agents is usually accompanied by a series of side effects. On the basis of this evidence, more selective and tumour cell-targeted therapeutic approaches are warranted....

Adrenal insufficiency is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by low levels of cortisol associated with increased mortality, also due to inadequate replacement therapy. The replacement with the thrice-daily immediate release hydrocortisone (IRH), in contrast to the once-daily modified-release hydrocortisone (MRH), more appropriately mimicking the physiological circadian rhythm of cortisol (PCRC), is associated with metabolic disorders, mainly due to the non-physiological pe...

Insulin resistance (IR), characterized by an impairment of target tissues to insulin responsiveness, is the core defect preceding diabetes. Preclinical and clinical data have suggested a role for the dopaminergic system in glucose homeostasis control. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of the dopamine agonist cabergoline (CAB), displaying high affinity for dopamine type 2 (DR2) receptor and low affinity for serotonin receptors (5-HTRs), in the regulation ...

Fertility represents a major concern in patients with acromegaly and the peculiar PCOS-like condition is commonly found in acromegalic women. The current retrospective study aimed at investigating gonadal function and fertility rate in acromegalic women with disease onset (DO) within the reproductive age. In 50 women hormonal parameters and gynecological ultrasound were evaluated at diagnosis (DD) and after disease control (DC). Data about menstrual disturbances (MD), pregnanc...

Pegvisomant (PEG) is effective in acromegaly control and exerts a positive impact on glucose metabolism. The current study aimed at investigating the effects of 10-years PEG treatment on disease control, pituitary adenoma size, and metabolic profile in patients with acromegaly resistant to somatostatin analogues (SRLs). Twenty-two patients (9 men,13 women, age 45.54 ± 12.83 years) treated with PEG for 10 years, in monotherapy or in combination with SRLs, were included in ...

Pasireotide is a second-line therapy for acromegaly, that allows to obtain disease control in patients previously uncontrolled. However, pasireotide-induced hyperglycemia is of major concern. Currently, few data concerning prolonged use of pasireotide are available. The current retrospective study aimed at investigating the efficacy and safety of long-term pasireotide therapy. Sixteen consecutive patients (5 males, 11 females, age 47 ± 11 years) undergoing pasireotide for...