Searchable abstracts of presentations at key conferences in endocrinology

ea0008p82 | Steroids | SFE2004

PHYTOESTROGENS INHIBIT mRNA EXPRESSION AND ACTIVITY OF AROMATASE IN HUMAN GRANULOSA-LUTEAL (GL) CELLS

Rice S , Whitehead SA

Phytoestrogens bind weakly to oestrogen receptors and can initiate oestrogen-dependent transcription. They are promoted as natural alternatives to HRT and yet epidemiological evidence suggests that they may protect against breast and prostate cancer. Studies in cell-free preparations have shown that phytoestrogens can inhibit the activity of aromatase and that the inhibition is, at least partly, competitive with androgen substrates. The question as to whether chronic exposure ...

ea0003p220 | Reproduction | BES2002

Phytoestrogens as inhibitors of aromatase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in luteinized human granulosa cells

Lacey M , Whitehead S

Studies on breast cancer cell lines, placental microsomes and purified recombinant enzymes have shown that various phytoestrogens can inhibit both aromatase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) enzymes. This has led to the suggestion that certain phytoestrogens may exert their endocrine disrupting functions by enzyme inhibition rather than their ability to bind weakly to oestrogen receptors. Previous studies have shown that genistein, the active ingredient of soy, ind...

ea0002oc29 | Reproduction | SFE2001

Evidence for FSH induction of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in luteinized human granulosa cells

Lacey M , Whitehead S

Numerous investigations have shown that FSH can induce aromatase in granulosa cells obtained from natural ovarian cycles. In contrast granulosa luteal (GL) cells obtained from patients undergoing procedures for IVF are generally insensitive to FSH-induction of aromatase. A few studies, however, have reported that GL cells can be sensitized to this gonadotrophin. In these experiments we compared the conversion of various steroid substrates - namely pregnenolone and androstenedi...

ea0062oc10 | Oral Communications | EU2019

An occult cause of thyrotoxicosis

Bishop Katherine , Whitehead Ian , Ewins David

Case History: A 46 year old lady presented with deranged thyroid function (TSH 0.05, T4 19.7). She reported palpitations, mild eye irritation, sweats and weight loss. Examination revealed a resting tremor and regular pulse (72 bpm). A small goitre with bruit was present, but no evidence of thyroid eye disease. Block-and-replace regime of carbimazole and levothyroxine was commenced for Graves’ disease. Thyroid peroxidase antibodies were <1. After one year of euthyroidi...

ea0008s16 | Hormones in natural products | SFE2004

Phytoestrogens - beyond the oestrogen receptor

Whitehead SA , Lacey M , Rice S

Phytoestrogens (PEs) have a weak affinity for the oestrogen receptor. There is, however, no consistent evidence that, on a normal diet, circulating levels of PEs reach sufficient concentrations to exert significant oestrogenic/anti-oestrogenic effects. Phytoestrogens have been implicated in other cellular actions, not all of which necessarily involve the oestrogen receptor. Studies on cell-free systems and cell lines have demonstrated dose-dependent inhibitory effects of PEs o...

ea0036oc5.2 | Oral Communications 5 | BSPED2014

The impact of receiving a diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism on families

Alvi Sabah , Priestley Julia , Whitehead Amanda , Walker Jenny , Mushtaq Talat

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CHT) may be viewed as a relatively easy condition to diagnose and treat. However, for the parents who are contacted with the neonatal screening results the news can be devastating. The quality of information provided at diagnosis is variable, and there are few support groups they can turn to. Many seek information online before meeting a paediatrician.Methods: The British Thyroid Foundation in conjunction with our r...

ea0030oc5.1 | Oral Communications 5 | BSPED2012

Adolescent transition clinic: a review of the young person's self-confidence and future concerns

Whitehead A , Walker J , Mushtaq T , Alvi N S

Introduction: There has been a joint transition clinic in our tertiary centre for over 10 years. We have recently undertaken a questionnaire based review of this service.Methodology: The questionnaire comprised two components: what the young adults understood about their condition and the medications they were currently taking using both a written response and a score of 0–10 for how confident they felt in this. They were also asked to complete a co...

ea0027oc2.4 | Oral Communications 2 (Quick Fire) | BSPED2011

Short term effects of recombinant IGF1 therapy in children with Laron's syndrome

Amin Nadia , Alvi Sabah , Walker Jenny , Whitehead Amanda , Mushtaq Talat

Introduction: Children with Laron’s syndrome have a classical phenotype which includes extreme short stature and mid facial hypoplasia. It is biochemically characterised by high levels of GH and very low IGF1 levels. These children fulfil the criteria for recombinant IGF1 (rhIGF1, Mecasermin) therapy, however this has to be balanced with possible side effects. This study looked at the short term efficacy and safety profile of six children (five males) with Laron’s sy...

ea0011p431 | Endocrine disruptors | ECE2006

Extracts of black cohosh (Actaea racemosa) inhibit growth of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells and dose-dependently inhibit oestrone sulphatase activity

Whitehead SA , Kotalla C , Rice S , Mason HD

Extracts of black cohosh (BCE) are frequently used as an alternative to conventional HRT to treat menopausal symptoms, particularly in Germany and the United States. In fact, BCE is the 14th most popular herbal product in the US and in 2003 sales were at least $15.7 million. Evidence for an increased incidence of breast cancer in long-term users of HRT has reduced its use and may increase the use of alternative treatments. These still require rigorous scientific investigation,...

ea0011p687 | Reproduction | ECE2006

Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) production by and amh type-II receptor (AMHRII) in normal human ovaries

Hanna L , Pellatt L , Rice S , Whitehead S , Mason H

AMH, the fetal testicular sexual differentiative factor, is now implicated in adult ovarian function. Antral follicle immunohistochemistry demonstrated AMH protein and message, the staining peaking around 4 mm. Interestingly, AMH-knockout mice have increased FSH sensitivity. Our aim was to measure AMH in follicular fluid and cell-conditioned medium and AMHRII in normal ovaries from women undergoing TAH/BSO.Follicles were dissected intact, follicular flui...