Management of hypopituitarism: a perspective from the Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism

ABSTRACT Hypopituitarism is a disorder characterized by insufficient secretion of one or more pituitary hormones. New etiologies of hypopituitarism have been recently described, including head trauma, cerebral hemorrhage, and drug-induced hypophysitis. The investigation of patients with these new disorders, in addition to advances in diagnosis and treatment of hypopituitarism, has increased the prevalence of this condition. Pituitary hormone deficiencies can induce significant clinical changes with consequent increased morbidity and mortality rates, while hormone replacement based on current guidelines protects these patients. In this review, we will first discuss the different etiologies of hypopituitarism and then address one by one the clinical aspects, diagnostic evaluation, and therapeutic options for deficiencies of TSH, ACTH, gonadotropin, and GH. Finally, we will detail the hormonal interactions that occur during replacement of pituitary hormones.

Pan-hipopituitarismo de surgimento na infância e diagnóstico diferencial de poliúria / Childhood-onset panhypopituitarism and differential diagnosis of polyuria

RESUMO: O hipopituitarismo é a deficiência de dois ou mais hormônios hipofisários, que se expressa por sintomas dependentes do tipo e grau de déficit hormonal. A adequada condução destes pacientes é de fundamental importância para que não acarrete atraso no crescimento e desenvolvimento, óbito ou mudanças na qualidade de vida dos indivíduos. Objetiva-se, neste estudo, relatar caso clínico de abordagem de paciente pediátrico com pan-hipopituitarismo e descrever o manejo adotado, bem como a importância do acompanhamento pelo endocrinologista pediátrico. Trata-se de paciente do sexo masculino, 14 anos, com pan-hipopituitarismo iniciado na infância, secundário ao surgimento de germinoma e ao tratamento realizado para o mesmo. A primeira deficiência hormonal apresentada foi diabetes insipidus, seguida, após a realização de quimioterapia e radioterapia, de múltiplas deficiências. O menor segue em acompanhamento especializado, e faz uso de levotiroxina, desmopressina, somatropina, testosterona e prednisolona. A partir do presente relato, percebe-se a importância do diagnóstico oportuno e da adequada abordagem da criança com pan-hipopituitarismo e de seu seguimento a fim de se manter uma qualidade de vida satisfatória. (AU)

ABSTRACT: Hypopituitarism is the deficiency of two or more pituitary hormones. Its symptoms depend on the type and degree of hormonal deficit. Proper care of these patients is of fundamental importance to avoid delay in growth and development, death, or changes in the quality of life. The objective of this study is to report a clinical case of a pediatric patient with pan-hypopituitarism and describe the care adopted, as well as the importance of monitoring by the pediatric endocrinologist. The patient was a 14-year-old boy, with pan-hypopituitarism beginning in childhood, secondary to the appearance of germinoma and the treatment performed for it. The first hormonal deficiency presented was diabetes insipidus, followed by multiple deficiencies after chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient is under specialized monitoring and takes levothyroxine, desmopressin, somatropin, testosterone, and prednisolone. From the present report, timely diagnosis and adequate approach to a child with pan-hypopituitarism and its follow-up are important to maintain a satisfactory quality of life. (AU)

Adenomas hipofisarios en pacientes añosos / Pituitary adenomas in elderly patients

Se evaluó la presentación clínica, tratamiento y sus resultados durante el seguimiento prolongado de 37 pacientes mayores de 65 años con adenomas hipofisarios, y sus causas de muerte. El estudio fue retrospectivo y transversal. La prevalencia de incidentalomas fue 43% (16), macroadenomas 70.3% (26) y adenomas gigantes 16.2% (6). El fenotipo tumoral más frecuente fue el adenoma no funcionante (76%). La prevalencia de alteraciones en el campo visual y síntomas neurológicos fue 56% y 57% respectivamente. El 54% tuvo función hipofisaria normal, deficiencia parcial el 30% y panhipopituitarismo el 16%. Fueron tratados 32, 5 se perdieron en el seguimiento sin recibir tratamiento. Indicamos cirugía en 18. De los operados por vía transesfenoidal, el 23% tuvo complicaciones postquirúrgicas y el 54% mejoría del campo visual. Por vía transcraneal el 50% sufrió complicaciones post quirúrgicas y el 33% mejoró el campo visual. Durante el seguimiento (55.1 ± 48.7 meses) no observamos recrecimiento tumoral, excepto en un adenoma gigante. Cuatro pacientes operados murieron, dos por causas al tumor. Catorce no fueron operados, 11 con adenomas no funcionantes y campo visual normal fueron controlados periódicamente y 3 con adenomas funcionantes recibieron tratamiento médico. No observamos crecimiento tumoral durante el seguimiento (43.7 ± 38.1 meses). No observamos crecimiento tumoral en adenomas no funcionantes y campo visual normal, por lo que sugerimos conducta expectante y control periódico. Cuando existe alteración del campo visual, la cirugía transesfenoidal es segura y efectiva. En los adenomas secretantes y dependiendo de las comorbilidades, sería apropiado optar por tratamiento médico.

Clinical presentation, treatment and its results were evaluated during long-term follow-up of 37 patients older than 65 years with pituitary adenoma. Causes of death were also evaluated. It was a retrospective and cross-sectional study. Prevalence of incidentalomas was 43% (16), macroadenomas 70.3% (26) and giant adenomas 16.2% (6). The most frequent tumor phenotype was the non-functioning adenoma (76%). The prevalence of visual field defects and neurological symptoms was 56% and 57% respectively. We found normal pituitary function in 54%, partial deficiency in 30% and panhypopituitarism in 16%. Thirty-two patients were treated, 5 were lost to follow-up without receiving treatment. Surgery was indicated in 18. Of those operated by trans-sphenoidal approach, 23% had postsurgical complications and 54% improved the visual field. By trans-craneal approach, 50% had post-surgical complications and 33% visual field improvement. During follow-up (55.1 ± 48.7 months) no tumor regrowth was observed, except in a giant adenoma. Four operated patients died, two due to causes related to tumor. Fourteen were not operated, 11 with non-functioning adenoma and normal visual field were periodically controlled and 3 with secreting adenomas received medical treatment. No tumor growth was observed during follow-up (43.7 ± 38.0 months). We did not observe tumor progression in elderly patients with non-functioning adenoma and normal visual field, so we suggest watchful approach and periodic control. When there are visual field defects, trans-sphenoidal surgery can be considered safe and effective. In secreting adenomas and depending on the associated comorbidities, medical treatment would be the appropriate approach.

Pituitary adenomas in elderly patients

Clinical presentation, treatment and its results were evaluated during long-term follow-up of 37 patients older than 65 years with pituitary adenomas. Causes of death were also evaluated. It was a retrospective and cross-sectional study. Prevalence of incidentalomas was 43% (16), macroadenomas 70.3% (26) and giant adenomas 16.2% (6). The most frequent tumor phenotype was the non-functioning adenoma (76%). The prevalence of visual field defects and neurological symptoms was 56% and 57%, respectively. We found normal pituitary function in 54%, partial deficiency in 30% and panhypopituitarism in 16%. Thirty-two patients were treated, 5 were lost to follow-up without receiving treatment. Surgery was indicated in 18. Of those operated by trans-sphenoidal approach, 23% had postsurgical complications and 54% improved the visual field. By trans-craneal approach, 50% had post-surgical complications and 33% visual field improvement. During follow-up (55.1 ± 48.7 months) no tumor regrowth was observed, except in a giant adenoma. Four operated patients died, two due to causes related to tumor. Fourteen were not operated, 11 with non-functioning adenomas and normal visual field were periodically controlled, and 3 with secreting adenomas received medical treatment. No tumor growth was observed during follow-up (43.7 ± 38.1 months). We did not observe tumor progression in elderly patients with non-functioning adenomas and normal visual field, so we suggest watchful approach and periodic control. When there are visual field defects, trans-sphenoidal surgery can be considered safe and effective. In secreting adenomas and depending on the associated comorbidities, medical treatment would be the appropriate approach.

Se evaluó la presentación clínica, tratamiento y sus resultados durante el seguimiento prolongado de 37 pacientes mayores de 65 años con adenomas hipofisarios, y sus causas de muerte. El estudio fue retrospecti vo y transversal. La prevalencia de incidentalomas fue 43% (16), macroadenomas 70.3% (26) y adenomas gigantes 16.2% (6). El fenotipo tumoral más frecuente fue el adenoma no funcionante (76%). La prevalencia de alteraciones en el campo visual y síntomas neurológicos fue 56% y 57% respectivamente. El 54% tuvo función hipofisaria normal, deficiencia parcial el 30% y panhipopituitarismo el 16%. Fueron tratados 32, 5 se perdieron en el seguimiento sin recibir tratamiento. Indicamos cirugía en 18. De los operados por vía transesfenoidal, el 23% tuvo complicaciones postquirúrgicas y el 54% mejoría del campo visual. Por vía transcraneal el 50% sufrió complicaciones post quirúrgicas y el 33% mejoró el campo visual. Durante el seguimiento (55.1 ± 48.7 meses) no observamos recrecimiento tumoral, excepto en un adenoma gigante. Cuatro pacientes operados murieron, dos por causas al tumor. Catorce no fueron operados, 11 con adenomas no funcionantes y campo visual normal fueron controlados periódicamente y 3 con adenomas funcionantes recibieron tratamiento médico. No observamos crecimiento tumoral durante el seguimiento (43.7 ± 38.1 meses). No observamos crecimiento tumoral en adenomas no funcionantes y campo visual normal, por lo que sugerimos conducta expectante y control periódico. Cuando existe alteración del campo visual, la cirugía transesfenoidal es segura y efectiva. En los adenomas secretantes y dependiendo de las comorbilidades, sería apropiado optar por tratamiento médico.

Two novel heterozygous missense variations within the GLI2 gene in two unrelated argentine patients / Two novel heterozygous missense variations within the GLI2 gene in two unrelated Argentine patients

Several heterozygous GLI2 gene mutations have been reported in patients with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) or multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) with or without other malformations. The primary aim of this study was to analyze the presence of GLI2 gene alterations in a cohort of patients with IGHD or MPHD and ectopic/absent posterior pituitary. The coding sequence and flanking intronic regions of GLI2 gene were amplified and directly sequenced from gDNA of 18 affected subjects and relatives. In silico tools were applied to identify the functional impact of newly found variants (Polyphen2, SIFT, Mutation Taster). We identified two novel heterozygous missense variations in two unrelated patients, p.Arg231Gln and p.Arg226Leu, located in the repressor domain of the protein. Both variations affect highly conserved amino acids of the Gli2 protein and were not found in the available databases. In silico tools suggest that these variations might be disease causing. Our study suggests that the GLI2 gene may be one of the candidate genes to analyze when an association of pituitary hormone deficiency and developmental defects in posterior pituitary gland. The highly variable phenotype found suggests the presence of additional unknown factors that could contribute to the phenotype observed in these patients.

Mutaciones heterocigotas en el gen GLI2 fueron previamente comunicadas como causa de déficit aislado de hormona de crecimiento (IGHD) o déficit múltiple de hormonas hipofisarias (MPHD), con o sin otras malformaciones. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar la presencia de alteraciones en el gen GLI2 en un grupo de pacientes con IGHD o MPHD acompañado de neurohipófisis ectópica o ausente. La secuencia codificante y las regiones intrónicas flanqueantes del gen GLI2 fueron amplificadas y secuenciadas de manera directa a partir de ADN genómico extraído de sangre periférica proveniente de 18 sujetos afectados y sus familiares. Se utilizaron herramientas informáticas para predecir el impacto funcional de las nuevas variantes encontradas (Polyphen2, SIFT, Mutation Taster). Identificamos dos nuevas variantes heterocigotas con pérdida de sentido en dos pacientes no relacionados, p.Arg231Gln y p.Arg226Leu, localizadas en el dominio represor de la proteína. Estas variantes afectan aminoácidos altamente conservados en la secuencia proteica de GLI2 y no se encuentran informadas en las bases de datos disponibles. Las herramientas informáticas utilizadas sugieren que estas variantes pueden ser la causa del desarrollo de la enfermedad. Nuestro resultados indican que el gen GLI2 es uno de los genes candidatos a estudiar cuando existe una asociación entre déficit de hormonas hipofisarias y alteraciones en el desarrollo de la neurohipófisis. Se sugiere la existencia de otros factores adicionales que podrían contribuir a la variabilidad del fenotipo observado.

Clinical, hormonal and radiological features of partial Sheehan's syndrome: an Indian experience

ABSTRACT Objective The objective of this study was to describe clinical presentation, hormonal profile and imaging characteristics of 21 patients with partial Sheehan’s syndrome. Subjects and methods This prospective study was carried out over a period of six years (2008-2013). The evaluation of patients included clinical assessment, hormone estimations and contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of pituitary. Results We documented preservation of gonadotroph, corticotroph and lactotroph function in 71.4, 61.9, and 9.5% of patients respectively. Conclusion To conclude some of the pituitary functions can be preserved in Sheehan’s syndrome and this has important implications from the treatment and long term morbidity point of view.

Macrodenoma hipofisario productor de TSH y GH tratado con dosis mensuales del análogo de somatostatina lanreotide. Caso clínico / Pituitary macroadenoma cosecreting thyrotropin and somatotropin treated with monthly doses of the somatostatin analog lanreotide. A case report

Los tirotropinomas son una causa rara de hipertiroidismo, con una prevalencia de un caso por millón de habitantes. Representanmenos del 2% de todos los adenomas pituitarios. Se caracterizan por la secreción autónoma de tirotrofina (TSH) y la refractariedada la retroalimentación negativa de las hormonas tiroideas. Los adenomas mixtos se diferencian por la hipersecreción concomitantede otra hormona de la hipófisis anterior, y se encuentran hasta un 25% de los pacientes, siendo el 15% productoresde somatotrofina (GH).Debido a su infrecuencia, presentamos el caso de una mujer de 62 años, con antecedente de enfermedad de Graves diagnosticadaa los 28 años de edad, tratada con dos dosis de iodo radioactivo. Es derivada a nuestro servicio a la edad de 62 años conel siguiente laboratorio: TSH 38 µUI/ml (0,3-4,2), T4 12.8 µg/ml (4,5-12,5) e IGF-1 445 ng/ml (81-230) y una resonanciamagnética nuclear (RMI) que informaba un macroadenoma hipofisario invasivo. Tras la actualización de los estudios y laconfirmación diagnóstica se inició tratamiento médico con lanreotide intramuscular, 120 mg cada 28 días, obteniendo buenarespuesta bioquímica.

Thyrotropin secreting pituitary adenomas (TSH-omas) are a rare cause of hyperthyroidism with a prevalence of about one case permillion. They account for less than 2% of all pituitary adenomas. TSH secretion is autonomous and refractory to the negative feedbackof thyroid hormones. Mixed adenomas are characterized by concomitant hypersecretion of other anterior pituitary hormones, and arefound in about 25% of patients; approximately 15% secrete somatotropin (GH).Because of their rarity, we report the case of a 62 year old women with a history of Graves’ disease diagnosed at 28 years of age,treated with two doses of I-131, and referred to our service with the following laboratory: TSH 38 µIU/ml (0.3-4.2), T4 12.8 µg/ml(4.5-12.5) and IGF-1 445 ng/ml (81-230). RMI showed an invasive pituitary macroadenoma. After updating and confirming thecomplementary studies, medical treatment was started with the somatostatin analog lanreotide, 120 mg i.m. every 28 days; there wasgood biochemical response.

Efeitos decorrentes do preparo para radioiodoterapia do câncer de tireoide no ritmo de filtração glomerular renal: estudo randomizado comparando suspensão hormonal tireoidiana com o uso do hormônio estimulador da tireoide recombinante humano (TSHrh) / Effects due radioiodine therapy for thyroid cancer in renal glomerular filtration rate: randomized study comparing thyroid hormone withdrawal with the use of recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH)

Foi estudado o ritmo de filtração glomerular (RFG) de pacientes com câncer bem diferenciado da tireoide submetidos à radioiodoterapia (RIT). O estudo avaliou o RFG durante estímulo do hormônio estimulador da tireoide (TSH) por suspensão da reposição hormonal tireoidiana (RHT) ou no uso do hormônio estimulador da tireoide recombinante humano (TSHrh), correlacionou o RFG com o perfil hormonal tireoidiano, avaliou o RFG durante e na semana após a RIT, avaliou o RFG e a dose efetiva de radiação para corpo inteiro e correlacionou métodos de estimativa de RFG. Vinte e oito pacientes incluídos em estudo clínico randomizado não cego foram divididos em dois grupos de 14 pacientes, sendo o grupo A (GA) submetido à suspensão da RHT e o grupo B (GB) ao uso do TSHrh. Os pacientes tiveram antes e após o estímulo do TSH a determinação do RFG por 51Cr-EDTA e coletas séricas do perfil hormonal tireoidiano e creatinina, albumina e ureia, e, após a RIT, colheram exames séricos de creatinina, albumina e ureia, e tiveram estimadas suas doses efetivas de corpo inteiro. Os exames de creatinina, albumina e ureia foram utilizados para estimar o RFG pelas equações de creatinina sérica, Modified Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), e Cockcroft-Gault. O GA apresentou, pelo 51Cr-EDTA, variação de -18,5% do RFG de 94,4±18,6 mL/min antes da suspensão da RHT para 76,2±15,7 mL/min (p=0,0002) e o GB apresentou pelo 51Cr-EDTA variação de 4% do RFG de 90,8±18,4 mL/min antes do TSHrh para 92,6±15,2 mL/min (p=0,64). O RFG variou significativamente só no GA, sem apresentar proporcionalidade entre as variações do hormônio tireoidiano e do RFG. Não houve correlação do RFG com elevação do TSH. Por equações baseadas em creatinina, houve, no GA, queda do RFG durante toda a suspensão da RHT e estabilidade após o retorno da RHT, e, no GB, houve estabilidade do RFG durante todo o estudo. A dose efetiva de corpo inteiro não apresentou diferenças significativas entre os grupos (p=0,76). Na comparação entre...

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was studied in well differentiated thyroid cancer patients referred for radioiodine therapy (RIT). The study evaluated GFR during thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulation after thyroid hormone withdrawal (THW) or after recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH), correlated GFR with thyroid hormone profile, evaluated GFR during and in the week after RIT, evaluated GFR and whole body radiation effective dose, and correlated different methods for GFR determination. 28 patients were included in a non-blinded randomized clinical trial and divided in two groups of 14 patients, being group A (GA) stimulated by THW and group B (GB) stimulated by rhTSH. Patients had GFR determined by 51Cr-EDTA, as well as serum thyroid hormone profile, creatinine, albumin and urea before and after TSH stimulation, and after RIT had determined their serum creatinine, albumin and urea and whole body radiation effective dose. Creatinine, albumin and urea were used to estimate GFR by serum creatinine, Modified Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD), and Cockcroft-Gault equations. GA presented a -18,5% GFR variation by 51CrEDTA varying from 94,4 ± 18,6 mL/min before THW to 76,2±15,7 mL/min after THW (p=0,0002) while GB presented a 4% GFR variation by 51Cr-EDTA varying from 90,8 ± 18,4 mL/min before TSHrh to 92,6 ± 15,2 mL/min after rhTSH (p=0,64). GFR significantly varied only in GA without presenting proportionality with thyroid hormone variation. There was no correlation between rise in TSH levels and GFR. Creatinine equations demonstrated a sustained reduction in GFR during THW and GFR stability after thyroid hormone reposition, while GB presented stable GFR during the whole study. Whole body radiation effective dose didn't present significant differences between the two groups (p=0,76). Comparing 51Cr-EDTA and GFR estimative equations presented Pearson correlation score of 0,78 for serum creatinine, 0,79 for MDRD and 0,66 for Cockcroft-Gault,...

An intrasellar germinoma with normal tumor marker concentrations mimicking primary lymphocytic hypophysitis / Germinoma intrasselar com marcadores tumorais normais mimetizando hipofisite linfocítica primária

Intracranial germinomas (GE) are malignant neoplasms most commonly found in the suprasellar region, which may cause anterior and particularly posterior pituitary hormone deficits with central diabetes insipidus (DI). Differential diagnosis of pituitary stalk thickening includes granulomatous, inflammatory, infectious, and neoplastic lesions. Although careful analysis of clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings may facilitate the diagnosis, transsphenoidal biopsy is indicated to confirm the disease, as the correct diagnosis directs the appropriate treatment.

Germinomas intracranianos (GE) são neoplasias malignas comumente na região suprasselar, podendo causar deficiência hormonal da hipófise anterior, em particular da hipófise posterior, com diabetes insípido central (DI). Entre os diagnósticos diferenciais do espessamento de haste hipofisária, incluem-se doenças granulomatosas, inflamatórias, infecciosas e neoplásicas. Embora as avaliações clínica, laboratorial e a ressonância magnética selar sugiram o diagnóstico, a biópsia transesfenoidal está indicada para confirmação, visto que o diagnóstico correto direciona o tratamento.

Pituitary deficiency after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage puts patients at high risk for the development of pituitary insufficiency. We evaluated the incidence of pituitary dysfunction in these patients and its correlation with clinical outcome. METHODS: Pituitary function was tested in 66 consecutive patients in the first 15 days after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The following were measured in all patients: thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, triiodothyronine, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, total testosterone (in males), estradiol (in females), prolactin, serum cortisol, plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone, growth hormone and insulin growth factor. RESULTS: The endocrine assessment was made at a mean of 7.4 days (standard deviation ±6.6) after subarachnoid hemorrhage. Forty-four (66.7%) female and 22 (33.3%) male patients were evaluated. Thirty-nine patients (59.1%) had some type of pituitary dysfunction. Follicle-stimulating hormone/luteinizing hormone deficiency was the most frequent disorder (34.8%), followed by growth hormone/insulin growth factor (28.7%), adrenocorticotropic hormone (18.1%) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (9%). Seventeen (25.7%) patients showed deficiencies in more than one axis. A greater incidence of hormone deficiency was observed in patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤13 (t test, p = 0.008), Hunt-Hess grade ≥4 (t test, p<0.001), or Fisher grade 4 (t test, p = 0.039). Hormone deficiency was not significantly associated (p>0.05) with increased hospitalization or clinical outcome. CONCLUSION: Pituitary dysfunction was identified in a substantial portion of patients with previous aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, but no association was found between this dysfunction and poor clinical outcome. .

Controle hormonal dos adenomas hipofisários pela cirurgia transesfenoidal: evolução dos resultados nos primeiros cinco anos de experiência / Hormonal control of pituitary adenomas by transsphenoidal surgery: results of the first five years of experience

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os resultados iniciais de uma equipe cirúrgica no controle hormonal dos adenomas hipofisários secretores. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Em cinco anos, foram operados 51 adenomas secretores (31 GH, 14 ACTH, 5 prolactina, 1 TSH). O controle hormonal foi GH basal < 2,5 ng/dL, cortisol livre urinário normal, redução dos níveis de prolactina, e T3 e T4 livre normais. RESULTADOS: As taxas de controle foram 36 por cento na acromegalia e 57 por cento no Cushing. Dois prolactinomas (40 por cento) normalizaram a prolactina. Os hormônios tiroidianos normalizaram no adenoma secretor de TSH. O controle do hipercortisolismo correlacionou-se com o tempo de experiência da equipe (p = 0,01). CONCLUSÃO: Nossos resultados, limitados aos primeiros anos de experiência cirúrgica, situam-se abaixo da variação reportada em grandes casuísticas com maior tempo de experiência. Ao longo do tempo, observou-se melhora progressiva nos níveis de cortisol urinário no pós-operatório inicial da doença de Cushing em função da experiência cirúrgica.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the initial results of a surgical team in the hormonal control of secreting pituitary adenomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In five years 51 functioning adenomas were operated (31 GH-secreting, 14 ACTH-secreting, 5 PRL-secreting and 1 TSH-secreting). Hormonal control was defined as GH < 2,5 ng/mL, normal free-urinary cortisol, lower prolactin and normal T3 and FT4. RESULTS: Control rates were 36 percent in acromegaly, and 57 percent in Cushing's disease. Two prolactinomas normalized prolactin levels. Thyroid hormone levels were normalized in the TSH-secreting adenoma. Control of hypercortisolism was positively correlated with years of experience (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our results, although restricted to the beginning of our experience, lie below the reported range of other surgical series with much longer experience. During these years, there was a significant improvement in initial post surgery urinary cortisol levels in Cushing's disease as a function of surgical experience.

Hipopituitarismo no adulto: clínica, diagnóstico e manejo / Hypopituitarism in adults: clinical diagnosis and management

O hipopituitarismo é um síndrome que se apresenta geralmente de forma inespecífica e insidiosa. No entanto traz prejuízos à qualidade de vida e aumento do risco cardiovascular dos pacientes acometidos, devendo seu diagnóstico e tratamento ser realizados de forma precoce. Esse artigo visa revisar as manifestações clinicas, diagnostico e reposição hormonal no hipopituitarismo.

Molecular analysis of the PROP1 and HESX1 genes in patients with septo-optic dysplasia and/or pituitary hormone deficiency / Análise molecular dos genes PROP1 e HESX1 em pacientes com displasia septo-ótica e/ou deficiência hormonal hipofisária

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at evaluating the PROP1 and HESX1 genes in a group of patients with septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) and pituitary hormone deficiency (combined - CPHD; isolated GH deficiency - GHD). Eleven patients with a clinical and biochemical presentation consistent with CPHD, GHD or SOD were evaluated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In all patients, the HESX1 gene was analyzed by direct sequence analysis and in cases of CPHD the PROP1 gene was also sequenced. RESULTS: A polymorphism (1772 A > G; N125S) was identified in a patient with SOD. We found three patients carrying the allelic variants 27 T > C; A9A and 59 A > G; N20S in exon 1 of the PROP1 gene. Mutations in the PROP1 and HESX1 genes were not identified in these patients with sporadic GHD, CPHD and SOD. CONCLUSION: Genetic alterations in one or several other genes, or non-genetic mechanisms, must be implicated in the pathogenic process.

OBJETIVO: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os genes PROP1 e HESX1 em um grupo de pacientes com displasia septo-óptica (DSO) e deficiência hormonal hipofisária (combinada - DHHC; ou deficiência isolada de GH - DGH). Onze pacientes com apresentação clínica e bioquímica consistente com DHHC, DGH ou DSO foram avaliados. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Em todos os pacientes, o gene HESX1 foi analisado pelo sequenciamento direto e, nos casos de DHHC, o gene PROP1 foi também sequenciado. RESULTADOS: Um polimorfismo no gene HESX1 (1772 A > G; N125S) foi identificado em um paciente com DSO. Foram encontrados três pacientes portadores da variação alélica 27 T > C; A9A e 59 A > G; N20S no éxon 1 do gene PROP1. Mutações no gene PROP1 e HESX1 não foram identificadas nesses pacientes com DGH, DHHC e DSO esporádicos. CONCLUSÃO: Alterações genéticas em um ou diversos outros genes ou mecanismos não genéticos devem estar implicados nesse processo patogênico.

Ritmos biológicos en Neuroendocrinología / Biological rhythm in neuroendocrinology

Al rotar sobre su eje, la Tierra, presenta dos entornos bien definidos, el día y la noche, que existieron desde el desarrollo de la vida. Como consecuencias, los seres vivos han desarrollado mecanismos predictivos para adaptarse satisfactoriamente. El ritmo biológico más conspicuo es el del ciclo sueño/vigilia. La secuencia de transiciones entre los tres estados fisiológicos principales de nuestra vida, la vigilia, el sueño lento o no-REM (NREM) y el sueño de movimientos oculares rápidos (REM), está organizado siguiendo un estricto orden temporal bajo el control de un marcapasos central, los núcleos supraquiasmáticos hipotalámicos (NSQ). Los NSQ preparan para anticipar el período de vigilia al controlar los dos sistemas principales de comunicación en el organismo, el sistema endocrino y el nervioso autónomo. En los humanos tanto el sueño como la secreción de hormonas son controlados por un sistema de doble comando representado por procesos homeostáticos predictivos y reactivos. Los mecanismos de la homeostasis reactiva relacionan la profundidad del sueño con la duración de la vigilia precedente mientras que los mecanismos circadianos juegan un papel fundamental para determinar el comienzo del sueño y la duración relativa de las fases de sueño REM y NREM Para la mayoría de las hormonas adenohiposisarias, su ritmicidad de 24 horas es producto de la interacción del reloj circadiano con el homeostato de sueño e incluye a los componentes pulsátiles, ultradianos de alrededor de 90 min. tiempo semejante al transcurrido entre cada sueño NREM y REM. Estos ritmos hormonales dependen principalmente del homeostato del sueño (p.ej.:GH, prolactina), del reloj circadiano (p.ej.:cortisol, melatonina) o de ambos (p.ej.:TSH). Esta revisión discute de las bases moleculares y fisiológicas del sistema circadiano haciendo énfasis en la regulación neuroendocrina.

Studies on the reproductive and developmental biology of Cichlasoma dimerus (Percifomes, Cichlidae): [review]

Many characteristics of the South American teleost fish Cichlasoma dimerus (body size, easy breeding, undemanding maintenance) make it amenable to laboratory studies. In the last years, many of the fundamental aspects of its reproductive and developmental biology have been addressed in our laboratory. Rather recently, the immunohistochemical localization of pituitary hormones involved in reproduction and in background color adaptation has been described in both adult and developing individuals, and the role of FSH in ovarian differentiation has been established. These findings have been correlated with mapping of some of their brain-derived controlling hormones. The latter include brain-derived gonadotropins which were shown to be active in vitro in the control of pituitary hormone secretions. The emerging picture shows C. dimerus as an interesting species in which many of their basic features have already been investigated and which conform a solid platform for comparative studies correlating neurohormones, pituitary hormones and behavior, from the molecular to the organismic level.

Non-functioning pituitary adenomas: clinical feature, laboratorial and imaging assessment, therapeutic management and outcome / Adenomas hipofisários não-secretores: avaliações clínica, laboratorial, neuro-radiológica e evolução após tratamento

OBJECTIVE: This study is an updated review of a Southeast Brazilian experience NFPA, emphasizing clinical features, laboratorial and imaging assessment, therapeutic management and outcome. DESIGN AND METHODS: Retrospective study, in which 104 patients with NFPA were evaluated by the same team of endocrinologists and neurosurgeon. Patients underwent biochemical evaluation, radiological studies and visual field assessment. RESULTS: Hypopituitarism and neuro-ophthalmological defects were observed in 89 percent. We observed GH deficiency (81.4 percent), hypogonadism (63.3 percent), adrenal hypofunction (59.5 percent), hypothyroidism (20.4 percent), high (38.5 percent) and low (16.7 percent) prolactin levels. Preoperative imaging classified 93 percent of the tumors as macroadenomas. Extra-sellar expansion was observed in 83.8 percent. Varying degrees of visual disturbance were observed in 74 percent. Primary treatment was transsphenoidal surgery (75 percent). Clinical control was achieved with one surgery in 37.5 percent of patients. The majority of patients needed a second therapeutic approach, radiotherapy or other surgeries. Immunohistochemistry resulted negative for pituitary hormones in 43 percent. Improvement of neuro-ophthalmological symptoms was observed in 61 percent of the patients after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm elevated prevalence of mass effect and hypopituitarism in patients harboring NFPA. Recurrence due to invasion or incomplete resection of the tumor is quite common, which frequently leads to a second therapeutic option.

OBJETIVOS: Esse estudo é uma revisão atualizada em adenomas hipofisários não-secretores (AHNS), enfatizando características clínicas, avaliações laboratorial e neuro-radiológica, manejo terapêutico e desfecho. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo, em que 104 pacientes com AHNS foram avaliados pela mesma equipe de endocrinologistas e neurocirurgião. Os pacientes foram submetidos à avaliação bioquímica, a estudos radiológicos e à avaliação de campo visual. RESULTADOS: Hipopituitarismo e distúrbios neuro-oftalmológicos foram observados em 89 por cento. Observou-se deficiência de GH (81,4 por cento), hipogonadismo (63,3 por cento), hipofunção adrenal (59,5 por cento), hipotireoidismo (20,4 por cento), concentrações elevadas (38,5 por cento) e baixas (16,7 por cento) de prolactina. Imagens pré-operatórias classificaram os tumores em sua maioria como macroadenomas (93 por cento). Expansão extra-selar foi observada em 83,8 por cento. Graus variados de distúrbios visuais foram observados em 74 por cento. O tratamento de escolha foi a cirurgia transesfenoidal (75 por cento). O controle clínico foi alcançado com cirurgia em 37,5 por cento dos pacientes. A maioria dos pacientes precisou de segunda abordagem terapêutica, radioterapia ou outras cirurgias. A imunoistoquímica resultou negativa para hormônios hipofisários em 43 por cento. Melhora de sintomas neuro-oftalmológicos foi observada em 61 por cento dos pacientes após o tratamento. CONCLISÕES: Os dados do estudo confirmam elevada prevalência de efeitos de massa e hipopituitarismo em pacientes com AHNS. Recorrência causada por invasão ou ressecção incompleta do tumor é comum, levando frequentemente à segunda opção terapêutica.

Qualitative parameters of the piapara semen (Leporinus elongatus Valenciennes, 1850) / Parâmetros qualitativos do sêmen de piapara (Leporinus elongatus Valenciennes, 1850)

Qualitative parameters of piapara semen (Leporinus elongatus) were evaluated before and after hormonal induction with carp pituitary extract at 2.5 mg.kg-1 of live weight. The progressive motility, the spermatic vigor and the lifetime of the spermatozoa were higher before the hormonal induction (P > 0.05). The percentage of normal spermatozoa and spermatozoa with secondary pathologies did not differ (P > 0.05) between treatments: before induction (44.0 and 44.4 percent, respectively) and after-induction (44.3 and 46.7 percent, respectively). However, the percentage of primary pathologies was higher (P < 0.05) for the semen collected before induction than for the semen collected after induction; the estimates were 12.2 and 8.0 percent, respectively. The most frequent pathologies were the taillessness with the frequencies of 27.4 and 36.3 percent followed by the headlessness for which the estimates were 10.1 and 3.9 percent, before and after induction respectively. The semen collected before the hormonal induction presented better qualitative parameters.

Os parâmetros qualitativos do sêmen de piaparas (Leporinus elongatus) foram avaliados antes e após a indução hormonal com o extrato de hipófise de carpa na dosagem 2,5 mg.kg-1 de peso vivo. A motilidade progressiva, o vigor espermático e o tempo de vida dos espermatozóides apresentaram valores superiores (P < 0,05) no sêmen coletado antes da indução hormonal. Já a estimativa da porcentagem de espermatozóides normais ou com patologias leves, na pré-indução (44,0 e 44,4 por cento, respectivamente) e na pós-indução hormonal (44,3 e 46,7 por cento, respectivamente) não diferiram (P > 0,05) entre os tratamentos. Porém a estimativa de patologias graves foi maior (P < 0,05) no sêmen de pré-indução do que no pós-induzido com 12,2 e 8 por cento, respectivamente. A patologia mais freqüente foi cabeça solta com 27,4 e 36,3 por cento seguida por cauda solta com 10,1 e 3,9 por cento, antes e após a indução hormonal respectivamente. De acordo com os resultados, o sêmen de piapara coletado na pré-indução hormonal apresentou os melhores parâmetros qualitativos.

Biologia de neurônios hipotalâmicos produtores do hormônio liberador das gonadotrofinas: novas informações sobre o uso das células imortalizadas secretoras desse hormônio / Biology of hypothalamic neurons producing gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH): new information on the use of immortalized cells secreting GnRH

O estudo dos neurônios que produzem o hormônio liberador das gonadotrofinas (GnRH), hormônio hipotalámico que estimula a secreção, das gonadotrofinas hipofisárias, tem recebido vigoroso impulso com a disponibilidade das células imortalizadas, que especificamente sintetizam e secretam o hormônio em questão. Duas são as linhas celulares obtidas por tumorigênese induzida em camundongos transgênicos: 1) as células GT1 (com os seus subclones GT1-1, GT1-3, GT1-7) e 2) as células GN (com os seus subclones GN10, GN11, NLT). As células GT1 foram derivadas de um tumor hipotalâmico. Pode-se constatar que elas são dotadas de propriedades dos neurônios maduros secretores de GnRH, que completaram o seu trajeto da sua sede de origem, o placóide olfatório, até a sua sede definitiva, o hipotálamo, e já perderam a capacidade de mover-se. Por essas características, as células GT1 são utilizadas sobretudo para o estudo das propriedades secretórias dos neurônios que produzem o GnRH e para identificar os sinais que ali chegam. Pode-se assim evidenciar uma série de receptores, que, ativados pelos seus ligantes (neurotransmissores, hormônios, fatores de crescimento), modulam a síntese e a secreção do GnRH. As células GN foram retiradas de um tumor do bulbo olfatório, portanto, elas são consideradas mais semelhantes aos neurônios imaturos secretores de GnRH que ainda estão desenvolvendo o processo de migração do placóide olfatório até o hipotálamo. Desse modo, tais células são utilizadas sobretudo para identificar e caracterizar os fatores que possam influenciar os processos de migração dos neurônios que produzem o GnRH. Em particular, pode-se constatar que a motilidade dos neurônios secretores desse hormônio é estimulada pela anosmina, a proteína codificada pelo gene KAL1, que, nas suas formas mutantes, ocasiona o hipogonadismo hipogonadotrófico conhecido como a síndrome de Kallmann, por alguns fatores de crescimento (fator de crescimento de fibroblasto, fator de crescimento...

The study of the neurons secreting the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), the hypothalamic hormone stimulating the release of pituitary gonadotropins, has been potentiated by the development of immortalized cells that specifically synthetize and secrete GnRH. Two cell lines have been obtained by targeted tumorigenesis in transgenic mice: 1) the GT1 cells (with GT1-1, GT1-3 and GT1-7 subclones), and 2) the GN cells (with the GN10, GN11 and NLT subclones). GT1 cells have been obtained from a hypothalamic tumor and exhibit the properties of fully mature GnRH secreting neurons after they reached their final destination in the hypothalamus starting from the olfactory placode. Because of their characteristics GT1 cells have been mainly utilized to investigate the secretory properties of GnRH neurons and to identify the inputs modulating their activity. By this way a consistent number of receptors responding to specific ligands (neurotransmitters, hormones, growth factors) controlling GnRH synthesis and secretion has been identified. GN cells have been derived from a tumor of the olfactory bulb and are considered to replicate the properties of immature GnRH secreting neurons still retaining the capacity of moving. Consequently these cells are used to identify and characterize the factors influencing the migratory process of GnRH neurons from the olfactory placode to the hypothalamus. It has been found that factors stimulating GnRH neuron motility include anosmin, the protein encoded by the KAL1 gene, whose mutations lead to the form of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism known as Kallmann’s syndrome, growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and cytoskeleton associated proteins (stathmin). On the contrary GABA agonists and glucocorticoids depress GN cells motility. As a whole the findings reported in this review seem particularly important to provide further information on the central...

Pituitary cell type-specific electrical activity, calcium signaling and secretion

All secretory anterior pituitary cells exhibit spontaneous and extracellular calcium-dependent electrical activity, but differ with respect to the patterns of firing and associated calcium signaling and hormone secretion. Thus, somatotrophs and lactotrophs fire plateau-bursting action potentials spontaneously and without coupling to calcium release from intracellular stores, which generate calcium signals of sufficient amplitude to keep steady hormone release. In these cells, both spontaneous electrical activity and basal hormone secretion can be further amplified by activation of Gq/11 and Gs-coupled receptors and inhibited by Gi/o/z-coupled receptors. In contrast, gonadotrophs fire single, high-amplitude spikes with limited ability to promote calcium influx and exocytosis, whereas activated Gq/11-coupled receptors in these cells transform single-action potential spiking into the plateau-bursting type of electrical activity and trigger periodic high-amplitude calcium signals and exocytosis of prestored secretory vesicles. Here, we review biochemical and biophysical aspects of spontaneous and receptor-controlled electrical activity, calcium signaling, and hormone secretion in pituitary cells.

Caracterização clínica e imunoistoquímica dos adenomas clinicamente não-funcionantes de hipófise / Non-functioning pituitary adenomas: clinical features and immunohistochemistry

Adenomas clinicamente não-funcionantes de hipófise, não produzem clínica de hipersecreção hormonal. Por esse motivo, seus sinais e sintomas dependem de seu efeito de massa no sistema nervoso central. A sua etiopatogenia é complexa com vários fatores provavelmente influenciando seu desenvolvimento como os hormônios hipotalâmicos (GHRH), fatores de crescimento (FGF), fatores de proliferação (PCNA, e KI-67), proteína P53 e proto-oncogene c-erb-B2. OBJETIVOS: 1) Determinar as características clínicas da população de 117 pacientes tratados com adenoma clinicamente não-funcionante de hipófise (idade, sexo, tamanho do tumor, número de procedimento cirúrgico, desenvolvimento de deficiência hormonal e hiperprolactinemia). 2) Identificar, após a caracterização clínica desses pacientes, aqueles com adenoma clinicamente não-funcionante que apresentam imunoistoquímica positiva para os hormônios hipofisários PRL LH, FSH, GH, TSH e ACTH. 3) Precisar nessa população a positividade imunoistoquímica para o fator de proliferação celular Ki-67, para a proteína P53 e para a proteína C-erb-B2 correlacionando a sua positividade com o tamanho e invasão tumoral. Dessa forma avaliando o valor prognóstico desses fatores de proliferação. 4) Confrontar os resultados da imunoistoquímica realizada através do bloco padrão com os resultados da imunoistoquímica obtidos através do tissue micro-array. MÉTODO: Estudo das características clínicas de 117 pacientes com adenoma clinicamente não-funcionate de hipófise (idade, sexo, tamanho do tumor, número de procedimento cirúrgico, desenvolvimento de deficiência hormonal e hiperprolactinemia). Estudo imunoistoquímico (H&E) de 39 pacientes para hormônios hipofisários, para a proteína P53, proteína C-erb-B2, Ki-67 e sua correlação com crescimento tumoral. A seguir, também foi realizado o tissue micro-array dos 39 casos, estudados anteriormente, com imunoistoquímica para os hormônios hipofisários, para a proteína P 53, proteína C-erb-B2, Ki-67 e sua correlação com o crescimento tumoral. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os sexos masculino e feminino com relação à idade, tamanho tumoral e número de procedimentos cirúrgicos (p=0,279, p=0,813, p=0,139 respectivamente)...