Relacorilant, a Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Modulator in Development for the Treatment of Patients With Cushing Syndrome, Does Not Cause Prolongation of the Cardiac QT Interval.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of relacorilant, a selective glucocorticoid receptor modulator under investigation for the treatment of patients with endogenous hypercortisolism (Cushing syndrome [CS]), on the heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc). METHODS: Three clinical studies of relacorilant were included: (1) a first-in-human, randomized, placebo-controlled, ascending-dose (up to 500 mg of relacorilant) study in healthy volunteers; (2) a phase 1 placebo- and positive-controlled thorough QTc (TQT) study of 400 and 800 mg of relacorilant in healthy volunteers; and (3) a phase 2, open-label study of up to 400 mg of relacorilant administered daily for up to 16 weeks in patients with CS. Electrocardiogram recordings were taken, and QTc change from baseline (ΔQTc) was calculated. The association of plasma relacorilant concentration with the effect on QTc in healthy volunteers was assessed using linear mixed-effects modeling. RESULTS: Across all studies, no notable changes in the electrocardiogram parameters were observed. At all time points and with all doses of relacorilant, including supratherapeutic doses, ΔQTc was small, generally negative, and, in the placebo-controlled studies, similar to placebo. In the TQT study, placebo-corrected ΔQTc with relacorilant was small and negative, whereas placebo-corrected ΔQTc with moxifloxacin positive control showed rapid QTc prolongation. These results constituted a negative TQT study. The model-estimated slopes of the concentration-QTc relationship were slightly negative, excluding an association of relacorilant with prolonged QTc. CONCLUSION: At all doses studied, relacorilant consistently demonstrated a lack of QTc prolongation in healthy volunteers and patients with CS, including in the TQT study. Ongoing phase 3 studies will help further establish the overall benefit-risk profile of relacorilant.

Altered Levels of Natural Autoantibodies against Heat Shock Proteins in Pregnant Women with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

The function of natural autoantibodies (nAAbs) in maintaining immunological tolerance has been comprehensively explained; however, their function in pregnant patients dealing with autoimmune diseases has not been thoroughly investigated. As Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is the predominant organ-specific autoimmune condition of women of childbearing age, this study's objective was to evaluate IgM and IgG nAAbs targeting mitochondrial citrate synthase (CS) and heat shock proteins (Hsp60 and Hsp70) in women diagnosed with HT who were pregnant (HTP). Serum samples collected from HTP and healthy pregnant (HP) women in the first and third trimesters were tested using in-house-developed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Our findings indicate the stability of nAAbs against CS and Hsps throughout the pregnancies of both healthy women and those with HT. However, during both trimesters, HTP patients displayed elevated levels of IgM isotype nAAbs against Hsp60 and Hsp70 compared to HP women, suggesting a regulatory role of IgM nAAbs during the pregnancies of patients with HT. Nonetheless, levels of IgG isotype nAAbs against Hsps were lower solely in the third trimester among HTP patients, resulting in a higher IgM/IgG ratio, which indicates their importance in alterations of the nAAb network during pregnancy in patients with HT.

An Optimized Flow Cytometric Method to Demonstrate the Differentiation Stage-Dependent Ca2+ Flux Responses of Peripheral Human B Cells.

Calcium (Ca2+) flux acts as a central signaling pathway in B cells, and its alterations are associated with autoimmune dysregulation and B-cell malignancies. We standardized a flow-cytometry-based method using various stimuli to investigate the Ca2+ flux characteristics of circulating human B lymphocytes from healthy individuals. We found that different activating agents trigger distinct Ca2+ flux responses and that B-cell subsets show specific developmental-stage dependent Ca2+ flux response patterns. Naive B cells responded with a more substantial Ca2+ flux to B cell receptor (BCR) stimulation than memory B cells. Non-switched memory cells responded to anti-IgD stimulation with a naive-like Ca2+ flux pattern, whereas their anti-IgM response was memory-like. Peripheral antibody-secreting cells retained their IgG responsivity but showed reduced Ca2+ responses upon activation, indicating their loss of dependence on Ca2+ signaling. Ca2+ flux is a relevant functional test for B cells, and its alterations could provide insight into pathological B-cell activation development.

[Recovery rate in differentiated thyroid cancer. Experiences of one of the Hungarian clinical centers]. / A differenciált pajzsmirigyrákban szenvedo betegek gyógyulási esélyei. Egy hazai centrum tapasztalatai.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: The worldwide incidence of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) has markedly increased during the last few decades. According to the international guidelines, principles of DTC management are in transformation. The aim of our work was to evaluate patients' current likelihood of recovery. METHOD: Data of 380 patients treated between 1/Jan/2005 and 1/May/2016 at the PTE KK Ist Department of Internal Medicine were retrospectively analyzed. Female/male ratio was 306/74. Median age at diagnosis was 46 years (13-86 years), while median follow-up time was 55 months (0-144 months). Response to therapy was evaluable in 337 patients. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS (version 22.0). RESULTS: Based on the prevalence of papillary (PTC) and follicular (FTC) carcinomas (79/21%), moderate iodine deficiency has to be considered in this region. PTC patients were significantly younger and were diagnosed in earlier tumor stage. The ratio of lymph node and distant metastases was 35%/4% in PTC and 15%/14% in FTC. Radioiodine treatment was performed in a total of 542 times. 264 patients with PTC were followed up. 59% of patients were tumor-free, in 20% uncertain response, in 7% incomplete biochemical response, in 14% incomplete structural response were diagnosed and 6 patients died. Patients with FTC (n = 73) were tumor-free in 59%, uncertain response was found in 10%, incomplete structural response was diagnosed in 31%, while 10% of the patients died. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, although DTC has a favorable prognosis, in 31% of FTC patients and in 14% of PTC patients, tumor-free status was not achieved. During the median 55-month follow-up period, the disease-specific mortality was 10% in FTC and 2% in PTC. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(22): 878-887.

[Renin and aldosterone determinations in hypertensive patients]. / Renin- és aldoszteronvizsgálat hypertoniás betegekben.

INTRODUCTION: The diagnostic algorithm of primary aldosteronism is burdened with uncertainties and, recently, it has been suggested that the sensitivity of the aldosterone/renin ratio used as a screening test - based on the suppression aldosterone - is low. AIM: The primary aim was to test the accuracy of aldosterone/renin ratio. METHOD: In a retrospective analysis of 309 hypertensive patients supine and ambulatory aldosterone levels were independently examined. RESULTS: Aldosterone/renin ratio was elevated in 99 patients of whom 31 exhibited elevated supine aldosterone, as well. In 34 cases supine aldosterone was increased without elevation of the aldosterone/renin ratio. However, only 3 of them had concomitant low renin levels indicating that primary aldosteronism could not be ruled out. Abnormally increased renin was found in 69 patients, but only 59% of them had increased aldosterone level. CONCLUSION: Sensitivity of aldosterone/renin ratio is high (91%) if used only in justified cases.

Minor and repetitive head injury.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability in the young, active population and expected to be the third leading cause of death in the whole world until 2020. The disease is frequently referred to as the silent epidemic, and many authors highlight the "unmet medical need" associated with TBI.The term traumatically evoked brain injury covers a heterogeneous group ranging from mild/minor/minimal to severe/non-salvageable damages. Severe TBI has long been recognized to be a major socioeconomical health-care issue as saving young lives and sometimes entirely restituting health with a timely intervention can indeed be extremely cost efficient.Recently it has been recognized that mild or minor TBI should be considered similarly important because of the magnitude of the patient population affected. Other reasons behind this recognition are the association of mild head injury with transient cognitive disturbances as well as long-term sequelae primarily linked to repeat (sport-related) injuries.The incidence of TBI in developed countries can be as high as 2-300/100,000 inhabitants; however, if we consider the injury pyramid, it turns out that severe and moderate TBI represents only 25-30 % of all cases, while the overwhelming majority of TBI cases consists of mild head injury. On top of that, or at the base of the pyramid, are the cases that never show up at the ER - the unreported injuries.Special attention is turned to mild TBI as in recent military conflicts it is recognized as "signature injury."This chapter aims to summarize the most important features of mild and repetitive traumatic brain injury providing definitions, stratifications, and triage options while also focusing on contemporary knowledge gathered by imaging and biomarker research.Mild traumatic brain injury is an enigmatic lesion; the classification, significance, and its consequences are all far less defined and explored than in more severe forms of brain injury.Understanding the pathobiology and pathomechanisms may aid a more targeted approach in triage as well as selection of cases with possible late complications while also identifying the target patient population where preventive measures and therapeutic tools should be applied in an attempt to avoid secondary brain injury and late complications.

[Stereotactic radiosurgery of abdominal cancer metastases. Report on the first successful extracranial radiosurgical intervention in Hungary]. / Hasüregi daganatáttétek stereotaxiás sugárkezelése egy ülésben. Beszámoló az elso hazai, koponyán kívüli sugársebészeti beavatkozásról.

Due to the development and increasing effectiveness of novel cancer therapies, the role of local treatments in metastatic diseases have been increasing in the last decades. The aim of the authors was to present the first successful extracranial stereotactic radiosurgical intervention in Hungary. A 58-year-old male patient with gastric adenocarcinoma underwent surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. Later, surgical removal of suprarenal gland metastases and first line chemotherapy were carried out. Four years after the first surgery a follow up computed tomographic scan revealed bifocal peritoneal metastases caudally from the edge of the liver and the left kidney with diameters of 2 cm in size. Definitive stereotactic body radiosurgery of 12 Gy single dose was performed using cone beam computed tomography image guidance and intensity modulated arc therapy with two pairs of arcs. The total duration of the procedure was only 25 min and early or late side effects were not observed. Follow up computed tomography scans performed 3 and 7 months after the intervention showed complete regression of the metastases. The authors conclude that stereotactic body radiosurgery can be a safe and effective alternative of metastasis surgery in case of slow growing oligo-metastases.

A validated method for measurement of serum total, serum free, and salivary cortisol, using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution ESI-TOF mass spectrometry.

Blood cortisol level is routinely analysed in laboratory medicine, but the immunoassays in widespread use have the disadvantage of cross-reactivity with some commonly used steroid drugs. Mass spectrometry has become a method of increasing importance for cortisol estimation. However, current methods do not offer the option of accurate mass identification. Our objective was to develop a mass spectrometry method to analyse salivary, serum total, and serum free cortisol via accurate mass identification. The analysis was performed on a Bruker micrOTOF high-resolution mass spectrometer. Sample preparation involved protein precipitation, serum ultrafiltration, and solid-phase extraction. Limit of quantification was 12.5 nmol L(-1) for total cortisol, 440 pmol L(-1) for serum ultrafiltrate, and 600 pmol L(-1) for saliva. Average intra-assay variation was 4.7%, and inter-assay variation was 6.6%. Mass accuracy was <2.5 ppm. Serum total cortisol levels were in the range 35.6-1088 nmol L(-1), and serum free cortisol levels were in the range 0.5-12.4 nmol L(-1). Salivary cortisol levels were in the range 0.7-10.4 nmol L(-1). Mass accuracy was equal to or below 2.5 ppm, resulting in a mass error less than 1 mDa and thus providing high specificity. We did not observe any interference with routinely used steroidal drugs. The method is capable of specific cortisol quantification in different matrices on the basis of accurate mass identification.

Systematic analysis and network mapping of disease associations in autoimmune polyglandular syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of our work was to provide a data-driven perspective to APS, a complex autoimmune disorder, supplementing traditional clinical observations. METHODS: Medical records of 7559 patients were analyzed, autoimmune origin was proved in 3180 cases of which 380 (12%) had APS. Associations of component disorders were investigated by computational methods to reveal typical patterns of disease development. RESULTS: Twenty-eight distinct autoimmune disorders were diagnosed forming 113 combinations. The 10 most frequent combinations were responsible for 51,3% of cases. HT and GD were differentiated as main cornerstones of APS, sharing several comorbidities. HT was the most common manifestation (67.4%), followed by GD (26.8%) and T1D (20.8%). APS started significantly earlier in men than in women. Thyroid autoimmunity was frequently linked to gastrointestinal and systemic manifestations and these patterns of associations substantially differed from that of T1D, AD or CeD when present as first manifestations, suggesting the possibility of a common biological cause. CONCLUSION: APS is more frequent than reported. Classifying APS requires a shift of perspective towards disease associations rather than disorder prevalence.

Open-label extension of a randomized trial investigating safety and efficacy of rhPTH(1-84) in hypoparathyroidism.

Hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) is a rare disease, often inadequately controlled by conventional treatment. PARALLAX was a mandatory post-marketing trial assessing pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of different dosing regimens of recombinant human parathyroid hormone 1-84 (rhPTH[1-84]) for treating HypoPT. The present study (NCT03364738) was a phase 4, 1-yr open-label extension of PARALLAX. Patients received only 2 doses of rhPTH(1-84) in PARALLAX and were considered treatment-naive at the start of the current study. rhPTH(1-84) was initiated at 50 µg once daily, with doses adjusted based on albumin-corrected serum calcium levels. Albumin-corrected serum calcium (primary outcome measure), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), adverse events, and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) were assessed. The mean age of the 22 patients included was 50.0 yr; 81.8% were women, and 90.9% were White. By the end of treatment (EOT), 95.5% of patients had albumin-corrected serum calcium values in the protocol-defined range of 1.88 mmol/L to the upper limit of normal. Serum phosphorus was within the healthy range, and albumin-corrected serum calcium-phosphorus product was below the upper healthy limit throughout, while mean 24-h urine calcium excretion decreased from baseline to EOT. Mean supplemental doses of calcium and active vitamin D were reduced from baseline to EOT (2402-855 mg/d and 0.8-0.2 µg/d, respectively). Mean serum bone turnover markers, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide, and type I collagen C-telopeptide increased 2-5 fold from baseline to EOT. The HCRU, disease-related symptoms and impact on HRQoL improved numerically between baseline and EOT. Nine patients (40.9%) experienced treatment-related adverse events; no deaths were reported. Treatment with rhPTH(1-84) once daily for 1 yr improved HRQoL, maintained eucalcemia in 95% of patients, normalized serum phosphorus, and decreased urine calcium excretion. The effects observed on urine calcium and the safety profile are consistent with previous findings. Clinical trial identifier: NCT03364738.

An Open-label Phase 2 Study of Eneboparatide, a Novel PTH Receptor 1 Agonist, in Hypoparathyroidism.

CONTEXT: Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disorder characterized by a deficiency in PTH resulting in hypocalcemia, hyperphosphatemia, and hypercalciuria. Eneboparatide is an investigational peptide agonist of the PTH1 receptor for the treatment of chronic hypoparathyroidism (HP). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of eneboparatide in HP patients. DESIGN: Open-label, phase 2 study. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-eight patients (21 women, 7 men), mean age (range): 58 years (28-72), with HP were enrolled into 2 consecutive cohorts (C1, n = 12 and C2, n = 16). INTERVENTION: Following an optimization period, daily subcutaneous injections of eneboparatide were administered for 3 months at a 20 µg/day (C1) or 10 µg/day (C2) starting dose. Conventional therapy was progressively removed, and eneboparatide could be titrated up to 60 µg (C1) or 80 µg (C2). MAIN OUTCOMES: Proportion of patients achieving independence from conventional therapy, albumin-adjusted serum calcium (ADsCa), 24-h urine calcium (uCa), serum bone turnover markers (serum carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen and procollagen 1 intact N-terminal propeptide), bone mineral density (BMD), and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: After 3 months, ≥ 88% of patients achieved independence from conventional therapy while mean ADsCa was maintained within target range (7.8-9 mg/dL). Eneboparatide induced a rapid and sustained reduction of mean 24-hour uCa, even among patients with hypercalciuria. Bone turnover markers slightly increased, and BMD remained unchanged, consistent with progressive resumption of physiologic bone turnover. Eneboparatide was well tolerated with no serious AEs. CONCLUSION: Eneboparatide allowed independence from conventional therapy and maintenance of serum calcium within a target range while normalizing uCa excretion and producing a balanced resumption of bone turnover.

Influence of a structured, 1-year-long dietary intervention regarding body composition and cardiovascular risk (ARCTIC) in coeliac disease: a protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Coeliac disease (CD) affects 1% of the population worldwide. The only available evidence-based treatment is a strict gluten-free diet (GFD), which can readily lead to weight gain and unfavourable metabolic changes (eg, dyslipidaemia, fatty liver disease and insulin resistance) if followed without adequate dietary control. That can lead to increased cardiovascular risk (CV). We planned a randomised controlled trial to test the effect of a group-based, structured, 1-year, advanced dietary education, per the proposal of a Mediterranean diet vs standard of care, regarding the most relevant CV risk factors (eg, metabolic parameters and body composition) in CD patients. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Randomisation will occur after the baseline dietary education and interview in a 1:1 allocation ratio. Outcomes include anthropometric parameters (body composition analysis including weight, Body Mass Index, fat mass, per cent body fat, skeletal muscle mass, visceral fat area and total body water) and CV risk-related metabolic parameters (eg, lipid profile, homocysteine, fasting glucose, haemoglobin A1c, Homeostatic Model Assessment Index, metabolic hormones, waist circumference, blood pressure, liver function tests, liver steatosis rate and diet composition). In this study, we aim to draw attention to a new aspect regarding managing CD: dietary education can lead to a better quality of the GFD, thereby reducing the risk of potential metabolic and CV complications. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the Hungarian Medical Research Council (27521-5/2022/EÜIG). Findings will be disseminated at research conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05530070.

Decidual γδT cells of early human pregnancy produce angiogenic and immunomodulatory proteins while also possessing cytotoxic potential.

During pregnancy, the maternal immune system must allow and support the growth of the developing placenta while maintaining the integrity of the mother's body. The trophoblast's unique HLA signature is a key factor in this physiological process. This study focuses on decidual γδT cell populations and examines their expression of receptors that bind to non-classical HLA molecules, HLA-E and HLA-G. We demonstrate that decidual γδT cell subsets, including Vδ1, Vδ2, and double-negative (DN) Vδ1-/Vδ2- cells express HLA-specific regulatory receptors, such as NKG2C, NKG2A, ILT2, and KIR2DL4, each with varying dominance. Furthermore, decidual γδT cells produce cytokines (G-CSF, FGF2) and cytotoxic mediators (Granulysin, IFN-γ), suggesting functions in placental growth and pathogen defense. However, these processes seem to be controlled by factors other than trophoblast-derived non-classical HLA molecules. These findings indicate that decidual γδT cells have the potential to actively contribute to the maintenance of healthy human pregnancy.

Acromegaly Disease Control Maintained After Switching From Injected Somatostatin Receptor Ligands to Oral Paltusotine.

CONTEXT: Paltusotine is a nonpeptide selective somatostatin receptor 2 agonist in development as once-daily oral treatment for acromegaly. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of paltusotine in the treatment of patients with acromegaly previously controlled with injected somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs). METHODS: This phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled adults with acromegaly who had insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) ≤1.0 times the upper limit of normal (×ULN) while receiving a stable dose of depot octreotide or lanreotide. Patients were switched from injected SRLs and randomized to receive paltusotine or placebo orally for 36 weeks. The primary endpoint was proportion of patients maintaining IGF-I ≤1.0×ULN. Secondary endpoints were change in IGF-I level, change in Acromegaly Symptom Diary (ASD) score, and maintenance of mean 5-sample growth hormone (GH) <1.0 ng/mL. RESULTS: The primary endpoint was met: 83.3% (25/30) of patients receiving paltusotine and 3.6% (1/28) receiving placebo maintained IGF-I ≤1.0×ULN (odds ratio: 126.53; 95% CI: 13.73, >999.99; P<.0001). Paltusotine was also superior to placebo for all secondary endpoints: mean (±SE) change in IGF-I of 0.04±0.09×ULN versus 0.83±0.1×ULN (P<.0001); mean (±SE) change in ASD score of -0.6±1.5 versus 4.6±1.6 (P=.02); mean GH maintained at <1.0 ng/mL in 20/23 (87.0%) versus 5/18 (27.8%) patients (odds ratio: 16.61; 95% CI: 2.86, 181.36; P=.0003). The most common adverse events were acromegaly symptoms and gastrointestinal effects characteristic of SRLs. CONCLUSION: Replacement of injected SRLs by once-daily oral paltusotine was effective in maintaining both biochemical and symptom control in patients with acromegaly and was well tolerated.

[131-I-meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine therapy in childhood neuroblastoma.] / Gyermekkori neuroblastoma kezelésében alkalmazott 131-I-meta-jodo-benzil-guanidin terápia.

Neuroblastoma, representing one-tenth of childhood malignancies, is a clinically and prognostically heterogeneous disease. Survival in cases with poor prognosis has recently been significantly improved by rapidly evolving multimodal therapy. Our 4-year-old patient presented with bitemporal swelling and the diagnostic workup confirmed stage IV neuroblastoma (bone marrow and multiple bone metastases). While the tumor responded well to the initial treatment, it relapsed during post-consolidation therapy. As part of the salvage therapy for this high-risk disease with poor prognosis, 131-I-meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine treatment was performed for the first time in our country, in a case of pediatric neuroblastoma. Neuroendocrine tissue cells express a norepinephrine transporter capable of uptaking the catecholamine analog meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine. This mechanism makes it an adequate molecule for the imaging (123-I-meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine) and target therapy (131-I-meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine) of neuroendocrine tumors, including neuroblastoma. Treatment with 131-I-meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine requires specific personnel and infrastructural equipment, particularly in pediatric cases. Careful organization and cooperation between nuclear medicine specialists and collaborating clinicians (pediatric oncologists and adult internists if necessary) are essential. Meta-iodo-benzyl-guanidine therapy, already routinely used abroad, has been considered as part of salvage therapy for recurrent neuroblastoma until now, but ongoing clinical trials suggest that it may become part of the first-line treatment soon. As the indications broaden, it is necessary to make it available for more and more children in our country. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(39): 1550-1555.

Apelin-13 as a Potential Biomarker in Critical Illness.

BACKGROUND: The adrenocortical system and copeptin as prognostic markers were intensively investigated in critical illness. The potential predictive power of apelin-13 as a biomarker is largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the prognostic role of apelin-13 in relation to free cortisol, aldosterone, CRH, and copeptin in critically ill patients. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, 124 critically ill patients (64 men, 60 women, median age: 70 (59-78) years) were consecutively enrolled at the time of admission. All routinely available clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated and correlated to hormonal changes. RESULTS: Serum apelin-13 was 1161 (617-2967) pg/mL in non-survivors vs. 2477 (800-3531) pg/mL in survivors (p = 0.054). The concentrations of apelin-13 and CRH had strong positive correlations (r = 0.685, p < 0.001) and were significantly higher in surviving non-septic patients (Apelin-13 (pg/mL): 2286 (790-3330) vs. 818 (574-2732) p < 0.05; CRH (pg/mL) 201 (84-317) vs. 89 (74-233) p < 0.05). Apelin-13 and free cortisol were independent determinants of survival in the multivariate Cox regression analysis, while copeptin, CRH, or aldosterone were not. CONCLUSIONS: Beyond free cortisol, serum apelin-13 may also help refine prognostic predictions in the early phase of critical illness, especially in non-septic patients.

Physiological Changes in the Levels of Anti-Cytokine Autoantibodies in Early Pregnancy Are Missing in Pregnant Women with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

T helper type 1 (Th1) and inflammatory cytokines play essential roles in early pregnancy and also in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Changes in the serum level of autoantibodies to cytokines, which may be able to modulate their availability and actions have been described in several autoimmune disorders. Yet, no data are available on anti-cytokine autoantibodies either during early pregnancy or in patients with HT. The aim of the study was to measure autoantibodies to inflammatory-, Th1- and Th22-cytokines in serum samples in healthy pregnancy (HP) and in pregnant women with HT (HTP). As pathological autoantibodies are hallmarks of HT, in addition we also measured anti-B-cell activator factor (BAFF) autoantibodies. The measurement was carried out with a Luminex multiplex assay and the Luminex MAGPIX Instrument, age-matched healthy women (HC) and women with HT (HT) were used as controls. In the first trimester of HP, anti-TNFα, anti-IL-8, and anti-IFNγ autoantibodies were significantly decreased, while autoantibodies to BAFF were significantly elevated compared to the HC. However, these alterations were not present in the HTP. Moreover, the levels of autoantibodies to IL-22 and TNFα were significantly increased in HTP compared to the HP. All differences in the levels of the investigated autoantibodies could be detected in the first trimester of pregnancies except for anti-IL-22 autoantibodies. According to our results we can conclude that alterations in the levels of autoantibodies to inflammatory and Th1 cytokines are physiological in the first trimester of pregnancy and their disturbance can be associated with autoimmune conditions such as HT.

ACROBAT Edge: Safety and Efficacy of Switching Injected SRLs to Oral Paltusotine in Patients With Acromegaly.

CONTEXT: Paltusotine is a once-daily, oral, nonpeptide small-molecule somatostatin receptor type 2 (SST2) agonist in clinical development for treatment of acromegaly. OBJECTIVE: This work aimed to evaluate change in insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels in patients switched from octreotide long-acting release or lanreotide depot monotherapy to paltusotine. METHODS: A phase 2, open-label, prospective, multicenter, multinational, nonrandomized, single-arm exploratory study was conducted in which dosage uptitrations were performed in a double-blinded manner. At 26 global sites, patients with acromegaly switched to paltusotine from injected somatostatin receptor ligand (SRL)-based therapy. Patients received 13-week treatment with once-daily oral paltusotine (10-40 mg/d). The primary end point was change from baseline to week 13 in IGF-I for patients who switched from long-acting octreotide or lanreotide depot monotherapy to paltusotine (group 1). All patients underwent a 4-week paltusotine washout at end of treatment period (wk 13-17). IGF-I, growth hormone (GH), patient-reported outcome, and safety data were collected. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients enrolled. In group 1 (n = 25), IGF-I and GH showed no significant change between SRL baseline and end of paltusotine treatment at week 13 (median change in IGF-I = -0.03×upper limit of normal [ULN]; P = .6285; GH = -0.05 ng/mL; P = .6285). IGF-I and GH rose significantly in the 4 weeks after withdrawing paltusotine (median change in IGF-I = 0.55×ULN; P < .0001 [median increase 39%]; GH = 0.72 ng/mL; P < .0001 [109.1% increase]). No patients discontinued because of adverse events (AE); no treatment-related serious AEs were reported. CONCLUSION: These results suggest once-daily oral paltusotine was effective in maintaining IGF-I values in patients with acromegaly who switched from injected SRLs. Paltusotine was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with other SRLs.

[The heart as an endocrine organ]. / A szív mint endokrin szerv.

The discovery of cardiac hormone production significantly changed the evaluation of the function of the heart, which is rather regarded as a determining factor of the electrolyte and hemodynamic homeostasis cooperating with other organ systems instead of a mechanical pump. The most important hormones produced by the heart are the natriuretic peptides that have the primary role of protection against volume overload through natriuretic, diuretic, vasodilator and antiproliferative effects. They are integrative markers of the cardiac, vascular and renal functions and marking cardiorenal distress. Brain natriuretic peptide and the N-terminal pro-hormone (NT-proBNP) became generally accepted markers of heart failure exceeding traditional pathophysiological significance of those. They are useful in the diagnosis, estimation of prognosis and therapy guidance and their therapeutic administration is also available. Although the detection of extraadrenal aldosterone production is an exciting new discovery, intracardial aldosterone production is not significant in human beings. The intracardial thyroid hormone production is regulated by deiodinase activity. The role of elevated T3 concentration was suggested in the development of cardiac hypertrophy, while low T3 is assumed to be important in adaptation to hypoxia. An unexpected, complex relation can be determined between epicardial adipose tissue and coronary artery diseases, cytokine and adipokine production of adipocytes might be a part of the self-enhancing process of atherosclerosis.

Secondary hormonal alterations in short-term severe hypothyroidism; in the focus: Apelin and copeptin.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the complex interactions of thyroid hormone, apelin, and copeptin in the fluid-ion homeostasis of patients with severe transitory hypothyroidism. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 39 patients (ECOG: 0; 11 men, 28 women, mean age: 50.3 ± 14.9 years) were investigated during short-term severe hypothyroidism due to surgical removal of the thyroid gland and after adequate thyroid replacement therapy. In addition to the routinely available lab tests, copeptin and apelin levels were determined using ELISA. Results: In the hypothyroid state, apelin concentration was lower, while copeptin levels did not differ compared to the euthyroid condition. Apelin showed a positive correlation with copeptin (p = 0.003), sodium (p = 0.002), NT-proBNP (p < 0.001), and fT4 (p < 0.001) and a negative correlation with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (p < 0.001). In multivariate linear regression models, copeptin and TSH proved to be significant independent predictors of apelin levels, of which TSH had an explanatory power of 48.7%. Aside from apelin, copeptin only correlated with sodium (p = 0.046). Sodium levels were negatively associated with TSH (p = 0.004) and positively with ACTH (p = 0.002) and cortisol (p = 0.047), in addition to copeptin. None of the parameters were independent predictors of serum sodium levels in a multivariate regression model. Conclusions: In short-term severe hypothyroidism, serum apelin level is markedly decreased, which may predispose susceptible patients to hyponatremia, while the level of copeptin is unchanged. TSH and copeptin are independent predictors of apelin concentration, of which TSH is stronger.