Non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas may increase toxic metabolites.

BACKGROUND: Non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI) is a frequent diagnosis with increasing radiological tests. The emerging shreds of evidence showed that they might have negative cardiometabolic effects. The study aimed to investigate whether the toxic metabolites, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels, were altered in NFAI patients. METHODS: We included 43 NFAI patients and 41 controls with similar ages and body mass indices in the study. We compared plasma ADMA levels of both groups and noted the radiological features of NFAIs. RESULTS: The ADMA levels were significantly higher in NFAI patients than in the control group (307.04 ng/ml, range 81.89-577.7 ng/ml vs 192.54 ng/ml, range 70.61-440.26 ng/ml, p = 0.001). Nevertheless, we could not reach a significant correlation between ADMA levels and mass size. CONCLUSION: The ADMA is known as a toxin and is increased in NFAI patients. NFAIs may not be innocent and may be considered a potential risk for the body. Further investigations were needed for more explanations.

Nonfunctional adrenal incidentalomas may be related to bisphenol-A.

PURPOSE: Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical that may affect the hormones and their receptors. The aim of this study is to determine whether BPA has an effect on the development of nonfunctional adrenal incidentaloma (NFAI). METHODS: Fifty patients who were admitted to endocrinology outpatient clinics and diagnosed as NFAI were included in the study. Fifty healthy people without adrenal mass and adrenal pathology in the upper abdominal computerized tomography or magnetic resonance imaging were also included as control group. Age, gender and body mass index of the study groups were similar. The serum samples for BPA were stored at -80 °C in refrigerator until working in the lab. Serum BPA levels were measured using ELISA technique. RESULTS: Mean serum BPA level was 7.06 ± 3.96 ng/ml in NFAI patients and 4.79 ± 3.01 ng/ml in control group. Serum BPA level was significantly higher in NFAI group than control group (p = 0.001). Serum BPA levels were also found to be significantly higher in women with NFAI than in men with NFAI (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: The mechanisms of NFAI development have not been clarified yet. Increased BPA exposure with developed industrialization may play a role in NFAI formation. For the reduction of BPA exposure, the use of plastic prepacked products, plastic containers, and safety measures are essential for public health.