The Hormonal Milieu by Different Labor Induction Methods in Women with Previous Cesarean Section: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

The physiological pattern of hormonal and signaling molecules associated with labor induction is not fully clear. We conducted a preliminary study in order to investigate hormonal changes during labor induction in women with previous cesarean section. Eighty-seven women at term, with previous cesarean section, were randomized to undergo induction of labor by breast stimulation or intracervical balloon and compared with spontaneous labor (controls). Maternal serum levels of oxytocin, prostaglandin F2α, prostaglandin E2, prolactin, estradiol, and cortisol were analyzed at 0, 3, and 6 h post-induction initiation. Fetal umbilical cord hormones were measured. No significant difference was found in the induction-to-delivery time or mode of delivery between the induction groups. Maternal serum oxytocin levels decreased to a lesser extent in the breast stimulation group vs. the control group (p=0.003, p<0.001). In the breast stimulation and control groups, prostaglandin E2 levels increased as labor progressed (p=0.005, 0.002, respectively). Prostaglandin F2α levels decreased over time in the balloon group (p=0.039), but increased in the control group (p=0.037). Both induction methods had similar outcomes. The hormonal studies ascertained the hypothesized mechanisms, with oxytocin level higher during breast stimulation and lower in balloon induction. These observations could help clinicians determine the appropriate method for cervical ripening in women with previous cesarean section. Larger future studies are needed to examine the effect of these hormonal trends on the rate of successful labor induction and complications, such as uterine rupture, in women with previous uterine scars. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04244747.

Post-operative volumes following endoscopic surgery for non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas are predictive of further intervention, but not endocrine outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) remains the treatment of choice for non-functioning pituitary macroadenomas (NFPMA). The value of measuring tumour volumes before and after surgery, and its influence on endocrine outcomes and further treatment of the residual or recurrent tumour are unknown. METHODS: Data from patients who underwent endoscopic TSS for a NFPMA (2009-2018) in a UK tertiary centre were analysed for pre- and post-operative endocrine and surgical outcomes. RESULTS: Of 173 patients with NFPMA, 159 (61% male) were treatment naïve. At presentation, 76.2% (77/101) had ≥1 pituitary axis deficit. Older age (p = 0.002) was an independent predictor for multiple hormonal deficiencies. Preoperative tumour volume did not correlate with degree of hypopituitarism. Postoperative tumour volume and extent of tumour resection were not predictive of new onset hypopituitarism. Hormonal recovery was observed in 16 patients (20.8%) with impaired pituitary function, with the greatest recovery in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (21.2%, 7/33). A larger residual tumour volume was predictive of adjuvant radiotherapy (3.40 vs. 1.24 cm3, p = 0.005) and likelihood for repeat surgery (5.40 vs. 1.67cm3, p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Pre- and post-operative NFPMA volumes fail to predict the number of pituitary hormone deficits, however, greater post-operative residual volumes increase the likelihood of further intervention to control tumour growth.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for high-risk lactotroph adenomas: Long-term results.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for lactotroph adenomas (LAs) or prolactinomas is limited due to the effectiveness of medical treatments and surgery. Cases who are refractory to medical treatment and/or surgery may be managed with GKRS. We aimed to describe the effectiveness of GKRS for high-risk lactotroph adenomas (HRLAs) and LAs that were medically and surgically refractory. We analyzed our series of patients with HRLAs and LAs who were managed with GKRS following failed medical treatment and surgery and who had at least three years of follow-up. A total of 52 patients (22 HRLAs and 30 LAs) were included in the analysis of radiological, endocrine, and clinical outcomes. Radiological control was achieved in 68.2% of subjects in the HRLA group and 96.7% of subjects in the LA group. Hormonal control was achieved in 68.2% of patients in the HRLA group and 80% of patients in the LA group. On univariate analysis, hormonal control was significantly associated with pre-treatment volume (p = 0.007), higher margin dose (p = 0.002) and Ki-67 proliferative index (p = 0.007). Complications involved new pituitary hormone deficiencies in 19.2% of patients and asymptomatic peripheral visual field defect in 1.9% of patients. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the effectiveness of GKRS in LAs and HRLAs, with the highest median follow-up in the literature. High hormonal control rate, even in HRLAs, and lower complication rates suggest that GKRS should be part of the techniques for managing treatment refractory LAs.

Molecular characterization of gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) gene and effect of intramuscular injection of GnIH peptide on the reproductive axis in Catla catla.

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) plays an important role in reproduction by inhibiting the expression of gonadotropins in birds and mammals, but in fishes, it is ambiguous. In this study, we cloned 606 bp long cDNA of GnIH from Catla catla brain (cGnIH). The encoded preproGnIH peptide generated three putative peptides (cGnIH-I, -II, -III) of different size. Phylogenetic analysis of GnIH showed clustering of different peptide sequence with its orthologs in separate clades. The real-time PCR analysis showed the expression of cGnIH in brain, gonads, intestine, stomach, heart, gill and liver with the highest expression in the brain and gonads of both sexes. The basal GnIH mRNA expression was higher in spawning and spent phase of the male brain and spawning phase of the female brain. In testis, the expression was highest in spent phase, while in ovary the expression did not change significantly during reproductive phases. The in vivo experiment of cGnIH-III peptide exhibited the higher expression of HPG axis genes, lhb, fshb, cgnrh, kiss2 and kiss1r and serum hormone level of LH and FSH as soon as 3 h after the intramuscular delivery. These results suggest that the GnIH is positively involved in regulation of reproduction in HPG axis of C. catla.

Interrelationships Between Pituitary Hormones as Assessed From 24-hour Serum Concentrations in Healthy Older Subjects.

CONTEXT: Hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-target gland axes are mostly investigated separately, whereas the interplay between hormones might be as important as each separate hormonal axis. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to determine the interrelationships between GH, TSH, ACTH, and cortisol in healthy older individuals. DESIGN: We made use of 24-hour hormone serum concentrations assessed with intervals of 10 minutes from 38 healthy older individuals with a mean age (SD) of 65.1 (5.1) years from the Leiden Longevity Study. Cross-correlation analyses were performed to assess the relative strength between 2 24-hour hormone serum concentration series for all possible time shifts. Cross-approximate entropy was used to assess pattern synchronicity between 2 24-hour hormone serum concentration series. RESULTS: Within an interlinked hormonal axis, ACTH and cortisol were positively correlated with a mean (95% confidence interval) correlation coefficient of 0.78 (0.74-0.81) with cortisol following ACTH concentrations with a delay of 10 minutes. Between different hormonal axes, we observed a negative correlation coefficient between cortisol and TSH of -0.30 (-0.36 to -0.25) with TSH following cortisol concentrations with a delay of 170 minutes. Furthermore, a positive mean (95% confidence interval) correlation coefficient of 0.29 (0.22-0.37) was found between TSH and GH concentrations without any delay. Moreover, cross-approximate entropy analyses showed that GH and cortisol exhibit synchronous serum concentration patterns. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that interrelations between hormones from interlinked as well as different hypothalamic-pituitary-target gland axes are observed in healthy older individuals. More research is needed to determine the biological meaning and clinical consequences of these observations.

Distinct pituitary hormone levels of 184 Chinese children and adolescents with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency: a single-centre study.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary tumors and/or their treatment are associated with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) in adults, but the distinct pituitary hormone profile of MPHD in Chinese children and adolescents remains unclear. METHODS: Patients with MPHD were divided into four groups according to their MRI results: 1) pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS); 2) hypoplasia; 3) normal; and 4) tumor survivor. RESULTS: Among the 184 patients, 93 patients (50.5%) were with PSIS, 24 (13.0%) had hypoplastic pituitary gland, 10 (5.4%) patients were normal, and 57 (31.0%) were tumor survivors. There was an association between abnormal fetal position and PSIS (P ≤ 0.001). The CA/BA in PSIS, hypoplasia, normal, tumor survivor groups were 2.27 ± 1.05, 1.48 ± 0.39, 1.38 ± 0.57, 1.49 ± 0.33, and HtSDS were - 3.94 ± 1.39, - 2.89 ± 1.09, - 2.50 ± 1.05, - 1.38 ± 1.63. Patients in PSIS group had the largest CA/BA (P ≤ 0.001 vs. hypoplasia group, P = 0.009 vs. normal group, P ≤ 0.001 vs. tumor survivors) and lowest HtSDS (P ≤ 0.001 vs. hypoplasia group, P = 0.003 vs. normal group, P ≤ 0.001 vs. tumor survivors). The levels of TSH in the PSIS, hypoplasia, normal, and tumor survivor groups were 1.03 ± 1.08 (P = 0.149 vs. tumor survivors), 1.38 ± 1.47 (P = 0.045 vs. tumor survivors), 2.49 ± 1.53 (P < 0.001 vs. tumor survivors), and 0.76 ± 1.15 µIU/ml. The levels of GH peak in PSIS, hypoplasia, normal, tumor survivor groups were 1.37 ± 1.78, 1.27 ± 1.52, 3.36 ± 1.79, 0.53 ± 0.52 ng/ml and ACTH were 27.50 ± 20.72, 25.05 ± 14.64, 34.61 ± 59.35, 7.19 ± 8.63 ng/ml. Tumor survivors had the lowest levels of GH peak (P ≤ 0.001 vs. PSIS group, P = 0.002 vs. hypoplasia group, P ≤ 0.001 vs. normal group) and ACTH (all the P ≤ 0.001 vs. the other three groups). CONCLUSION: The frequency of PSIS is high among children and adolescents with MPHD. The severity of hormone deficiencies in patients with MPHD was more important in the tumor survivor group compared with the other groups.

Surgical Outcome of Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery of Large and Giant Pituitary Adenomas: An Institutional Experience from the Middle East.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment of large and giant pituitary adenomas is challenging and associated with higher risk of complications and lower rate of gross total resection. We present our experience with surgical management of large and giant adenomas using the extended endoscopic transsphenoidal approach (EETA). METHODS: A total of 80 patients with large (30-39 mm) and giant (≥40 mm) pituitary adenomas who underwent tumor resection using EETA were studied. Radiologic data, hormonal and visual status, surgical outcomes, complications, and factors affecting the extent of resection were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty-five tumors (56.3%) were classified as large and 35 (43.8%) as giant adenomas. Gross total resection was achieved in 66 patients (82.5%), near-total resection in 10 (12.5%), and subtotal resection in 4 (5%). Preoperative factors including larger tumor size, multilobular shape of tumor, and higher Knosp scores significantly decrease the likelihood of gross total resection. Of patients with preoperative visual acuity impairment and visual field deficit, 76.8% and 74.1%, respectively, experienced improvement after surgery. The most common complications include new pituitary insufficiency (16.4%), permanent diabetes insipidus (7.5%), and cerebrospinal fluid leakage (5%). Two cases of meningitis (2.5%) and 3 deaths (3.8%) occurred in this cohort of patients. Mean follow-up duration was 24.2 months. CONCLUSIONS: EETA can be a safe and efficient approach as the first-line treatment of patients with large and giant pituitary adenomas and is associated with high rates of gross total resection or near-total resection, visual function improvement, and a relatively low rate of complications.

Case of Acromegaly Caused by Rathke Cleft Cyst Mimicking Plurihormonal Pituitary Adenoma.

BACKGROUND: Acromegaly caused by Rathke cleft cyst (RCC) mimicking a plurihormonal pituitary adenoma (PA) is rare. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a 71-year-old woman who presented with hyperhidrosis in 2013. Magnetic resonance imaging performed in April 2018 revealed that the patient had a pituitary tumor, and she was referred to our hospital. She presented with an acromegaly-like appearance with mild hypertrophy at her limb extremities. Preoperative blood tests, magnetic resonance imaging, and an endocrine tolerance test indicated that the patient's symptoms satisfied the diagnostic criteria for acromegaly, with a suspected diagnosis of an RCC and growth hormone (GH)-producing PA. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (eTSS) was performed. Permanent pathologic diagnosis showed an RCC mimicking a plurihormonal PA, which was confirmed via immunohistochemistry. Blood sampling 2 months post surgery showed reduced GH (0.41 ng/mL) and increased insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) (356 ng/mL) levels. In addition, a postoperative endocrine tolerance test revealed a parasitic reaction of GH and secondary adrenocortical hypofunction. No RCC recurrence was found, and the GH (0.32 ng/mL) and previously increased IGF-1 (169 ng/mL) levels were normalized 12 months after eTSS. CONCLUSIONS: We reported a rare case of acromegaly caused by RCC mimicking a plurihormonal PA. This case suggests that inflammation associated with RCC might be involved in the development of adenomatous cells. Postoperative clinical symptoms and elevated fibrinogen and IGF-1 levels later improved. This outcome suggested that the transient increase in IGF-1 2 months after surgery might reflect RCC-induced inflammation.

Elevated insulin-like growth factor-1 in Cushing's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if patients with untreated Cushing's disease have higher serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) compared to matched controls, and if IGF-1 decreases following remission of Cushing's disease. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study matching Cushing's disease cases to control patients for adenoma size, age, sex, diabetic and gonadal status, body mass index and serum IGF-1 measured within one year. Paired analysis of pre-operative (untreated) and >3 months post-operative (remission) serum IGF-1 for cases. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: All patients were investigated at the Princess Alexandra Hospital Endocrine Unit between 2005 and 2017. Serum IGF-1 was measured in 25 cases and 49 controls, 23 case-control pairs and 13 cases pre- and post-operatively. RESULTS: Mean serum IGF-1 in cases was significantly higher compared to controls-32 ± 12 nmol/L compared to 25 ± 8 nmol/L, (P = 0.005). The proportion of cases with elevated serum IGF-1 above an age-adjusted reference range was higher compared to 1:1 matched controls (8/23 (35%) vs 1/23 (4%), P = 0.02). In 13 cases in remission post-operatively, serum IGF-1 decreased significantly from 31 (IQR 29-40.5) nmol/L to 23 (IQR 15-28.5) nmol/L, (P < 0.001), despite no difference in the prevalence of pre- vs post-operative pituitary hormone dysfunction (P = 0.47). CONCLUSION: Patients with untreated Cushing's disease may have elevated IGF-1, which decreases following remission. Mildly elevated IGF-1 in Cushing's disease does not imply pathological growth hormone (GH) excess.

Clinical Features, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Treatment Experience of 20 Patients with Lymphocytic Hypophysitis in a Single Center.

OBJECTIVE: Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LYH) is a rare autoimmune inflammatory disease of the pituitary gland. In this study, we aim to characterize LYH at presentation and focus on the management and prognosis of LYH. METHODS: A retrospective study of patients with LYH was conducted between 2011 and 2018 at a single institute. The patients were included by pathologic conformation and strict exclusion criteria. Clinical profile, imaging, and management data were collected. RESULTS: Twenty patients with LYH (16 women and 4 men) were included. Ten patients were diagnosed histologically and the remaining 10 patients were confirmed clinically of exclusion criteria. The median age at diagnosis was 37 years (range, 16-58 years). Presenting symptoms were followed by polyuria/polydipsia (11, 55%), vision changes (10, 50%), headache (8, 40%), menstrual irregularities and amenorrhea (4, 20%), diplopia (1, 5%), or sexual dysfunction (1, 5%). Eight patients had partial anterior pituitary hormone dysfunction. The thyroid-stimulating hormone axis was most involved. Ten patients received transsphenoidal surgery, 5 patients experienced steroid pulse therapy, and observation was performed on 5 patients. Only 5 patients (25%) showed improvement of anterior pituitary dysfunction after initial management. Recovery of diabetes insipidus occurred in 2 patients (18%). The overall recurrence rate was 22.2%. CONCLUSIONS: Nonoperative treatment is a better option for most patients with LYH because it is effective and noninvasive. Surgery is recommended for definitive diagnosis, severe or rapid progression of neurologic impairment, and glucocorticoid insensitivity. Periodic follow-up is mandatory in a patient's long-term management.

Efficacy of transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary tumor: A protocol for systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of transsphenoidal surgery (TPS) for patients with a pituitary tumor (PT). METHODS: We will retrieve the following electronic databases for randomized controlled trials or case-control studies to assess the effect and safety of TPS for PT: Cochrane Library, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. Each database will be retrieved from the inception to December 20, 2018. The entire process consists of the study selection, data collection, methodology quality assessment, data pooled, and meta-analysis performance. The methodology quality will be assessed by using Cochrane risk of bias tool. The data pooled and meta-analysis will be conducted by using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS: This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of TPS for PT. The primary outcome includes total tumor resection rate. The secondary outcomes consist of quality of life, total tumor resection rate, postoperative complication rate, and the rate of functional tumor hormone levels. CONCLUSION: The expected results may provide up-to-date evidence of TPS for the treatment of PT. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42018120194.

Effect of low-dose acitretin treatment on pituitary hormones in psoriasis vulgaris: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: It has been reported that retinoids may lead to hormonal alterations. AIM: In this retrospective study, we aimed to study the effect of acitretin on pituitary hormones in psoriasis patients. METHODS: Out of 50 patients intended to be studied, blood samples of 43 patients could be tested before and after 3 months of acitretin therapy (0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg/day). RESULTS: Patients mean ± standard deviation ages and female/male ratio were 46 ± 17 years and 19/24, respectively. After treatment with acitretin, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels increased significantly (P < 0.05). After treatment, total protein, free thyroxine (T4) levels decreased significantly (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between before-after acitretin treatment regarding pituitary hormone levels in psoriasis patients (P > 0.05). LIMITATIONS: The retrospective nature of the study, inability to retest blood samples of 7 patients at 3 months post treatment, low dose and short duration of acitretin treatment were limitations of this study. CONCLUSION: This study showed that pituitary hormones were not affected except free T4 (thyroid hormone) by acitretin treatment. Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to clarify the effect of acitretin on pituitary hormones.

Secondary adrenal insufficiency and pituitary dysfunction in oral/transdermal opioid users with non-cancer pain.

Objective To evaluate pituitary function, sexual function and quality of life (QoL) in patients on oral or transdermal opioids. Design and methods Cross-sectional study comparing pituitary function, QoL and sexual function in people on long-term opioid therapy (n = 40) vs an age- and sex-matched control group (n = 25). Baseline pituitary function was assessed on blood samples collected prior to 0900 h. Further testing with corticotropin (250 µg IV) and metyrapone (30 mg/kg) stimulation tests was undertaken on participants with serum cortisol <250 nmol/L. Validated questionnaires completed to assess QoL, fatigue and sexual function. Results Secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) was identified on the basis of a failed stimulation test in 22.5% of opioid users vs no controls (P = 0.01). Opioid users with SAI had a higher median morphine-equivalent daily dose (MEDD), P = 0.037 - 50% with MEDD >200 mg and 0% with MEDD <60 mg had SAI. Among male participants, testosterone was inversely associated with BMI (P = 0.001) but not opioid use. A non-significant trend to low testosterone <8 nmol/L in male opioid users (11/24 opioid users vs 2/14 control, P = 0.08) suggests a small subgroup with opioid-induced androgen deficiency. Opioid users had greater fatigue, reduced quality of life in all subsections of the SF-36 and impaired sexual function in both males and females (all scores P < 0.001 compared to controls). Conclusion Long-term opioid therapy was associated with dose-related SAI in over 20% of chronic pain patients and is associated with poor quality of life, fatigue and sexual dysfunction. Obesity confounds the interpretation of opioid-induced male androgen deficiency.

Rapidly progressive non-alcoholic fatty liver disease due to hypopituitarism. Report of 5 cases.

BACKGROUND: A few reports had revealed the clinical associations between hypopituitarism and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Further evidences were needed. OBJECTIVES: To report 5 cases of young patients with rapidly progressive NAFLD in conjunction with hypopituitarism, aiming to detect the associations. METHODS: Clinical data of the 5 patients were analyzed retrospectively. All had decompensated liver cirrhosis that was finally attributed to NAFLD. Hypopituitarism was a result of pituitary stalk interruption syndrome in 3 patients and craniopharyngioma in 2. RESULTS: 4 patients were overweight (BMI, 24.2 to 28.4kg/m2). All had insulin resistance (HOMA-IR, 4.8 to 7.2). All suffered from at least one metabolic disorder. All had decompensated liver cirrhosis. The average time duration was 6.9 years between the onset of abnormal liver function and decompensated liver cirrhosis. Fatty liver could be detected in all patients. All had anterior hypopituitarism, and 2 also had posterior pituitary dysfunction. The hormone supplements were insufficient. CONCLUSION: Hypopituitarism may be a rare cause of rapidly progressive NAFLD. Insulin resistance and metabolic disorders caused by multiple hormonal deficiencies may contribute to it. Hormone supplement therapy, especially the growth hormone supplement, should be given at the early age to prevent the severe liver disease.

Sex-dependent association of circulating sex steroids and pituitary hormones with treatment-free survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is not considered a hormone-regulated cancer although sex is a recognized risk factor with men more frequently diagnosed and developing progressive disease. We hypothesized that variable hormonal exposure may have a sexually dimorphic influence on treatment-free survival (TFS). In 156 CLL cases, we quantitatively profiled 29 circulating steroids (progesterone, adrenal precursors, androgens, estrogens, and catechol estrogens) as well as luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone. Median TFS was shorter for men than that for women (80.7 vs. 135.0 months, P = 0.033). Circulating hormone profiles in CLL patients were significantly different from those of healthy donors. In male CLL cases, higher LH levels were associated with shorter TFS (adjusted hazard ratio (HRadj) 2.11; P = 0.004). In female CLL cases, high levels of the potent androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone and the sum of methoxy estrogens were associated with an improved TFS with HRadj values of 0.24 (P = 0.007), 0.54 (P = 0.023), and 0.31 (P = 0.034), respectively. Reduced TFS was observed for women with CLL exhibiting high expression of the steroid-inactivating UGT2B17 enzyme. This study is the first to establish a link between the outcome of CLL patients, sex steroids, and pituitary hormones, revealing a sex-specific hormonal imbalance associated with disease progression.

Lymphocytic hypophysitis associated with Behcet's disease: A case report and review of the literature.

Lymphocytic hypophysitis (LH) is a rare inflammatory disorder involving the pituitary gland, often with other autoimmune diseases combined. The coexistence of LH and Behçet\'s disease (BD) is a rare combination and only one case was reported in the previous literatures. A 50-year-old man was admitted into Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital presented with frontal headache and fatigue which had lasted for four months. Endocrinological inspection indicated anterior pituitary dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed homogeneous pituitary enlargement and thickened pituitary stalk. Administration of glucocorticoids could effectively relieve headache and reduced pituitary mass volume. Oral aphthosis, skin lesions and positive pathergy tests were recognized later, which were characteristic features of BD. Although the diagnosis of BD is mainly dependent on clinical manifestations, PT is still a useful diagnostic tool 0f high specificityfor BD. And this male patient was diagnosed with both LH and BD afterwards. Then he was treated with cyclophosphamide and medium doses of methylprednisolone and remained in good conditions at the follow-up. LH and BD might share a common underlying autoimmune pathogenesis. The presentation of endocrinologic disturbances such as anterior pituitary dysfunction with typical features of skin lesions should prompt further investigation of possible comorbid autoimmune disease involving multiple organ systems. Early diagnosis and close monitoring are vitally important to ensure a stable endocrinologic status.

The Long-Term Impact of High Levels of Alpha-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone in Energy Balance Among Obese Adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Deregulation of orexigenic and anorexigenic pathways occurs among adolescents with obesity. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a key catabolic mediator of energy homeostasis and an important anorexigenic neuropeptide in the control of energy balance and thermogenesis. However, it was not well explored if α-MSH can modulate long-term weight loss therapy responses in a dependent manner according to its concentration. Our hypothesis is that a high α-MSH concentration at baseline promotes better modulation of anorexigenic/orexigenic pathways in obese adolescents. METHODS: One hundred ten post-pubertal obese adolescents (body mass index >95th percentile) were submitted to 1 year of interdisciplinary therapy (clinical, nutritional, psychological, physical exercise, and physiotherapy support). Body composition and plasma levels of α-MSH, neuropeptide Y (NPY), melanin-concentrating hormone, and agouti-related peptide (AgRP) were measured before and after therapy. The volunteers were grouped on the basis of Tertiles of α-MSH concentration: Low (<0.75 ng/mL), Medium (≤0.76 to ≥1.57 ng/mL), and High (>1.57 ng/mL). Significance was set as p < 0.05. RESULTS: The treatment promoted a significant improvement in body adiposity and fat free mass for all groups. It is important to note that only in the high α-MSH group, a significant increase of the α-MSH/NPY ratio and decrease NPY/AgRP ratio post treatment were observed. CONCLUSION: The high α-MSH concentration promotes better modulation of anorexigenic/orexigenic pathways in obese adolescents following long-term weight loss therapy and this is important in clinical practice.

Insulin-Sensitizer Effects of Fenugreek Seeds in Parallel with Changes in Plasma MCH Levels in Healthy Volunteers.

In developed, developing and low-income countries alike, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most common chronic diseases, the severity of which is substantially a consequence of multiple organ complications that occur due to long-term progression of the disease before diagnosis and treatment. Despite enormous investment into the characterization of the disease, its long-term management remains problematic, with those afflicted enduring significant degradation in quality-of-life. Current research efforts into the etiology and pathogenesis of T2DM, are focused on defining aberrations in cellular physiology that result in development of insulin resistance and strategies for increasing insulin sensitivity, along with downstream effects on T2DM pathogenesis. Ongoing use of plant-derived naturally occurring materials to delay the onset of the disease or alleviate symptoms is viewed by clinicians as particularly desirable due to well-established efficacy and minimal toxicity of such preparations, along with generally lower per-patient costs, in comparison to many modern pharmaceuticals. A particularly attractive candidate in this respect, is fenugreek, a plant that has been used as a flavouring in human diet through recorded history. The present study assessed the insulin-sensitizing effect of fenugreek seeds in a cohort of human volunteers, and tested a hypothesis that melanin-concentrating hormone (MCH) acts as a critical determinant of this effect. A test of the hypothesis was undertaken using a hyperinsulinemic euglycemic glucose clamp approach to assess insulin sensitivity in response to oral administration of a fenugreek seed preparation to healthy subjects. Outcomes of these evaluations demonstrated significant improvement in glucose tolerance, especially in patients with impaired glucose responses. Outcome data further suggested that fenugreek seed intake-mediated improvement in insulin sensitivity correlated with reduction in MCH levels.

Sheehan's syndrome presenting as cardiac tamponade.

A 50-year-old woman presented with progressive dyspnoea and oedema with rapid deterioration over the last few days. Clinical examination revealed hypotension with cold clammy skin, raised jugular venous pressure and muffled heart sounds and was diagnosed to have cardiac tamponade, later confirmed on two-dimensional echocardiography. However, patient had bradycardia, and the other striking examination findings were coarse facies with pallor, madarosis, absent axillary and pubic hair and breast atrophy. Her blood sugar level was also low. Detailed history revealed an episode of postpartum haemorrhage with lactation failure and early menopause. Pericardiocentesis was done with a pig-tail catheter. Hormone profile and MRI brain confirmed the diagnosis of Sheehan's syndrome. Patient improved on treatment with thyroxine and hydrocortisone supplementation and was discharged with education about stress dosing.

Somatotrope Pituitary Function in Professional Soccer Players.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Soccer is associated with repetitive head trauma, which, as it is known from sports like football and boxing, can result in hypopituitarism. Gonadotropins and GH are the most common pituitary hormones to become deficient. GH deficiency is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular mortality and has negative influence on body mass index, visceral fat mass, insulin resistance and sensitivity, bone mineral density and inflammatory markers. Therefore the aim of this study was to evaluate the somatotrope pituitary function in professional soccer players. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This clinical study included 15 male, professional soccer players with at least 10 years of professional training. Basal hormonal parameters of the pituitary axis were obtained from the participants. To assess GH-IGF-I axis, glucagon stimulation tests were used. Rise in growth hormone during glucagon test was analyzed and the prevalence of newly diagnosed hormone deficiencies was evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age of all participants was 31±10 years. None of the 15 soccer players had GH deficiency. Mean rising factor of GH after stimulation with glucagon was 100 in all participants. We did not find signs of ACTH, TSH or LH/FSH deficiency in any player. CONCLUSIONS: In this small collective of soccer players we did not find playing soccer to be a risk factor for the development of GH-deficiency. According to our data screening for somatotrope deficiency is not necessary. Further investigations in larger cohorts are needed.