Percentage of Myeloid Dendritic Cells in Peripheral Venous Blood Is Negatively Related to Incidence of Graves' Orbitopathy.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of blood dendritic cells (DCs) in patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO) and to assess the influence of methylprednisolone therapy on subsets of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Peripheral blood DC subsets were analyzed by flow cytometry in patients with active GO (n = 17), inactive GO (n = 8), and Graves' disease (GD) without GO (n = 8) and controls (n = 15); additionally, in patients with active GO (n = 17), analyses were done at three time points, i.e., before methylprednisolone treatment and after 6 weeks and after 12 weeks of the treatment. Percentage of myeloid DCs (mDCs) in PBMC fraction was significantly lower in patients with both active and inactive GO, compared to patients with GD without GO and controls (p < 0.05). In addition, mDCs were also documented to be an independent factor negatively associated with GO, however without essential differences between active and inactive phases. On the other hand, we did not observe any changes in the percentage of DCs after methylprednisolone therapy (p > 0.05). In the present study, we have succeeded to firstly demonstrate-according to our knowledge-that blood mDCs are negatively related to GO incidence.

Postoperative hypoparathyroidism in patients after total thyroidectomy - retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Hypoparathyroidism is the most frequent complication of thyroidectomy. The incidence rates of temporary and permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism vary from 7 to more than 60% and from 0 to 9%, respectively. DESIGN: The aim of the study has been to evaluate the incidence of hypoparathyroidism and clinical manifestations of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy, as well as assess factors that affect the frequency of the symptomatic hypocalcaemia, and benefits resulting from the measurement of parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration on the first day after thyroidectomy. SETTING: The studied group consisted of 330 patients after total thyroidectomy, while the control group consisted of 86 patients who underwent total resection of one lobe only or subtotal thyroidectomy. RESULTS: Based on the measurements of serum PTH concentration on the first day after total thyroidectomy, postoperative hypoparathyroidism was diagnosed in 48% of patients. After total thyroidectomy, the frequency of clinical symptoms of hypocalcaemia was twice less than the incidence of hypoparathyroidism confirmed by biochemical testing. Total thyroidectomy occurred to be an independent factor of the increased risk of postoperative hypoparathyroidism. This risk was even higher in the cases widened by lymphadenectomy, and among patients with Graves' disease. In the group of patients with decreased serum PTH concentration the occurrence of clinical symptoms of hypocalcaemia significantly depended on serum PTH concentration - patients with lower PTH levels reported paresthesias more frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Serum PTH levels below 5 pg/ml seems to be a good prognostic factor of the occurrence of hypocalcaemia symptoms. The information about low PTH concentration allows to start the pharmacotherapy faster and avoid clinical manifestation of hypocalcaemia.

In children with autoimmune thyroiditis CTLA4 and FCRL3 genes--but not PTPN22--are overexpressed when compared to adults.

BACKGROUND: Numerous genetic studies revealed several susceptibility genes of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), including CTLA4, PTPN22 and FCRL3. These immune-modulating genes are involved in genetic background of AITD among children and adult patients. However, possible age-related differences in overexpression of these genes remain unclear. PURPOSE: The goal of this single centre cohort study was evaluation of expression levels of three (3) genes CTLA4, PTPN22 and FCRL3 in adult patients and children with autoimmune thyroiditis. METHODS: A total of 47 patients--24 adults (mean age--47.7 years) and 23 children (mean age--12.4 years) with autoimmune thyroiditis were assessed for the level of expression of CTLA4, PTPN22 and FCRL3 genes, utilizing ABI PRISM' 7500 Sequence Detection System (Applied Biosystem, Foster City, CA, USA). RESULTS: The overexpression of PTPN22 (mean RQ = 2.988) and FCRL3 (mean RQ = 2.544) genes were confirmed in adult patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, at the same time the expression level of CTLA4 gene was significantly decreased (mean RQ = 0.899) (p < 0.05). Similar discrepancies were not observed in children with autoimmune thyroiditis in whom overexpression of all three genes--CTLA4, PTPN22 and FCRL3--was observed. Differences in CTLA4 and FCRL3 genes expression levels in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis were found depending on the age, with increased expression levels of CTLA4 (mean RQ = 3.45 1) and FCRL3 (mean RQ = 7.410) in children when compared to adults (p < 0.05) (Mann-Whitney's U-test). There were moderate negative linear correlations between two genes in question (CTLA4 and FCRL3) expression level and patients' age [correlation coefficient (r) = -0.529 (p < 0.0002) and -0.423 (p < 0.0032), respectively; Spearman's rank correlation test]. CONCLUSION: Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that there are few age-dependent genetic differences as regards autoimmune thyroiditis in adults and children. Accordingly, CTLA4 and FCRL3 genes overexpression may play an important role in children suffering from autoimmune thyroiditis.

Tumour-Induced Osteomalacia-A Long Way to the Diagnosis Facilitated by [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT.

Background: Tumour-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome. Detecting the primary tumour in TIO is challenging using conventional imaging methods. This study assesses the efficacy of [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in identifying the primary tumour. Methods: Six patients with suspected TIO underwent [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT. The patients' clinical history and biochemical parameters were analysed. Results: [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT successfully identified primary tumours in four patients (femoral bones for two, iliac bone for one, subcutaneous tissue of pubic region for one). Tumour removal led to clinical and laboratory improvement. In one patient, PET/CT showed rib uptake, but the biopsy was negative. One patient showed no tumour lesions on PET/CT despite clinical evidence. Two patients had focal recurrence at the primary tumour site, detected by follow-up PET/CT. Conclusions: [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT is a valuable tool for detecting primary tumours in TIO, aiding in accurate diagnosis and guiding surgery, leading to improved outcomes. Further research is needed to validate these findings and explore [68Ga]Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT in other paraneoplastic syndromes.

The prevalence, patients' characteristics, and hyper-Lp(a)-emia risk factors in the polish population. The first results from the PMMHRI-Lp(a) registry.

BACKGROUND: The knowledge on the prevalence of elevated lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), patients' characteristics, and nongenetic risk factors is scarce in some regions including Poland, the largest Central and Eastern European country. Thus, we aimed to present the results from the Lp(a) registry established in Poland's 2nd largest, supra-regional hospital - the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMHRI). METHODS: The PMMHRI-Lp(a)-Registry was established in January 2022. Since that time all consecutive patients of the Departments of Cardiology, Endocrinology, and outpatient cardiology, diabetology and metabolic clinics have been included. The indications for Lp(a) measurement in the registry are based on the 2021 Polish Lipid Guidelines and new Polish recommendations on the management of elevated Lp(a) (2024). Lp(a) was determined using Sentinel's Lp(a) Ultra, an Immunoturbidimetric quantitative test (Sentinel, Milan, Italy), and the results are presented in mg/dl. RESULTS: 511 patients were included in the Registry between Jan 2022 and 15th May 2024. The mean age of patients was 48.21 years. Female patients represented 53.42 % of the population. Elevated Lp(a) levels above 30 and 50 mg/dL were detected in 142 (27.79 %), and 101 (19.8 %) patients, respectively. The mean Lp(a) level was 30.45 ±â€¯42.50 mg/dL, with no significant sex differences [mean for men: 28.80 mg/dl; women: 31.89 mg/dL]. There were also no significant differences between those with and without: coronary artery disease (CAD), dyslipidemia, stroke, heart failure, cancer, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and thyroid disease. The significant Lp(a) level difference was observed in those with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) vs those without (51.47 ±â€¯55.16 vs 28.09 ±â€¯37.51 mg/dL, p < 0.001). However, when we divided those with premature vs no premature MI, no significant difference in Lp(a) level was observed (51.43 ±â€¯57.82 vs 51.52 ±â€¯53.18 mg/dL, p = 0.95). Lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) at baseline did not significantly affect Lp(a) level, with only significant differences for the highest doses of rosuvastatin (p < 0.05) and in those treated with ezetimibe (as a part of the combination therapy; 44.73 ±â€¯54.94 vs 26.84 ±â€¯37.11 mg/dL, p < 0.001). For selected patients (n = 43; 8.42 %) with at least two Lp(a) measurements (mean time distance: 7 ±â€¯5 months, range 1-20 months) we did not observe statistically significant visit-to-visit variability (mean difference: 3.25 mg/dL; r = 0.079, p = 0.616). While dividing the whole population into those with Lp(a) ≤30 mg/dL and > 30 mg/dL, the only hyper-Lp(a)-emia prevalence differences were seen for FH diagnosis (12.88 vs 21.43; p = 0.017), MI prevalence (6.52 vs 16.90 %; p < 0.001), thyroid disease diagnosis (18.14 vs 26.76 %; p = 0.033) and ezetimibe treatment (18.58 vs 30.77 %, p = 0.036). A similar pattern was observed while dividing the whole population on those with Lp(a) ≤50 mg/dL (125 nmol/L) and > 50 mg/dL (125 nmol/L) except for no statistical difference for thyroid disease. CONCLUSIONS: These results strongly emphasize that Lp(a) should be measured commonly, as its high level is highly prevalent (even every 3rd patient) in patients at cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in primary and secondary prevention, requiring risk re-stratification and optimization of the treatment. This is especially important in the regions that characterize baseline high CVD risk, which refers to most CEE countries, including Poland.

Comparison of the Clinical Utility of Two Insulin Resistance Indices: IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore in Diagnosing Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Complications in Children Based on the Results Obtained for the Polish Population.

Background: Recognizing insulin resistance (IR) in children remains challenging due to uncertain IRI-HOMA cut-offs and unclear recommendations for evaluating IR based on OGTT. In our study, we compare the effectiveness of IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore (OGTT-based) in detecting IR and its metabolic complications in children. Methods: The analysis included 553 children who were hospitalized at the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases of the Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital Research Institute (PMMH-RI) in Lodz, Poland, between 2002 and 2018 due to various reasons-of these, 67.5% were girls. All underwent OGTT for glucose and insulin assessment. IR diagnosis relied on IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore. IR based on IRI-HOMA was evaluated using three criteria: (A) >2.5; (B) >2.67 in boys and >2.22 in girls before puberty and >5.22 and >3.82 during puberty, respectively; (C) >95th percentile according to charts for IRI-HOMA in children. Results: Prepubertal children exhibited significantly lower IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore than their pubertal counterparts (p < 0.00005). IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore values positively correlated with age and BMI SDS value (p < 0.000001 for all calculations). As many as 26% to 46.9% of children with normal IRI-HOMA showed elevated IRI-Belfiore, with notably higher levels of triglycerides, a lower HDL cholesterol fraction, and a lower HDL/total cholesterol ratio in this subgroup. Conclusions: A notable proportion of children exhibited elevated IRI-Belfiore levels despite having normal IRI-HOMA values. This suggests the possibility of peripheral IR preceding hepatic IR in children-omitting an OGTT may therefore lead to overlooking cases of IR. Children diagnosed with IR via OGTT displayed significantly poorer lipid profiles compared to those without IR (characterized by normal values in both IRI-HOMA and IRI-Belfiore). This underscores the ability of OGTT-derived IR indices to identify individuals at risk of developing complications associated with obesity and IR before the onset of metabolic syndrome (MS) symptoms. If IR is already detected in children based on fasting glucose and insulin levels (IRI-HOMA), further evaluation may not be warranted, as OGTT results often simply confirm the diagnosis.

Sudden onset of sarcoidosis after successful surgical treatment of Cushing's syndrome.

Not required for Clinical Vignette.

Management of hypoparathyroidism: a Position Statement of the Expert Group of the Polish Society of Endocrinology.

Over the past few years, there have been significant advances in our understanding of hypoparathyroidism (HypoPT) in terms of its epidemiology, clinical presentation, etiology, and skeletal and renal complications. Moreover, the available treatment options for HypoPT have changed. This position statement of the Expert Group of the Polish Society of Endocrinology summarizes the current state of knowledge and provides recommendations for optimal management to assist clinicians in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of HypoPT in Poland. The specific aspects of HypoPT management in children, pregnant and lactating women, and patients with chronic kidney disease are also discussed. HypoPT is a rare disorder characterized by hypocalcemia and the lack or deficiency of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Hypoparathyroidism can be associated with complications, including nephrocalcinosis, nephrolithiasis, renal insufficiency, cataract, seizures, cardiac arrhythmia, depression, and an increased risk of infection. Minimizing complications of HypoPT requires careful evaluation and close monitoring of laboratory parameters. Conventional management of HypoPT has focused on maintaining serum calcium levels using oral calcium and active vitamin D. However, this approach is limited because it does not restore normal PTH function, is often associated with inadequate biochemical control, and raises concerns as to long-term side effects. HypoPT is the only classic endocrine insufficiency that is not commonly treated with the substitution of the missing hormone. Recently, recombinant human PTH(1-84) has become available, offering hope that the use of the missing hormone in the treatment of HypoPT will help achieve better control and reduce the risk of complications. However, this treatment is currently unavailable in Poland.

Guidelines for Preventing and Treating Vitamin D Deficiency: A 2023 Update in Poland.

Introduction: All epidemiological studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among the Polish general population. Since vitamin D deficiency was shown to be among the risk factors for many diseases and for all-cause mortality, concern about this problem led us to update the previous Polish recommendations. Methods: After reviewing the epidemiological evidence, case-control studies and randomized control trials (RCTs), a Polish multidisciplinary group formulated questions on the recommendations for prophylaxis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency both for the general population and for the risk groups of patients. The scientific evidence of pleiotropic effects of vitamin D as well as the results of panelists' voting were reviewed and discussed. Thirty-four authors representing different areas of expertise prepared position statements. The consensus group, representing eight Polish/international medical societies and eight national specialist consultants, prepared the final Polish recommendations. Results: Based on networking discussions, the ranges of total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration indicating vitamin D deficiency [<20 ng/mL (<50 nmol/L)], suboptimal status [20-30 ng/mL (50-75 nmol/L)], and optimal concentration [30-50 ng/mL (75-125 nmol/L)] were confirmed. Practical guidelines for cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) as the first choice for prophylaxis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency were developed. Calcifediol dosing as the second choice for preventing and treating vitamin D deficiency was introduced. Conclusions: Improving the vitamin D status of the general population and treatment of risk groups of patients must be again announced as healthcare policy to reduce a risk of spectrum of diseases. This paper offers consensus statements on prophylaxis and treatment strategies for vitamin D deficiency in Poland.

Relationship between lipid peroxidation or carcinoembryonic antigen and risk factors for non-communicable diseases in women at midlife and beyond.

BACKGROUND: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) constitute leading cause of morbidity, disability and premature mortality. Oxidative processes are involved in the pathogenesis of NCDs. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the relationship between lipid peroxidation (LPO), an index of oxidative damage to membrane lipids, or carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), a tumor marker, and potential risk factors for NCDs in women at midlife and beyond. METHODS: Data on lifestyle, such as dietary habits, smoking, physical activity, etc. and medical history, were assessed by a questionnaire in 323 female outpatients of the Regional Centre of Menopause and Osteoporosis - Outpatient Department of Endocrinology, Lodz (Poland), at midlife and beyond. Blood serum LPO and CEA levels, as well as anthropometric measurements were evaluated. RESULTS: Positive correlations between LPO level and body mass or body mass index or hip circumference were found. LPO level was increased in women who did not declare regular menstrual cycles. CEA level was increased in women who smoked (and positively correlated with duration of smoking), who consumed pickled food every day and over-consumed animal fats, who had not breastfed in the past, as well as in women with malignancy in anamnesis. Logistic regression analysis has revealed that LPO constitutes the independent positive determinant, whereas CEA constitutes the independent negative determinant, of obesity. Moreover, CEA was independently associated with malignancy in anamnesis, cigarette smoking and animal fat over-consumption. CONCLUSION: Both LPO and CEA are independently associated with certain modifiable risk factors for NCDs.

Difficult Therapeutic Decisions in Gorham-Stout Disease-Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Gorham-Stout disease (GSD) is a very rare, life-threatening condition characterized by the proliferation of lymphatic vessels and osteolysis. Unfortunately, no standard treatment has been determined for management of GSD. The available therapies are not equally effective and carry substantial side-effects. We report a 42-year-old female with GSD manifested in multifocal osteolysis and chronic chylothorax and ascites. The combined treatment with sirolimus and zoledronic acid due to its synergism of action was introduced. To our knowledge, this is the first Polish case report of adult patients with Gorham-Stout disease.

Thyroid diseases and fertility disorders - Guidelines of the Polish Society of Endocrinology [Choroby tarczycy a zaburzenia plodnosci - rekomendacje Polskiego Towarzystwa Endokrynologicznego].

Thyroid hormones influence female fertility, directly stimulating oocyte maturation and regulating prolactin and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations. Hyperthyroidism affects 1-2%, overt hypothyroidism 0.3%, and subclinical hypothyroidism up to 15% of women of childbearing age. Approximately 10% of euthyroid women have elevated concentrations of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (aTPO) and/or anti-thyroglobulin (aTg) antibodies. Hypothyroidism can cause menstrual and ovulation disorders, and impact fertility. Studies carried out to date have not conclusively demonstrated that subclinical hypothyroidism or elevated aTPO/aTg concentrations make it harder to conceive, but they do increase the risk of pregnancy loss. Subclinical hypothyroidism and elevated aTPO/aTg concentrations without thyroid disorders are more common in polycystic ovary syndrome, premature ovarian insufficiency, and idiopathic infertility. Fertility problems are therefore an indication for screening for thyroid diseases (in females as well as in some males). A thyroid disorder diagnosed in subfertile couples should be treated appropriately, especially before attempting assisted reproductive techniques. These recommendations are intended as a guide for the management of thyroid diseases associated with infertility.

Is the PIK3CA gene expression level in FNAB washouts equivalent to that in postoperative tissue specimens of papillary thyroid carcinoma?

INTRODUCTION: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common malignant tumor of the thyroid gland. The pathogenesis of PTC remains still mostly enigmatic, although PI3K/PTEN/AKT pathway has been proposed to play a role in development of PTC. Moreover, the significance of genetic analysis in the material from fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in PTC patients has recently been demonstrated. Hereby, we present a study analyzing expression of PIK3CA in FNAB washouts of PTC and a comparison of the level of that expression with respective expression in postoperative PTC tissue. Furthermore, we have assessed correlation between tumor size, evaluated according to pTNM scale, and level of PIK3CA gene expression in postoperative PTC tissue. METHODS: Total RNA was extracted by use of an RNeasy Micro Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) in FNAB material, and RNeasy Midi Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) in tissue material. The purity of total RNA was assessed by NanoDrop® ND-100 spectrophotometr. One hundred nanograms of total RNA were used in the first strand cDNA synthesis with TaqMan® Reverse Transcripton Reagents (Applied Biosystems, Branchburg, New Jersey, USA). The gene expression level of PIK3CA was analyzed by real-time PCR in the ABI PRISM ®7500 Sequence Detection System in the 21 (17 women, 4 men) FNAB and 20 (16 women, 4 men) postsurgical specimens of PTC. pTNM staging of PTC was assessed based on UICC classification. RESULTS: Overexpression of PIK3CA was confirmed in FNAB washout specimens and in postoperative tissues of PTC, in comparison to macroscopically unchanged thyroid tissue. Furthermore, statistically significant differences in PIK3CA gene expression levels between both examined groups were not confirmed. Moreover, correlation between pTNM staging and level of PIK3CA gene expression in PTC samples was not found. CONCLUSION: The genetic analysis of overexpression of PIK3CA in FNAB washout specimens may be equivalent of postsurgical PTC tissue. A possibility of its future clinical application in FNAB specimens - adequate or undetermined for cytological analysis - awaits for evaluation. The level of expression of PIK3CA is independent of primary thyroid tumour size, evaluated according pTNM scale.

The Effect of Recombinant Human TSH on Sclerostin and Other Selected Bone Markers in Patients after Total Thyroidectomy for Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

The direct effect of TSH on bone metabolism in vivo is difficult to capture as the changes of its concentrations are followed by respective alterations of thyroid hormone levels. We evaluated the effect of recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) on sclerostin and other bone markers in 29 patients after total thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), without any signs of disease recurrence, who received L-thyroxine, most at non-suppressive doses. For two consecutive days, the patients were administered a standard dose of 0.9 mg rhTSH, i.m. Concentrations of sclerostin, osteocalcin, ß-CrossLaps, PTH, and some other parameters, were measured before and five days after the first rhTSH administration. The greater the increase in TSH concentration (∆TSH), the greater the decrease in: ∆sclerostin (r = -0.672; p < 0.001), ∆ß-CrossLaps (r = -0.580; p < 0.001) and ∆osteocalcin (r = -0.405; p = 0.029) levels, were recorded. The degree of TSH increase depended on the baseline PTH (r = 0.651; p < 0.001), age, and creatinine concentrations. rhTSH strongly inhibited bone turnover, thus, TSH-independently of thyroid hormones-exerted a direct protective effect on bone metabolism. Baseline PTH affected the magnitude of TSH increase and the degree of lowering in sclerostin and ß-CrossLaps that suggest factors affecting PTH may play a role in the effect of TSH on the bone.

Thyroid diseases in pregnancy: guidelines of the Polish Society of Endocrinology [Choroby tarczycy w ciazy: zalecenia postepowania Polskiego Towarzystwa Endokrynologicznego].

Appropriate care of pregnant women with coexisting thyroid dysfunction is still a subject of much controversy. In recent years, there has been a dynamic increase in the number of scientific reports on the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid diseases in women planning pregnancy, pregnant women, and women in the postpartum period. These mainly concern the management of hypothyroidism, autoimmune thyroid diseases, and fertility disorders. Therefore, the Polish Society of Endocrinology deemed it necessary to update the guidelines on principles of diagnostic and therapeutic management in this group of patients, previously published in 2011. The recommendations were prepared by Polish experts according to evidence based medicine principles, if such data were available.

Specialist thyroid package 1 (PS1) in outpatient endocrine care [Pakiet specjalistyczny dotyczacy tarczycy (PS1) w ambulatoryjnej opiece endokrynologicznej].

The article presents the assumptions of a new specialist thyroid package (PS1) in outpatient specialist care in the field of endocrinology, which was introduced by the National Health Fund (NFZ - Narodowy Fundusz Zdrowia) from January 2020. It became an impulse to characterize the current problems affecting specialist care in the field of endocrinology, search for their potential causes and propose strategies that are intended to contribute to increasing the efficiency of the system.

Recombinant Human Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Increases the Percentages of Natural Killer T Cells and B Lymphocytes in Human Peripheral Blood In Vivo.

Multiple cellular and humoral components of the immune system play a significant role in the physiology and pathophysiology of various organs including the thyroid. On the other hand, both thyroid hormones and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) have been shown to exert immunoregulatory activities, which are difficult to assess independently in vivo. In our study we employed a unique clinical model for the assessment of TSH biological function in humans. The structure of peripheral blood mononuclear cell populations was investigated, using flow cytometry, in athyroid patients (n = 109) after treatment because of the differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) at two time-points: directly before and five days after recombinant human TSH (rhTSH) administration. The analysis revealed significant increase in the percentage of natural killer T cells and B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of rhTSH treated patients, whereas, we did not observe any effects on investigated subpopulations of dendritic cells and monocytes, T cells and natural killer cells. The findings of the study indicate the immune regulatory role of TSH, directed specifically on selected cell subtypes.

Compliance with alendronate 10 treatment in elderly women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

INTRODUCTION: It has been shown that more than 50% of people with a chronic disease, including osteoporosis, discontinue treatment during its first year. This problem increases with the time of observation. The aim of this study was to assess alendronate compliance over a period of 6 or 18 months in clinical practice of postmenopausal osteoporosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using a retrospective study of clinical histories (357) obtained in our Outpatient Clinic, as well as telephone interviews with patients, the compliance with alendronate therapy in postmenopausal patients was assessed. RESULTS: After 1.5 years on observation 20.4% of patients, and after 0.5 years 8.5% of patients, discontinued their treatment as a result of intolerance (especially side effects on the gastrointestinal tract) (47.8%), health problems unrelated to osteoporosis (8.7%), inconvenience of the daily regimen (13.1%), costs (4.3%), and improvement of clinical condition (26.1%). It is worth mentioning that in both periods of observation (1.5 and 0.5 years) almost the same percentage of patient discontinued visits at our Outpatient Clinic (15.6% and 14.4%, respectively). Telephone interviews with patients who stopped attending the Outpatient Clinic at the Regional Centre of Menopause and Osteoporosis revealed that more than 50% of them discontinued the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Not all patients treated with alendronate are compliant. Osteoporosis is a chronic disease, which needs long clinical observation and constant adherence to medication. Effective communication between doctor and patient, and follow-up visits that are more frequent would greatly improve the adherence to osteoporosis treatment modalities. Compliant patients achieved increases in bone mass density with simultaneous fracture risk reduction.

Angiotensinogen gene T174M polymorphism is related to Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

OBJECTIVES: The Hashimoto thyroiditis is found to be Th1-related autoimmunity. Recently, it has been proved that the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) may be involved in promoting Th1-mediated autoimmune diseases. However, the role of RAAS in HT pathogenesis remains still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether the polymorphisms of ACE, AGTR1 and AGT genes are associated with HT. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed to determine ACE I/D, AGTR1 A1166C and AGT T174M polymorphisms and next chi-square test was used to compare allele frequencies of genes between HT patients (n=53) and the control group (n=31). RESULTS: TM genotype of AGT gene has been more often presented in HT patients (p <0.05). No others statistically significant differences were found in the distribution of I/D ACE and A1166C, AGTR1 genes polymorphisms between studied groups. CONCLUSION: Our study has examined for the first time the association of genes related to RAAS with autoimmune thyroid disease and results suggest that AGT TM genotype individuals might be at higher risk of HT. Although in the present study we have not found any association between increased activation of RAAS and the risk of HT, still this issue seems to be interesting and worthy further research, considering patients with thyroid cancers.

Positive TgAbs in patients with Graves' orbitopathy are associated with lower risk of its active form - preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION: In this retrospective, single-centre cohort study, we report our 10-year experience concerning clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment of Graves' orbitopathy (GO), with particular regard to antithyroid antibodies in iodine sufficient Polish population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on thyrometabolic and immunological status of 71 patients diagnosed with GO, were collected. Also, we gathered information on the selection of the applied treatment in these cases of Graves' disease (GD): pharmacological, radioiodine or surgery. The chi-square test, correlation coefficient and univariate logistic regression analysis were used to determine the influence of clinical parameters on activity of GO. RESULTS: Significantly lower frequency of active GO in positive anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAbs) patients was documented (p<0.05, chi-square analysis). Expectedly, concentration of antibodies against thyrotropin receptor (TRAbs) did constitute linear factor positively associated with clinical activity score (CAS) (p<0.05). Moreover, the pretreatment with radioiodine and smoking were significantly associated with the increased GO activity (p<0.05 and p<0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest some kind of "protective" effect of TgAbs presence against the active form of GO.