Sarcopenic obesity and the impact on bone health.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sarcopenic obesity is a newly identified pathological entity defined by an increase in body fat mass with an associated sarcopenia, characterized by loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. Recently, the concomitant presence of skeletal alteration with sarcopenic obesity has been described leading to a new clinical entity defined osteosarcopenic obesity (OSO). Many studies have tried to unravel the metabolic complex mechanism leading to this clinical entity in order to understand the pathophysiology of this complex condition with the aim of posing an early diagnosis to improve the therapeutic approaches. The purpose of this narrative review is to highlight and revise recent studies on this issue. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent research in the field of OSO has highlighted the role of nutrition and physical activity in the development and management of these conditions. While molecular and cellular pathways remain partially understood, there is a growing focus on lifestyle interventions as key factors in reducing the impact of OSO. These studies emphasize the need for early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life and decrease morbidity and mortality associated with OSO. SUMMARY: Although the pathophysiological pathways underlying OSO are not fully understood, the clinical implications underscore the need for expanded research in this field. This research is crucial for enabling early diagnosis and implementing effective therapeutic interventions, with the goal of reducing morbidity and mortality and enhancing quality of life.

Spotlight on Compounded Bioidentical Hormones.

BACKGROUND: The role of hormonal replacement therapy in menopause is under debate. The premature closure of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study in 2002 is still a source of concern among treating physicians. OBJECTIVES: The interest in alternatives to conventional hormone therapy has significantly increased. The adoption of personalized steroid hormone galenic preparations, formulated by compounding pharmacies, has recently spread. METHODS: In June 2023, an extensive literature search was conducted by different authors to identify relevant studies in various databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane). The studies that met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were further analyzed, and relevant data were extracted and analyzed for each paper. Any discrepancies between the investigators were resolved through a consensus approach. OUTCOMES: The primary outcomes observed included the clinical utility of CBHT. This study reviewed the current evidence on the utility of compounded bioidentical hormones, concluding that improving knowledge and awareness of bioidentical hormones is necessary to consider their use in clinical practice. CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK: These formulations might provide effective options to best tailor therapies to each patient.

Rare forms of genetic paediatric adrenal insufficiency: Excluding congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is a severe endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient glucocorticoid (GC) and/or mineralocorticoid (MC) secretion by the adrenal glands, due to impaired adrenal function (primary adrenal insufficiency, PAI) or to insufficient adrenal stimulation by pituitary ACTH (secondary adrenal insufficiency, SAI) or tertiary adrenal insufficiency due to hypothalamic dysfunction. In this review, we describe rare genetic causes of PAI with isolated GC or combined GC and MC deficiencies and we also describe rare syndromes of isolated MC deficiency. In children, the most frequent cause of PAI is congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a group of adrenal disorders related to steroidogenic enzyme deficiencies, which will not be included in this review. Less frequently, several rare diseases can cause PAI, either affecting exclusively the adrenal glands or with systemic involvement. The diagnosis of these diseases is often challenging, due to the heterogeneity of their clinical presentation and to their rarity. Therefore, the current review aims to provide an overview on these rare genetic forms of paediatric PAI, offering a review of genetic and clinical features and a summary of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, promoting awareness among practitioners, and favoring early diagnosis and optimal clinical management in suspect cases.

Pituitary adenoma consistency affects postoperative hormone function: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Tumor consistency recently emerged as a key factor in surgical planning for pituitary adenomas, but its impact on postoperative endocrine function is still unclear. Our study aimed to evaluate the impact of tumor consistency on the development of postoperative pituitary deficiencies. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective analysis of consecutive pituitary surgeries performed between January 2017 and January 2021 at Policlinico Umberto I in Rome. All patients underwent radiological and biochemical evaluations at baseline, and hormone assessments 3 and 6 months after pituitary surgery. Postoperative MRI studies were used to determine resection rates following surgery. Data on tumor consistency, macroscopic appearance, neurosurgical approach, and intraoperative complications were collected. RESULTS: Fifty patients [24 women, mean age 57 ± 13 years, median tumor volume 4800 mm3 [95% CI 620-8828], were included. Greater tumor volume (χ2 = 14.621, p = 0.006) and male sex (χ2 = 12.178, p < 0.001) were associated with worse preoperative endocrine function. All patients underwent transsphenoidal adenomectomy. Fibrous consistency was observed in 10% of patients and was associated with a Ki-67 greater than 3% (χ2 = 8.154, p = 0.04), greater risk of developing postoperative hormone deficiencies (χ2 = 4.485, p = 0.05, OR = 8.571; 95% CI: 0.876-83.908), and lower resection rates (χ2 = 8.148, p = 0.004; OR 1.385, 95% CI; 1.040-1.844). Similarly, worse resection rates were observed in tumors with suprasellar extension (χ2 = 5.048, p = 0.02; OR = 6.000, 95% CI; 1.129-31.880) and CSI (χ2 = 4.000, p = 0.04; OR = 3.857, 95% CI; 0.997-14.916). CONCLUSIONS: Tumor consistency might provide useful information about postoperative pituitary function, likely due to its impact on surgical procedures. Further prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to confirm our preliminary findings.

Effects of mealtime assistance in the nutritional rehabilitation of eating disorders.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of meal supervision, provided by health professionals, volunteers or family members, on anthropometric, nutritional, psychological, and behavioural outcomes in patients with eating disorders (EDs). METHODS: The present systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The last search was conducted in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane library). Inclusion criteria considered paediatric and adult patients suffering from EDs, regardless of ethnicity, and treated in different therapeutic settings. The quality of the studies was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS) adapted for cross-sectional studies and Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias assessment tool for randomised trials. RESULTS: 3282 articles were retrieved, out of which only 6 met the eligibility criteria. A marked heterogeneity in definitions and approaches to supervised mealtime was observed. This variability emerged in the methodologies used in the supervised meal, and in the reference values for the outcome measures that were used, such as the analysis of different parameters. Based on these observations, mealtime assistance provided to patients with EDs shows an overall positive effect on eating behaviour and dysfunctional attitudes. Future research should be prompted to provide a thorough definition of a structured procedure for meal assistance to be potentially and systematically included in the nutritional rehabilitation protocols for patients with EDs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV systematic reviews of uncontrolled trials.

Beyond Bone: Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Parathyroid Disorders.

Parathyroid disorders are characterized by alterations in calcium and phosphate homeostasis due to inappropriately high or low levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Despite PTH receptor type 1 has been described in almost all immune lineages and calcium signalling has been confirmed as a crucial mediator for immune response, in vitro studies on the physiological interactions between PTH and immunity are conflicting and not representative of the clinical scenarios seen in patients with parathyroid disorders. Infectious diseases are among the main causes of increased morbidity and mortality in patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism and chronic kidney disease. More, immune alterations have been described in primary hyperparathyroidism. Recent studies have unveiled an increased risk of infections also in hypoparathyroidism, suggesting that not only calcium, but also physiological levels of PTH may be necessary for a proper immune response. Finally, calcium/phosphate imbalance could affect negatively the prognosis of infectious diseases. Our review aimed to collect available data on infectious disease prevalence in patients with parathyroid disorders and new evidence on the role of PTH and calcium in determining the increased risk of infections observed in these patients.

A consensus document on definition and diagnostic criteria for orthorexia nervosa.

PURPOSE: Since the term orthorexia nervosa (ON) was coined from the Greek (ὀρθός, right and ὄρεξις, appetite) in 1997 to describe an obsession with "correct" eating, it has been used worldwide without a consistent definition. Although multiple authors have proposed diagnostic criteria, and many theoretical papers have been published, no consensus definition of ON exists, empirical primary evidence is limited, and ON is not a standardized diagnosis. These gaps prevent research to identify risk and protective factors, pathophysiology, functional consequences, and evidence-based therapeutic treatments. The aims of the current study are to categorize the common observations and presentations of ON pathology among experts in the eating disorder field, propose tentative diagnostic criteria, and consider which DSM chapter and category would be most appropriate for ON should it be included. METHODS: 47 eating disorder researchers and multidisciplinary treatment specialists from 14 different countries across four continents completed a three-phase modified Delphi process, with 75% agreement determined as the threshold for a statement to be included in the final consensus document. In phase I, participants were asked via online survey to agree or disagree with 67 statements about ON in four categories: A-Definition, Clinical Aspects, Duration; B-Consequences; C-Onset; D-Exclusion Criteria, and comment on their rationale. Responses were used to modify the statements which were then provided to the same participants for phase II, a second round of feedback, again in online survey form. Responses to phase II were used to modify and improve the statements for phase III, in which statements that met the predetermined 75% of agreement threshold were provided for review and commentary by all participants. RESULTS: 27 statements met or exceeded the consensus threshold and were compiled into proposed diagnostic criteria for ON. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time a standardized definition of ON has been developed from a worldwide, multidisciplinary cohort of experts. It represents a summary of observations, clinical expertise, and research findings from a wide base of knowledge. It may be used as a base for diagnosis, treatment protocols, and further research to answer the open questions that remain, particularly the functional consequences of ON and how it might be prevented or identified and intervened upon in its early stages. Although the participants encompass many countries and disciplines, further research will be needed to determine if these diagnostic criteria are applicable to the experience of ON in geographic areas not represented in the current expert panel. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V: opinions of expert committees.

Paediatric Cushing's disease: Epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical management and outcome.

Cushing's disease (CD) is rare in paediatric practice but requires prompt investigation, diagnosis and therapy to prevent long-term complications. Key presenting features are a change in facial appearance, weight gain, growth failure, virilization, disturbed puberty and psychological disturbance. Close consultation with an adult endocrinology department is recommended regarding diagnosis and therapy. The incidence of CD, a form of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome (CS), is equal to approximately 5% of that seen in adults. The majority of ACTH-secreting adenomas are monoclonal and sporadic, although recent studies of pituitary tumours have shown links to several deubiquitination gene defects. Diagnosis requires confirmation of hypercortisolism followed by demonstration of ACTH-dependence. Identification of the corticotroph adenoma by pituitary MRI and/or bilateral inferior petrosal sampling for ACTH may contribute to localisation before pituitary surgery. Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) with selective microadenomectomy is first-line therapy, followed by external pituitary irradiation if surgery is not curative. Medical therapy to suppress adrenal steroid synthesis is effective in the short-term and bilateral adrenalectomy should be considered in cases unfit for TSS or radiotherapy or when urgent remission is needed after unsuccessful surgery. TSS induces remission of hypercortisolism and improvement of symptoms in 70-100% of cases, particularly when performed by a surgeon with experience in children. Post-TSS complications include pituitary hormone deficiencies, sub-optimal catch-up growth, and persisting excess of BMI. Recurrence of hypercortisolism following remission is recognised but infrequent, being less common than in adult CD patients. With experienced specialist medical and surgical care, the overall prognosis is good. Early referral to an experienced endocrine centre is advised.

Abnormal linear growth in paediatric adrenal diseases: Pathogenesis, prevalence and management.

Abnormal adrenal function can interfere with linear growth, potentially causing either acceleration or impairment of growth in paediatric patients. These abnormalities can be caused by direct effects of adrenal hormones, particularly glucocorticoids and sex steroids, or be mediated by indirect mechanisms such as the disturbance of the growth hormone-insulin-like growth factor-1 axis and aromatization of androgens to oestrogens. The early diagnosis and optimal treatment of adrenal disorders can prevent or minimize growth disturbance and facilitate improved height gain. Mechanisms of growth disturbance in the following abnormal states will be discussed; hypercortisolaemia, hyperandrogenaemia and obesity. Prevalence and features of growth disturbance will be discussed in ACTH-dependent and ACTH-independent Cushing's syndrome, adrenocortical tumours, premature adrenarche, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal insufficiency disorders. Recommendations for management have been included.

Late Effects of Parasellar Lesion Treatment: Hypogonadism and Infertility.

Central hypogonadism, also defined as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, is a recognized complication of hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis damage following treatment of sellar and parasellar masses. In addition to radiotherapy and surgery, CTLA4-blocking antibodies and alkylating agents such as temozolomide can also lead to hypogonadism, through different mechanisms. Central hypogonadism in boys and girls may lead to pubertal delay or arrest, impairing full development of the genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics. Alternatively, cranial irradiation or ectopic hormone production may instead cause early puberty, affecting hypothalamic control of the gonadostat. Given the reproductive risks, discussion of fertility preservation options and referral to reproductive specialists before treatment is essential. Steroid hormone replacement can interfere with other replacement therapies and may require specific dose adjustments. Adequate gonadotropin stimulation therapy may enable patients to restore gametogenesis and conceive spontaneously. When assisted reproductive technology is needed, protocols must be tailored to account for possible long-term gonadotropin insufficiency prior to stimulation. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of the risk factors for hypogonadism and infertility in patients treated for parasellar lesions and to give a summary of the current recommendations for management and follow-up of these dysfunctions in such patients. We have also briefly summarized evidence on the physiological role of pituitary hormones during pregnancy, focusing on the management of pituitary deficiencies.

Clinical management of androgen excess and defect in women.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperandrogenism and hypoandrogenism are complex disorders involving multiple-organ systems. While androgen excess is a well-characterized condition, androgen deficiency still needs diagnostic criteria, as there are no specific cutoffs. AREAS COVERED: We highlight the most recent findings on the role of androgens in female pathophysiology, investigating clinically relevant conditions of androgen insufficiency or excess throughout a woman's life, and their possible therapeutic management. EXPERT OPINION: Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) should be considered as first-line therapy for the management of menstrual irregularity and/or clinical hyperandrogenism in adolescents with a clear diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). There are limited evidence-based data regarding specific types or doses of COCs for management of PCOS in women; however, the lowest effective estrogen dose should be considered for treatment. Despite evidence regarding safety, efficacy, and clinical use, testosterone therapy has not been approved for women by most regulatory agencies for treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD). The long-term safety for treatments with testosterone is still to be evaluated, and this review highlights the need for more research in this area.

Nutritional and metabolic aspects related to vulvodynia: What do we really know?

OBJECTIVES: Vulvodynia is an emerging health problem, still insufficiently studied, that causes a significant reduction in quality of life in many women and individuals assigned female sex at birth. Little is known about the effects of diet and metabolic disorders on this condition. The objective of this study was to review currently available evidence on the diet and the nutritional and metabolic status of patients affected by vulvodynia. METHODS: Published articles were systematically searched in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. RESULTS: The few available studies that reported data on patients' body mass index (BMI) described a BMI within the normal range in most patients affected by vulvodynia, showing no difference or a slightly lower BMI with respect to control individuals. Data on the relationship between metabolic diseases and vulvodynia are lacking. Regarding nutrition, the few available data do not support the prescription of a low-oxalate diet in women with vulvodynia. To date, studies on other dietary behaviors are also lacking. CONCLUSIONS: This review emphasizes-for the first time, to our knowledge-the lack of data and the importance of conducting prospective studies investigating the nutritional and metabolic aspects related to the onset, maintenance, and therapy of vulvodynia.

Exploring sexual function in adrenal insufficiency: findings from the Dual RElease hydrocortisone versus conventionAl glucocorticoid replaceMent therapy in hypocortisolism (DREAM) trial.

BACKGROUND: Data on sexual function in patients with adrenal insufficiency are scarce and largely controversial. OBJECTIVES: To investigate sexual dysfunction in patients with primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency and the effects of switching to once-daily dual-release hydrocortisone on sexual function in outcome assessors blinded, randomized, multicenter, active comparator clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-nine adrenal insufficiency patients on conventional, multiple daily doses of glucocorticoid replacement, enrolled in the Dual RElease hydrocortisone versus conventionAl glucocorticoid replaceMent in hypocortisolism (DREAM) trial, were randomly assigned to continue their therapy or to switch to an equivalent dose of dual-release hydrocortisone. Sixty-three patients (34 women) consented to sex steroid measurements and questionnaires completion for quality of life (Addison's disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaire) and sexual function evaluation (female sexual function index for women, International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function for men) at baseline and 24 weeks after randomization. RESULTS: At baseline, sexual dysfunction was observed in 41% of women and 59% of men with adrenal insufficiency. In both sexes, no associations were found between sexual function and hormone levels, whereas Addison's disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaire total and fatigue domain scores positively correlated with total female sexual function index and International Index of Erectile Function-Erectile Function scores. At 24 weeks, there was no significant difference either in sexual function or sex steroid levels between study groups. In the dual-release hydrocortisone group, the variation in the female sexual function index desire domain score was positively associated with the change in Addison's disease-specific quality-of-life questionnaire's symptom domain score (ρ = 0.478, p = 0.045). DISCUSSION: Sexual dysfunction is common in adrenal insufficiency patients and is likely explained by multiple factors. dual-release hydrocortisone treatment is not directly associated with sexual function improvement, but an indirect effect mediated by quality-of-life amelioration cannot be excluded.

Fertility in Acromegaly: A Single-Center Experience of Female Patients During Active Disease and After Disease Remission.

CONTEXT: Fertility represents a major concern in patients with acromegaly. OBJECTIVE: The current retrospective study aimed to investigate gonadal function and fertility rates in acromegalic women. METHODS: In this referral-center study, 50 acromegalic women with disease onset within reproductive age were evaluated for prevalence of gonadal dysfunction and infertility. Anthropometric, metabolic, hormonal parameters, and gynecological ultrasound were evaluated at diagnosis and after disease control. Data about menstrual disturbances, pregnancy, and polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM) were investigated at disease onset, at diagnosis, and after disease control. RESULTS: At presumed disease onset, menstrual disturbances were reported in 32% of patients. Uterine leiomyoma, ovarian cysts, and PCOM were diagnosed in 18%, 12%, and 8%, respectively; 36.8% of patients were infertile. At diagnosis, menstrual disturbances were found in 58.1% (P = .02), being significantly more prevalent in patients with higher insulin-like growth factor-I quartiles (Q) (P = .03, Q1 vs Q4). Gynecological ultrasound revealed uterine leiomyoma, ovarian cysts, and PCOM in 39.1% (P = .04), 28.2% (P = .09), and 13% (P = .55), respectively. The infertility rate was 100% (P = .02). At disease control, menstrual disturbances were slightly decreased as compared to diagnosis (P = .09). Noteworthy, menstrual disturbances (P = .05) and particularly amenorrhea (P = .03) were significantly more frequent in patients with active disease duration greater than 5 years (median) as compared to those achieving disease control in less than 5 years. Among patients with pregnancy desire, 73.3% conceived at least once, with resulting infertility significantly decreased compared to diagnosis (26.7%; P = .01). At-term deliveries, preterm deliveries, and spontaneous abortions were recorded in 86.7%, 6.6%, and 6.6%, respectively, of the 15 pregnancies reported by the patients. No neonatal malformations and/or abnormalities were recorded. CONCLUSION: Gonadal dysfunction and infertility are common in acromegalic women within reproductive age, being directly influenced by disease status and/or duration.

Testicular Dysfunction in 47,XXY Boys: When It All Begins. A Semilongitudinal Study.

OBJECTIVE: Klinefelter syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder in males and the most common cause of hypergonadotropic hypogonadism. We describe the natural history of testicular dysfunction in patients with Klinefelter syndrome through the integration of clinical, hormonal, and quantitative ultrasound data in a life-course perspective. DESIGN: Prospective semilongitudinal study. METHODS: We included 155 subjects with 47,XXY karyotype (age range: 7 months-55 years) naïve to testosterone replacement therapy. Subjects were divided according to pubertal stage and age group (transition age and adults). Serial clinical, hormonal, and testicular ultrasound (US) assessments were performed. RESULTS: Testicular development progresses until Tanner stage 4, with subsequent regression, whereas Sertoli and germ cell impairment is not hormonally detected before Tanner stages 3-4, as reflected by normal inhibin B values until stage 4 and the fall in the inhibin B/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio thereafter. The testosterone/luteinizing hormone ratio peaks during Tanner stages 2-3 and declines from Tanner stage 4 onward, preceding the development of overt hypogonadism. US echotexture progressively worsens until transition age, reflecting ongoing gonadal compromise, whereas quantitative US echotexture measures and the presence of both hypoechoic lesions and microlithiasis independently and significantly predict a lower circulating testosterone level. CONCLUSIONS: The findings from this large prospective study contribute to our understanding of the natural history of testicular dysfunction in Klinefelter syndrome, underlining the importance of quantitative testicular US in infancy and childhood, as well as during pubertal development and transition age, for the optimal care of Klinefelter syndrome patients.

Altered Thyroid Feedback Loop in Klinefelter Syndrome: From Infancy Through the Transition to Adulthood.

CONTEXT: It has been claimed that thyroid dysfunction contributes to the spectrum of Klinefelter syndrome (KS); however, studies are scarce. OBJECTIVE: In a retrospective longitudinal study, we aimed at describing the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis and thyroid ultrasonographic (US) appearance in patients with KS throughout the life span. METHODS: A total of 254 patients with KS (25.9 ± 16.1 years) were classified according to their pubertal and gonadal status and compared with different groups of non-KS age-matched individuals with normal thyroid function, treated and untreated hypogonadism, or chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. We assessed serum thyroid hormone levels, antithyroid antibodies, US thyroid parameters, and in vitro pituitary type 2 deiodinase (D2) expression and activity. RESULTS: Thyroid autoimmunity was more prevalent among individuals with KS at all ages, although the antibody (Ab)-negative vs Ab-positive cohorts were not different. Signs of thyroid dysfunction (reduced volume, lower echogenicity, and increased inhomogeneity) were more prominent in KS than in euthyroid controls. Free thyroid hormones were lower in prepubertal, pubertal, and adult patients with KS, whereas thyrotropin values were lower only in adults. Peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormones was unaltered in KS, suggesting a dysfunctional HPT axis. Testosterone (T) was the only factor associated with thyroid function and appearance. In vitro testing demonstrated an inhibitory effect of T on pituitary D2 expression and activity, supporting enhanced central sensing of circulating thyroid hormones in hypogonadism. CONCLUSION: From infancy through adulthood, KS is characterized by increased morphofunctional abnormalities of the thyroid gland, combined with a central feedback dysregulation sustained by the effect of hypogonadism on D2 deiodinase.

Effects of Dual-Release Hydrocortisone on Bone Metabolism in Primary and Secondary Adrenal Insufficiency: A 6-Year Study.

Context: Patients with primary (PAI) and secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI) experience bone metabolism alterations, possibly due to excessive replacement. Dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) has shown promising effects on several parameters, but bone metabolism has seldom been investigated. Objective: We evaluated the long-term effects of once-daily DR-HC on bone in PAI and SAI. Methods: Patients on immediate-release glucocorticoid therapy were evaluated before and up to 6 years (range, 4-6) after switching to equivalent doses of DR-HC, yielding data on bone turnover markers, femoral and lumbar spine bone mineral density (BMD), and trabecular bone score (TBS). Results: Thirty-two patients (19 PAI, 18 female), median age 52 years (39.4-60.7), were included. At baseline, osteopenia was observed in 38% of patients and osteoporosis in 9%, while TBS was at least partially degraded in 41.4%. Higher body surface area-adjusted glucocorticoid doses predicted worse neck (P < .001) and total hip BMD (P < .001). Longitudinal analysis showed no significant change in BMD. TBS showed a trend toward decrease (P = .090). Bone markers were stable, albeit osteocalcin levels significantly varied. PAI and SAI subgroups behaved similarly, as did patients switching from hydrocortisone or cortisone acetate. Compared with men, women exhibited worse decline in TBS (P = .017) and a similar trend for neck BMD (P = .053). Conclusion: After 6 years of chronic DR-HC replacement, BMD and bone markers remained stable. TBS decline is more likely due to an age-related derangement of bone microarchitecture rather than a glucocorticoid effect. Our data confirm the safety of DR-HC replacement on bone health in both PAI and SAI patients.

Effects of licorice on sex hormones and the reproductive system.

OBJECTIVES: The potential clinical effects of licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) and its extracts have been investigated since ancient times. Whether pseudohyperaldosteronism, with consequent arterial hypertension, is the only endocrine effect produced by licorice is uncertain, and a role in the reproductive system has been proposed. This review aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the pharmacologic effects of licorice on male and female reproductive systems. METHODS: Overall, 1462 records were extracted from electronic databases and systematically examined. A total of 28 studies were included in the final analysis. RESULTS: Preclinical and clinical studies revealed estrogen-like activity of licorice components, especially flavonoids, isoflavonoids, and chalcones, showing a potential role of licorice in ameliorating symptoms associated with estrogen insufficiency. Preclinical studies also showed weak antiandrogen properties and beneficial effects of licorice on gonadal function in both sexes, but clinical studies yield to poor and conflicting results depending on the type and dose of licorice. CONCLUSIONS: Licorice consumption can affect the reproductive system. However, its role needs to be further explored, especially due to the great variability of bioactive compounds used in existing studies.

Selenium Supplementation in Pregnant Women with Autoimmune Thyroiditis: A Practical Approach.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and a pivotal role in thyroid metabolism. Ensuring a sufficient Se supply is possible via a balanced, wholesome diet; however, Se content in foods may be different throughout geographical areas. Se supplementation is expected to improve inflammatory status in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, especially in those with high activity, and has been demonstrated as effective in reducing the thyroid peroxidase antibodies titer. Se status seems to affect thyroid function in pregnancy, which prompts the potential role of Se supplementation in such patients. Few clinical trials have investigated the effectiveness of Se supplementation in pregnant women with thyroiditis, and their results suggest the safety and effectiveness of this element in reducing autoantibody levels and preventing postpartum thyroiditis development, although limited. Hence, more robust evidence is needed to confirm these data. The current study aims to summarize published data on the relationship between Se and thyroid status in pregnant women with thyroiditis and the potential use of Se. Moreover, an algorithm for Se supplementation is proposed for pregnant women with thyroiditis to help endocrinologists in daily clinical practice to consider Se status.