Irisin levels in the progression of diabetes in sedentary women

CONTEXT

The recently discovered peptide irisin has been hypothesized to be a regulator of body metabolism. However, studies ended up with controversial results. In the present study, we aimed to investigate irisin levels in sedentary women at different stages of prediabetes.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of circulating levels of irisin in 263 females similar for age and body mass index (BMI) and the groups included 52 normal glucose tolerance (NGT), 60 isolated impaired fasting glucose (IFG), 36 isolated impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), 65 both IFG and IGT and 50 type 2 diabetic patients. All patients were exercising less than 150 min/week.

RESULTS

Plasma irisin levels were significantly lower in IFG+IGT (2.86 ± 0.6 μg/mL, p: 0.019) and T2DM (2.83 ± 0,5 μg/mL, p: 0.005) patients compared to NGT (3.16 ± 0.3 μg/mL) patients. After age adjustment there was a negative correlation between irisin and BMI (r: -0.141; p: 0.031), postprandial glucose (PPG) (r: -0.142; p: 0.030), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) (r: -0.138; p: 0.035) and triglyceride (TG) (r: -0.214; p: 0.001) and a positive correlation between irisin and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (r:.142; p: 0.030). After adjustment for age and BMI; PPG (r: -0. 137; p: 0.037), LDL-C (r: -0. 143; p: 0.029) and TG (r: -0.203; p: 0.002) were considered to correlate with irisin levels. Subgroup analysis revealed that TG levels were correlated with irisin levels in IFG (r: -0.347; p: 0.014) and IGT (r: -0.397; p: 0.030) patients.

CONCLUSION

In our cohort of sedentary women, irisin levels were lower in patients with IFG+IGT and with diabetes than in patients with NGT. There is no correlation between irisin levels and BMI. Irisin is a myokine decreasing gradually with the progression of glucose intolerance and T2DM and is not correlated with BMI in sedentary women.

Characterization of V804M-mutated RET proto-oncogene associated with familial medullary thyroid cancer, report of the largest Turkish family

PURPOSE

Analysis of the RET proto-oncogen is very important for diagnosis and prognosis of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Genotype-phenotype correlation is also well known. Here we report features of the largest known family in Turkey with the V804M-mutated RET proto-oncogene.

METHODS

Thirty members from three generations were evaluated. A RET proto-oncogen mutation, calcitonin (Ct) measurement and thyroid ultrasound were performed on all individuals. Seventeen members had V804M mutation. Fourteen of these patients underwent total thyroidectomy and additional central lymph node dissection for five subjects.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients with MTC was 46.5 (30-61) years. The mean calcitonin level of RET positive members was 13.27 pg/mL (1-49.8 pg/mL). Three had a basal Ct level above normal limits. Seven of the 14 patients were diagnosed with MTC, and two were diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer without MTC. One patient had central neck metastasis. Hyperparathyroidism or pheochromocytoma was not detected in any case. Patients who were RET negative, had normal Ct levels and no suspected nodule on ultrasound examination.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed a relatively good prognosis in patients with V804M mutation. Despite the surgery was performed in older age no advance disease was observed.

Should insulin resistance be screened in lean hirsute women?

The role of insulin resistance (IR) is well-documented in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Controversies exist concerning the presence of IR in idiopathic hirsutism (IH) or if it is a manifestation of high body mass index (BMI). We aimed to investigate the presence/absence of IR in lean hirsute women. One-hundred fifty-one lean women with hirsutism [96 PCOS (group 1) and 55 IH (group 2)] and 58 age-and BMI-matched healthy controls (group 3) were recruited in the study (mean age 25.21 ± 6.1 versus 26.26 ± 4.6years; BMI 21.79 ± 1.7 versus 22.02 ± 2.2 kg/m(2), respectively). Significantly higher insulin and HOMA-IR, and significantly lower fasting glucose insulin ratio (FGIR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), reciprocal insulin, and Raynaud index were detected in groups 1 and 2 than in group 3 (p < 0.05). These IR indices were similar between groups 1 and 2. The number of patients with IR (HOMA-IR > 2, FGIR < 7.2, or QUICKI < 0.357) was significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than in group 3, but was similar between groups 1 and 2. A higher frequency of IR occurs in lean hirsute women regardless of they having PCOS or IH. IR may contribute to aetiopathogenesis of IH, or may cause some metabolic abnormalities in these patients.

Retrospective comparison of cabergoline and bromocriptine effects in hyperprolactinemia: a single center experience

INTRODUCTION

Patients with hyperprolactinemia who require medical therapy are typically treated with dopamine agonists (DAs). In most cases, DAs normalize prolactin levels, control symptoms, and substantially decrease tumor size. Here, we aimed to compare the efficacy of cabergoline (CAB) and bromocriptine (BRC) in patients with hyperprolactinemia at a single center.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the clinical records of 498 patients with hyperprolactinemia [mean age 33.3 ± 10.8 years (range 16-66), 450 women, and 48 men] who had received either CAB (n = 450) or BRC (n = 48) was performed.

RESULTS

The mean age, gender distribution, and treatment duration were similar between the CAB and BRC groups (33.2 ± 11 vs. 34.1 ± 9.6 years, male/female 44/406 vs. 4/44, 18.7 ± 12.1 vs. 17.8 ± 6.0 months, respectively; p > 0.05 for all). Mean dosage was 1.5 ± 1.6 mg/week for CAB and 3.8 ± 2.7 mg/day for BRC. Baseline prolactin levels, frequency of galactorrhea, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and visual impairment were similar between the two groups, whereas the baseline tumor volume was higher in the CAB group. The prolactin normalization rate (87.4 vs. 41.4 %, p = 0.029) and tumor volume shrinkage (79.8 ± 39.1 vs. 54.1 ± 55.3 %, p = 0.015) were significantly higher in the CAB-treated patients than in the BRC-treated patients, while the tumor cure rates were similar. Symptom relief was higher in the CAB group than in the BRC group. More side effects were recorded in patients who took BRC (29.1 vs. 5.3 %, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our data revealed that CAB was more effective than BRC in controlling symptoms associated with hormone excess, normalizing serum prolactin levels, and shrinking prolactinomas.

Effect of androgen replacement therapy on atherosclerotic risk markers in young-to-middle-aged men with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism

OBJECTIVE

Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a rare disorder. This study evaluated the effect of androgen replacement therapy on atherosclerotic risk markers in young-to-middle-aged men with this disorder.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Forty-three male patients aged 30 (range: 24-39 years) who were newly diagnosed with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and 20 age-, sex- and weight-matched controls (range: 26-39 years) were included in the study. Androgen replacement therapy was given according to the Algorithm of Testosterone Therapy in Adult Men with Androgen Deficiency Syndromes (2010; Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 95, 2536). The patients were assessed at a pretreatment visit and 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Inflammatory markers and lipid parameters were evaluated. Endothelial function was assessed with brachial flow-mediated dilation of a brachial artery and high-resolution ultrasonography of the carotid intima-media thickness.

RESULTS

The carotid intima-media thickness (P < 0·001) was higher and the brachial flow-mediated diameter (P = 0·002) was lower in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism compared to the control subjects at the pretreatment visit. There was a negative correlation between the total testosterone level and carotid intima-media thickness (r = -0·556, P = <0·001). The carotid intima-media thickness and per cent flow-mediated diameter were significantly improved in the patient group 6 months after the androgen replacement therapy (P = 0·002 and 0·026, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicated that low total testosterone levels can be considered a significant marker of atherosclerosis in patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and that androgen replacement therapy significantly reduces atherosclerotic risk markers in these patients after 6 months.

High prevalence of Hashimoto's thyroiditis in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: does the imbalance between estradiol and progesterone play a role?

OBJECTIVE

Some similar factors, such as genetic susceptibility and subinflammation/autoimmunity, contribute to development of both polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), suggesting a potential pathogenic link between the two common disorders. In this study, we investigated the relationship between PCOS and HT, considering the possible effect of PCOS-related hormonal and metabolic factors on thyroid autoimmunity.

METHODS

Eighty-six reproductive-age women diagnosed with PCOS according to Rotterdam criteria and 60 age-BMI matched control women were included in the study. All subjects had thyroid function tests, thyroid peroxidase anti-body (anti-TPO), thyroglobulin anti-body (anti-Tg), LH, FSH, estradiol, progesterone, androgens, fasting glucose, insulin, lipid, homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels, thyroid and pelvic ultrasounds.

RESULTS

TSH, anti-TPO (p = 0.017), anti-Tg (p = 0.014), LH, DHEAS, testosterone, and HOMA-IR levels were significantly higher and progesterone were lower in PCOS women than in controls. Free T4, free T3, FSH, estradiol levels and thyroid volume were similar between the two groups. A higher percentage of PCOS patients had elevated TSH (26.7 and 5%; p = 0.001), anti-TPO (26.7 and 6.6%; p = 0.002), and anti-Tg (16.2 and 5%; p = 0.039). HT was more common in PCOS patients compared to controls (22.1 and 5%; p = 0.004). Estradiol (p = 0.003) were higher in anti-TPO positive PCOS women than anti-TPO negative ones. Anti-TPO was correlated positively with estradiol, estradiol/progesterone ratio, and TSH.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a higher prevalence of HT, elevated TSH, anti-TPO, and anti-Tg levels in PCOS patients. Increased estrogen and estrogen/progesterone ratio seem to be directly involved in high anti-TPO levels in PCOS patients.

Association of mean platelet volume with androgens and insulin resistance in nonobese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND

Mean platelet volume (MPV) is generally accepted as a new marker of cardiovascular disease risk in several studies.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the association of MPV with androgen hormones and insulin resistance (IR) in nonobese patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 136 patients with newly diagnosed reproductive-age PCOS (regarding the criteria of new PCOS phenotypes, based on the Rotterdam criteria) who were nonobese with the mean age of 25 years (25.39 ± 5.51) and mean body mass index (BMI) of 21 kg/m(2) (22.07 ± 2.13) were included. In addition, 59 healthy subjects with mean age of 26 years (22.07 ± 2.13) and mean BMI of 22 kg/m(2) (21.52 ± 3.84) were recruited as control. Total blood count (including MPV), total testosterone, free testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), and androstenedione levels were recorded. IR was calculated from blood chemistry measurements of fasting insulin and glucose according to updated homeostasis model assessment.

RESULTS

No differences were observed in mean MPV values between patients and control group (9.02 fL (8.5-10.1) and 8.9 fL (7.7-9.1), respectively; P = 0.777). MPV values were similar among nonobese patients with and without IR and control subjects (P > 0.05). We detected significantly lower values of MPV in patients with hyperandrogenemia in comparison to patients with normal androgen levels (8.7 and 9.5 fL, P = 0.012). There was a negative correlation between total testosterone, DHEAS, and MPV (P = 0.016, r = -0.229; and P = 0.006, r = -0.261, respectively). Multiple logistic regression analyses confirmed the independence of these associations.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed that nonobese women with and without PCOS have similar MPV values. While IR does not have any effect on MPV, elevated androgen levels are associated with a low MPV in nonobese patients with PCOS.

Comparing acromegalic patients to healthy controls with respect to intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, and optic disc topography findings

Aims:

The aim was to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), and optic disc topography findings of biochemically controlled acromegalic patients and the control group and to evaluate the effect of the duration of acromegaly and serum growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels on these ocular parameters.

Materials and Methods:

IOP measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometry, CCT measurement with ultrasonic pachymetry, and topographic analysis with Heidelberg retinal tomograph III were performed on 35 biochemically controlled acromegalic patients and 36 age- and gender-matched controls.

Results:

Mean IOP and CCT were 14.7 ± 2.9 mmHg and 559.5 ± 44.9 μm in the acromegaly patients and 13.0 ± 1.6 mmHg and 547.1 ± 26.7 μm in controls (P = 0.006 and P = 0.15, respectively). A significant moderate correlation was found between the duration of acromegaly and CCT (r = 0.391) and IOP (r = 0.367). Mean retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was significantly lower in the acromegalic patients (0.25 ± 0.05 mm) as compared to controls (0.31 ± 0.09 mm) (P = 0.01). A significant moderate correlation was detected between IGF-1 level and disc area (r = 0.362), cup area (r = 0.389) and cup volume (r = 0.491).

Conclusion:

Biochemically controlled acromegalic patients showed significantly higher CCT and IOP levels and lower RNFL thickness compared to healthy controls and the duration of disease was correlated with CCT and IOP levels.

Non-functioning adrenal incidentalomas are associated with higher hypertension prevalence and higher risk of atherosclerosis

INTRODUCTION

Adrenal incidentalomas (AIs) have been associated with an increased incidence of several cardiovascular risk factors. The aim of this study was to investigate plasma adiponectin, leptin, resistin, homocysteine, high sensitive C-reactive protein levels, and carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) in patients with non-functioning AI (NFAI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included data from 28 patients with NFAI (Group 1) and 41 controls (Group 2). Of the patients, 50 were female and 19 were male, and the mean age was 46.7 (range 37-65) years.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between Group 1 and 2 in terms of age, sex, or BMI. Hypertension prevalence was significantly higher in the NFAI group than in the control group (p = 0.01). Both groups had similar lipid, blood glucose, homocysteine, uric acid, high-sensitivity CRP levels. Adiponectin, leptin, and resistin levels were similar in both groups. CIMTs were significantly higher in the NFAI group.

CONCLUSION

There is increasing evidence that several cardiometabolic risk factors occur with higher prevalence in non-functioning adrenal incidentaloma patients compared to age-matched healthy subjects. In our study, hypertension prevalence and CIMT were higher in the NFAI group. Serum adipokine levels were similar for both groups.

Carotid artery intima-media thickness and erectile dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MS) has become a pandemic in Turkey, as is the case globally. Increase in carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and erectile dysfunction (ED) may be evident before the clinical signs of cardiovascular disease appear. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of increased CIMT and ED as markers of atherosclerotic disease in patients with MS.

Material/Methods

Thirty-two patients with MS and 29 healthy controls were included. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, along with total testosterone (TT), high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), were recorded. Carotid artery intima-media thickness was measured. Erectile dysfunction was assessed with International Index of Erectile Function.

Results

Patients with MS had higher BMI, fasting plasma glucose, post-prandial plasma glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglycerides, hs-CRP, and CIMT, whereas TT levels were lower (p<0.0001). The prevalence and severity of erectile dysfunction were higher in patients with MS (p<0.0001). Erectile dysfunction scores correlated inversely with CIMT. MS patients with ED were older and had higher CIMT compared to those without ED. Increase in age and HOMA and decrease in TT increased the risk of ED. When KIMT exceeding the 95^th percentile of healthy controls was accepted as a risk factor for CVD, presence of ED was the only determinant for this increase.

Conclusions

Erectile dysfunction was more prevalent and severe in patients with MS and correlated with subclinical endothelial dysfunction. Total testosterone deficiency was prominent among MS patients. Presence of ED points to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease when MS is present.

The frequency of malignancy and the relationship between malignancy and ultrasonographic features of thyroid nodules with indeterminate cytology

Various approaches are available for the management of nodules that are evaluated to be indeterminate according to the results of thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy. The present study aimed to determine the rate of malignancy and the ultrasonographic features that could be used as predictor of malignant pathologies at the nodules with indeterminate cytology. A total of 201 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy and whose fine needle aspiration biopsy results were evaluated to be Hurthle cell lesion (n = 99), follicular neoplasm (n = 61) and [corrected] suspicious for malignancy (n = 41) were enrolled in this study. Of these patients, 178 were females (88.6 %) and 23 were males (11.4 %). The rates of malignancy were found to be 33.3 % in the Hurthle cell lesion group, 23.0 % in the follicular neoplasm group and 53.7 % in the suspicious for malignancy group (p = 0.006). The comparison of the ultrasonographic characteristics of the malignant and benign nodules revealed hypoechogenicity and microcalcification to be more common in malignant nodules (34.3 vs. 16.9 %, p = 0.005; 27.1 vs. 13.1 %, p = 0.014; respectively). While 92.3 % of the malignant nodules were ≥1 cm, 82.9 % of the benign nodules were ≥1 cm (p = 0.042). We believe that as the patients at Hurthle cell lesion group have higher risk of malignancy than the patients with Follicular Neoplasia so total thyroidectomy will be suitable for these patients. [corrected]. In addition, microcalcification and hypoechoic nodules at patients with indeterminate cytology can be related with increased risk of malignancy. [corrected].