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Al-Toubah T, Pelle E, Hallanger-Johnson J, Haider M, Strosberg J. ACTH-secreting pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: A case-series. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13336. [PMID: 37688510 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Ectopic Cushing's syndrome (CS) occurs rarely in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Early recognition of symptoms is critical given the high morbidity and mortality associated with CS. A database of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) seen at the Moffitt Cancer Center between 1/2008 and 4/2022 was reviewed and cases of ectopic CS were identified. Information was extracted on tumor characteristics, clinical signs and symptoms, therapies, and outcomes. Thirteen cases were identified, ranging in age from 16 to 65 years at the initial time of diagnosis (median 42). Twelve of 13 patients had metastatic tumors at presentation. All were well-differentiated at diagnosis although two were described as transformed to poorly differentiated on rebiopsy. A total of 4 patients also experienced Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Three patients underwent bilateral adrenalectomy to manage uncontrolled CS. Median overall survival of was 56 months from the time of initial cancer diagnosis but only 18 months from diagnosis of CS. Our study showed that ectopic CS is a highly morbid condition when occurring in pancreatic NENs and is associated with aggressive disease. Bilateral adrenalectomy can be considered for syndrome control. To our knowledge, this is the largest institutional case-series of ACTH-secreting metastatic pancreatic NEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taymeyah Al-Toubah
- Department of GI Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Eleonora Pelle
- Department of GI Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Julie Hallanger-Johnson
- Department of Endocrine Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Mintallah Haider
- Department of GI Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Jonathan Strosberg
- Department of GI Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Lu Y, Wang E, Chen Y, Zhou B, Zhao J, Xiang L, Qian Y, Jiang J, Zhao L, Xiong X, Lu Z, Wu D, Liu B, Yan J, Zhang R, Zhang H, Hu C, Li X. Obesity-induced excess of 17-hydroxyprogesterone promotes hyperglycemia through activation of glucocorticoid receptor. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:3791-3804. [PMID: 32510471 DOI: 10.1172/jci134485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become an expanding global public health problem. Although the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is an important regulator of glucose metabolism, the relationship between circulating glucocorticoids (GCs) and the features of T2DM remains controversial. Here, we show that 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), an intermediate steroid in the biosynthetic pathway that converts cholesterol to cortisol, binds to and stimulates the transcriptional activity of GR. Hepatic 17-OHP concentrations are increased in diabetic mice and patients due to aberrantly increased expression of Cyp17A1. Systemic administration of 17-OHP or overexpression of Cyp17A1 in the livers of lean mice promoted the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, whereas knockdown of Cyp17A1 abrogated metabolic disorders in obese mice. Therefore, our results identify a Cyp17A1/17-OHP/GR-dependent pathway in the liver that mediates obesity-induced hyperglycemia, suggesting that selectively targeting hepatic Cyp17A1 may provide a therapeutic avenue for treating T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - E Wang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - Ying Chen
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - Bing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - Jiejie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - Liping Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - Yiling Qian
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - Jingjing Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - Lin Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - Xuelian Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - Zhiqiang Lu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
| | - Duojiao Wu
- Institute of Clinical Science, Shanghai Institute of Clinical Bioinformatics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Marine Pharmaceutical Compound Screening, College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Ocean University, Lianyungang, China
| | - Jing Yan
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, and
| | - Rong Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, and.,Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijie Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Hu
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, and.,Shanghai Diabetes Institute, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Diabetes Mellitus, Shanghai Clinical Center for Diabetes, Shanghai, China.,Institute for Metabolic Disease, Fengxian Central Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, and
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Etiology-, Sex-, and Tumor Size-Based Differences in Adrenocorticotropin-Dependent Cushing Syndrome. Endocr Pract 2020; 27:471-477. [PMID: 33853717 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2020.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine demographic, clinical, and biochemical differences in patients with adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-dependent Cushing syndrome (CS) based on etiology, sex, and tumor size. METHODS This was a single-center study of 211 patients with ACTH-dependent CS followed for 35 years. Patients were stratified into 3 groups based on etiology: Cushing disease (CD)/transsphenoidal surgery, Cushing disease/total bilateral adrenalectomy (CD/TBA), and ectopic ACTH secretion (EAS). Patients were also stratified based on sex and tumor size (nonvisualized, microadenoma, and macroadenoma). RESULTS CD was the commonest cause of ACTH-dependent CS (190; 90%). Most patients presented in the third decade (median age, 29 years). Clinical features, cortisol, and ACTH were significantly greater in the EAS group. The CD/TBA group had more nonvisualized tumors (22% vs 8%; P = .000) and smaller tumor size (4 vs 6 mm; P = .001) compared with the CD/transsphenoidal surgery group. There was female predominance in CD (2.06:1) and male predominance in EAS (2:1). Men had shorter duration of symptoms (2 years; P = .014), were younger (23 years; P = .001), had lower body mass index (25.1 kg/m2; P = .000), and had more severe disease (low bone mineral density, hypokalemia). Macroadenomas were frequent (46; 24.2%), and ACTH correlated with tumor size in CD (r = 0.226; P = .005). CONCLUSION Our cohort presented at an earlier age than the Western population with a distinct, but slightly lower, female predilection. Patients with CD undergoing TBA had frequent negative imaging. Men had a clinical profile suggesting aggressive disease. Microadenoma and macroadenoma were difficult to distinguish on a clinicobiochemical basis.
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Abstract
The neuroendocrinology of reproduction focuses on the neuromodulation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), the ontogeny of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and common reproductive events and conditions, namely, puberty, the menstrual cycle, and disorders of reproductive function. The core concept underpinning the neuroendocrinology of reproduction is neuroregulation of hypothalamic GnRH drive. In both men and women, reproductive function requires that GnRH input elicit appropriate secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone from the anterior pituitary and that the gonads respond to such input appropriately. Moreover, insufficient GnRH drive causes hypothalamic hypogonadism and secondary insufficiency of gonadal sex steroid hormone synthesis and release in both sexes. Alterations in GnRH drive also reflect gonadal conditions such as dysgenesis, hyperandrogenism, gonadotropin mutations, and aging and loss or absence of oocytes or Sertoli cells. The most common cause of insufficient GnRH drive is functional, that is, due to the endocrine effects of psychologic or behavioral variables. Rarely does reduced GnRH drive reflect organic or congenital causes such as developmental defects, brain tumors, or celiac disease. Despite a common neuropathogenesis the heterogeneity of behavioral variables associated with reduced GnRH drive has resulted in a variety of names, including functional hypothalamic amenorrhea, stress-induced anovulation, and psychogenic amenorrhea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepika Garg
- (1)Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Sarah L Berga
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Two types of ectopic Cushing syndrome (ECS) are described: ECS associated with aggressive neoplasms, and ECS with indolent and occult tumors, however, there is a lack of studies that thoroughly review their characteristics. METHODS A systematic review was carried out on PUBMED of all the papers about the ECS, in order to better define the types of this subcategory of Cushing's syndrome, highlighting the differential aspects between these subgroups. RESULTS It was found that in 50% of cases the prototypic "aggressive" ECS is caused by small cell lung carcinomas (SCLC). In these cases, the clinical presentation may be atypical, predominating the signs and symptoms derived from the protein catabolism. Cortisol and ACTH levels are extremely high, the clinical presentation is abrupt (< 3-6 months) and the tumor is usually advanced, being impossible a curative treatment. On the other hand, "indolent" ECS is mainly represented by carcinoid tumors (CT). In these cases the clinical presentation overlaps enormously with that of Cushing's disease (CD). Cortisol and ACTH levels are slightly elevated, the clinical presentation is progressive (> 6 months) and the prognosis is usually good, and a curative treatment is possible in about 75% of the cases. CONCLUSION Although there is no absolute differentiation between the two extremes of ECS, a classification could be established in two groups, guided by its clinical and biochemical characteristics, and mainly by the type and stage of the ACTH-secreting tumor. However, a small percentage of tumors do not fit in this simple grouping, and may present both phenotypes or an intermediate one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Araujo Castro
- Department Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.
- Department Endocrinology, Hospital Universitario Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain.
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Araujo Castro M, Palacios García N, Aller Pardo J, Izquierdo Alvarez C, Armengod Grao L, Estrada García J. Ectopic Cushing syndrome: Report of 9 cases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 65:255-264. [PMID: 29655957 DOI: 10.1016/j.endinu.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS) is a rare condition caused by ACTH secretion by extrapituitary tumors. Its low frequency makes it difficult to acquire experience in its management. The aim of this study was to describe patients with ECS seen at the endocrinology department of a tertiary hospital over 15 years. METHODS This was a retrospective study of the clinical, biochemical and radiographic data, treatment, and course of patients with ECS seen from 2000 to 2015. RESULTS Nine patients (6 of them female) with a mean age of 47 years were included in the study. The clinical syndrome developed in less than 3 months in all cases but one, and most patients also had edema, hyperpigmentation and/or hypokalemia. Mean urinary free cortisol and ACTH levels were 2,840μg/24h and 204pg/mL respectively. The ectopic origin was confirmed by a combination of dynamic non-invasive tests and radiographic studies in most cases. The tumor responsible could be identified in 8 cases, and 7 patients had metastatic dissemination. Primary treatment was surgery in one patient, surgery combined with systemic therapy in 3, and chemotherapy in the other 3 patients. Bilateral adrenalectomy was required in 4 patients to control hypercortisolism. After a mean follow-up of 40 months, 3 patients died, 5 were still alive, and one had been lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms that ECS covers a wide spectrum of tumors of different aggressiveness and nature. The ectopic origin of Cushing's syndrome can usually, be suspected and confirmed in most cases without the need for invasive tests. Control of both hypercortisolism and the tumor requires multiple treatment modalities, and multidisciplinary management is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Araujo Castro
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Madrid, España.
| | - Nuria Palacios García
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Madrid, España
| | - Javier Aller Pardo
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Madrid, España
| | | | - Laura Armengod Grao
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Madrid, España
| | - Javier Estrada García
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, Majadahonda, Madrid, España
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Boortz KA, Syring KE, Lee RA, Dai C, Oeser JK, McGuinness OP, Wang JC, O'Brien RM. G6PC2 Modulates the Effects of Dexamethasone on Fasting Blood Glucose and Glucose Tolerance. Endocrinology 2016; 157:4133-4145. [PMID: 27653037 PMCID: PMC5086534 DOI: 10.1210/en.2016-1678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 2 (G6PC2) gene encodes an islet-specific glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit. G6PC2 forms a substrate cycle with glucokinase that determines the glucose sensitivity of insulin secretion. Consequently, deletion of G6pc2 lowers fasting blood glucose (FBG) without affecting fasting plasma insulin. Although chronic elevation of FBG is detrimental to health, glucocorticoids induce G6PC2 expression, suggesting that G6PC2 evolved to transiently modulate FBG under conditions of glucocorticoid-related stress. We show, using competition and mutagenesis experiments, that the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) induces G6PC2 promoter activity through a mechanism involving displacement of the islet-enriched transcription factor MafA by the glucocorticoid receptor. The induction of G6PC2 promoter activity by Dex is modulated by a single nucleotide polymorphism, previously linked to altered FBG in humans, that affects FOXA2 binding. A 5-day repeated injection paradigm was used to examine the chronic effect of Dex on FBG and glucose tolerance in wild-type (WT) and G6pc2 knockout mice. Acute Dex treatment only induces G6pc2 expression in 129SvEv but not C57BL/6J mice, but this chronic treatment induced G6pc2 expression in both. In 6-hour fasted C57BL/6J WT mice, Dex treatment lowered FBG and improved glucose tolerance, with G6pc2 deletion exacerbating the decrease in FBG and enhancing the improvement in glucose tolerance. In contrast, in 24-hour fasted C57BL/6J WT mice, Dex treatment raised FBG but still improved glucose tolerance, with G6pc2 deletion limiting the increase in FBG and enhancing the improvement in glucose tolerance. These observations demonstrate that G6pc2 modulates the complex effects of Dex on both FBG and glucose tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla A Boortz
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (K.A.B., K.E.S., J.K.O., O.P.M., R.M.O.) and Medicine (C.D.), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232; and Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology (R.A.L., J.-C.W.), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Kristen E Syring
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (K.A.B., K.E.S., J.K.O., O.P.M., R.M.O.) and Medicine (C.D.), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232; and Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology (R.A.L., J.-C.W.), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Rebecca A Lee
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (K.A.B., K.E.S., J.K.O., O.P.M., R.M.O.) and Medicine (C.D.), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232; and Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology (R.A.L., J.-C.W.), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Chunhua Dai
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (K.A.B., K.E.S., J.K.O., O.P.M., R.M.O.) and Medicine (C.D.), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232; and Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology (R.A.L., J.-C.W.), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - James K Oeser
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (K.A.B., K.E.S., J.K.O., O.P.M., R.M.O.) and Medicine (C.D.), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232; and Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology (R.A.L., J.-C.W.), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Owen P McGuinness
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (K.A.B., K.E.S., J.K.O., O.P.M., R.M.O.) and Medicine (C.D.), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232; and Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology (R.A.L., J.-C.W.), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Jen-Chywan Wang
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (K.A.B., K.E.S., J.K.O., O.P.M., R.M.O.) and Medicine (C.D.), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232; and Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology (R.A.L., J.-C.W.), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
| | - Richard M O'Brien
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics (K.A.B., K.E.S., J.K.O., O.P.M., R.M.O.) and Medicine (C.D.), Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee 37232; and Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology (R.A.L., J.-C.W.), University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720
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Jeong C, Lee J, Ryu S, Lee HY, Shin AY, Kim JS, Ahn JH, Kang HS. A Case of Ectopic Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Syndrome in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Tuberc Respir Dis (Seoul) 2015; 78:436-9. [PMID: 26508941 PMCID: PMC4620347 DOI: 10.4046/trd.2015.78.4.436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), which originated from neuroendocrine tissue, can develop into paraneoplastic endocrine syndromes, such as Cushing syndrome, because of an inappropriate secretion of ectopic adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This paraneoplastic syndrome is known to be a poor prognostic factor in SCLC. The reason for poor survival may be because of a higher risk of infection associated with hypercortisolemia. Therefore, early detection and appropriate treatment for this syndrome is necessary. But the diagnosis is challenging and the source of ACTH production can be difficult to identify. We report a 69-year-old male patient who had severe hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and hypertension as manifestations of an ACTH-secreting small cell carcinoma of the lung. He was treated with ketoconazole and spironolactone to control the ACTH dependent Cushing syndrome. He survived for 15 months after chemotherapy, which is unusual considering the poor outcome of the ectopic ATH syndrome associated with SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaiho Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinhee Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seongyul Ryu
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hwa Young Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ah Young Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ju Sang Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joong Hyun Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hye Seon Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Spontaneous globe luxation in iatrogenic Cushing syndrome. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2015; 253:1809-11. [PMID: 26255178 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-015-3126-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We report a rare case of spontaneous eyeball luxation associated with exophthalmos due to iatrogenic Cushing syndrome (CS). The normalization of serum hormones led to the regression of the picture. CASE A 64-year-old man presented with spontaneous globe luxation of the left eye after a 6-month history of bilateral, painless, and slowly progressive exophthalmos. The patient had been receiving weekly infusions of methylprednisone over the previous 6 months. His best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation was 20/40 in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. The patient demonstrated full extraocular motility. The intraocular pressure (IOP) was elevated in the right eye (24 mHg) and normal in the left eye (18 mmHg). Exophthalmometry demonstrated bilateral proptosis with measurements of 27 mm in the right eye and 28 mm in the left eye. Computed tomography scan of the brain and orbits revealed increased orbital and cervical fat. Clinical, radiographic and serologic findings ruled out potential diagnoses including orbital metastasis, thyroid orbitopathy, carotid-cavernous fistula, and idiopathic orbital pseudotumor. Clinical suspicion of iatrogenic CS was high, and additional serologic testing confirmed the diagnosis. CONCLUSION Exophthalmos is an uncommon sign of CS, but to our knowledge, this is the first reported case of spontaneous globe luxation secondary to CS. In our case, normalization of cortisol was sufficient to resolve the clinical symptoms and eliminated the need for surgical intervention such as orbital decompression surgery.
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Mc Auley MT, Mooney KM. Lipid metabolism and hormonal interactions: impact on cardiovascular disease and healthy aging. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2014; 9:357-367. [PMID: 30763995 DOI: 10.1586/17446651.2014.921569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Populations in developed nations are aging gradually; it is predicted that by 2050 almost a quarter of the world's population will be over 60 years old, more than twice the figure at the turn of the 20th century. Although we are living longer, this does not mean the extra years will be spent in good health. Cardiovascular diseases are the primary cause of ill health and their prevalence increases with age. Traditionally, lipid biomarkers have been utilized to stratify disease risk and predict the onset of cardiovascular events. However, recent evidence suggests that hormonal interplay with lipid metabolism could have a significant role to play in modulating cardiovascular disease risk. This review will explore recent findings which have investigated the role hormones have on the dynamics of lipid metabolism. The aim is to offer an insight into potential avenues for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark T Mc Auley
- a School of Health Sciences, Liverpool Hope University, Taggart Avenue, Liverpool, L16 1JD, UK
| | - Kathleen M Mooney
- b Faculty of Health and Social Care, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP, UK
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Abstract
Diagnosis of ectopic Cushing syndrome is challenging. The best imaging approach for localizing ectopic ACTH-secreting tumors is not defined. Here, we report on a 68-year-old woman with new-onset hypertension (>200/90 mm Hg) who was referred to our institution with suspicion of ectopic ACTH-secreting tumor for further work-up. Combined FDG PET/CT as a whole-body imaging modality revealed a neuroendocrine tumor of the pancreatic tail confirmed by surgical exploration.
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Meek CL, Bravis V, Don A, Kaplan F. Polycystic ovary syndrome and the differential diagnosis of hyperandrogenism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/tog.12030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Claire L Meek
- Chemical Pathology & Metabolic Medicine; Department of Clinical Biochemistry; Addenbrooke's Hospital; Hills Road; Cambridge; CB2 0QQ; UK
| | - Vassiliki Bravis
- Department of Endocrinology; Lister Hospital; Corey's Mill Lane; Stevenage SG1 4AB and Department of Investigative Sciences; Imperial College; London; UK
| | - Abigail Don
- Department of Endocrinology; Lister Hospital; Corey's Mill Lane; Stevenage SG1 4AB; UK
| | - Felicity Kaplan
- Department of Endocrinology; Lister Hospital; Corey's Mill Lane; Stevenage SG1 4AB; UK
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Exophthalmos: A Forgotten Clinical Sign of Cushing's Syndrome. Case Rep Endocrinol 2013; 2013:205208. [PMID: 23555062 PMCID: PMC3608263 DOI: 10.1155/2013/205208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2013] [Accepted: 02/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Exophthalmos is typically associated with Graves' ophthalmopathy. Although originally described by Harvey Cushing, exophthalmos is an underappreciated sign of Cushing's syndrome. We present a case of a 38-year-old female who presented with severe bilateral proptosis and was subsequently diagnosed with Cushings disease. We discuss the possible mechanisms causing exophthalmos in patients with either endogenous or exogenous hypercortisolemia.
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Cummings BP, Bremer AA, Kieffer TJ, D'Alessio D, Havel PJ. Investigation of the mechanisms contributing to the compensatory increase in insulin secretion during dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance in rhesus macaques. J Endocrinol 2013; 216:207-15. [PMID: 23151361 DOI: 10.1530/joe-12-0459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Dexamethasone has well-described effects to induce insulin resistance and increase insulin secretion. Herein, we examined potential contributors to the effect of dexamethasone to increase insulin secretion in rhesus macaques. Six male rhesus macaques received daily injections of either saline or dexamethasone (0.25 mg/kg i.m. for 7 days) in random order with 3 weeks between treatments. At the end of the treatment period, animals were fasted overnight and underwent a feeding study the next day, during which blood samples were taken before and for 60 min after a meal in order to assess islet hormone and incretin secretion. Dexamethasone induced marked increases in fasting plasma insulin, glucagon, leptin, and adiponectin concentrations (P<0.05). Surprisingly, the glycemic response after meal ingestion was decreased twofold during dexamethasone treatment (P<0.05). Dexamethasone-treated animals exhibited a significant increase in both insulin and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) secretion during the feeding study (P<0.05). However, glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion was significantly lower in dexamethasone-treated animals compared with controls (P<0.01). Fasting and meal-stimulated pancreatic polypeptide concentrations (an index of the parasympathetic input to the islet) did not differ between saline and dexamethasone treatments. However, the proinsulin:insulin ratio was decreased throughout the feeding study with dexamethasone treatment suggesting an improvement of β-cell function (P<0.05). In conclusion, the maintenance of euglycemia and reduction of postprandial glycemia with short-term dexamethasone treatment appears to be due to the marked elevations of fasting and meal-stimulated insulin secretion. Furthermore, increases in postprandial GIP secretion with dexamethasone treatment appear to contribute to the effect of dexamethasone treatment to increase insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany P Cummings
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA.
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Yamada T, Hara K, Kadowaki T. Association of adenovirus 36 infection with obesity and metabolic markers in humans: a meta-analysis of observational studies. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42031. [PMID: 22848697 PMCID: PMC3405004 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies have shown that Adenovirus 36 (Ad36) influences the risk of obesity in humans. Clarifying the relationship between Ad36 infection and obesity could lead to more effective approaches for the management of obesity. The objective of this study was to conduct a meta-analysis to confirm the influence of Ad36 infection on obesity and metabolic markers. Methodology/Principal Findings We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library for pertinent articles (including their references) published between 1951 and April 22, 2012. Only English language reports of original observational studies were included in this meta-analysis. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using the random effects model. Of 237 potentially relevant studies, 10 cross-sectional studies (n = 2,870) conformed to the selection criteria. Pooled analysis showed that the WMD for BMI of Ad36 infection compared with non-infection was 3.19 (95% CI 1.44–4.93; P<0.001). Sensitivity analysis restricted to studies of adults yielded a similar result of 3.18 (95% CI 0.78–5.57; P = 0.009). The increased risk of obesity associated with Ad36 infection was also significant (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.01–3.56; P = 0.047). No significant differences were found in relation to total cholesterol (P = 0.83), triglycerides (P = 0.64), HDL (P = 0.69), blood glucose (P = 0.08), waist circumstance (P = 0.09), and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.25). Conclusion/Significance Ad36 infection was associated with the risk of obesity and weight gain, but was not associated with abnormal metabolic markers including waist circumstance. It suggests that Ad36 infection is more associated with accumulation of subcutaneous fat than that of visceral fat. The relationship between Ad36 and obesity should be assessed by further studies, including well-designed prospective studies, to gain a better understanding of whether Ad36 plays a role in the etiology of human obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohide Yamada
- Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuo Hara
- Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Takashi Kadowaki
- Department of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo, Japan
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Patel R, Patel M, Tsai R, Lin V, Bookout AL, Zhang Y, Magomedova L, Li T, Chan JF, Budd C, Mangelsdorf DJ, Cummins CL. LXRβ is required for glucocorticoid-induced hyperglycemia and hepatosteatosis in mice. J Clin Invest 2010; 121:431-41. [PMID: 21123945 DOI: 10.1172/jci41681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Accepted: 10/13/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although widely prescribed for their potent antiinflammatory actions, glucocorticoid drugs (e.g., dexamethasone) cause undesirable side effects that are features of the metabolic syndrome, including hyperglycemia, fatty liver, insulin resistance, and type II diabetes. Liver x receptors (LXRs) are nuclear receptors that respond to cholesterol metabolites and regulate the expression of a subset of glucocorticoid target genes. Here, we show LXRβ is required to mediate many of the negative side effects of glucocorticoids. Mice lacking LXRβ (but not LXRα) were resistant to dexamethasone-induced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and hepatic steatosis, but remained sensitive to dexamethasone-dependent repression of the immune system. In vivo, LXRα/β knockout mice demonstrated reduced dexamethasone-induced expression of the key hepatic gluconeogenic gene, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK). In perfused liver and primary mouse hepatocytes, LXRβ was required for glucocorticoid-induced recruitment of the glucocorticoid receptor to the PEPCK promoter. These findings suggest a new avenue for the design of safer glucocorticoid drugs through a mechanism of selective glucocorticoid receptor transactivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rucha Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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18
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Mancini A, Leone E, Silvestrini A, Festa R, Di Donna V, De Marinis L, Pontecorvi A, Littarru GP, Meucci E. Evaluation of antioxidant systems in pituitary-adrenal axis diseases. Pituitary 2010; 13:138-45. [PMID: 20012698 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-009-0213-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The role of adrenal steroids in antioxidant regulation is not known. Previously, we demonstrated some Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) alterations in pituitary diseases, which can induce complex pictures due to alterations of different endocrine axes. Therefore we determined CoQ(10) and Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) in pituitary-dependent adrenal diseases: 6 subjects with ACTH-dependent adrenal hyperplasia (AH); 19 with secondary isolated hypoadrenalism (IH), 19 with associated hypothyroidism (multiple pituitary deficiencies, MPH). CoQ(10) was assayed by HPLC; TAC by the system metmyoglobin-H(2)O(2), which, interacting with the chromogenous 2,2(I)-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate), generates a spectroscopically revealed radical compound after a latency time (Lag) proportional to the antioxidant content. CoQ(10) levels were significantly lower in IH than AH and MPH, with a similar trend when adjusted for cholesterol. Also TAC was lower in IH than in AH and MPH, suggesting that adrenal hormones can influence antioxidants. However, since thyroid hormones modulate CoQ(10) levels and metabolism, when thyroid deficiency coexists it seems to play a prevalent influence.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mancini
- Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo A. Gemelli 8, Rome, Italy.
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19
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Murakami H, Nigawara T, Sakihara S, Kageyama K, Yamashita M, Matsuki K, Tanabe J, Matsui J, Tamasawa N, Suda T. The frequency of type 2 diabetic patients who meet the endocrinological screening criteria of subclinical Cushing's disease. Endocr J 2010; 57:267-72. [PMID: 20086312 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.k09e-352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome, including its mild form/state of adrenal-dependent subset (subclinical Cushing's syndrome; subCS), is known to enhance glucose intolerance, hypertension and obesity. Recently, subclinical Cushing's disease (subCD) has been identified, but its prevalence and the extent of consequent metabolic derangement are unclear. We screened 90 type 2 diabetic patients hospitalized in our department for subCD, according to the diagnostic guideline proposed by the working group of Japanese Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor in 2006. Plasma ACTH and cortisol levels in the morning and at midnight were determined, and overnight 0.5 mg dexamethasone suppression test (DST) was performed. Those who showed poor cortisol suppression in DST underwent the desmopressin (DDAVP) test. Fifty-seven patients (63.3%) demonstrated abnormally high midnight cortisol levels (>or=2.5 microg/dL), while only nine of them failed to suppress plasma cortisol levels to <3 microg/dL after DST. Although none of the eight patients who underwent the DDAVP test demonstrated the anticipated paradoxical rise in plasma ACTH, these eight patients (8.9%) endocrinologically met the screening criteria of subCD. Since a considerable percentage of pituitary adenomas causing overt Cushing's disease are not identifiable in magnetic resonance imaging, many of those causing subCD may also be unidentifiable. Further follow-up studies including confirmatory testing and pituitary imaging are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Murakami
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Aomori, Japan.
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20
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A novel use of etomidate for intentional adrenal suppression to control severe hypercortisolemia in childhood. Pediatr Crit Care Med 2009; 10:e37-40. [PMID: 19433940 DOI: 10.1097/pcc.0b013e318198b096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a novel use for etomidate in critically ill children. Etomidate induction of anesthesia in children is controversial due to adrenal suppression; we review this controversy and describe a therapeutic application of this "side effect" using a continuous etomidate infusion in pediatric intensive care to deliberately suppress critically elevated endogenous cortisol. DESIGN Case report. SETTING A tertiary pediatric intensive care unit. PATIENT A 6-year-old boy with severe, life-threatening hypercortisolemia secondary to Cushing's disease. INTERVENTIONS Admission to pediatric intensive care unit, before bilateral adrenalectomies, to facilitate etomidate infusion to reduce endogenous hypercortisolemia, as first-line treatment with metyrapone and ketoconazole had failed. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS Continuous intravenous etomidate at 0.08 mg/kg/hr decreased serum cortisol from 1200 to 250 nmol/L within 48 hours. Once etomidate and hydrocortisone therapy provided stable serum cortisol levels, bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomies were undertaken. A perioperative cortisol surge was seen, but to a much lower peak than expected without prior etomidate suppression. CONCLUSIONS The adrenal suppression caused by etomidate, so controversial in the care of the critically ill at present, can be therapeutically used for short-term control of severe hypercortisolemia in children.
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21
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Lahera Vargas M, da Costa CV. Prevalencia, etiología y cuadro clínico del síndrome de Cushing. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 56:32-9. [DOI: 10.1016/s1575-0922(09)70191-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2008] [Accepted: 10/27/2008] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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22
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11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 is overexpressed in subcutaneous adipose tissue of morbidly obese patients. Obes Surg 2008; 19:764-70. [PMID: 18592327 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-008-9616-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2008] [Accepted: 06/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 11beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11beta-HSD1) enzyme catalyzes interconversion of inactive cortisone to active cortisol. Its expression in adipose tissue has been associated with obesity and some of its metabolic disorders. Controversies regarding which fat depots [subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) or visceral adipose tissue (VAT)] have higher expression still remain. The aim of this work was to evaluate 11beta-HSD1 expression in SAT and VAT of obese patients and evaluate its association to metabolic features of metabolic syndrome. METHODS In 32 morbidly obese patients, paired samples of SAT and VAT were collected. All patients, 40.2+/-12.3 years and 36.7+/-3.8 body mass index (BMI), underwent sleeve gastrectomy or laparoscopic gastric bypass. Gene expression of 11beta-HSD1 in adipose tissue samples were determined by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Spearman correlation test was used to evaluate relationships between 11beta-HSD1 levels and clinical and biochemical parameters. RESULTS 11beta-HSD1 mRNA levels were higher in SAT than in VAT, with median expression levels of 11.4 arbitrary units (AU) and 7.8 AU, respectively (p=0.03). SAT 11beta-HSD1 mRNA were correlated with VAT mRNA levels (r=-0.6, p=0.018) and hip circumference (r=0.66, p=0.018). SAT 11beta-HSD1 levels increase parallel according to BMI category. We did not find a correlation between SAT or VAT with fasting glucose (r=0.15, p=NS), total cholesterol (r=0.13, p=NS), triglycerides (r=0.04, p=NS), and high-density lipoprotein (r=-0.16, p=NS). However, SAT expression in patients with features of MS was higher than those without features of MS. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that SATs express higher 11beta-HSD1 mRNA levels than VAT. This finding highlights the importance of SAT in obesity and its possible role on metabolic disorders associated with obesity.
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23
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Drake AJ, Tang JI, Nyirenda MJ. Mechanisms underlying the role of glucocorticoids in the early life programming of adult disease. Clin Sci (Lond) 2007; 113:219-32. [PMID: 17663659 DOI: 10.1042/cs20070107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Compelling epidemiological evidence suggests that exposure to an adverse intrauterine environment, manifested by low-birth weight, is associated with cardiometabolic and behavioural disorders in adulthood. These observations have led to the concept of ‘fetal programming’. The molecular mechanisms that underlie this relationship remain unclear, but are being extensively investigated using a number of experimental models. One major hypothesis for early life physiological programming implicates fetal overexposure to stress (glucocorticoid) hormones. Several animal studies have shown that prenatal glucocorticoid excess, either from endogenous overproduction with maternal stress or through exogenous administration to the mother or fetus, reduces birth weight and causes lifelong hypertension, hyperglycaemia and behavioural abnormality in the offspring. Intriguingly, these effects are transmitted across generations without further exposure to glucocorticoids, which suggests an epigenetic mechanism. These animal observations could have huge implications if extrapolated to humans, where glucocorticoids have extensive therapeutic use in obstetric and neonatal practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Drake
- Endocrinology Unit, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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24
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Abstract
Compelling epidemiological evidence suggests that the early environment is an important determinant of later risk of disease. In particular, low birth weight has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, including hypertension, Type 2 diabetes mellitus and ischemic heart disease, independent of classical adult lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, adult weight, social class, excess alcohol intake and sedentary lifestyle. These observations have led to a revolutionary concept of early life physiological programming. The molecular mechanisms that underlie this relationship remain unclear, but one major hypothesis implicates fetal overexposure to glucocorticoid stress hormones. This article will review evidence for this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moffat J Nyirenda
- a University of Edinburgh, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Scotland, UK.
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25
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Joshi SM, Hewitt RJD, Storr HL, Rezajooi K, Ellamushi H, Grossman AB, Savage MO, Afshar F. Cushing's Disease in Children and Adolescents: 20 Years of Experience in a Single Neurosurgical Center. Neurosurgery 2005; 57:281-5; discussion 281-5. [PMID: 16094156 DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000166580.94215.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
This is a retrospective analysis of 25 consecutive pediatric patients with Cushing's disease who underwent transsphenoidal surgery performed by a single neurosurgeon in a specialist center during a 20-year period. This article discusses the presentation of Cushing's disease, the endocrinological investigation with particular reference to bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS), the operative management with reference to specific pediatric difficulties of the transsphenoidal approach and the use of intraoperative image guidance, and the analysis of these cases as regards postoperative complications and outcomes of this rare condition in young patients.
METHODS:
All patients underwent detailed endocrine investigation and imaging in the form of computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. BIPSS was performed in 19 patients (76%), with successful lateralization of the side of the microadenoma in 14 (74%) and prediction of a central tumor in four (94% total prediction rate). Surgical removal was via the sublabial, paraseptal, transsphenoidal route.
RESULTS:
There were 15 male and 10 female patients, with a mean age of 13.4 years (range, 6.6–17.8 yr). Weight gain was the most common presentation (100%), and then growth impairment (96%), fatigue and skin changes (64%), and hypertension (32%). Postoperative complications included growth hormone deficiency (36%), transient diabetes insipidus (12%), panhypopituitarism (4%), and transient cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea (4%). The median follow-up period was 59.5 months (range, 6–126 mo). Overall, 15 patients (60%) achieved surgical cure or remission, of which 14 outcomes were obtained using the results of BIPSS. Ten patients (40%) required postoperative radiotherapy to achieve “remission.” There were no cases of meningitis, no neurological deficits, no reoperations, and no mortality.
CONCLUSION:
Cushing's disease in children and adolescents is a rare illness. The accurate preoperative localization of the adenoma is essential for achieving good results. In this series, BIPSS was far more accurate in localizing the adenoma than computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Imaging, however, is useful for the exclusion of other intracranial problems. Transsphenoidal surgery was safe and efficacious in achieving cure in the majority of cases. The challenge of transsphenoidal surgery in this age group is the small pituitary fossa and the absence of sphenoid sinus aeration in some cases. We found the use of intraoperative neuronavigation to be an excellent aid in overcoming such anatomic difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabin M Joshi
- Department of Neurosurgery, St. Bartholomew's and The Royal London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, England
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26
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Bernal-Mizrachi C, Weng S, Feng C, Finck BN, Knutsen RH, Leone TC, Coleman T, Mecham RP, Kelly DP, Semenkovich CF. Dexamethasone induction of hypertension and diabetes is PPAR-alpha dependent in LDL receptor-null mice. Nat Med 2003; 9:1069-75. [PMID: 12847522 DOI: 10.1038/nm898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2003] [Accepted: 06/17/2003] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension and diabetes are common side effects of glucocorticoid treatment. To determine whether peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha) mediates these sequelae, mice deficient in low-density lipoprotein receptor (Ldlr-/-), with (Ppara+/+) or without (Ppara-/-) PPAR-alpha, were treated chronically with dexamethasone. Ppara+/+, but not Ppara-/-, mice developed hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and hypertension. Similar effects on glucose metabolism were seen in a different model using C57BL/6 mice. Hepatic gluconeogenic gene expression was increased and insulin-mediated suppression of endogenous glucose production was less effective in dexamethasone-treated Ppara+/+ mice. Adenoviral reconstitution of PPAR-alpha in the livers of nondiabetic, normotensive, dexamethasone-treated Ppara-/- mice induced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia and increased gluconeogenic gene expression. It also increased blood pressure, renin activity, sympathetic nervous activity and renal sodium retention. Human hepatocytes treated with dexamethasone and the PPAR-alpha agonist Wy14,643 induced PPARA and gluconeogenic gene expression. These results identify hepatic activation of PPAR-alpha as a mechanism underlying glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Bernal-Mizrachi
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110 USA
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27
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Kearney T, de Gallegos CN, Proudler A, Parker K, Anayaoku V, Bannister P, Venkatesan S, Johnston DG. Effects of short- and long-term growth hormone replacement on lipoprotein composition and on very-low-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein apolipoprotein B100 kinetics in growth hormone-deficient hypopituitary subjects. Metabolism 2003; 52:50-9. [PMID: 12524662 DOI: 10.1053/meta.2003.50061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we concurrently examined the effects of 8 and 40 weeks of growth hormone replacement (GHR) on lipids, lipoprotein composition, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) size, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) apolipoprotein (apo)B kinetics and LDL apoB kinetics. Eight weeks of GHR did not alter lipid profiles. Forty weeks of GHR increased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration (P =.01), nonsignificantly reduced LDL-C (P =.06), and reduced the HDL/LDL-C ratio (P =.04). Forty weeks of GHR increased HDL free cholesterol (P =.03), total cholesterol (P =.01), and cholesterol ester (P <.01) concentrations. No other significant changes in VLDL, LDL, or HDL composition or LDL size were noted at any time. Eight weeks of GHR reduced VLDL apoB absolute secretion rate (ASR, P =.03), with nonsignificant reductions in fractional secretion rate (FSR, P =.09) and pool size (P =.09). After 40 weeks of GHR, the VLDL apoB ASR, FSR, and pool size were not significantly different from baseline. Forty weeks of GHR increased both LDL apoB FSR (P =.02) and LDL apoB ASR (P =.04), with a small decrease in pool size. Thus, GHR may have important antiatherogenic effects; HDL-C increased, LDL-C was nonsignificantly reduced, the total/HDL-C ratio was reduced, VLDL apoB production was reduced, and LDL apoB turnover was increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Kearney
- Department of Metabolic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital Campus, London, UK
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Abstract
The importance of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adult life has become more apparent over the last decade. As well as a distinct clinical syndrome there is a significant excess risk of cardiovascular disease. Although it is difficult to ascertain what part is played by the original pituitary disorder and the concomitant replacement hormonal therapies, there is clear evidence that GHD is associated with known cardiovascular risk factors such as body shape, lipid profile, insulin resistance, blood pressure, vessel wall morphology and haemostatic factors. Novel means of assessing vascular risk such as pulse wave velocity and flow-mediated dilatation can also estimate the risk without invasive procedures. The role of possible mediators of endothelial function such as nitric oxide and free radicals is being investigated further. Replacement of GH in GH-deficient patients leads to many effects on the above indices, some but not all of which are associated with reduced vascular risk. Long-term follow-up studies of morbidity and mortality are required for an accurate assessment of the beneficial effects of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland W McCallum
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
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Thakore JH, Mann JN, Vlahos I, Martin A, Reznek R. Increased visceral fat distribution in drug-naive and drug-free patients with schizophrenia. Int J Obes (Lond) 2002; 26:137-41. [PMID: 11791159 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0801840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2001] [Revised: 06/06/2001] [Accepted: 07/02/2001] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate visceral fat distribution in patients with schizophrenia. DESIGN Cross sectional study using CT scanning in patients with drug-naive and drug-free schizophrenia. SUBJECTS Fifteen (13 men and two women) subjects with schizophrenia (mean age 33.7 y; mean body mass index (BMI)=26.7 kg/m(2)), and 15 age- and sex-matched controls (mean age 30.5 y; mean BMI=22.8 kg/(2)). MEASUREMENTS Various fatness and fat distribution parameters (by CT scanning and anthropometry) and 16:00 h plasma cortisol. RESULTS In comparison to controls, patients with schizophrenia had central obesity and had significantly higher levels of plasma cortisol. Furthermore, previous neuroleptic exposure did not appear to influence these findings as both drug-naive and drug-free patients had equally high levels of visceral fat deposition. CONCLUSION Central obesity is a well recognized risk factor in developing certain general medical conditions. This study shows that patients with schizophrenia have increased intra-abdominal fat which may provide one explanation for why they die prematurely.
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Affiliation(s)
- J H Thakore
- Neuroscience Centre, St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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30
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Abstract
In the last decade, retrospective cohort data has provided evidence of premature atherosclerosis in patients with hypopituitarism which may account for the recently observed increased death rate from vascular events in these patients. The exact mechanism(s) for such propensity to atherosclerotic vascular disease is not yet completely clear. It is possible that hormonal factors may be the initiating mechanisms with subsequent secondary metabolic abnormalities acting as risk factors for development of atherosclerosis. This seems to be more evident in female hypopituitary patients compared with their male counterparts. Female patients have higher frequency and more pronounced abnormalities of various risk factors as well as surrogate markers of early vascular disease. This may explain why morbidity and mortality in women is in excess of men in retrospective epidemiological studies. Addressing abnormal hormonal factors, especially in females, is a primary objective in managing these patients both in the clinical arena as well as in trials designed to reduce the risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease in these patients. While short-term growth hormone treatment may ameliorate some of the vascular risk factors and improve endothelial function, it remains to be shown whether this translates into long-term reduction in morbidity and mortality from vascular, especially cerebrovascular, disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- T A Elhadd
- Department of Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine, Keele University, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, UK
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31
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Abstract
Until the advent of modern neuroradiological imaging techniques in 1989, a diagnosis of GH deficiency in adults carried little significance other than as a marker of hypothalamo-pituitary disease. The relatively recent recognition of a characteristic clinical syndrome associated with failure of spontaneous GH secretion and the potential reversal of many of its features with recombinant human GH has prompted a closer examination of the physiological role of GH after linear growth is complete. The safe clinical practice of GH replacement demands a method of judging overall GH status, but there is no biological marker in adults that is the equivalent of linear growth in a child by which to judge the efficacy of GH replacement. Assessment of optimal GH replacement is made difficult by the apparent diverse actions of GH in health, concern about the avoidance of iatrogenic acromegaly, and the growing realization that an individual's risk of developing certain cancers may, at least in part, be influenced by cumulative exposure to the chief mediator of GH action, IGF-I. As in all areas of clinical practice, strategies and protocols vary between centers, but most physicians experienced in the management of pituitary disease agree that GH is most appropriately begun at low doses, building up slowly to the final maintenance dose. This, in turn, is best determined by a combination of clinical response and measurement of serum IGF-I, avoiding supraphysiological levels of this GH-dependent peptide. Numerous studies have helped define the optimum management of GH replacement during childhood. The recent requirement to measure and monitor GH status in adult life has called into question the appropriateness of simplistic weight- and surface area-based dosing regimens for the management of GH deficiency in childhood, with reliance on linear growth as the sole marker of GH action. It is clear that the monitoring of parameters other than linear growth to help refine GH therapy should now be incorporated into childhood GH treatment protocols. Further research will be required to define the optimal management of the transition from pediatric to adult GH replacement; this transition will only be possible once the benefits of GH in mature adults are defined and accepted by pediatric and adult endocrinologists alike.
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Affiliation(s)
- W M Drake
- Department of Endocrinology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London EC1A 7BE, United Kingdom.
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McConnell EM, Bell PM, Hadden DR, McCance DR, Sheridan B, Atkinson AB. Prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance in adult hypopituitarism on low dose oral hydrocortisone replacement therapy. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2001; 54:593-9. [PMID: 11380489 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.2001.01269.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The conventional dosage of hydrocortisone, used for many years in the management of hypopituitarism (30 mg per day), has now been shown to be more than is physiologically necessary. On this conventional corticosteroid therapy studies have demonstrated an increased prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance, which may contribute to the increased vascular morbidity and mortality reported in the condition. In these studies no information is available on oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) timing in relation to administration of oral steroid and variable hydrocortisone doses were employed. PATIENTS In order to assess glucose tolerance in patients treated with lower, more physiological doses, we performed a 75-g OGTT at least 1 month after hydrocortisone therapy was adjusted to 15 mg at 0800 h and 5 mg at 1700 h in 45 adult onset hypopituitary patients (30 M, 15 F). Mean (+/- SD) duration of hypopituitarism was 12 +/- 10 years, mean age 52 +/- 14 years and BMI 29.3 +/- 5.1 kg/m2. All were on hydrocortisone, 43 on thyroxine, 31 on sex steroids, 9 on desmopressin and 33 had documented growth hormone deficiency. Hydrocortisone 15 mg was taken at 0800 and the OGTT commenced at 0900. RESULTS Using standard WHO criteria 36 patients (80%) had normal glucose tolerance, 1 (2%) had newly diagnosed diabetes and 8 (18%) had impaired glucose tolerance. Using the recently announced American Diabetes Association criteria for diagnosis 96% had normal glucose tolerance, 2% had diabetes and 2% impaired fasting glucose. CONCLUSION The markedly reduced prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance on lower hydrocortisone replacement doses in our series of patients with hypopituitarism, not previously known to be diabetic, is of great interest. This lower prevalence may eventually result in reduced vascular complication rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M McConnell
- Metabolic Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital, Grosvenor Road, Belfast, BT12 6BA, Northern Ireland, UK
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Rosmond R, Björntorp P. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity as a predictor of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. J Intern Med 2000; 247:188-97. [PMID: 10692081 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2796.2000.00603.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the mediator of cortisol, plays a central role in the homeostatic processes. In this study, we addressed the potential impact of HPA axis activity on established anthropometric, metabolic and haemodynamic risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus and stroke. DESIGN A cross-sectional study. SUBJECTS A subgroup of 284 men from a population sample of 1040 at the age of 51 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Anthropometric measurements included body mass index (BMI, kg m-2), waist/hip circumference ratio (WHR) and abdominal sagittal diameter (D). Overnight fasting values of blood glucose, serum insulin, triglycerides, total, low (LDL) and high density (HDL) lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as resting heart rate and blood pressure, were also determined. By using repeated diurnal salivary cortisol measurements during everyday conditions, methods were developed to characterize the status of the HPA axis, and set in relation to the anthropometric, metabolic and haemodynamic measurements. RESULTS In bivariate analyses, risk factors intercorrelated in clusters of anthropometric (BMI, WHR, D), metabolic (insulin, glucose and their ratio, triglycerides, cholesterol [total and LDL], HDL cholesterol [negative]) and haemodynamic (systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate) measurements. This was also the case in the two-dimensional scaling analysis, where, however, HDL separated out. A normal HPA axis status, characterized by high variability and morning cortisol values, as well as a clear response to a standardized lunch and dexamethasone suppression test, was then introduced by a statistical weighting procedure. This did not essentially change the results of either the bivariate correlation matrix or the two-dimensional scaling analysis. A similar introduction of a pathological HPA axis, characterized by low variability and morning cortisol values, a poor lunch-induced cortisol response and a blunted dexamethasone suppression of cortisol, changed the results markedly. Now strong and consistent correlations were found not only within but also between different clusters of risk factors, which also congregated into one distinct cluster, again except for HDL cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS These results disclose the prospect of an overriding function of a pathological HPA axis on other, established risk factors for CVD, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Its close association to HPA axis dysfunction may explain the previously reported powerful risk indication of abdominal obesity for the diseases mentioned. The HPA axis abnormality has been reported to be a characteristic consequence of frequently repeated or chronic environmental stress challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rosmond
- Department of Heart Diseases, University of Göteborg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
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Affiliation(s)
- S A Beshyah
- Unit of Metabolic Medicine, Imperial College School of Medicine at St. Mary's, London, UK.
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Güven M, Hatemi H, Taşan E, Altuntaş Y, Ulutin T, Tezcan V, Kanigür-Sultuybek G. The modulation of glucocorticoid receptor content by 3-O-methyl-D-glucose transport in human mononuclear leukocyte in obesity. J Endocrinol Invest 1998; 21:656-61. [PMID: 9854680 DOI: 10.1007/bf03350794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid receptors (GR) and 3-O-methyl-D glucose (3-O-MG) transport were determined in mononuclear leukocytes (MNL) from 11 abdominal obese subjects, 10 pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome (Cushing's disease) and 10 healthy controls. Using a whole-cell competitive binding assay and 3H-dexamethasone as tracer, MNL of abdominal obese subjects were found to have 4855 +/- 1389 sites/cell which was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than controls (6234 +/- 1568 sites/cell), although no significant difference was found in the mean serum cortisol level. Their mean Kd (affinity) was also significantly lower than that found in the healthy controls (obese Kd:2.92 +/- 0.84 nmol/l, control Kd: 4.55 +/- 0.67 nM, p < 0.05). On the other hand, the receptor characteristics in Cushing's disease patients were within the normal range. At the same time, 3-O-MG transport was determined in the same subjects. In Cushing's disease, 3-O-MG transport was within the normal range, whereas in abdominal obesity this value was significantly lower than the healthy controls (abdominal obese: 31.90 +/- 8.20; control: 46.26 +/- 12.91 fmol/10(6) cell, min, p < 0.05). We also found a positive correlation between 3-O-MG transport and GR binding capacity in abdominal subjects (r = 0.89, p < 0.001), however we did not find such a correlation in Cushing's disease (r = 0.60, p > 0.05). These results indicated that, in abdominal obesity, the GR binding capacity in MNL is influenced by the changes in glucose transport.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Güven
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Turkey
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Newell-Price J, Trainer P, Besser M, Grossman A. The diagnosis and differential diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome and pseudo-Cushing's states. Endocr Rev 1998; 19:647-72. [PMID: 9793762 DOI: 10.1210/edrv.19.5.0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- J Newell-Price
- Department of Endocrinology, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London, United Kingdom
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Ross
- Department of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Centre, Sheffield University, UK.
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Zawawi TH, al-Hadramy MS, Abdelwahab SM. The effects of therapy with rifampicin and isoniazid on basic investigations for Cushing's syndrome. Ir J Med Sci 1996; 165:300-2. [PMID: 8990663 DOI: 10.1007/bf02943098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Rifampicin(R) is a potent enzyme inducer which is now widely used to treat many conditions. We have investigated its effect on adrenal function tests in 18 adults with tuberculosis on rifampicin (R) and isoniazid (INH) as in-patients. Midnight cortisol was above 250 nmol/l in 11 patients with a mean +/- (SD) of 340 +/- 193 nmol/l. The morning serum cortisol following 1 and 4 mg dexamethasone overnight was abnormal in 88.9 per cent and 83.3 per cent respectively. The respective mean values +/- (SD) were 350 +/- 179 and 336 +/- 279 nmol/l. The mean 24-hour urinary free cortisol +/- SD was 513 +/- 375 nmol and was above normal in 6 (33.3 per cent) patients. These results show that midnight cortisol, dexamethasone suppression tests and 24-hour urinary free cortisol are misleading in patients with tuberculosis on (R) and should not be employed for investigating such patients for Cushing's syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- T H Zawawi
- Department of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Tsagarakis S, Giannakenas C, Vassilakos PJ, Platis O, Belenis I, Kaskarelis J, Rontoyianni D, Thalassinos N. Successful localization of an occult ACTH-secreting bronchial carcinoid tumour with 111indium-DTPA labelled octreotide. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1995; 43:763-7. [PMID: 8736282 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.1995.tb00548.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Ectopic ACTH secretion due to occult carcinoid tumours is an occasional cause of ACTH dependent Cushing's syndrome. In many cases the ectopic source may be obvious, but sometimes no obvious source is evident, the so-called occult ectopic syndrome. Due to their small size, localization of such occult tumours, particularly bronchial carcinoids, may be extremely difficult. Whole body CT and venous sampling studies have been used but are not always successful in determining the site of such lesions. We report a 40-year-old patient with the ectopic ACTH syndrome due to a 0.6-cm bronchial carcinoid tumour which was successfully localized by 111indium-DTPA labelled octreotide scintigraphy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tsagarakis
- Department of Endocrinology, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
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40
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al-Shoumer KA, Beshyah SA, Niththyananthan R, Johnston DG. Effect of glucocorticoid replacement therapy on glucose tolerance and intermediary metabolites in hypopituitary adults. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1995; 42:85-90. [PMID: 7889636 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.1995.tb02602.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Excess impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus have been reported in hypopituitary adults on conventional replacement therapy including glucocorticoids. We investigated the effect of the glucocorticoid component on glucose tolerance and intermediary metabolites in hypopituitary adults. DESIGN A 3-hour 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed on two study days, at least one week apart. On one study day, the glucocorticoid replacement morning dose was taken 60 minutes before the OGTT, and on the other it was left until after the OGTT. All other pituitary replacement therapies were kept unchanged on the two study days. PATIENTS Eight hypopituitary adults (3 males and 5 females; aged 46-76 years) on conventional replacement therapy were studied. Their duration of hypopituitarism was mean (range) 15 (5-31) years. Their mean body mass index (BMI) was 28.4 (24.1-35.1) kg/m2. Their total daily cortisol dose was 26 (15-30) mg. MEASUREMENTS Plasma glucose, insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), glycerol and 3-hydroxybutyrate were measured at 30-minute intervals and plasma cortisol levels were measured hourly. RESULTS Fasting glucose and insulin concentrations were similar on the glucocorticoid day (GD) and the non-glucocorticoid day (NGD) (glucose (mean +/- SD) 4.9 +/- 0.9 vs 4.4 +/- 0.5 mmol/l; insulin (median (range)) 5 (1-17) vs 2 (1-15) mU/l, respectively). Post-glucose glycaemia was higher on the GD than on the NGD with a significantly higher glucose area under the curve (AUC) (45.0 +/- 8.2 vs 38.9 +/- 11.7 mmol/l h, P < 0.05). Post-glucose insulinaemia was also higher on the GD than on the NGD with significantly higher insulin AUC (270 (47-909) vs 207 (46-687) mU/l h, P < 0.02). Impaired glucose tolerance was found in three patients on the GD, one of whom continued to have impaired glucose tolerance on the NGD. The areas under the curves of NEFA, glycerol and 3-hydroxybutyrate were not significantly different on the two days. On the NGD, plasma cortisol levels were undetectable (< 50 nmol/l) in all patients and on the GD the median (range) peak was 500 (330-740) nmol/l dropping to 125 (60-330) nmol/l at 180 minutes. The difference in glucose AUC between the two days correlated with the maximal plasma cortisol levels (Spearman's p = 0.83, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Glucocorticoid replacement therapy taken pre-prandially in hypopituitary adults induces mild elevations in circulating glucose and insulin levels even with acceptable plasma cortisol concentrations. Optimal regimens for glucocorticoid replacement require more study.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A al-Shoumer
- Unit of Metabolic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital Medical School, London, UK
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Leone M, Maltempo C, Gritti A, Bussone G. The insulin tolerance test and ovine corticotrophin-releasing-hormone test in episodic cluster headache. II: Comparison with low back pain patients. Cephalalgia 1994; 14:357-64; discussion 318-9. [PMID: 7828195 DOI: 10.1046/j.1468-2982.1994.1405357.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Hypothalamic involvement has been invoked to explain the periodicity of the cluster periods and rhythmicity of the pain attacks in cluster headache. To explore this hypothesis the ovine corticotrophin-releasing headaches sufferers during both cluster period and remission. A group of low back pain patients and healthy subjects comprised the control populations. For the o-CRH test, 7 healthy subjects, 7 low back pain patients, 6 cluster headache patients in remission, and 12 in cluster period were studied. Five healthy subjects, 7 low back pain patients, 6 cluster headache patients in remission, and 9 cluster period were administered the insulin tolerance test. Significantly increased basal cortisol levels were found in cluster headache patients in both illness phases (p < 0.0001), but not in low back pain patients. Significantly reduced cortisol response to the o-CRH test was observed in cluster headache patients in both phases compared to healthy controls (p < 0.02). A blunted ACTH and cortisol response (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.003 respectively) to the insulin tolerance test was present in cluster headache patients in both phases of the illness compared to healthy subjects and low back pain patients. On the contrary, the ACTH surge after insulin induced hypoglycemia was significantly increased in the low back pain patient group (p = 0.02). These results suggest that the altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responsiveness in cluster headache patients is not a consequence of the pain, and point to a central, probably hypothalamic derangement in this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Leone
- C Besta Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
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42
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Raposo JF, Bugalho MJ, Sobrinho LG, Pefeira MC, Boavida J, Loureiro M, Vieira MR, Costa JDD, Manuel J, Almeida M, Kovacs K. Ectopic cushing's syndrome caused by an 8 mm lung carcinoid localized by scintigram with the somatostatin analog 111in-pentetreotide. Endocr Pathol 1994; 5:191-195. [PMID: 32138427 DOI: 10.1007/bf02921476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Small tumors producing adrenocorticophic hormone (ACTH) ectopically may be very difficult to locate. We describe a 57-year-old woman who presented with ectopic Cushing's syndrome as diagnosed by bilateral inferior petrosal sinus catheterization with corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) test. Thoracic pentetreotide (a somatostatin analogue) revealed a small "hot spot" in the base of the left lung. This "hot spot" was constant throughout the procedure. A second thoracic CT scan with 3-mm cuts showed a small image in the area under suspicion, similar to vascular images found elsewhere in both lungs. At surgery, an 8-mm tumor was found and excised. Pathological examination revealed a carcinoid tumor immunoreactive for ACTH, beta-endorphin, bombesin, serotonin, and the α-subunit. One month after surgery, the patient was clinically well and had normal adrenal function. An111ln-pentetreotide scintiscan clearly identified a small ACTH-producing neuroendocrine tumor of the lung undetectable by plain chest radiography or CT scan.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Filipe Raposo
- Department of Endocrinology, Instituto Portugâes de Oncologia, 1093, Lisboa Codex, Portugal
| | - Maria João Bugalho
- Department of Endocrinology, Instituto Portugâes de Oncologia, 1093, Lisboa Codex, Portugal
| | | | | | - José Boavida
- Department of Endocrinology, Instituto Portugâes de Oncologia, 1093, Lisboa Codex, Portugal
| | - Margarida Loureiro
- Department of Endocrinology, Instituto Portugâes de Oncologia, 1093, Lisboa Codex, Portugal
| | | | | | - José Manuel
- Department of Surgery, Portuguese Cancer Institute, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mendes Almeida
- Department of Surgery, Portuguese Cancer Institute, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Kaiman Kovacs
- Department of Pathology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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McNally PG, Howlett TA. Investigation of Cushing's syndrome by inferior petrosal sinus sampling. Trends Endocrinol Metab 1993; 4:117-21. [PMID: 18407144 DOI: 10.1016/1043-2760(93)90034-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Bilateral simultaneous inferior petrosal sinus sampling, in combination with CRH stimulation, is now able to confirm the diagnosis of pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease with near certainty. In expert hands, the procedure is straightforward and safe. As well as confirming the differential diagnosis, the test may aid surgical success, especially if no adenoma is apparent at transsphenoidal exploration. In this article, we review the technique and its interpretation and consider which patients should undergo the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- P G McNally
- Department of Endocrinology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, England
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Nestler JE, McClanahan MA. Diabetes and adrenal disease. BAILLIERE'S CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM 1992; 6:829-47. [PMID: 1445172 DOI: 10.1016/s0950-351x(05)80169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Disorders of the adrenal cortex and medulla can result in glucose intolerance or overt diabetes mellitus. Cushing's syndrome, characterized by excessive secretion of glucocorticoids, impairs glucose tolerance primarily by causing insulin resistance at the post-receptor level. On the other hand, phaeochromocytoma and hyperaldosteronism, via the respective actions of catecholamines and hypokalaemia on the pancreatic beta-cell, impair glucose tolerance primarily by inhibiting insulin release. The glucose intolerance associated with these adrenal disorders is usually only mild to moderate in severity. Marked hyperglycaemia, glycosuria, and polyuria are uncommon and ketosis is rare. Moreover, the late complications of diabetes mellitus are distinctly uncommon in patients with these disorders, and the prognosis for morbidity and death is usually that of the underlying disease and not that of diabetes mellitus. The impaired glucose tolerance induced by all three of these adrenal disorders usually returns to normal once the underlying aetiology has been cured. These factors must guide the clinician in treatment of these secondary forms of diabetes, and suggest that tight (near normal) blood glucose control may not be an appropriate goal in patients with these disorders. The relationship between adrenal androgens and glucose tolerance is more uncertain. Several studies in humans have demonstrated an acute decline in serum concentrations of the adrenal steroids DHEA and DHEA-sulfate in response to experimentally-induced hyperinsulinaemia, but the regulatory role of insulin on adrenal androgen metabolism in normal physiology or disease remains speculative. In several animal models DHEA appears to exert potent anti-obesity and anti-diabetogenic actions, but such effects have yet to be demonstrated in humans. Human studies of DHEA are limited, and more research needs to be conducted to determine whether the observations made in animal models will prove applicable to man.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Nestler
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298-0111
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Abstract
The hypercorticism frequently observed in major depression, unaccompanied by signs of Cushing's syndrome, is still poorly understood. One suicidal young woman, with very high cortisol levels and unusual resistance to dexamethasone suppression, is described. She was successfully treated with steroid suppressive drugs (aminoglutethimide, metyrapone), had a prompt and complete remission and has remained well for more than two years on no medication. This success prompted an on-going clinical trial of this therapy. The available drugs and a working hypothesis of their action are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Murphy
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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47
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Atkinson
- Sir George E. Clark Metabolic Unit, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, UK
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48
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Burke CW, Adams CB, Esiri MM, Morris C, Bevan JS. Transsphenoidal surgery for Cushing's disease: does what is removed determine the endocrine outcome? Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 1990; 33:525-37. [PMID: 2171817 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.1990.tb03890.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Fifty-seven patients with pituitary-dependent Cushing's syndrome and eight with Nelson's syndrome underwent transsphenoidal pituitary exploration, with removal of macroscopically abnormal tissue in 64 patients and detailed histology of this in 63. The cure rate by stringent criteria 1 month later was 48 (83%) of the 58 with assessable data, who were followed for 225 patient-years. Two patients relapsed later, a rate of one per 112 patient-years of follow-up. In 27% of patients, the macroscopically abnormal tissue removed was histologically indistinguishable from normal pituitary gland but the cure rate was 82%, and a quarter of the patients in this group assessable for recovery of normal ACTH function gained it. Another 53% of biopsies showed corticotroph adenomas, and the cure rate in these was 89% though rather more (69%) recovered normal ACTH function. The remaining 20% of biopsies were consistent with corticotroph hyperplasia. The cure rate varied little whether the lesion was diffuse or localized, whether or not it was in the invasion zone/interlobar cleft, whether or not there was pituitary enlargement, or whether the surgery was radical or selective. Six patients, of whom three are cured, showed surgical or radiological evidence of invasion outside the pituitary fossa. The data are consistent with the idea that pituitary adenoma is merely the end stage of some other process in the corticotrophs, and cure often follows removal of a lesion other than adenoma. Of patients who were permanently cured, 47% regained normal ACTH function within 3 years of operation (none later), 53% remaining ACTH-deficient at 3 years or more. Of all patients 48% acquired gonadotrophin deficiency, 28% have TSH deficiency and 25% permanent diabetes insipidus. All these pituitary function deficits were more common after radical surgery and in patients with normal histology, The literature contains so little objective data on these functions that we cannot say whether the endocrine damage in our patients is exceptional or not.
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Affiliation(s)
- C W Burke
- Department of Endocrinology, Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford, UK
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49
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Felicetta JV. Cushing's syndrome. How to pinpoint and treat the underlying cause. Postgrad Med 1989; 86:79-85, 89-90. [PMID: 2555800 DOI: 10.1080/00325481.1989.11704497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In addition to prolonged glucocorticoid therapy (not discussed here), at least five other conditions cause Cushing's syndrome. They are excessive corticotropin secretion by the pituitary gland (which results in Cushing's disease), ectopic production of corticotropin by malignant nonpituitary tumors, benign adrenal adenoma, adrenal carcinoma, and primary adrenocortical nodular dysplasia. Each can be distinguished by a specific pathophysiologic process that triggers the adrenal glands to overproduce glucocorticoids. At present, diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome or disease relies heavily on the dexamethasone (Decadron, Hexadrol) suppression test. After diagnosis, other studies, including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and corticotropin radioimmunoassay, can be used to localize the site of the lesion. Treatment, of course, depends on the underlying cause.
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