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Recent studies suggest that shift working may trigger health issues through disrupted circadian rhythms and altered eating habits. This study aimed to examine the possible associations of shift work with sleep quality, diet quality and obesity-related parameters. This study was conducted with 150 males (75 shift and daytime workers) aged 24–50 years. Dietary intake was determined using the 24-hour recall method, and dietary quality was evaluated using the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010). Anthropometrical measurements and body composition were assessed. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to evaluate sleep quality. Fasting and postprandial glucose and insulin, and fasting lipid levels were analyzed. HOMA-IR was calculated, and blood pressure was measured. The total HEI-2010 score of shift workers (52.6 [45.4–58.8]) was lower than the daytime workers (55.9 [49.1–64.9]) (p = 0.016). Among individuals with good sleep quality, the total HEI-2010 score, seafood and plant proteins, fatty acids, and sodium scores were lower in shift workers compared to others (p < 0.05 for each). Non-obese shift workers had higher body weight, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, VLDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, postprandial glucose, and insulin levels compared to daytime workers (p < 0.05 for each). This study demonstrates that shift working is associated with lower diet quality independent of sleep quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Dietary phytochemicals have been under examination as adjuvants for the prevention and treatment of obesity and diabetes. This study aimed at examining the potential associations of dietary "Phytochemical Index" (PI) and polyphenol intake with obesity and diabetes-related parameters. Materials and Methods: The case-control study involved 331 participants (156 overweight/obese and 175 normal weight), aged 18–50 years. Dietary intake was assessed using the 24-hr dietary recall method, and the PI score was calculated as the percentage of energy intake provided by phytochemical-rich foods. Polyphenol intakes were calculated using Phenol-Explorer and U.S. Department of Agriculture databases. Anthropometrical measurements were taken, serum glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles were analyzed, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated, and blood pressure was measured. Linear regression analyses were used to examine the potential associations. Results: Participants with higher PI scores had higher total and some sub-classes polyphenol intakes compared with lower ones (P < 0.05, for each). Dietary PI score was not associated with any of the anthropometrical measurements; however, total polyphenol and flavonoids intakes were inversely associated with body mass index (β = −0.269, P = 0.049; β = −0.262, P = 0.048; respectively), waist circumference (β = −0.127, P = 0.021; β = −0.130, P = 0.016; respectively), and waist-to-hip ratio (β = −20.724, P = 0.032; β = −22.199, P = 0.018; respectively) after adjusting for potential confounders. Either dietary PI score or total and sub-class polyphenol intakes were not associated with a better metabolic profile, except for the lignan intake, which was inversely associated with HOMA-IR (β = −0.048, P = 0.011). Conclusions: Higher dietary polyphenol intake may have potential in the prevention of obesity and diabetes, and validated practical tools are essential for the assessment of polyphenol intake in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context The paucity of data on microvascular complications in patients with posttransplant diabetes (PTDM) is an obstacle to developing follow-up algorithms. Objective To evaluate diabetic microvascular complications in patients with long-standing PTDM. Methods In patients with ≥5-year history of PTDM and age-matched renal transplant recipients without PTDM (NDM), diabetic peripheral neuropathy was evaluated using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument, the CASE IV device, and in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). Cardiac autonomic neuropathy tests were performed using heart rate variability. Nephropathy screening was assessed using spot urine albumin/creatinine ratio and eGFR calculation. Diabetic retinopathy was evaluated by fundus examination and photography, and optical coherence tomography. Results This study included 41 patients with PTDM and 45 NDM patients. The median follow-up was 107.5 months in the PTDM group. Peripheral neuropathy was significantly higher in the PTDM group than in the NDM group (P =.02). In the PTDM patients with peripheral neuropathy, corneal nerve fiber density examined by CCM was significantly lower than in PTDM patients without neuropathy (P =.001). Parasympathetic involvement was observed in 58.5% of the PTDM group and 22% of the NDM group (P =.001). Sympathetic involvement was present in 65.9% of the PTDM group and 29.3% of the NDM group (P =.001). Retinopathy was observed in 19.5% of patients in the PTDM group and in none of the NDM patients (P <.001). Renal functions were similar between the study groups. Conclusion Cardiac autonomic neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy can affect patients with PTDM at a high rate. Diabetic retinopathy is a threat to the vision of PTDM patients. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can be detected early in PTDM patients by CCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolical disorder and can lead to liver fibrosis. Because it is commonly seen, several noninvasive scores (NS) have been validated to identify high-risk patients. Patients with NAFLD have been shown to have higher serum angiopoietin-like protein-8 (ANGPTL-8) levels. Objective The risk of NAFLD is known insufficiently in acromegaly. Moreover, the utility of the NS and the link between NAFLD and ANGPTL-8 in acromegaly is unknown. Methods Thirty-two patients with acromegaly (n = 15, active [AA] and n = 17, controlled acromegaly [CA]) and 19 healthy controls were included. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-proton density fat fraction (PDFF) was used to evaluate hepatic steatosis, and magnetic resonance elastography to evaluate liver stiffness measurement. ANGPTL-8 levels were measured with ELISA. Results Median liver MRI-PDFF and NAFLD prevalence in AA were lower than in CA (P =.026 and P <.001, respectively). Median magnetic resonance elastography-liver stiffness measurement were similar across groups. Of the NS, visceral adiposity index, fatty liver index, hepatic steatosis index, and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) all showed positive correlation with the liver MRI-PDFF in the control group. However, only TyG significantly correlated with liver fat in the AA and CA groups. There was no correlation between traditional NAFLD risk factors (body mass index, waist circumference, C-reactive protein, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, visceral adipose tissue) and liver MRI-PDFF in the AA and CA. Patients with acromegaly with NAFLD had lower GH, IGF-1, and ANGPTL-8 levels than in those without NAFLD (P =.025, P =.011, and P =.036, respectively). Conclusion Active acromegaly may protect from NAFLD because of high GH. In patients with acromegaly, NAFLD risk cannot be explained with classical risk factors; hence, additional risk factors must be identified. TyG is the best score to evaluate NAFLD risk. Lower ANGPTL-8 in patients with acromegaly and NAFLD implies this hormone may be raised because of insulin resistance rather than being a cause for NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the association between diverse surrogate markers of insulin resistance and adiponectin concentrations. Methods: Four hundred healthy participants were included. Two different cohorts were formed according to the body mass index (BMI) values. Group 1 (n = 200) consisted of individuals with normal BMI values (18.50–24.99 kg/m2), whereas in Group 2 (n = 200) there were overweight or obese individuals (BMI ≥25.00 kg/m2). Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), and triglycerides–glucose index (TyG) were calculated. Serum adiponectin levels were measured by ELISA. A correlation analysis was performed to assess the association between serum adiponectin and HOMA-IR, QUICKI, and TyG. Results: Participants in Group 2 were older (age in years: Group 1, 33.3 ± 6.8 vs. Group 2, 36.4 ± 7.0, P < 0.001). There was no gender difference between groups. Overweight or obese participants had higher BMI, waist circumference, fat mass, fat ratio, fasting plasma glucose, fasting plasma insulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was higher in participants with normal BMI measures. Overweight or obese subjects were more insulin resistant (higher TyG index and HOMA-IR) and less insulin sensitive (lower QUICKI), P < 0.001 for all. Serum adiponectin levels were lower in Group 2 (serum adiponectin in ng/mL: Group 1, 11,880 ± 6838 vs. Group 2, 9115 ± 5766, P < 0.001). The correlation between TyG index and adiponectin was stronger than the correlation between QUICKI and adiponectin, and HOMA-IR and adiponectin (r for TyG and adiponectin −0.408, r for QUICKI and adiponectin 0.394, r for HOMA-IR and adiponectin −0.268, respectively, P < 0.001 for all correlations). Conclusions: TyG has a stronger association with adiponectin than HOMA-IR and QUICKI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several metabolic disturbances are seen in acromegaly however, data regarding the contribution of irisin to these disturbances is currently insufficient. In a cohort of patients with acromegaly, we measured serum irisin levels in active and controlled cases and determined independent factors that effect serum irisin including fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5) genotyping. A cross-sectional case-control study including 46 patients with acromegaly (28 F/18 M, age: 50.3 ± 12.1 year, BMI: 30.7 ± 5.1 kg/m2) and 81 age-, gender-, body mass index- and body composition-matched healthy controls was conducted. 15 acromegalic patients (33%) had active disease. Irisin levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Three different regions (rs3480, rs1746661, and rs16835198) of FNDC5 were subjected to polymorphism analyses. Both groups were overweight and had similar body composition. Irisin levels were lower in patients with acromegaly than controls (median [IQR]: 44.8 [41.7–46.7] ng/mL vs. 51.7 [45.5–60.1] ng/mL, p≤0.001, respectively). Active and controlled patients had similar irisin levels. Irisin was not correlated with growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and IGF-1 index. In multiple linear regression model, somatostatin receptor ligand use (β=−20.30, 95% CI [−34]–[−6], p=0.006) was determined as the only independent factor that affect serum irisin. Serum irisin levels are low in patients with acromegaly who are on somatostatin receptor ligand therapy. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FNDC5 have no independent effects on circulating irisin levels under somatostatin ligand action. Endocrine muscle functions also seem to be regulated by somatostatin action, which requires further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite mass vaccination, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine-induced subacute thyroiditis (SAT) is rarely seen as a complication. The reason why some individuals are susceptible to developing vaccine-induced SAT is not known. SAT develops in genetically predisposed individuals who carry specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haplotypes. It is unknown whether specific HLA alleles are associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced SAT. Objective: This study compared the HLA profiles of patients with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced SAT to controls, to assess whether there is an association between specific HLA genotypes and development of SAT. The relationship between HLA genotypes and the clinical course of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced SAT was also evaluated. Methods: A case–control study was conducted in a Turkish tertiary care center. Fourteen patients with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced SAT and 100 healthy controls were included. HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DQB1, and HLA-DRB1 frequencies were analyzed by next-generation sequencing. Results: The frequencies of HLA-B*35 and HLA-C*04 alleles were significantly higher in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced SAT cohort when compared with controls (HLA-B*35: 13 [93%] vs. 40 [40%], p < 0.001; HLA-C*04: 13 [93%] vs. 43 [43%], p < 0.001, respectively). More severe thyrotoxicosis was seen in patients having HLA-B*35 and HLA-C*04 homozygous alleles (free thyroxine: 4.47 ng/dL [3.77–5.18] vs. 1.41 ng/dL [1.22–2.63], p = 0.048). Inflammation tended to be more severe in homozygous patients (C-reactive protein: 28.2 mg/dL [13.6–42.9] vs. 4.8 [1.2–10.5], p = 0.07). Conclusions: The frequencies of HLA-B*35 and HLA-C*04 alleles were higher in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced SAT compared with controls. Homozygosity for HLA-B*35 and HLA-C*04 was associated with thyrotoxicosis and a greater inflammatory reaction. Our findings should be confirmed in studies of other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The pituitary gland is responsible for hormonal balance in the body, and disruption of hormonal balance in patients with pituitary adenoma (PA) indirectly affects the quality of life. This study aimed to examine the effects of yoga and combined aerobic and strength training (A+ST) on quality of life and related parameters such as sleep, fatigue, emotional state, sexual function, and cognitive status in women with PA. Design: Ten women with PA were included in this randomized crossover study. Group 1 (n = 5, mean age: 52 ± 13.5 years) received A+ST for the first 6 weeks, a 2-week washout period, and yoga for the second 6 weeks. Group 2 (n = 5, mean age: 41.8 ± 14 years) received the yoga program first, followed by the A+ST program. Methods: Participants were assessed using the following tools before and after each exercise intervention: Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Brain (FACT-Br) (quality of life), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MOCA). Results: FACT-Br scores were higher after the yoga program, HADS anxiety score was lower after the A+ST program, and MOCA scores increased after both exercise programs (P  < 0.05). FSS score decreased after both exercise programs, but not significantly. In addition, nonsignificant decreases in HADS anxiety and depression scores and increased FSFI scores were observed after the yoga program. Conclusion: A+ST and yoga have positive effects on the quality of life in PA. We recommend yoga and A+ST as a supportive therapy for this population that may face comorbidities after surgical and medical treatment. Our results indicate these patients may benefit from physiotherapist-guided exercise programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The number of reported cases with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine–induced subacute thyroiditis (SAT) and Graves’ disease (GD) is growing. However, active debate continues about managing such side effects and the safety of repeat or booster doses of the vaccines in such cases. Objectives: This study aims to present long-term clinical follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine–induced SAT or GD cases and provide data regarding the safety of revaccinations. Methods: Patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine–induced SAT or GD were included. Data regarding the long-term clinical follow-up of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine–induced SAT and GD cases and outcomes of repeat or booster SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations were documented. The literature, including cases of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine–induced SAT or GD, was reviewed. Results: Fifteen patients with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine–induced SAT and 4 with GD were included. Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2) was associated with symptoms in a majority of cases with SAT and all with GD. Median time from vaccination to symptom onset was 7 and 11.5 days, respectively, while 7 and 2 patients required medical treatment in SAT and GD groups, respectively. Remission was documented in 10 SAT patients, with a median time to remission of 11.5 weeks. No exacerbation/recurrence of SAT occurred in 7 of 9 patients who received a repeat vaccination dose, while symptoms of SAT worsened following the second vaccination in 2 cases. None of the patients experienced severe side effects that could be associated with revaccinations. Conclusions: Revaccinations appear to be safe in patients with SARS-CoV-2 vaccine–induced SAT cases, while more evidence is needed regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccine–induced GD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This two-phase study aims to develop the Turkish version of the German Eating Behavior Scale (SEV-Tr), and to investigate the potential associations of health-conscious and weight-controlling eating behaviors with nutritional and health status. In the first phase, the original scale was adapted to the Turkish language and its validity and reliability were assessed in 299 healthy individuals aged 19–64 years. In the second phase, the SEV-Tr was retested in a study population of 110 healthy individuals, aged 19–64 years, and the potential associations between the SEV-Tr score, anthropometrical and biochemical measurements, and other eating behaviors assessed by the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-Tr21) were examined. Statistical analyses were performed using AMOS 20.00 and SPSS 22.0 software packages. A two-dimensional structure was identified for the SEV-Tr, and named ‘health-conscious eating behavior’ and ‘weight- controlling eating behavior’. In the second phase, participants were clustered based on their weight-controlling and health-conscious eating behaviors (F = 59.46, p = 0.01). Participants with lower health-conscious and weight-controlling eating behaviors had higher lean body mass (p = 0.03), serum triglyceride levels (p = 0.01), emotional eating behavior (p = 0.03), and lower cognitive restraint behavior (p = 0.01, p < 0.05). Furthermore, participants with high levels of health-conscious eating behavior had higher serum HDL cholesterol (r = 0.23, p = 0.02). Regression models suggested that lower levels of emotional eating and higher levels of cognitive restraint were associated with increased weight-controlling and health-conscious eating behaviors. This study provided a valid and reliable version of the SEV to assess the health-conscious and weight-controlling eating patterns in people from Turkish culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Introduction Growth retardation is one of the cardinal manifestations of glycogen storage disease type Ia. It is unclear which component of the growth hormone and/or insulin-like growth factor axis is primarily disrupted, and management of growth impairment in these patients remains controversial. Here we report the first case in the literature where glycogen storage disease type Ia is associated with pituitary hypoplasia and growth hormone deficiency. Case presentation A 20-year-old woman with glycogen storage disease type Ia was admitted to our endocrinology department because of growth retardation. Basal and overnight growth hormone sampling at 2-hour intervals demonstrated low levels; however, provocative testing revealed a relatively normal growth hormone response. A hypoplastic anterior pituitary with preserved growth hormone response to provocative testing suggested the possibility of growth hormone neurosecretory dysfunction and/or primary pituitary involvement. Conclusion Pituitary hypoplasia may result from growth hormone-releasing hormone deficiency, a condition generally known as growth hormone neurosecretory dysfunction. It is an abnormality with a spontaneous and pulsatile secretion pattern, characterized by short stature, growth retardation and normal serum growth hormone response to provocative testing. However, in the case described in this report, a normal although relatively low growth hormone response during insulin tolerance testing and pituitary hypoplasia suggested that primary pituitary involvement or growth hormone neurosecretory dysfunction may occur in glycogen storage disease type Ia. This is a potential cause of growth failure associated with a lower somatotroph mass, and may explain the variable responsiveness to growth hormone replacement therapy in people with glycogen storage disease.

The aim of the study was to investigate whether lifestyle factors modify the association between fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and obesity in a Turkish population. The study included 400 unrelated individuals, aged 24-50 years recruited in a hospital setting. Dietary intake and physical activity were assessed using 24-hour dietary recall and self-report questionnaire, respectively. A genetic risk score (GRS) was developed using FTO SNPs, rs9939609 and rs10163409. Body mass index and fat mass index were significantly associated with FTO SNP rs9939609 (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) and GRS (p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively). The interactions between SNP rs9939609 and physical activity on adiponectin concentrations, and SNP rs10163409 and dietary protein intake on increased waist circumference were statistically significant (Pinteraction = 0.027 and Pinteraction = 0.044, respectively). Our study has demonstrated that the association between FTO SNPs and central obesity might be modified by lifestyle factors in this Turkish population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Klotho is a new identified anti‐ageing gene with tumour suppressor activities. Current data suggest that there is a tight relationship between Klotho protein and growth hormone (GH)/insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) axis. Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the possible association of Klotho gene polymorphisms with acromegaly and to assess whether these polymorphisms contribute to clinical characteristics, comorbidities and biochemical variables in these patients. Methods: The study included 52 patients with acromegaly and 52 unrelated healthy subjects. The Klotho G395A and C1818T polymorphisms were assessed by Sanger sequencing. Serum levels of sKlotho were determined by ELISA method. Results: Subjects carrying GA genotype of Klotho G395A polymorphism had 3.27 times higher risk of developing acromegaly [odds ratio (OR), 3.27; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37–7.81; p =.023]. The A allele of G395A was significantly associated with acromegaly risk (OR, 2.27; 95% CI: 1.1–4.72; p =.022). No association was observed between the studied polymorphisms and disease characteristics including age at acromegaly diagnosis, size of adenoma, baseline GH and IGF‐1 concentrations, and final outcome. G395A polymorphism was associated with the presence of malignancy (OR, 2.24, 95% CI: 1.63–3.08; p =.019) and colorectal polyps (OR, 1.99; 95% CI: 1.02–3.88; p =.047) in patients with acromegaly. Serum sKlotho levels were significantly higher and correlated with GH and IGF‐1 levels among acromegaly patients. There was no association between the studied polymorphisms and sKlotho levels. Conclusions: Klotho G395A polymorphism is associated with acromegaly susceptibility and increased risk of malignancy and colorectal polyps in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Biochemistry / Turk Biyokimya Dergisi is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Primary hypophysitis (PH) is a rare autoimmune inflammatory disease of the pituitary gland. The aim of the study was to evaluate clinical characteristics, disease management, and outcomes of cases with PH. Medical records of PH patients admitted to Hacettepe University Hospital between 1999 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively. Paraffin-embedded pathology blocks were obtained for both re-examination and IgG4 immunostaining. Twenty PH patients (15 females, 5 males) were evaluated. Mean age at diagnosis was 41.5±13.4 years. Some form of hormonal disorder was present in 63.2% of cases, hypogonadism (66.6%) being the most common. Panhypopituitarism was present in 36.8%. All patients had pituitary gland enlargement on magnetic resonance imaging; stalk thickening and loss of neurohypophyseal bright spot were present in 17.6 and 23.5%, respectively. Lymphocytic hypophysitis was the most common histopathological subtype (50%). Among pathology specimens available for IgG and IgG4 immunostaining (n=10), none fulfilled the criteria for IgG4-related hypophysitis. Four patients were given glucocorticoid treatment in diverse protocols; as initial therapy in 3. Sixteen cases underwent surgery, 7 of whom due to neuro-ophthalmologic involvement. Only 1 patient was observed without any intervention. Reduction of pituitary enlargement was seen in all surgical and glucocorticoid treated cases. None of the surgical patients showed hormonal improvement while one case in glucocorticoid group improved. PH should be considered in the differential diagnosis of sellar masses causing hormonal deficiencies. MRI findings are usually helpful, but not yet sufficient for definitive diagnosis of PH. Treatment usually improves symptoms and reduces sellar masses while hormonal recovery is less common. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gynecological Endocrinology is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of hyperprolactinemia and high levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) on bone resorption and their relation with receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in patients with prolactinoma and acromegaly. Thirtyone patients with acromegaly, 28 patients with prolactinoma, and 33 healthy individuals were included in the study. Serum concentrations of RANKL, OPG, bone alkaline phosphatase (bone ALP), osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX), procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and urine deoxypyridinoline (DPD) levels were detected and bone mineral density (BMD) was measured. Groups were not statistically different from each other with regard to serum levels of RANKL and OPG. The RANKL/OPG ratio was higher in the prolactinoma group than in the control group (p = 0.046). A positive correlation between OPG and increasing age was detected in both the prolactinoma and control groups (r = 0.524, p = 0.004 and r = 0.380, p = 0.029, respectively). An inverse correlation was observed between IGF-I and OPG after excluding age in the prolactinoma group (r = -0.412, p = 0.046). OC and bone ALP were negatively associated with RANKL in the acromegaly group (r = -0.384, p = 0.036 and r = -0.528, p = 0.003, respectively). There was an inverse correlation between OPG and BMD at the femoral neck in the acromegaly group (r = -0.422, p = 0.02). The effect of IGF-I on bone remodeling may be partly mediated by RANKL and OPG. The RANKL/OPG ratio plays an important role in prolactinoma. A positive correlation of OPG with age and an inverse correlation with IGF-I favor the compensatory response of OPG against bone loss in the aging skeleton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolactin was first identified as a lactation hormone, but subsequent studies revealed its complex effects in the maintenance of homeostasis (Riddle and Dykshorn [8]). Pituitary lactotroph cells are the primary source of prolactin, but there are other organs, tissues and cells in which prolactin is expressed and/or released and it is involved in various regulatory processes (extra-pituitary prolactin: ePRL) (Marano and Ben-Jonathan [6]). Among these neoplasms, prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas are the most common, but other neoplasms derived from extrapituitary prolactin expression sites can cause neoplasia associated hyperprolactinaemia. After a course of dopamine agonist treatment, normal prolactin levels can be achieved in many patients, but some of the patients can have the treatment refractory disease. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction.The aim of this study was to document the impact of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) polymorphisms on renal haemodynamics and renal hormones in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods. Fifty-nine adult patients were studied. Renal haemodynamics were evaluated using 99mTc-MAG3 clearance (MAG3 Cle) using Bubeck's method and captopril renogram. RAS hormones and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) levels were measured before and after captopril.ACE, angiotensin II type 1 receptor and angiotensinogen gene polymorphisms were analysed. Results. Post-captopril MAG3Cle values were significantly lower in patients with microalbuminuria compared to nonproteinuric patients. Statistically significant negative correlation was found between clearance percentage change values and HbA1c levels (r: —0.42, p=0.009). MAG3Cle was relatively lower following captopril administration in DD patients, while a relative increment was observed in I allele carriers (p=0.02).TheAC-CC group had significantly higher mean post-captopril clearance value compared to the AA genotype (480.9±56.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 428.4±74.8 ml/min/1.73 m2, p=0.022). Conclusions. Our data indicate that the heterogeneity of patients' response to ACE inhibition is, at least partly, genetically determined, and the genetic polymorphisms in RAS might predict the acute responsiveness to ACE inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]