MedWorm: Endocrinology

Onetouch® ping™ glucose management system cleared by fda

Diabetes News From Medical News Today — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +0100

Animas Corporation announced the clearance of its OneTouch® Ping™ Glucose Management System by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). OneTouch Ping is the first full-feature insulin pump that wirelessly communicates with a blood glucose meter-remote. (Source: Diabetes News From Medical News Today)

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New research indicates that adrenal nodules not being adequately evaluated

Endocrinology News From Medical News Today — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +0100

A new study published in Endocrine Practice found that a substantial percentage of patients with nodules, or growths, in their adrenal glands were not being properly evaluated by physicians. Adrenal glands are located at the top of each kidney. They make hormones that are critical for survival such as adrenaline and cortisol that are best known for dealing with stress. The study, lead by Dr. (Source: Endocrinology News From Medical News Today)

Opposing effects of d-aspartic acid and nitric oxide on tuning of testosterone production in mallard testis during the reproductive cycle

Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 04:00:00 +0100

Background: D-Aspartic acid (D-Asp) and nitric oxide (NO) play an important role in tuning testosterone production in the gonads of male vertebrates. In particular, D-Asp promotes either the synthesis or the release of testosterone, whereas NO inhibits it. In this study, we have investigated for the first time in birds the putative effects of D-Asp and NO on testicular testosterone production in relation to two phases of the reproductive cycle of the adult captive wild-strain mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) drake. It is a typical seasonal breeder and its cycle consists of a short reproductive period (RP) in the spring (April-May) and a non reproductive period (NRP) in the summer (July), a time when the gonads are quiescent. The presence and the localization of D-Asp and NO in the testis and the trends of D-Asp, NO and testosterone levels were assessed during the main phases of the bird's reproductive cycle. Furthermore, in vitro experiments revealed the direct effect of exogenously administered D-Asp and NO on testosterone steroidogenesis. Methods: By using immunohistochemical (IHC) techniques, we studied the presence and the distributional pattern of D-Asp and NO in the testes of RP and NRP drakes. D-Asp levels were evaluated by an enzymatic method, whereas NO content, via nitrite, was assessed using biochemical measurements. Finally, immunoenzymatic techniques determined testicular testosterone levels. Results: IHC analyses revealed the presence of D-Asp and NO in Leydig cells. The distributional pattern of both molecules was in some way correlated to the steroidogenic pathway, which is involved in autocrine testosterone production. Indeed, whereas NO was present only during the NRP, D-Asp was almost exclusively present during the RP. Consistently, the high testosterone testicular content occurring during RP was coupled to a high D-Asp level and a low NO content in the gonad. By contrast, in sexually inactive drakes (NRP), the low testosterone content in the gonad was coupled to a low D-Asp content and to a relatively high NO level. Consequently, to determine the exogenous effects of the two amino acids on testosterone synthesis, we carried out in vitro experiments using testis sections deriving from both the RP and NRP. When testis slices were incubated for 60 or 120 min with D-Asp, testosterone was enhanced, whereas in the presence of L-Arg, a precursor of NO, it was inhibited. Conclusions: Our results provide new insights into the involvement of D-Asp and NO in testicular testosterone production in the adult captive wild-strain mallard drake. The localization of these two molecules in the Leydig cells in different periods of the reproductive cycle demonstrates that they play a potential role in regulating local testosterone production. (Source: Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology)

Obesity may protect against cardiac events after multi-vessel stenting

Medscape Diabetes Headlines — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:56:26 +0100

The results of the Arterial Revascularization Therapies Study Part II (ARTS II) show that body mass index (BMI) "had no impact on one-year clinical outcomes in patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease treated with sirolimus-eluting stents," principal investigator Dr. Ahmed A. Khattab of the Segeberger Kliniken in Bad Segeberg, Germany, and colleagues report. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Diabetes Headlines)

Effect of vildagliptin on glucagon concentration during meals in patients with type 1 diabetes

Hormone and Metabolic Research — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 10:36:18 +0100

Horm Metab ResDOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1078754© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Full text (Source: Hormone and Metabolic Research)

Governor pio pico, the monster of california…no more: lessons in neuroendocrinology

Pituitary — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:26:56 +0100

Abstract We hypothesize that Pio Pico, the last Mexican Governor of California, had acromegaly between at least ages 43 to 57, from 1844 to 1858, before Pierre Marie published the clinical description of acromegaly in 1886. Pico’s probable growth hormone-secreting pituitary tumor likely infarcted spontaneously after 1858. The tumor infarction resulted in burnt-out acromegaly and probably restored normal pituitary function. Pearce Bailey published the first account of pituitary tumor infarction only in 1898. Pico’s undiagnosed, misunderstood, profoundly acromegalic appearance was widely misinterpreted, leading to pervasive, degrading, and highly prejudicial comments. This landmark case study in neuroendocrinology provides the opportunity to re-examine elements of 19th century California and American history. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Case ReportDOI 10.1007/s11102-008-0127-1Authors Ivan S. Login, University of Virginia School of Medicine Department of Neurology Box 800394 Charlottesville VA 22908 USAJessica Login, Washington Elementary School 825 Taylor Avenue Alameda CA 95401 USA Journal PituitaryOnline ISSN 1573-7403Print ISSN 1386-341X (Source: Pituitary)

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A modified mediterranean diet is associated with the greatest reduction in alanine aminotransferase levels in obese type 2 diabetes patients: results of a quasi-randomised controlled trial

Diabetologia — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:14:43 +0100

Abstract Aim The aim of the study was to compare the effect of different dietary interventions on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in obese patients with diabetes. Methods A post hoc analysis of an open label, parallel design, quasi-randomised (allocation by alternation), controlled trial, conducted in Israel. Obese patients with diabetes (n = 259), treated in the community, were centrally allocated to one of three diets: (1) the 2003 recommended American Diabetes Association diet (ADA): 50–55% carbohydrate, 30% fat and 20% protein, n = 85; (2) a low glycaemic index (LGI) diet: 50–55% LGI carbohydrate, 30% fat, 15–20% protein, n = 89; or (3) a modified Mediterranean diet (MMD): 35% LGI carbohydrate, 45% fat that was high in monounsaturated fat, 15–20% protein, n = 85. ALT was measured at 6 and 12 months. Results ALT levels decreased in all arms; however, the MMD was associated with the lowest ALT levels at month 6 (n = 201: ADA n = 64, LGI n = 73, MMD n = 64) and month 12 of follow-up (n = 179). At 12 months mean ALT levels were 19.8 ± 1.4 U/l in the ADA diet arm (n = 54), 18.0 ± 1.5 U/l in the LGI diet arm (n = 64) and 14.4 ± 1.7 in the MMD arm (n = 61, p < 0.001). Evidence for an effect of diet on ALT levels persisted when controlling for post-randomisation changes in waist to hip ratio, BMI, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) or triacylglycerol. Conclusions A Mediterranean diet may have a beneficial effect on liver steatosis in obese patients with diabetes. Results of trials assessing the effect of dietary composition on clinical outcomes should be awaited before a decisive conclusion can be reached. In addition to clinical outcomes, such studies should address the issue of primary prevention of steatosis in high-risk and healthy individuals. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00520182 Funding: This study was supported by a grant from Tnuva Research Institute, Rehovot, Israel. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00125-008-1049-1Authors A. Fraser, University of Bristol Department of Social Medicine Canynge Hall, Whiteladies Road Bristol BS8 2PR UKR. Abel, Clalit Health Services, Central District Rishon Lezion IsraelD. A. Lawlor, University of Bristol Department of Social Medicine Canynge Hall, Whiteladies Road Bristol BS8 2PR UKD. Fraser, Ben Gurion University of the Negev Epidemiology Department and S. Daniel Abraham International Center for Health and Nutrition Beer-Sheva IsraelA. Elhayany, Clalit Health Services, Central District Rishon Lezion Israel Journal DiabetologiaOnline ISSN 1432-0428Print ISSN 0012-186X (Source: Diabetologia)

Fda panel calls for more testing of diabetes drugs

MedicineNet Diabetes General — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0100

Title: FDA Panel Calls for More Testing of Diabetes DrugsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/3/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/3/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Diabetes General)

New drug slows thyroid cancer

MedicineNet Thyroid General — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0100

Title: New Drug Slows Thyroid CancerCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/3/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/3/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Thyroid General)

New spanish consumer guide compares diabetes meds

MedicineNet Diabetes General — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 07:00:00 +0100

Title: New Spanish Consumer Guide Compares Diabetes MedsCategory: Health NewsCreated: 7/3/2008 2:00:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 7/3/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Diabetes General)

Variants of the pparg, igf2bp2, cdkal1, hhex, and tcf7l2 genes confer risk of type 2 diabetes independently of bmi in the german kora studies

Hormone and Metabolic Research — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:38:36 +0100

Horm Metab ResDOI: 10.1055/s-2008-1078730AbstractGenome-wide association (GWA) studies identified novel gene variants that are associated with type 2 diabetes. However, results were not always consistent across different populations. Thus, the aims of this study were (i) to replicate findings from previous GWA studies in mainly Northern European populations using data from the German KORA 500 K diabetes project and (ii) to assess the impact of BMI on associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and type 2 diabetes. The KORA 500 K diabetes project includes 433 cases with validated type 2 diabetes and 1 438 nondiabetic controls from two population-based KORA surveys. Genotyping was performed using the Affymetrix GeneChip Human Mapping 500 K Array Set. We investigated associations between SNPs and type 2 diabetes in 10 genes that have been reported to increase the risk of type 2 diabetes or were in complete or near-complete linkage disequilibrium with these variants. SNPs in the gene showed the strongest association with type 2 diabetes [range of age and sex-adjusted odds ratios (OR): 1.30–1.39, p-values 0.0008–0.0004]. In addition, we found evidence for association of SNPs in the genes , , , , and with type 2 diabetes in the same directions as previously described (p<0.05), but not for , , , or . Adjustment for BMI slightly strengthened the link between and type 2 diabetes, but had almost no impact on the other associations. We conclude that gene variants of , , , , , and predispose to type 2 diabetes in the German KORA 500 K study population. These associations appear to be independent of BMI.[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New YorkGet connected:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Hormone and Metabolic Research)

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The hmg-coa reductase inhibitor rosuvastatin and the angiotensin receptor antagonist candesartan attenuate atherosclerosis in an apolipoprotein e-deficient mouse model of diabetes via effects on advanced glycation, oxidative stress and inflammation

Diabetologia — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:38:23 +0100

Abstract Aims/hypothesis We evaluated the anti-atherosclerotic effect of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl CoA reductase inhibitor, rosuvastatin, and the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), candesartan, alone and in combination, in the streptozotocin-induced diabetic apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe −/−) mouse. Methods Control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic Apoe −/− mice received rosuvastatin (5 mg kg−1 day−1), candesartan (2.5 mg kg−1 day−1), dual therapy or no treatment for 20 weeks. Aortic plaque deposition was assessed by Sudan IV staining and subsequent visual quantification. The abundance of proteins was measured using immunohistochemistry. Results Diabetes was associated with a fourfold increase in total plaque area. Rosuvastatin attenuated plaque area in diabetic mice in the absence of lipid-lowering effects. The anti-atherosclerotic effect of rosuvastatin was comparable to that observed with candesartan. A similar beneficial effect was seen with dual therapy, although it was not superior to monotherapy. Rosuvastatin treatment was associated with attenuated accumulation of AGE and AGE receptor (RAGE) in plaques. Similar beneficial effects on markers of oxidative stress were seen with the ARB and statin. Candesartan was more effective at reducing macrophage accumulation and collagen I abundance in plaques compared with rosuvastatin. The combined effect of candesartan and rosuvastatin was superior in reducing macrophage infiltration, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 level, vascular AGE accumulation and RAGE abundance in the vascular wall. Furthermore, the combination tended to be more effective in reducing smooth muscle cell infiltration and connective tissue growth factor abundance in plaques. Conclusions/interpretation Rosuvastatin has direct anti-atherosclerotic effects in diabetic macrovascular disease. These effects are independent of effects on lipids and comparable to the effects observed with candesartan. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00125-008-1060-6Authors A. C. Calkin, Baker Heart Research Institute Diabetes Complications Laboratory P.O. Box 6492 St Kilda Rd Central Melbourne 8008 Victoria AustraliaS. Giunti, Baker Heart Research Institute Diabetes Complications Laboratory P.O. Box 6492 St Kilda Rd Central Melbourne 8008 Victoria AustraliaK. J. Sheehy, Baker Heart Research Institute Diabetes Complications Laboratory P.O. Box 6492 St Kilda Rd Central Melbourne 8008 Victoria AustraliaC. Chew, Baker Heart Research Institute Diabetes Complications Laboratory P.O. Box 6492 St Kilda Rd Central Melbourne 8008 Victoria AustraliaV. Boolell, Baker Heart Research Institute Diabetes Complications Laboratory P.O. Box 6492 St Kilda Rd Central Melbourne 8008 Victoria AustraliaY. S. Rajaram, Baker Heart Research Institute Diabetes Complications Laboratory P.O. Box 6492 St Kilda Rd Central Melbourne 8008 Victoria AustraliaM. E. Cooper, Baker Heart Research Institute Diabetes Complications Laboratory P.O. Box 6492 St Kilda Rd Central Melbourne 8008 Victoria AustraliaK. A. Jandeleit-Dahm, Baker Heart Research Institute Diabetes Complications Laboratory P.O. Box 6492 St Kilda Rd Central Melbourne 8008 Victoria Australia Journal DiabetologiaOnline ISSN 1432-0428Print ISSN 0012-186X (Source: Diabetologia)

Long-term cabergoline therapy is not associated with valvular heart disease in patients with prolactinomas

Pituitary — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:35:00 +0100

Abstract Ergot-derived dopamine receptor agonists, especially pergolide and cabergoline, have been associated with an increased risk of valvular heart disease in patients treated for Parkinson’s disease. Cabergoline at lower doses than those employed in Parkinson’s disease is widely used in patients with prolactinomas, because of its high efficacy and tolerability; however, its safety with regard to cardiac valve disease is unknown. In order to assess the prevalence of cardiac valve regurgitation in patients with prolactinomas treated with long-term cabergoline, we performed a prospective and multicentric study including four university centers in the province of Quebec. A transthoracic echocardiogram was performed in 70 patients with prolactinomas treated with cabergoline for at least 1 year (duration of treatment, 55 ± 22 months; cumulative dose 282 ± 271 mg, mean ± SD) and 70 control subjects matched for age and sex. Valvular regurgitation was graded according to the American Society of Echocardiography recommendations as mild, moderate, or severe. Moderate valvular regurgitation was found in four patients (5.7%) and five control subjects (7.1%) (P = 0.73). No patient had severe valvular regurgitation. There was no correlation between the presence of significant heart-valve regurgitation and cabergoline cumulative dose, duration of cabergoline treatment, prior use of bromocriptine, age, adenoma size, or prolactin levels. Our results show that low doses of cabergoline seem to be a safe treatment of hyperprolactinemic patients. However, in patients with prolonged cabergoline treatment, we suggest that echocardiographic surveillance may be warranted. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11102-008-0134-2Authors Sophie Vallette, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Notre-Dame 1560 Sherbrooke East Montreal QC Canada H2L 4M1Karim Serri, Université de Montréal Department of Cardiology, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montréal Montreal QC CanadaJuan Rivera, Centre Universitaire de Santé McGill Department of Endocrinology Montreal QC CanadaPatricia Santagata, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal Department of Cardiology Montreal QC CanadaSophie Delorme, McGill University Hôpital de l’Enfant Jésus de Québec Montreal QC CanadaNatasha Garfield, Centre Universitaire de Santé McGill Department of Endocrinology Montreal QC CanadaNora Kahtani, Centre Universitaire de Santé McGill Department of Endocrinology Montreal QC CanadaHugues Beauregard, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Notre-Dame 1560 Sherbrooke East Montreal QC Canada H2L 4M1Nahla Aris-Jilwan, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Notre-Dame 1560 Sherbrooke East Montreal QC Canada H2L 4M1Ghislaine Houde, Université Laval and Centre Hospitalier Universitaire De Sherbrooke Montreal QC CanadaOmar Serri, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital Notre-Dame 1560 Sherbrooke East Montreal QC Canada H2L 4M1 Journal PituitaryOnline ISSN 1573-7403Print ISSN 1386-341X (Source: Pituitary)

What are critical outcome measures for patients receiving pituitary replacement following brain injury?

Pituitary — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:35:00 +0100

Abstract There are scant prospective studies defining improvements in critical outcome measures with hormone replacement in hypopituitarism secondary to brain injury. We review the tests of cognition and physical function and summarize their use for subjects that are deficient in anterior hormone production during anterior pituitary hormone replacement in brain injury and propose these as the minimal tests that are feasible for a physician to perform in a clinical setting. We summarize the studies conducted to assess outcome measures after brain injury and also report preliminary findings for improvements in cognition and physical function in subjects with brain injury and GH deficiency. Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11102-008-0133-3Authors Sorin G. Beca, University of Texas Medical Branch Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology Division 301 University Blvd. Galveston TX 77555-1188 USAWalter M. High, University of Kentucky College of Medicine Departments of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurosurgery and Psychology, Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital 2050 Versailles Rd. Lexington KY 40504 USABrent E. Masel, Transitional Learning Center at Galveston 1528 Post Office Street Galveston TX 77550 USAKurt A. Mossberg, University of Texas Medical Branch Department of Physical Therapy 301 University Blvd. Galveston TX 77555-1144 USARandall J. Urban, University of Texas Medical Branch Department of Internal Medicine 301 University Blvd. Galveston TX 77555-0569 USA Journal PituitaryOnline ISSN 1573-7403Print ISSN 1386-341X (Source: Pituitary)

Stroke disparities in us regions may be due in part to diabetes variation

Medscape Diabetes Headlines — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:28:16 +0100

Regional differences in diabetes prevalence may contribute to the geographic disparity in stroke mortality seen in the United States, independent of hypertension. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Diabetes Headlines)

Understanding the accord, advance, and va trials

Medscape Diabetes Headlines — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:56:18 +0100

The data may seem confusing, but in this video blog Dr. Anne Peters explains how these trials can help us better manage our diabetes patients. Medscape Diabetes & Endocrinology (Source: Medscape Diabetes Headlines)

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1000 healthcare professionals expected at the diabetes asia 2008 conference

Diabetes News From Medical News Today — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:00:00 +0100

More than 1000 local and foreign participants are expected to attend the "Diabetes Asia 2008" Conference to be held in a resort hotel convention centre, Petaling Jaya for four days from October 23-26, 2008. The Conference is organised by the National Diabetes Institute (NADI) as a "Continuing Professional Development (CPD)" activity for healthcare professionals caring for people with diabetes. (Source: Diabetes News From Medical News Today)

Diet: women warned that junk food in pregnancy may hit child's health (guardian, 1 july 2008)

Society for Endocrinology — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0100

New research from the Royal Veterinary College, London shows that following a diet of junk food during pregnancy may lead to increased risks of long-term health complications for the offspring, such as diabetes and heart disease. Full article (Source: Society for Endocrinology)

Obesity and cancer conference

Society for Endocrinology — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0100

The Association for the Study of Obesity (ASO) are holding a conference entitled 'Obesity and Cancer' on Tuesday 4 November 2008 at the Institute of Child Health in London. For further information, please visit the website below or contact Ms C Hawkins, Administrative Officer, Association for The Study of Obesity, 20 Brook Meadow Close, Woodford Green, Essex IG8 9NR. E-mail: chris@aso.ndo.co.uk. Tel/Fax: 020 8503 2042. ASO website (Source: Society for Endocrinology)

New discovery a step towards better diabetes treatment

Endocrinology News From Medical News Today — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +0100

In the prestigious journal Cell Metabolism Uppsala scientists are presenting new findings that shed light on the processes that determine the release of the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin. The discovery is based on the development of image analysis methods that make possible the detailed study of events immediately inside the plasma membrane of the insulin-secreting cells. (Source: Endocrinology News From Medical News Today)

Diabetic hypoglycaemia: esp bioscience announces new journal for 2008 (01 july 2008)

Diabetes News From Medical News Today — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 11:00:00 +0100

ESP Bioscience today announced the forthcoming launch of Diabetic Hypoglycaemia (www.hypodiab.com), an influential new online diabetes journal delivering a range of hypoglycaemia information, including: background science, human physiology, and clinical and educational communications. (Source: Diabetes News From Medical News Today)

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Echo therapeutics initiates clinical study of its symphony(tm) transdermal continuous glucose monitoring system in patients with diabetes

Diabetes News From Medical News Today — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Echo Therapeutics, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: ECTE) announced that it has initiated a clinical study of its Symphony(TM) Transdermal Continuous Glucose Monitoring System (tCGM System) in patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. The Company expects to complete and announce the results of the study in the third quarter of 2008. (Source: Diabetes News From Medical News Today)

Onetouch(r) ping(tm) glucose management system cleared by fda

Diabetes News From Medical News Today — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0100

Animas Corporation announced today the clearance of its OneTouch(R) Ping(TM) Glucose Management System by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). OneTouch Ping is the first full-feature insulin pump that wirelessly communicates with a blood glucose meter-remote. (Source: Diabetes News From Medical News Today)

Current world literature.