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Wednesday, August 27, 2008
 Latest
Endocrinology Medical and Health News Headlines
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Endocrinology Medical and Health News Headlines
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All Recent Endocrinology Medical News Headlines |
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Non-traditional metabolic pathways of adrenal steroids
Abstract Metabolic pathways are reconstructed from biochemical evidence to conceptualize the predominant route to important biomolecules.
Pathways have heuristic value in their capacity to explain the metabolic derangements in genetic diseases of enzyme deficiencies
and during pharmacologic inhibition of these enzymes. Implicit in the description of these pathways is the potential existence
of alternate routes, variable order of reactions, and the inevitable by-products generated by incomplete efficiencies and
competing enzymes. This chapter will consider alternate fates encountered by steroid hormone precursors in the adrenal gland,
the variables influencing flux through these secondary pathways, and the significance of these diversions in health and disease.
Content Type Journal ArticleDOI 10.1007/s11154-008-9095-zAuthors
Richard J. Auchus, UT Southwestern Medical Center Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Box 8857 Dallas TX 75390-8857 USA
Journal Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic DisordersOnline ISSN 1573-2606Print ISSN 1389-9155 (Source: Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 07:37 AM --
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The pill may put you off smell of your man and ruin your relationship (the times, 13 august 2008)
A new study has shown that the preferences of women who begin taking the contraceptive Pill shift towards men with genetically-similar odours. Scientists believe this effect of the Pill could lead to women choosing partners with similar genetic make-up to themselves, which may result in fertility problems.
Full article (Source: Society for Endocrinology)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 06:55 AM --
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Autumn endocrine retreat - registration open 1-20 september 2008
The first of our new retreats for our trainee members will take place on 17-19 October 2008 in Oxfordshire. This initiative aims to further meet the educational needs of trainee members and to promote applications for the Society's postgraduate diploma. Led by Dr Rob Fowkes, the retreat will: provide an informal setting for PhD students/early post-docs to gain experience in presenting work; encourage younger members to actively participate in an event; provide networking opportunities; encourage participants to undertake/complete the postgraduate diploma in endocrinology. Please note that there will be a limited number of places available. Registration for the retreat will be available online from 1-20 September 2008 at the website below. For any questions on the retreat, please contact Kate Openshaw at kate.openshaw@endocrinologyorg.Retreat website (Source: Society for Endocrinology)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 06:55 AM --
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Music can boost your immune system (the daily telegraph, 16 august 2008)
Scientists have discovered that listening to uplifting music can lead to a decrease in levels of the stress hormone, cortisol, and improve the listener's immune system.
Full article (Source: Society for Endocrinology)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 06:55 AM --
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Big heart secrets 'aid athletes' (bbc online,8 august 2008)
Research published in Clinical Endocrinology shows a link between IGF-1 levels and cardiac contractibility in a group of elite rowers. The study provides clues as to why rowers have larger, stronger hearts compared to sedantary controls.
Full article (Source: Society for Endocrinology)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 06:55 AM --
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Testosterone and body fat are controlled by the same genes (alphagalileo, 5 august 2008)
Scientists have discovered a shared genetic regulation between testosterone and body composition. The study, published in Clinical Endocrinology, shows sex-steroids and body fat are partially controlled by the same set of genes.
Full article (Source: Society for Endocrinology)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 06:55 AM --
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Brittle bone drug 'could slow the growth of breast cancer' (the daily telegraph, 13 august 2008)
A drug (zoledronic acid) currently used in the treatment of osteoporosis, has also been found to slow the growth of breast cancer tumours.
Full article (Source: Society for Endocrinology)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 06:55 AM --
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Clumsy young 'face obesity risk' (bbc online, 12 august 2008)
Researchers have found that poorly co-ordinated and clumsy children are at a higher risk of developing obesity later on in life.
Full article (Source: Society for Endocrinology)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 06:55 AM --
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The present study: helping to put clinical trials into clinical practice.
The PRESENT study: helping to put clinical trials into clinical practice.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2008 Sep;81 Suppl 1:S1-2
Authors: Liebl A
PMID: 18672307 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 06:02 AM --
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Lessons in initiating insulin in clinical practice.
Lessons in initiating insulin in clinical practice.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2008 Sep;81 Suppl 1:S16-22
Authors: Sharma SK, Yeo JP, Garber A
Insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) can produce greater improvements in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) than oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs). There is a growing trend to recommend initiation of insulin in T2DM patients sooner in the course of the disease, and good results have been achieved in insulin-naïve patients during randomised, controlled trials, often using aggressive dose titration algorithms. The Physicians' Routine Evaluation of Safety & Efficacy NovoMix((R)) 30 Therapy (PRESENT) study was a 6-month observational study of the safety and efficacy of biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) as monotherapy or in combination with OADs in inadequately controlled patients with T2DM. This review article compares results from those patients who entered the study insulin-naïve (either with or without previous OAD treatment), with results from randomised, controlled trials of BIAsp 30 in insulin-naïve T2DM patients. It aims to provide guidance on the initiation of insulin in patients with T2DM, focusing on the efficacy of BIAsp 30 when used for this purpose, and highlighting both the low risk of hypoglycaemia associated with therapy, and the availability of delivery devices that can minimise injection site discomfort and help to overcome psychological insulin resistance.
PMID: 18672308 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 06:02 AM --
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Study design and baseline characteristics of patients in the present study.
Study design and baseline characteristics of patients in the PRESENT study.
Diabetes Res Clin Pract. 2008 Sep;81 Suppl 1:S3-9
Authors: Shestakova M, Bech OM, Momani MS
PRESENT (Physicians' Routine Evaluation of Safety & Efficacy of NovoMix 30 Therapy) is a 6-month observational study of safety and efficacy of biphasic insulin aspart 30 (BIAsp 30) in 31,044 type 2 diabetes patients from 15 countries. The aim of this article is to describe the study protocol and assess baseline characteristics of patients in various countries according to diabetes duration (<5 years, 5 to <or=10 years, 10 to <or=20 years and >or=20 years), to improve treatment decisions in clinical practice. Glycaemic control was similar across all groups: HbA1c 9.3-9.4%; fasting plasma glucose 11.3-11.6 mmol/L; postprandial glucose 15.9-16.3 mmol/L. Major hypoglycaemia was reported by 5% of all patients, minor hypoglycaemia increased with diabetes duration (25.4-30.3%); overall hypoglycaemia rate was 6.7 events/patient/year. Complications increased with diabetes duration; the most reported were hypertension (40.6-71.0%) and hyperlipidaemia (39.4-56.6%). Of patients 38% previously received OADs only, 28% insulin only, 19% insulin with OADs, and 13% received no therapy. Glycaemic control appeared independent of diabetes duration. HbA1c was well above targets and the clinical inertia was quite apparent; even patients with diabetes for <5 years had high HbA1c levels. Patients suffered high rates of complications and hypoglycaemia before starting BIAsp 30 therapy.
PMID: 18672309 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 06:02 AM --
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Transcriptional profiling of myotubes from patients with type 2 diabetes: no evidence for a primary defect in oxidative phosphorylation genes
Abstract
Aims/hypothesis Microarray-based studies of skeletal muscle from patients with type 2 diabetes and high-risk individuals have demonstrated
that insulin resistance and reduced mitochondrial biogenesis co-exist early in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes independently
of hyperglycaemia and obesity. It is unknown whether reduced mitochondrial biogenesis or other transcriptional alterations
co-exist with impaired insulin responsiveness in primary human muscle cells from patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods Using cDNA microarray technology and global pathway analysis with the Gene Map Annotator and Pathway Profiler (GenMapp 2.1)
and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA 2.0.1), we examined transcript levels in myotubes established from obese patients with
type 2 diabetes and matched obese healthy participants, who had been extensively metabolically characterised both in vivo
and in vitro. We have previously reported reduced basal lipid oxidation and impaired insulin-stimulated glycogen synthesis
and glucose oxidation in these diabetic myotubes.
Results No single gene was differently expressed after correction for multiple testing, and no biological pathway was differently
expressed using either method of global pathway analysis. In particular, we found no evidence for differential expression
of genes involved in mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. Consistently, there was no difference in mRNA levels of genes known
to mediate the transcriptional control of mitochondrial biogenesis (PPARGC1A and NRF1) or in mitochondrial mass between diabetic and control myotubes.
Conclusions/interpretation These results support the hypothesis that impaired mitochondrial biogenesis is not a primary defect in the sequence of events
leading to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00125-008-1122-9Authors
C. M. Frederiksen, Odense University Hospital Diabetes Research Centre, Department of Endocrinology Kløvervænget 6 5000 Odense C DenmarkK. Højlund, Odense University Hospital Diabetes Research Centre, Department of Endocrinology Kløvervænget 6 5000 Odense C DenmarkL. Hansen, Steno Diabetes Center Gentofte DenmarkE. J. Oakeley, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research Basel SwitzerlandB. Hemmings, Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research Basel SwitzerlandB. M. Abdallah, Odense University Hospital Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory (KMEB), Department of Endocrinology Odense DenmarkK. Brusgaard, Odense University Hospital Department of Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Genetics Odense DenmarkH. Beck-Nielsen, Odense University Hospital Diabetes Research Centre, Department of Endocrinology Kløvervænget 6 5000 Odense C DenmarkM. Gaster, Odense University Hospital Diabetes Research Centre, Department of Endocrinology Kløvervænget 6 5000 Odense C Denmark
Journal DiabetologiaOnline ISSN 1432-0428Print ISSN 0012-186X (Source: Diabetologia)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 04:03 AM --
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Beta cell glucose sensitivity is decreased by 39% in non-diabetic individuals carrying multiple diabetes-risk alleles compared with those with no risk alleles
Abstract
Aims/hypothesis Novel type 2 diabetes-susceptibility loci have been identified with evidence that individually they mediate the increased
diabetes risk through altered pancreatic beta cell function. The aim of this study was to test the cumulative effects of diabetes-risk
alleles on measures of beta cell function in non-diabetic individuals.
Methods A total of 1,211 non-diabetic individuals underwent metabolic assessment including an OGTT, from which measures of beta cell
function were derived. Individuals were genotyped at each of the risk loci and then classified according to the total number
of risk alleles that they carried. Initial analysis focused on CDKAL1, HHEX/IDE and TCF7L2 loci, which were individually associated with a decrease in beta cell function in our cohort. Risk alleles for CDKN2A/B, SLC30A8, IGF2BP2 and KCNJ11 loci were subsequently included into the analysis.
Results The diabetes-risk alleles for CDKAL1, HHEX/IDE and TCF7L2 showed an additive model of association with measures of beta cell function. Beta cell glucose sensitivity was decreased
by 39% in those individuals with five or more risk alleles compared with those individuals with no risk alleles (geometric
mean [SEM]: 84 [1.07] vs 137 [1.11] pmol min−1 m−2 (mmol/l)−1, p = 1.51 × 10−6). The same was seen for the 30 min insulin response (p = 4.17 × 10−7). The relationship remained after adding in the other four susceptibility loci (30 min insulin response and beta cell glucose
sensitivity, p < 0.001 and p = 0.003, respectively).
Conclusions/interpretation This study shows how individual type 2 diabetes-risk alleles combine in an additive manner to impact upon pancreatic beta
cell function in non-diabetic individuals.
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Short CommunicationDOI 10.1007/s00125-008-1124-7Authors
L. Pascoe, Newcastle University School of Clinical Medical Sciences, 4th Floor William Leech Building, The Medical School Framlington Place Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH UKT. M. Frayling, Peninsula Medical School, Diabetes Genetics Group and Genetics of Complex Traits Exeter UKM. N. Weedon, Peninsula Medical School, Diabetes Genetics Group and Genetics of Complex Traits Exeter UKA. Mari, CNR Institute of Biomedical Engineering Padova ItalyA. Tura, CNR Institute of Biomedical Engineering Padova ItalyE. Ferrannini, University of Pisa School of Medicine Pisa ItalyM. Walker, Newcastle University School of Clinical Medical Sciences, 4th Floor William Leech Building, The Medical School Framlington Place Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH UKon behalf of the RISC Consortium
Journal DiabetologiaOnline ISSN 1432-0428Print ISSN 0012-186X (Source: Diabetologia)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 04:03 AM --
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Plasma osteoprotegerin levels predict cardiovascular and all-cause mortality and deterioration of kidney function in type 1 diabetic patients with nephropathy
Abstract
Aims/hypothesis The bone-related peptide osteoprotegerin is produced by vascular cells and is involved in the process of vascular calcification.
The aim of this study was to investigate the predictive value of plasma levels of osteoprotegerin in relation to mortality,
cardiovascular events and deterioration in kidney function in patients with type 1 diabetes.
Methods This prospective observational follow-up study included 397 type 1 diabetic patients with overt diabetic nephropathy (243
men; age [mean±SD] 42.1 ± 10.6 years, duration of diabetes 28.3 ± 9.9 years, GFR 67 ± 28 ml min−1 1.73 m2) and a group of 176 patients with longstanding type 1 diabetes and persistent normoalbuminuria (105 men; age 42.6 ± 9.7 years,
duration of diabetes 27.6 ± 8.3 years).
Results The median (range) follow-up period was 11.3 (0.0–12.9) years. Among patients with diabetic nephropathy, individuals with
high osteoprotegerin levels (fourth quartile) had significantly higher all-cause mortality than patients with low levels (first
quartile) (covariate-adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 3.00 [1.24–7.27]). High osteoprotegerin levels also predicted cardiovascular
mortality (covariate-adjusted HR 4.88 [1.57–15.14]). Furthermore, patients with high osteoprotegerin levels had significantly
higher risk of progression to end-stage renal disease than patients with low levels (covariate-adjusted HR 4.32 [1.45–12.87]).
In addition, patients with high levels of plasma osteoprotegerin had an elevated rate of decline in GFR.
Conclusions/interpretation High levels of osteoprotegerin predict all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Furthermore,
high levels of osteoprotegerin predict deterioration of kidney function towards end-stage renal disease.
Content Type Journal ArticleCategory ArticleDOI 10.1007/s00125-008-1123-8Authors
A. Jorsal, Steno Diabetes Center Niels Steensens Vej 2 2820 Gentofte DenmarkL. Tarnow, Steno Diabetes Center Niels Steensens Vej 2 2820 Gentofte DenmarkA. Flyvbjerg, University of Aarhus The Medical Research Laboratories, Clinical Institute and Medical Department M (Diabetes and Endocrinology) Aarhus DenmarkH.-H. Parving, University Hospital of Copenhagen Department of Medical Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen DenmarkP. Rossing, Steno Diabetes Center Niels Steensens Vej 2 2820 Gentofte DenmarkL. M. Rasmussen, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark Department of Clinical Biochemistry Odense Denmark
Journal DiabetologiaOnline ISSN 1432-0428Print ISSN 0012-186X (Source: Diabetologia)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 04:03 AM --
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Five years on: delivering the diabetes national service...
This report highlights progress over the first five years of... (Source: Diabetes NSF Newsfeed)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 02:05 AM --
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Kids with dogs may become snorers
Title: Kids With Dogs May Become SnorersCategory: Health NewsCreated: 8/22/2008Last Editorial Review: 8/22/2008 (Source: MedicineNet Diabetes General)...
POSTED 08/22/2008 at 02:00 AM --
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Long-acting insulin analogs versus human insulins
Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics Oct 2008, Vol. 10, No. 5: 331-332. (Source: Diabetes Technology)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 10:01 PM --
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Fenofibrate combo may curb heart problems in diabetics
Fenofibrate in combination with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) appears to have a number of beneficial hemodynamic effects in type 2 diabetic subjects with mild left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction, researchers report in the August issue of Diabetes Care. Reuters Health Information (Source: Medscape Diabetes Headlines)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 10:16 AM --
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By studying ageing, endocrinology stays young.
By studying ageing, endocrinology stays young.
Nat Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Sep;4(9):473
Authors: van der Lely A
PMID: 18714328 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Nature Clinical Practice Endocrinology and Metabolism)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 09:05 AM --
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Selection of antiresorptive or anabolic treatments for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Selection of antiresorptive or anabolic treatments for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Nat Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Sep;4(9):514-23
Authors: Papapoulos S, Makras P
Osteoporosis is a common, chronic disease that can be treated effectively by pharmacological interventions. Antiosteoporotic drugs reduce fracture risk via different mechanisms of action. Available therapies are broadly distinguished into inhibitors of bone turnover, stimulators of bone formation, and therapies with as-yet unclear mechanisms of action. No direct comparison studies with fracture end points have yet been done, which makes selection of one drug over another difficult. Identification of individuals who might derive particular benefit from a specific therapy has been explored in post-hoc analyses of clinical studies with bisphosphonates and recombinant parathyroid hormone (PTH). Their findings showed that the efficacy of these therapies in reducing fracture risk was largely independent of the prevalent rates of bone turnover. Selection of a specific antiosteoporotic therapy should, therefore, be made according to the results of trials specifically designed to assess fracture risk, safety, tolerability, patient preference and cost-effectiveness rather than on characteristics specific to patients or the disease. Studies of sequential administration of PTH and bisphosphonates suggest advantages over single-therapy regimens, particularly in patients with severe disease. However, the optimum duration of PTH administration, as well as the efficacy of such regimens in reducing the risk of fractures, remain to be determined.
PMID: 18714329 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Nature Clinical Practice Endocrinology and Metabolism)...
POSTED 08/21/2008 at 09:04 AM --
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