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1.
The effect of biotin interference on the results of blood hormone assays.
Ostrowska, M, Bartoszewicz, Z, Bednarczuk, T, Walczak, K, Zgliczyński, W, Glinicki, P
Endokrynologia Polska. 2019;(1):102-121
Abstract
Approximately 70% of medical decisions are made based on results of laboratory investigations. Immunochemical methods are used most commonly in routine laboratory diagnostics of endocrine disorders. Those methods are limited by susceptibility of the immunochemical reaction to various interferences. Interference may be caused by the presence of autologous antibodies, heterophilic antibodies, or paraproteins in the blood serum, by cross-reactions with similar reagents, haemolysis, significant lipidaemia, or hyperbilirubinaemia. Some recent reports have indicated a significant effect of biotin on the reliability of laboratory investigations. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin belonging to the B group. It is present in popular dietary supplements - alone or as a component of multi-vitamin formulas - and it is advertised as a remedy to falling out and fragility of hair and nails. Due to its low molecular weight and a strong affinity to streptavidin, biotin is used in many immunochemical tests. Due to a strong and stable bond of streptavidin and biotin, analytical methods using the streptavidin (avidin)-biotin system are characterised by superior sensitivity, and they allow determination of very low levels of the tested substance in biological material. The presence of exogenous biotin in a sample may cause interference when using tests that utilise the streptavidin (avidin)-biotin system. Interference of biotin with immunochemical tests depends on several factors: the construction of the immunochemical test, the dose used by the patient, the biotin concentration in the sample, and most of all - the time from the last dose to the collection of biological material for laboratory testing. In this paper we present some practical recommendations and a procedure to be followed in the case of suspected interference of biotin in immunochemical assays, for clinicians and laboratory diagnosticians.
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2.
The Endocrine Role of Bone in Cardiometabolic Health.
DeLuccia, R, Cheung, M, Ramadoss, R, Aljahdali, A, Sukumar, D
Current nutrition reports. 2019;(3):281-294
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to discuss the current knowledge about major bone regulating hormones vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), estrogen and bone metabolism markers osteocalcin (OC), bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BAP), N-terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen (P1NP), and c-terminal type 1 collagen (CTX) and their mechanistic effects on cardiometabolic health. RECENT FINDINGS Bone regulating hormones, nutrients, and turnover markers influence different aspects of cardiometabolic health including body composition, cardiovascular function, and glycemic control. While most observational research supports a relationship between bone as an endocrine organ and cardiometabolic outcomes, there are limited human clinical trials to strengthen a causal link between the two. While the associations between bone and cardiometabolic health are beginning to be understood based on findings from large observations studies, further exploration of bone's causal influence on health outcomes in humans and the underlying mechanisms of effect are necessary.
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Appetite hormones in children and adolescents with cancer: a systematic review of observational studies.
Fayh, APT, Bezerra, ADL, Friedman, R
Nutricion hospitalaria. 2018;(1):201-210
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malnutrition in children with cancer is a significant risk factor for negative outcomes, but in the clinical practice setting, it is difficult to pinpoint which factors operate to cause substantial weight loss and malnutrition in a given patient. Appetite-related hormones like ghrelin and leptin are among possible mediators. However, only few studies have examined the role of these hormones in pediatric patients with cancer to date. Thus, the purpose of this study was to systematically review possible changes in the levels of appetite hormones, specially leptin and ghrelin, in pediatric patients with cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS We systematically reviewed the literature using PubMed, Lilacs and Scielo, as well as manual bibliographical reference search of the studies. According to the Medical Subject Headings of the National Library of Medicine (MeSH), "childhood cancer", "ghrelin" and "leptin" were used as descriptors. RESULTS Fifteen studies were included in this systematic review published in English, from 2000 to 2015. A total of 863 patients were evaluated, ages ranging from 0 to 21 years, and most of the studies reported on children and adolescents with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivors. Most studies analyzed leptin levels; only two studies evaluated levels of ghrelin. CONCLUSION This review confirms that changes in the responses of the ghrelin and leptin hormones in children and adolescents with cancer are quite diverse, probably due to the different types of cancer observed, different treatments performed and biological characteristics of this age group.
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Neuroendocrine and Metabolic Disorders in Bulimia Nervosa.
Milano, W, Capasso, A
Endocrine, metabolic & immune disorders drug targets. 2018;(4):297-305
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Bulimia nervosa, is an eating disorder characterized by excessive influence of weight and body shape on the levels of self-esteem, with pervasive feelings of failure and inadequacy. The eating is characterized by the presence of episodes of uncontrolled eating (Binge), during which the person ingests mass wide variety of foods and the feeling of not being able to stop eating. This review focuses on the metabolic and hormonal alterations in the in bulimia nervosa. METHODS A literature search was conducted using the electronic database Medline and PubMed and with additional hand searches through the reference list obtained from the articles found. Journal were searched up to 2015. Inclusion criteria were: 1) full text available in English; 2) published in a peerreviewed journal and using the following keywords: neurotransmitters (AgRP, BDNF, αMSH, NP Y, endocannabinoids, adiponectin, CCK, ghrelin, GLP-1, insulin, leptin, PP, PYY), hormones (FSH, LH, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) and bulimia nervosa, eating disorders. RESULTS All data reported in the present review indicated that changes in the central and peripheral neuroendocrine equilibria may favor the onset and influence the course and prognosis of a DA. However, it is still questionable whether the alterations of the peptides and hormones regulating the mechanisms of eating behavior are the cause or consequence of a compromised diet. CONCLUSION The results of the present review indicate that the altered balance of the various peptides or hormones can be relevant not only for the genesis and / or maintenance of altered dietary behaviors, but also for the development of specific psychopathological aspects in eating disorders.
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An update on pharmacotherapy of autism spectrum disorder in children and adolescents.
Goel, R, Hong, JS, Findling, RL, Ji, NY
International review of psychiatry (Abingdon, England). 2018;(1):78-95
Abstract
To date, no medication is proven to be effective in treating core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Psychotropic medications are widely used to target emotional and behavioural symptoms in ASD. This article reviewed evidence for pharmacotherapy, novel therapeutic agents, and Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in children and adolescents with ASD. Currently, only risperidone and aripiprazole have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of irritability associated with ASD in children and adolescents. However, associated metabolic side-effects are concerning. Evidence supports use of methylphenidate and atomoxetine for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and clonidine and guanfacine ER appear to be helpful. SSRIs are poorly tolerated and lack evidence in reducing restricted repetitive behaviours (RRB), anxiety, and depression. Buspirone shows promise in the treatment of RRB. The evidence is inconsistent for the effectiveness of anti-epileptic medications. Recent studies of glutamatergic, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic, and cholinergic agents and oxytocin show inconsistent results. Despite wide use of CAM agents, the evidence is inconclusive. Melatonin can be helpful in reducing sleep problems. Overall, the evidence is limited for pharmacotherapy in children with ASD, and side-effects with long-term use can be burdensome.
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6.
[Drug therapy of acne inversa].
Schneider-Burrus, S, Arpa, E, Kors, C, Stavermann, T, Sabat, R, Kokolakis, G
Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift fur Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete. 2018;(1):58-63
Abstract
Acne inversa is a chronic inflammatory destructive skin disease that affects about 1% of the population. The therapy should be personalized and consists of surgical and conservative procedures. Antibiotics are administered either topically or systemically. Combination therapy with clindamycin and rifampicin for 10-12 weeks can be very effective. Furthermore, TNF-α inhibitors show adequate efficacy and can be recommended. Adalimumab is the only approved drug product for systemic treatment of acne inversa. The efficacy of retinoids is controversial. Isotretinoin cannot be recommended for the treatment of acne inversa; however, acitretin has been proven to be more effective. Immune-modulating substances, like dapsone, cyclosporine A, methotrexate, colchicine, or corticosteroids, can be considered; however, the study data are insufficient for recommendation. Hormonal therapies can influence the course of the disease. Antiseptics are applied independent of the stage of disease. Patients should be informed about triggering factors.
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7.
The physiology of endocrine systems with ageing.
van den Beld, AW, Kaufman, JM, Zillikens, MC, Lamberts, SWJ, Egan, JM, van der Lely, AJ
The lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology. 2018;(8):647-658
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Abstract
During ageing, the secretory patterns of the hormones produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis change, as does the sensitivity of the axis to negative feedback by end hormones. Additionally, glucose homoeostasis tends towards disequilibrium with increasing age. Along with these endocrine alterations, a loss of bone and muscle mass and strength occurs, coupled with an increase in fat mass. In addition, ageing-induced effects are difficult to disentangle from the influence of other factors that are common in older people, such as chronic diseases, inflammation, and low nutritional status, all of which can also affect endocrine systems. Traditionally, the decrease in hormone activity during the ageing process has been considered to be detrimental because of the related decline in bodily functions. The concept of hormone replacement therapy was suggested as a therapeutic intervention to stop or reverse this decline. However, clearly some of these changes are a beneficial adaptation to ageing, whereas hormonal intervention often causes important adverse effects. In this paper, we discuss the effects of age on the different hypothalamic-pituitary-hormonal organ axes, as well as age-related changes in calcium and bone metabolism and glucose homoeostasis.
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The role of cholesterol metabolism and various steroid abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders: A hypothesis paper.
Gillberg, C, Fernell, E, Kočovská, E, Minnis, H, Bourgeron, T, Thompson, L, Allely, CS
Autism research : official journal of the International Society for Autism Research. 2017;(6):1022-1044
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Abstract
Based on evidence from the relevant research literature, we present a hypothesis that there may be a link between cholesterol, vitamin D, and steroid hormones which subsequently impacts on the development of at least some of the "autisms" [Coleman & Gillberg]. Our hypothesis, driven by the peer reviewed literature, posits that there may be links between cholesterol metabolism, which we will refer to as "steroid metabolism" and findings of steroid abnormalities of various kinds (cortisol, testosterone, estrogens, progesterone, vitamin D) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Further research investigating these potential links is warranted to further our understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying ASD. Autism Res 2017. © 2017 The Authors Autism Research published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Autism Research. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1022-1044. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Hormones and Sarcopenia.
Morley, JE
Current pharmaceutical design. 2017;(30):4484-4492
Abstract
Sarcopenia is defined as the loss of muscle mass associated with a loss of muscle function, e.g., walking speed. A number of consensus definitions exist for sarcopenia with cut-off points being ethnically specific. A rapid screen test (SARC-F) is available and does not require different ethnic cut-off points. Sarcopenia leads to the development of frailty, disability and mortality. The prevalence of sarcopenia varies from 1-29% in community- dwelling and 14 to 33% in long-term care populations. Hormones play a role in the development of muscle mass and in the regulation of muscle strength. Testosterone appears to be the central hormone involved in the development of sarcopenia; it increases both muscle mass and activates satellite cells leading to increased muscle function. Growth hormone deficiency leads to the loss of muscle mass but not muscle strength. Lack of insulin or insulin resistance leads to accelerated development of sarcopenia. Vitamin D deficiency plays a role in the loss of muscle strength. A variety of other hormones appear to play minor roles in age-related alterations in muscle mass and function. At present, the treatment of sarcopenia is resistance exercise, leucine enriched essential amino acids or hydroxymethylbutyrate and vitamin D replacement.
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Neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance: Implications on the development and surgical treatment of obesity.
Farias, G, Netto, BDM, Bettini, SC, Dâmaso, AR, de Freitas, ACT
Nutrition and health. 2017;(3):131-146
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Obesity, a serious public health problem, occurs mainly when food consumption exceeds energy expenditure. Therefore, energy balance depends on the regulation of the hunger-satiety mechanism, which involves interconnection of the central nervous system and peripheral signals from the adipose tissue, pancreas and gastrointestinal tract, generating responses in short-term food intake and long-term energy balance. Increased body fat alters the gut- and adipose-tissue-derived hormone signaling, which promotes modifications in appetite-regulating hormones, decreasing satiety and increasing hunger senses. With the failure of conventional weight loss interventions (dietary treatment, exercise, drugs and lifestyle modifications), bariatric surgeries are well-accepted tools for the treatment of severe obesity, with long-term and sustained weight loss. Bariatric surgeries may cause weight loss due to restriction/malabsorption of nutrients from the anatomical alteration of the gastrointestinal tract that decreases energy intake, but also by other physiological factors associated with better results of the surgical procedure. OBJECTIVE This review discusses the neuroendocrine regulation of energy balance, with description of the predominant hormones and peptides involved in the control of energy balance in obesity and all currently available bariatric surgeries. CONCLUSIONS According to the findings of our review, bariatric surgeries promote effective and sustained weight loss not only by reducing calorie intake, but also by precipitating changes in appetite control, satiation and satiety, and physiological changes in gut-, neuro- and adipose-tissue-derived hormone signaling.