bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating leptin in women: a longitudinal study in the menstrual cycle and during pregnancy
Authors: Hardie Laura , Trayhurn Paul , Abramovich David , Fowler Paul 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether leptin is linked to reproduction, circulating levels were measured longitudinally throughout spontaneous menstrual cycles and during pregnancy in normal women.DESIGNLongitudinal blood samples were collected from normal volunteers, either during regular menstrual cycles or during successful singleton pregnancies.PATIENTSSix healthy, regularly cycling, women volunteers (31.5 ± 3.0 years old, BMI = 21.6 + 0.5) were recruited for serial venous blood sampling throughout one complete menstrual cycle. In addition, five healthy, women (31.8 ± 1.2 years old, pre‐pregnant BMI = 30.0 ± 3.1) provided serial venous blood samples throughout one complete singleton pregnancy.MEASUREMENTSCirculating venous oestradiol, progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), leptin and (pregnant group only) human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG).RESULTSIn spontaneously cycling women, changes in circulating leptin levels were associated with menstrual phase (P < 0.001) and correlated with progesterone levels (P < 0.05). Peak leptin concentrations were recorded during the luteal phase (P < 0.01), coincident with maximal progesterone levels (P < 0.05). Leptin concentrations were elevated throughout gestation (P < 0.05), and especially during the second trimester (P < 0.05). Post‐partum, circulating leptin levels fell sharply to below pre‐pregnant values. Leptin correlated with oestradiol (P < 0.05) and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG, P < 0.01) levels during pregnancy. First trimester (P < 0.05) and postpartum (P < 0.05) oestradiol concentrations and post‐partum hCG levels exhibited the greatest correlation with circulating leptin.CONCLUSIONSWe conclude that the relationship between body mass index and circulating leptin varies during the course of spontaneous cycles in women, the best correlation occurring during the luteal phase when progesterone and leptin concentrations are highest. This, together with the correlation between circulating oestradiol, hCG and leptin levels during pregnancy, strongly suggests a dynamic relationship between leptin and reproductive events in women.
Thyroid function in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Klein R. Z. , Carlton E. L. , Faix J. D. , Frank J. E. , Hermos R. J. , Mullaney D. , Nelson J. C. , Rojas D. A. , Mitchell M. L. 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVESThe purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that low circulating thyroxine concentrations characteristic of very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates (< 1500 g) are the result of decreased protein binding of thyroid hormones and to elucidate the mechanism(s) responsible and possible significance thereof.DESIGNCross‐sectional comparison of thyroid related measurements in cord blood specimens from VLBW infants and from full term infants. Longitudinal comparison in cord and 2‐ and 4‐week blood specimens from VLBW infants.PATIENTSCord blood specimens were analysed from 47 VLBW and 45 full term infants weighing  2500 g. Repeat analyses in venous bloods from 32 of the VLBW infants were analysed at 2 weeks of age and again at 4 weeks in 23. The first cohort of patients was studied in 1994 and comprised 28 VLBW and 24 full term infants (Cohort A). The studies were repeated in 1995–96 in 19 VLBW infants and 21 full term infants (Cohort B).MEASUREMENTST4, free T4 (FT4), T3, thyroxine binding globulin (TBG), and TSH were measured in cord blood and 2‐ and 4‐week venous specimens from VLBW infants and in cord blood specimens of full term infants. Molar ratios of T4/TBG were calculated.RESULTS(1) Cord blood TBG, T4 and T3 concentrations of VLBW infants were each 60% of those of term infants. TBG concentrations were 397 ± 111 vs 680 ± 172 nmol/l (P < 0.0005). T4 concentrations were 76 ± 22 vs 139 ± 26 nmol/l (P < 0.0005). FT4 concentrations were in the normal adult range in both neonatal groups. T4/TBG ratios did not differ between the neonatal groups but were significantly less than that of adults (P < 0.001). (2) TSH concentrations in VLBW infants at 2 and 4 weeks were less than 50% of cord blood values. At 2 weeks, TBG concentrations of VLBW infants were unchanged from cord blood concentrations but mean T4 concentration fell by 18% and T4/TBG ratios by 21% (P < 0.005). Mean FT4 rose by 78% (P < 0.02). The changes in mean T4 and FT4 were due largely to FT4 concentrations of 37–113 pmol/l and T4 concentrations of 13–48 nmol/l in 5 infants. These infants also had lower T4/TBG ratios and were smaller and more ill than the remainder of the cohort. The changes disappeared by 4 weeks in 3 of the 4 infants tested.CONCLUSIONSCord T4/TBG ratios are the same in very low birth weight and term infants and are significantly lower than in adult blood. These are more than compensated for in term infants by a 236% increase in thyroxine binding globulin concentrations. The lower thyroxine binding globulin concentrations in very low birth weight infants explain their much lower T4 concentrations. Cord FT4 concentrations of full term and very low birth weight infants are in the normal adult range. T4 concentrations are further depressed and free T4 concentrations elevated in the most ill very low birth weight infants at 2 weeks of age in a manner analogous to that of the ‘sick euthyroid syndrome’.
Increased incidence of neoplasia in females with acromegaly
Authors: Cheung N. W. , Boyages S. C. 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVESome studies have indicated an increased incidence of neoplasia, particularly breast and colon, in acromegaly. We have determined the incidence of benign and malignant neoplasms in an Australian population of patients with acromegaly.DESIGNRetrospective review, with comparison against cancer data for the local population obtained from a State Cancer Registry.PATIENTSFifty patients with documented acromegaly.RESULTSThere were 7 cases of malignancy (2 in men, 5 in women) in the period of follow‐up (435 patient years). With logistic regression analysis, there was a relative risk of malignancy, of 1.2 (95% confidence interval 0.31–5.0) for men (P = 0.8) and 4.3 (95% confidence interval 1.7–10.5) for women (P= 0.001), when compared to the local population. There were 2 cases of breast and renal carcinoma, and one each of prostatic, colonic and parotid carcinoma. Of the most common benign tumours 35% of patients had thyroid nodules, 10% had colonic polyps and 6% had nasal polyps.CONCLUSIONThe incidence of malignancy was found to be increased in female patients with acromegaly in this series. Routine screening procedures for malignancy, particularly in female patients, should therefore be considered.
Expression of growth hormone receptor by peripheral blood lymphocytes in children: evaluation in clinical conditions of impaired growth
Authors: Valerio G. , Bond H. M. , Badolato R. , Petrella A. , Di Maio S. , Salerno M. , Waters M. J. , Venuta S. , Tenore A. 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVEIt is widely accepted that the haematopoietic system is a target of growth hormone action and that GH may act as a lymphokine. The expression of GH receptors (GHR) on human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) has been reported previously in adult donors by dual fluorochrome flow cytometry. The aim of this study was to apply the cytofluorimetric method to the analysis of GHR expression on PBL in various human conditions characterized by different patterns of growth due to age or physiophathological conditions.SUBJECTS AND DESIGNPBL from 38 normal (control) subjects (7 newborns, 18 prepubertal children, 13 adults) were studied in order to provide age‐related physiological data. Twenty‐two short children (18 with idiopathic short stature, 4 with Ullrich–Turner syndrome) were studied to determine the expression of GHR in conditions of impaired longitudinal growth which may or may not require GH treatment.METHODSAnalysis was performed using a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)‐conjugated antibody specific for the GHR (mAb263) and phycoerythrin (PE)‐anti CD2 (T and natural killer cells) or PE‐anti CD20 (B cells) in dual fluorochrome flow cytometric assays. Results were expressed as mean fluorescent intensity (MFI).RESULTSAdult CD2+ cells exhibited a significantly higher GHR expression (MFI 347 ± 40) than that expressed in children and newborns (MFI 285 ± 36 and 299 ± 41, respectively, P < 0.001). A significantly increased expression of GHR on CD2+ cells was also found in short children (MFI 330 ± 42 vs 285 ± 36, respectively; P < 0.002), whereas Ullrich–Turner syndrome patients did not show any difference from their age and gender matched controls (254 ± 52 and 288 ± 40, respectively). A negative relationship was found between GHR expression on CD2+ cells and height‐SDS (r−0.54, P < 0.0001) or BMI (r−0.4, P < 0.015) in controls and short children, independent of their GH secretory status. Expression of GHR and CD20+ cells was higher than that expressed on CD2+ cells in all subjects. No appreciable differences were found in the MFI levels of GHR expression on CD20+ cells either among the different age group controls or between short children or Ullrich–Turner syndrome patients. A significant downregulation of GHR expression was shown in CD20+ (P < 0.008) but not CD2+ cells after 6 months of GH treatment in 6 short children who had a poor response to GH provocative tests.CONCLUSIONSGH receptor expression on immune cells in non‐syndromic short children appears to be inversely related to the linear growth expression and BMI of the subjects, contrary to findings with hepatic derived serum GHBP. This finding may reflect alternate exon usage in lymphoid cells, and indicates that GH has a distinctive role in the immune system.
Psychological distress in patients with hyperprolactinaemia
Authors: Reavley Saffron , Fisher Alison D. , Owen David , Creed Francis H. , Davis Julian R. E. 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVEIn addition to the physical symptoms of galactorrhoea and amenorrhoea, hyperprolactinaemia in women is also reported to be associated with psychological symptoms. Previous studies have found an increased incidence of depression, anxiety and hostility in female patients with hyperprolactinaemia. In this study, psychological symptoms were assessed in a large population of patients and symptom scores were compared between patients with definite evidence of pituitary adenoma on high‐resolution CT scanning and those without, who were presumed to have idiopathic or ‘functional’ hyperprolactinaemia.DESIGNPostal survey: population–control study of female patients with hyperprolactinaemia.PATIENTSSixty‐five women with hyperprolactinaemia were compared with a control group of 26 women with normoprolactinaemic pituitary disease (acromegaly or nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma). The hyperprolactinaemic patients were subdivided according to whether a pituitary adenoma was visible on high‐resolution CT scanning (39 patients) or whether they had normal CT scans, in which case they were categorized as having idiopathic or ‘functional’ hyperprolactinaemia (26 patients).MEASUREMENTSPatients were sent 2 questionnaires, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale and the 90‐item Symptom Checklist (SCL‐90), to assess psychological wellbeing.RESULTSOverall, 54% of hyperprolactinaemic patients were found to have definite or borderline anxiety as judged by HAD scores, compared with 27% of normoprolactinaemic control patients. Those with normal CT scans were significantly more likely to have definite or borderline anxiety (73% of patients) than those with CT evidence of a pituitary tumour causing their hyperprolactinaemia (41%, P  <  0.003), despite similar levels of serum prolactin. A similar increased proportion of hyperprolactinaemic patients scored highly on the anxiety component of the SCL‐90, although mean scores were not different from controls. No differences were seen in scores for depression, but both subgroups of hyperprolactinaemic patients scored more highly than controls for hostility on the SCL‐90 questionnaire.CONCLUSIONThese findings confirm the presence of significant anxiety in a proportion of women with hyperprolactinaemia. Hyperprolactinaemic women with no abnormality on CT scans displayed more psychological distress than those with definite pituitary microadenomas. These results may provide insight into the pathogenesis of ‘functional’ hyperprolactinaemia.
Effects of excess iodine administration on thyroid function in euthyroid patients with a previous episode of thyroid dysfunction induced by interferon‐alpha treatment
Authors: Minelli Roberta , Braverman Lewis E. , Giuberti Tiziana , Schianchi Claudia , Gardini Eliana , Salvi Mario , Fiaccadori Franco , Ugolotti Giorgio , Roti Elio 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVETo determine the effects of pharmacological quantities of iodide (SSKI) on thyroid function in euthyroid patients previously treated with recombinant interferon‐alpha (rIFN‐α) for chronic viral hepatitis B and C (HCV), a cytokine which may induce thyroid dysfunction.DESIGNThyroid function tests were carried out in 16 euthyroid patients, 8 of whom had previously developed thyroid dysfunction during rIFN‐α therapy for HCV, before, during and after the administration of 10 drops of saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI) (∼350 mg iodide).PATIENTSAll 16 patients had been treated in the past with rIFN‐α for HCV. Eight patients had developed rIFN‐α induced abnormalities in thyroid function (5 inflammatory thyrotoxicosis, 1 Graves' disease, and 2 impaired thyroid organification of iodide) and 8 had not developed thyroid dysfunction.MEASUREMENTSAfter baseline serum free T4 (FT4) and free T3 (FT3) concentrations, basal and TRH stimulated TSH concentrations, and TSH‐receptor (TSH‐R‐Ab) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO‐Ab) antibodies were measured, 10 drops saturated solution of potassium iodide (SSKI, ∼350 mg iodide) were given daily for 60 days and the above parameters assessed during and after SSKI was discontinued.RESULTSFive of 8 patients with a previous history of rIFN‐α induced thyroid dysfunction developed mild iodide induced abnormalities of thyroid function (subclinical hypothyroidism (slightly elevated basal and TRH stimulated serum TSH concentrations with normal serum FT4 and FT3 concentrations) or hyperthyroidism) compared with the 8 patients who had no previous evidence of thyroid dysfunction during rIFN‐α therapy.CONCLUSIONSIn view of the present observations, it is prudent to avoid the administration of excess iodine to euthyroid subjects with a previous episode of thyroid dysfunction during rIFN‐α therapy, adding a new group of patients susceptible to iodine induced thyroid disease.
Does growth hormone treatment increase chromosomal abnormalities?
Authors: Bozzola Mauro , Tettoni Katia , Severi Francesca , Capra Elena , Danesino Cesare , Scappaticci Susi 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVEThe relationship between growth hormone (GH) therapy and malignancy, including leukaemias, remains controversial. In order to study this possible relationship further, we have investigated whether GH treatment induces chromosomal abnormalities in peripheral blood lymphocytes.DESIGNOpen, prospective study in a University Hospital to examine peripheral blood mononuclear cells in subjects with GH‐deficiency (GHD) before and during GH treatment.SUBJECTSTwelve idiopathic GHD patients, aged 1.8–12.5 years, were evaluated before and after 3, 6 and 12 months of GH therapy (0.6 IU/kg per week subcutaneously). Two additional GHD patients, aged 16.6 and 18 years, were studied 1 year after long‐term GH therapy had been discontinued, and 12 age‐matched healthy subjects were evaluated as controls.METHODSWe examined the incidence of chromosome and chromatid breaks, fragments, structural rearrangements and aneuploidies in 100 metaphases for each blood sample. A total of 5300 cells was analysed in the 14 patients.RESULTSThe proportion of cells with chromatid and chromosome breaks ranged from 0% to 6% in patients before treatment and from 1% to 5% in controls. During GH therapy the incidence of aneuploid metaphases ranged from 0% to 7% and was comparable with values observed in controls. Chromosomal loss and gain was random.CONCLUSIONSWe observed no increase in chromosomal abnormalities in GH‐treated patients when compared with age‐matched healthy controls.
Analysis of the retinoblastoma tumour suppressor gene in pancreatic endocrine tumours
Authors: Chung Daniel C. , Smith Alison P. , Louis David N. , Graeme‐Cook Fiona , Warshaw Andrew L. , Arnold Andrew 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVESThe molecular pathogenesis of human pancreatic endocrine tumours (PETs) is largely unknown. One attractive candidate gene for involvement in pancreatic endocrine neoplasia is the retinoblastoma (Rb) tumour suppressor gene. A deletion of the Rb gene was recently described in a human insulinoma. In addition, mice harbouring a null mutation in the Rb gene bred with p53 mutant mice develop pancreatic endocrine tumours. Therefore, we sought to determine the role that allelic loss of Rb may play in a large series of human pancreatic endocrine tumours.PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS46 pancreatic endocrine tumours were obtained from 41 patients. Utilizing genomic DNA isolated from the tumour samples and control normal cells, 2 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci (D13S153 and Rb 1.20) located within the Rb gene were PCR amplified and examined for loss of heterozygosity.RESULTS2 patients were homozygous at both loci and thus uninformative. The remaining 39 had informative markers at one or both of these loci, and none of the tumours from these patients demonstrated allelic loss of Rb.CONCLUSIONSIn tumours in which Rb inactivation is pathogenetically important, somatic loss of one Rb allele commonly accompanies a point mutation or microdeletion within the other allele. Thus, the absence of demonstrable allelic loss in this large series strongly suggests that Rb gene inactivation is not frequently involved in the pathogenesis of human pancreatic endocrine tumours.
Abnormal pulsatile secretion of growth hormone in non‐insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: Franek E. , Schaefer F. , Bergis K. , Feneberg R. , Ritz E. 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVEStudies of GH secretion in patients with non‐insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) have produced conflicting results. We aimed to differentiate the effects of obesity and metabolic control on pulsatile GH secretion in patients with NIDDM.DESIGNBlood sampling every 15 min from 22.00 hours to 08.00 hours after a fasting period of at least 3 h. Patients: 13 male NIDDM patients, 9 healthy control subjects matched for age and BMI, and 6 lean subjects matched for age.MEASUREMENTSMeasurement of GH by a novel ultrasensitive chemiluminescence assay. Analysis of concentration vs time profiles by a multiparameter deconvolution technique.RESULTSGH burst frequency was increased in the NIDDM (0.82 ± 0.28 h−1) compared with both control groups (lean: 0.6 ± 0.11; obese: 0.56 ± 0.19). GH burst mass was decreased in patients (1.57 ± 0.98 μg/l.min) and in obese controls (1.46 ± 1.44) compared to lean controls (3.71 ± 3.88). These differences resulted in a significantly higher nocturnal pulsatile GH secretion rate in the lean compared to the obese controls, whereas in the patient group enhanced GH burst frequency compensated for reduced burst mass. The characteristics of GH secretion were not related to nocturnal or early morning blood glucose concentrations. However, GH secretion rate was correlated positively with HbA1c (r = 0.57; P = 0.04), and negatively with plasma C peptide concentrations.CONCLUSIONSThe specific increase in GH burst frequency previously described in insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus is also present in NIDDM. However, GH hypersecretion does not occur because GH burst mass is reduced in proportion to the degree of obesity. The effect of diabetes on the hypothalamic control of GH release appears to be determined by the quality of long‐term glycaemic control.
Immunoreactive endothelin in nodular pathology of the thyroid
Authors: Foppiani Luca , Porcella Ena , Micaela Cuttica Carla , Fazzuoli Laura , Valenti Sandra , Giordano Giulio , Giusti Massimo 
Published: November 2003

OBJECTIVESEndothelins (ETs) can act as autocrine and/or paracrine regulators of thyroid homeostasis and growth. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunoreactive ET (i‐ET) levels in a group of patients with nodular pathology of the thyroid and to correlate them with the cytomorphological features after fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) and with hormonal and immunological status and blood pressure levels.DESIGNPlasma and cystic i‐ET were assayed in a group of patients with varying thyroid function, who underwent FNA for solid and cystic nodular pathology.PATIENTS47 patients (32–81 years) with nodular pathology of the thyroid and 18 controls (28–70 years) with normal thyroid function and morphology were studied.MEASUREMENTSFasting venous blood samples were collected and the plasma for i‐ET was frozen at −80°C until assayed. Sera were frozen at −20°C for FT3, FT4, TSH, TPO autoantibodies and thyroglobulin autoantibodies assay. Cystic fluid was obtained by FNA, centrifuged, and the supernatant was stored at −20°C until i‐ET assay. FNA cytology was examined by light microscopy.RESULTSIn patients with cystic nodules, plasma i‐ET levels were significantly (P = 0.002) higher (5.7 ± 1.1 ng/l, ± SEM) than in both patients with solid nodules (2.6 ± 0.4 ng/l) and (P = 0.02) controls (3.0 ± 0.3 ng/l). In patients with cystic nodules, cystic i‐ET levels (12.6 ± 1.9 ng/l) were significantly (P = 0.003) higher than plasma levels (5.7 ± 1.1 ng/l) and did not correlate with the percentage of FNA cellularity. i‐ET levels in cystic fluid (12.6 ± 1.9 ng/l) were significantly (P = 0.0001) higher than plasma i‐ET levels in both patients with solid nodules and controls. No difference in either plasma or cystic i‐ET levels was found in patients with cystic nodules in relation to differences in thyroid function. No difference in plasma i‐ET levels was found between patients with solid nodules and controls. In controls, no significant difference in plasma i‐ET levels was found between males and females. A negative correlation (r  = −0.55, P = 0.02) was found between cystic i‐ET levels and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. No correlation between cystic or plasma i‐ET levels and FT3, FT4 or TSH was found in any of the subjects studied.CONCLUSIONSIt seems that endothelins do not possess a primary role in determining thyroid function and that the increased levels in cystic fluid found in our subjects could be secondary to cystic nodule development.