bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lipoprotein Profile and High-Density Lipoproteins: Subfractions Distribution in Centenarians
Authors: Barbagallo Carlo M. , R. Averna Maurizio , Fradà Giovanni , Noto Davide , Cavera Giovanni , Notarbartolo Alberto 
Published: April 2003

In order to assess the role of HDL on longevity, we studied HDL subfraction distribution in centenarian women compared with a group of weight- and gender-matched healthy normolipidemic controls. We did not find any significant difference in the mean plasma lipid, apolipoprotein, and Lp(a) levels. On the contrary, in spite of similar HDL-cholesterol concentrations (1.32 ± 0.41 mmol/l in centenarians vs. 1.32 ± 0.25 mmol/l in controls, p = not significant), HDL<sub>2b</sub> and HDL<sub>3a</sub> levels were, respectively, significantly increased and significantly reduced in centenarians in comparison with controls (HDL<sub>2b</sub> 32.4 ± 9.2% in centenarians vs. 23.4 ± 7.7% in controls, p < 0.002, and HDL<sub>3a</sub> 26.3 ± 9.8% in centenarians vs. 34.1 ± 7.3% in controls, p < 0.01). Moreover, HDL<sub>2b</sub> levels were significantly raised and HDL<sub>3a</sub> levels were significantly reduced in centenarians in comparison with both ‘middle-aged’ and ‘elderly’ subjects, whereas no difference for any HDL subfraction was found between the two groups of controls of different ages. Age was significantly correlated with HDL<sub>2b</sub> and HDL<sub>3a</sub> (respectively, +0.452, p < 0.001, and –0.370, p < 0.01) in all subjects, but not with all the other lipid, lipoprotein and apolipoprotein parameters, but we observed a large overlapping of individual values of HDL<sub>2b</sub> between centenarians and controls. Since HDL<sub>2b</sub> levels were found to be inversely correlated with coronary heart disease risk, we could speculate that, in some cases, this may probably favor a healthy ageing, but long-term longitudinal studies are necessary to define the relative importance of HDL subfractions distribution as a marker of longevity. Probably other factors or clinical characteristics play a major role in the ageing process.
Influence of Age on the Clinical Presentation of Prolactinomas in Male Patients
Authors: Delgrange Etienne , Maiter Dominique , Donckier Julian , Tourniaire Jacques 
Published: April 2003

<i>Objective:</i> Secreting pituitary adenomas are usually not considered a disease of older people. However, in male patients, prolactin-secreting pituitary tumours occur at a similar frequency throughout the entire life span, giving the opportunity to study in this gender the influence of age on the clinical presentation and response to treatment of these tumours. <i>Methods:</i> We conducted a retrospective study including 9 male patients aged ≥60 (range 60–73) years and 10 aged ≤30 (range 17–30) years presenting with a prolactinoma in order to compare clinical presentation, results of pituitary function tests, and response to dopamine agonist therapy between older and younger patients. <i>Results:</i> Four of the 9 elderly as well as the 10 younger patients came to medical attention for typical features of male prolactinomas including visual field defect in 5 (2 elderly), headaches in 2 (1 elderly), impotence in 3 (1 elderly), gynaecomastia and/or galactorrhoea in 2, and arrested puberty in 2. The remaining 5 older people presented for other various reasons: symptoms related to cortisol deficiency in 2, lethargy with clinical signs of hypopituitarism in 1, spontaneous multiple vertebral fractures in 1, and incidental discovery of a pituitary mass in 1. Basal prolactin levels (3,051±4,151 vs. 3,365 ± 4,949 µg/l) and mean tumour diameter (30 ± 16 vs. 25 ± 13 mm) were similar in old and young patients. Cortisol deficiency was significantly more frequent in the elderly (n = 6) than in the young (n = 1) patients (p 0.02, Fisher’s exact test). Secondary hypothyroidism was found in 2 elderly only, but not in young patients. Sixteen patients (8 elderly) received bromocriptine therapy for at least 6 months with a good tolerance. Normalization of the prolactin levels was achieved in 6 older (75%) and 4 younger patients (50%). <i>Conclusions:</i> The presentation of a prolactinoma in the elderly man is very heterogeneous and can be misleading. At the time of diagnosis, hypopituitarism is more frequent among older than younger patients despite a similar tumour size. We found dopamine agonists equally effective in the elderly.
Differential Behavior of Coagulation Factor XIII in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease and in Patients with Giant Cell Arteritis
Authors: Vrij Anton A. , Rijken Joop , van Wersch Jan W.J. , Stockbrügger Reinhold W. 
Published: April 2003

The aim of this prospective study was to examine the role of coagulation factor XIII (FXIII) in relation to disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and in giant cell arteritis. Plasma FXIII activity was studied during active and inactive disease in newly diagnosed patients with Crohn’s disease (CD; n = 20), ulcerative colitis (UC; n = 18) and giant cell arteritis (GCA; n = 19), in 3-month intervals (median follow-up 12 months). FXIII was also measured in two noninflammatory control groups, age and sex matched for IBD (n = 25) and GCA (n = 26). FXIII activity was significantly lower in active CD or UC than in active GCA or the noninflammatory controls. Both in CD and UC, FXIII activity correlated inversely with indices of clinical disease activity, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, fibrinogen and C-reactive protein levels. Low FXIII activity is a characteristic feature of active IBD, and serial measurements may be useful to assess IBD activity.
Molecular Variants of Luteinizing Hormone in Three Populations of Southeast Asia
Authors: Ramanujam Lakshmi , Liao Wu-Xiang , Roy Ashim C. , Ng Soon Chye , Ratnam Shan S. 
Published: April 2003

Three populations of Southeast Asia comprising 191 Chinese, 121 Malays and 150 Indians, were studied with respect to two recently described mutant luteinizing hormone (LH) variants using molecular techniques. One of these variants had Trp<sup>8</sup> to Arg<sup>8</sup> and Ile<sup>15</sup> to Thr<sup>15</sup> replacements in exon 2 of the LH β-subunit, while the other variant possessed Ser<sup>102</sup> substitution for Gly<sup>102</sup> in exon 3. The exon 2 mutants were in complete linkage disequilibrium. The exon 2 variant had an allele frequency of 0.045 in Chinese, 0.062 in Malays and 0.030 in Indians. The allele frequency of the exon 3 variant was 0.018 in Chinese and null in Malays and Indians. The two LH variants may be markers of interest in studies of disturbed pituitary-gonadal function, menstrual disorders and female infertility.
Fine Mapping of the Human Biotinidase Gene and Haplotype Analysis of Five Common Mutations
Authors: Blanton Susan Halloran , Pandya Arti , Landa Barbara L. , Javaheri Razieh , Xia Xia-Juan , Nance Walter E. , Pomponio Robert J. , Norrgard Karen J. , Swango Katie L. , Demirkol Mübeccel , Gülden Hüner , Coskun Turgay , Tokatli Aysegül , Ozalp Imran , Wolf Barry 
Published: April 2003

Biotinidase deficiency is an autosomal recessive defect in the recycling of biotin that can lead to a variety of neurologic and cutaneous symptoms. The disease can be prevented or effectively treated with exogenous biotin. The biotinidase locus (BTD) has been maped to 3p25 by in situ hybridization. The gene has been cloned, the coding region sequenced, the genomic organization determined, and a spectrum of mutations has been characterized in more than 90 individuals with profound or partial biotinidase deficiency. We have conducted haplotype analysis of 10 consanguineous and 39 nonconsanguineous probands from the United States and 8 consanguineous probands from Turkey to localize BTD with respect to polymorphic markers on 3p and to investigate the origins of five common mutations. The inbred probands were homozygous for overlapping regions of 3p ranging in size from 1.1 to 80 cM which were flanked most narrowly by D3S1259 and D3S1293. Radiation hybrids and haplotype analysis of markers within this region suggest that BTD is located within a 0.1-cM region flanked by D3S3510 and D3S1286. The radiation hybrid data suggest that the BTD gene is oriented 5′ to 3′ between the centromere and the 3p telomere. Association studies indicate that the gene is closer to a third locus D3S3613 than D3S3510, two markers which cannot be resolved by existing linkage data. The BTD locus and D3S3613 must therefore lie between D3S3510 and D3S1286. Comparison of haplotypes reveals evidence for possible founder effects for four of the five common mutations.
Serotoninergic Involvement in Gonadotropin and TSH Secretion in Normal Cycling and Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Krause B.Th. , Möller S. , Schmeisser J.-O. 
Published: April 2003

We investigated the influence of a specific serotonin receptor blockade on pituitary hormone secretion in normal cycling women and postmenopausal women not receiving hormone replacement therapy. Serotonin receptor blockade was performed by using the HT-3 receptor subtype antagonist ondansetron as an i.v. bolus injection of 8 mg. Blood samples were taken before as well as 20, 30 and 40 min after ondansetron administration for the estimation of LH, FSH, and TSH. We could not find any hormonal changes in the normal cycling women. The postmenopausal women showed a significant decline in LH secretion, whereas FSH and TSH levels remained unchanged. Our results suggest serotoninergic involvement in LH secretion in postmenopausal hypoestrogenic hypergonadism.
Ultradian Rhythms in Hydromineral Hormones
Authors: Brandenberger G. , Charloux A. , Gronfier C. , Otzenberger H. 
Published: April 2003

The maintenance of hydromineral homeostasis depends on the coordinated action of arginine vasopressin (AVP), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and other recently identified endocrine or paracrine hormones. Several reports have pointed out the changes in urinary excretion and osmolality during the sleep-wake cycle and the rapid eye movement (REM)-non(N)REM sleep cycles. No such changes occur for ANP levels which have a flat profile over 24 h. The pulsatile fluctuations of AVP are described as random. The ultradian rhythm of plasma renin activity (PRA) depends on the regularity of the REM-NREM sleep cycles and the nocturnal curves reflect all disturbances in the internal sleep structure. A study with a shift in the normal sleep time clearly demonstrated that both PRA and aldosterone oscillations are sleep-stage dependent. These hormones could account for the ultradian variations in renal function. The nocturnal oscillations in sympathovagal balance may play an additional role. It is suggested that a central generator synchronizes endocrine, renal, autonomic and sleep processes.
Sleep and Circadian Disturbances in Shift Work: Strategies for Their Management
Authors: van Reeth Olivier 
Published: April 2003

More and more businesses are providing their full range of services 24 h a day, 7 days a week, thus forcing their employees to work either rotating shifts or fixed night shifts. Dictates of our endogenous circadian clock prevent our brains and bodies to be indefinitely adaptable to those work schedules. Shift work operations are thus associated with serious healthy and social problems for the workers. Various interventions can counteract circadian desynchronization, sleep disturbances, and social disruption associated with shift work: changes in work schedules, sleeping and napping strategies, use of appropriately timed exposure to bright light, experimental drug treatments, or exercise.
Ultradian Pulsatility of Plasma Glucose and Insulin Secretion Rate: Circadian and Sleep Modulation
Authors: Simon C. 
Published: April 2003

Insulin release is a complex oscillatory process with rapid pulses (10 min) superimposed on slower circhoral oscillations (50–100 min). The exact mechanism of the circhoral oscillations, which are probably in part the consequence of a negative feedback loop linking glucose and insulin secretion rate, remains unclear. Stimulatory effects of sleep on insulin secretion are achieved by an enhancement of the oscillation amplitude which could be partly mediated by GH. The different patterns observed after acute or chronic shift of sleep suggest however an interaction between sleep influence and circadian rhythmicity, as described for numerous pituitary hormones. The intra-sleep awakenings have a modulatory effect on glucose levels but no systematic relationship exists between glucose or insulin secretion rate oscillations and the REM-NREM sleep cycles. Irrespective of the mechanisms involved, sleep or GH stimulatory effects result from a modulation of the oscillation amplitude rather than of their frequency which is probably an important feature of insulin efficacy.
Three-Month Sustained-Release Form of Triptorelin in Patients with Advanced Prostatic Adenocarcinoma: Results of an Open Pharmacodynamic and Pharmacokinetic Multicenter Study
Authors: Bouchot Olivier , Soret Jean Yves , Jacqmin Didier , Lahlou N. , Roger M. , Blumberg Joëlle 
Published: April 2003

The pharmacodynamics and the pharmacokinetic characteristics of a new longer-acting formulation containing 11.25 mg of triptorelin (Decapeptyl) to be administered every 3 months were evaluated in 14 patients with advanced prostate carcinoma. After one single injection, the mean time to reach the surgical castration testosterone range is 22 days, and this effective testosterone suppression is maintained for the 3-month therapy. After a first plasma surge (35.70 ng/ml) occurring 2.5 h after injection and a rise between day 17 and day 31 (maximum on day 24: 0.32 ng/ml), the mean triptorelin plasma level is stable (0.06 ± 0.05 ng/ml) and maintained until day 91. This new formulation was well tolerated both locally and systemically.
Effect of Glucagon on Glucose Production, Lipolysis, and Gluconeogenesis in Familial Hyperinsulinism
Authors: Cederblad Fredrik , Ewald Uwe , Gustafsson Jan 
Published: April 2003

We present an infant with severe familial hyperinsulinism in whom glucose production rate, lipolysis, and gluconeogenesis from glycerol were measured by use of glucose and glycerol labelled with stable isotopes. Administration of a single dose of glucagon (0.1 mg/kg) caused an increase in glucose production rate by near 140% from 4.2 to 10.1 mg·kg<sup>–1</sup>·min<sup>–1</sup>. The rate of appearance of glycerol, reflecting the rate of lipolysis, decreased from 15.1 to 12.6 µmol· kg<sup>–1</sup>·min<sup>–1</sup>. The amount of glycerol converted to glucose by gluconeogenesis was 9.1 µmol·kg<sup>–1</sup>·min<sup>–1</sup> before and 10.5 µmol·kg<sup>–1</sup>·min<sup>–1</sup> after glucagon administration. We conclude that the marked rise in glucose production rate was mainly the result of increased glycogenolysis. Following the trial, the child was started on long-acting (zinc-protamine) glucagon which made it possible to discontinue intravenous treatment with glucose.
Circadian Plasma Leptin Levels in Patients with Anorexia nervosa: Relation to Insulin and Cortisol
Authors: Herpertz Stephan , Wagner Richard , Albers Norbert , Blum Werner F. , Pelz Barbara , Langkafel Mathias , Köpp Werner , Henning Andreas , Oberste-Berghaus Corinna , Mann Klaus , Senf Wolfgang , Hebebrand Johannes 
Published: April 2003

In anorexia nervosa, underweight results from a loss of body mass due to a restricted energy intake. Circulating leptin levels have been shown to be low in the acute stage of the disorder. We studied diurnal secretion characteristics of leptin, insulin and cortisol in a study group of anorectic patients prior to refeeding, a second study group of anorectic patients after initiation of refeeding and study groups of healthy underweight and normal-weight controls. Spontaneous secretion of leptin, insulin and cortisol was measured by drawing blood samples every 2 h for 24 h. The temporal relationships between the diurnal secretion patterns of the three hormones were assessed by cross-correlation analysis in every study group. Plasma levels of leptin and cortisol were secreted with a specific circadian rhythmicity and displayed an intricate temporal relationship in anorectic patients. Semistarvation in the non-refed patients was associated with (1) exceedingly low plasma leptin levels, (2) a qualitative alteration in the circadian rhythm of leptin and cortisol levels and (3) an alteration in the temporal coupling between cortisol and leptin. In contrast, in the patients who had gained weight, leptin levels were higher; furthermore, the diurnal pattern of leptin and the temporal relationship between leptin and cortisol were similar to controls. Increments in insulin secretion preceded those of leptin by 4–6 h in both anorectic patients and in controls. Leptin levels increased 4 h prior to those of cortisol in controls and in refed patients, whereas in the non-refed patients cortisol increased prior to leptin. Thus, anorexia nervosa leads to pronounced, albeit reversible changes in the secretion dynamics of leptin and cortisol.
Longitudinal Evaluation of Salivary Cortisol Levels in Full-Term and Preterm Neonates
Authors: Bettendorf Markus , Albers Norbert , Bauer Jacqueline , Heinrich UdoE. , Linderkamp Otwin , Maser-Gluth Christiane 
Published: April 2003

The aim of the present study was to test the practicability of sequential cortisol determinations in saliva of low birth weight neonates and to evaluate the impact of systemic and inhaled glucocorticoid therapy on saliva concentrations of cortisol in preterm neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Salivary cortisol levels were measured by RIA in saliva samples from 10 full-term and 10 preterm healthy neonates and from 20 preterm neonates with BPD during systemic [dexamethasone (DEX); n = 10] or topical steroid therapy [budesonide (BUD); n = 10]. Saliva samples of each individual were collected on 3 consecutive days at 06.00, 12.00, 18.00 and 24.00 h. Cortisol levels in saliva ranged from 0.8 to 60.6 nmol/l (median 6.5 nmol/l) in full-term neonates, from 0.6 to 52.1 nmol/l (median 5.5 nmol/l) in preterm neonates, from 0.4 to 14.0 nmol/l (median 1.0 nmol/l) in preterm neonates treated with DEX and from 0.4 to 15.2 nmol/l (median 2.5 nmol/l) in preterm neonates treated with BUD. Autocorrelation analysis revealed a distinct endogenous cortisol rhythm in 2 of the 10 healthy full-term neonates and in 3 of the 10 healthy preterm neonates with a wavelength of 12–30 h. Salivary cortisol levels in preterm neonates treated with DEX or BUD were significantly lower than those measured in healthy preterm neonates. These results demonstrate that the measurement of salivary cortisol levels is a reliable and practicable way of assessing adrenal function in full-term and preterm neonates. This study also shows for the first time that some neonates display an endogenous cortisol rhythm which is not coupled to the exogenous day/night cycle. Furthermore, systemic and nebulized glucocorticoids suppress adrenal function in low-birth-weight neonates. After treatment these children should be closely monitored for potential adrenal insufficiency.
Effects of Glycyrrhizin on Production of Vascular Aldosterone and Corticosterone
Authors: Wu Pingsheng , Zhang Yongsheng , Liu Yili , Wang Xuan , Guo Zhigang , Zhang Yuanhui , Liang Xinwei , Lai Wenyan 
Published: April 2003

This study is to confirm the role of glycyrrhizin on blood pressure and to test the effects of glycyrrhizin on production of vascular aldosterone and corticosterone in rats. Male Wistar rats received glycyrrhizin (Sigma) 200 mg/kg/day p.o. for 5 weeks, and blood pressure was monitored by a pressure transducer. Systolic blood pressure significantly increased in Wistar rats treated with glycyrrhizin compared to that without glycyrrhizin. Mesenteric artery perfusion ex vivo and pressor responses to norepinephrine were performed. The pressor responses to norepinephrine in mesenteric arteries treated with glycyrrhizin were significantly increased. The perfusate from the mesenteric arteries was collected and applied to a Sep-Pak C 18 cartridge column, used for reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography, and measured for both aldosterone and corticosterone by radioimmunoassay. Levels of aldosterone were decreased but those of corticosterone increased in perfusate from arteries treated with glycyrrhizin. RT-PCR showed that glycyrrhizin inhibited the expression of 11β- HSD2 and CYP11B2 mRNA in mesenteric arteries. These results confirm that glycyrrhizin is able to induce hypertension, and provide evidence that it inhibits the transcriptions of both 11β-HSD2 and CYP11B2 in the vasculature, leading to lower aldosterone and higher corticosterone production in vessels, and increased vasoconstrictor responses to norepinephrine.
Hypothyroid Myopathy with Unusually High Serum Creatine Kinase Values
Authors: Finsterer J. , Stöllberger C. , Grossegger C. , Kroiss A. 
Published: April 2003

Depending on the degree of hormone deficiency, skeletal muscle involvement may occur in hypothyroidism. Usually, hypothyroid myopathy is associated with creatine kinase values <5,000 U/l. We report a 54-year-old man suffering from increasing fatigability, hoarseness, gait disturbances and a creatine kinase of 9,000 (normal: <80 U/l). He presented with bradyphrenia, macroglossia, dysarthria, myxedema, monoparesis, reduced deep tendon reflexes and stocking-type sensory disturbances. Free triiodthyronine was 0.25 pg/ml (normal: 0.6–1.9 pg/ml), free thyroxine <0.1 ng/dl (normal: 0.6–1.8 ng/dl) and the thyroid-stimulating hormone >48.0 (normal: 0.1–4.0 IU). Clinical neurologic examination and electromyography were compatible with myopathy and polyneuropathy. Other causes of myopathy, except hypothyroidism, were excluded. After <i>L</i>-thyroxine therapy (1.7 μg/kg BW/day) during 3 months, the patient’s symptoms and signs vanished, except for sensory disturbances, and creatine kinase values and electromyography became normal. Severe hypothyroidism may be associated with highly elevated creatine kinase and myopathy. Adequate therapy leads to complete recovery, including myopathy.
Sonography and Scintigraphy Are Necessary in Diagnostics of Cystic Thyroid Lesions
Authors: Vierhapper H. , Hülsmann M. 
Published: April 2003

Thyroid sonography in an otherwise asymptomatic 50-year-old woman revealed a mainly cystic lesion within the right thyroid lobe. Thyroid <sup>99</sup>Tc scan showed an enhanced uptake over the right thyroid lobe with suppressed activity over the remaining thyroid tissue. Following aspiration of 6 ml of cyst fluid, a solid lesion became apparent in the location of the original cyst corresponding to the scintigraphically detected autonomous adenoma. This case report emphasizes that ultrasonography and scintigraphy are complementary methods and should be used as such in the primary evaluation of thyroid nodules.