Zebrafish model in the relentless race to tyrosine kinase inhibitors for neuroendocrine neoplasms
Diet quality in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia: time for improving nutritional recommendations
Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is a severe psychiatric disorder that is associated with a high level of psychotic symptoms and cognitive deficit as well as poor functioning, and an increased risk of mortality for cardiometabolic diseases. Some studies suggest that lifestyle, particularly diet, could represent a risk factor for obesity and its metabolic complications in these patients.
Obesity prevention across the lifespan: assessing the efficacy of intervention studies and discussing future challenges
Obesity is intricately linked with metabolic conditions that disrupt hormones and metabolism, often resulting in weight-related challenges. Given the heightened mortality rates associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disorders linked to obesity, there is a pressing call to mobilize medical professionals, researchers, and policymakers towards advocating for healthy lifestyles and preventing obesity. Traditionally, obesity prevention and treatment have been viewed as separate endeavors, with prevention primarily falling under public health initiatives and treatment within the purview of clinicians. However, this division has led to significant healthcare costs without a substantial reduction in obesity rates.
Divulging the overlooked condition: diabetic ketoacidosis as an imminent risk with sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors treatment in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Assessing the impact of a dedicated referral and management algorithm in maternal hypothyroidism
The significant risks of hypothyroidism during pregnancy can be mitigated through timely diagnosis and initiation of thyroxine to achieve a maternal euthyroid state. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of hospital endocrine services by assessing the rate of thyroxine commencement before the initial clinic appointment, the median gestational age at the first consultation, the rate of guideline-appropriate investigations, perinatal outcomes, and the proportion of referred patients who achieved their target thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels before and after implementing a dedicated referral and management pathway.
Genetic and epigenetic modulation of AHR pathway in GH-secreting pituitary tumors and effects on acromegaly clinical phenotype
Several data demonstrated that chemical pollutants can be endocrine disruptors and they have an important role in tumorigenic processes. It has been shown that pollution exposure can affect pituitary cells' function and biology, indeed an increased prevalence of acromegaly has been reported in highly polluted areas.
Can nutraceuticals counteract the detrimental effects of the environment on male fertility? A parallel systematic review and expert opinion
Male fertility relies on a complex physiology that may be negatively influenced by lifestyle, diet, and environment. The beneficial effect of nutraceuticals on male fertility is a debated claim. The aim of this study was to assess if the positive effect of nutraceuticals can counteract the negative effects of the environment on male fertility.
Adherence to Mediterranean diet and prevalence of differentiated thyroid cancer: a single-center Unit of Thyroid Surgery experience in a Southern-Italy cohort
The Mediterranean diet (MD) is recognized as a cultural heritage by UNESCO, thus, is a nutritional model widely spread in all Mediterranean countries. As already demonstrated by several studies, high adherence to MD is a protective factor against many chronic diseases. Conversely, poor adherence to the diet is correlated with an increased prevalence of these pathologies. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between the adherence to MD and the prevalence of benign and malignant thyroid disease.
Follicle-stimulating hormone receptor gene polymorphisms influence Body Mass Index, metabolism, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women
Covering a significant part of a woman's life, the postmenopausal phase is often associated with the onset of obesity, metabolic dysfunction, osteoporosis, and their most disabling complications. In this context, scant evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies suggests that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene might be involved in the etiopathogenesis of these conditions, posing them as possible molecular predictors of their development. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the role of the FSHR gene SNPs c.2039A>G and c.-29 G>A on Body Mass Index (BMI), metabolic parameters, and bone metabolism in postmenopausal women.
Inpatient palliative care in metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma: a retrospective analysis using the National Inpatient Sample database
The use of inpatient palliative care (IPC) in advanced cancer patients represents a well-established guideline recommendation. This study examines the utilization rates and patterns of IPC among patients with metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma (mACC).
Macroglossia in endocrine and metabolic disorders: current evidence, perspectives and challenges
Macroglossia is an uncommon condition characterized by chronic, painless and abnormal enlargement of the tongue. A multitude of medical conditions can cause macroglossia. Major endocrine and metabolic disorders associated with macroglossia include genetic, congenital and acquired conditions, such as mucopolysaccharidoses; acquired and congenital hypothyroidism and myxedema; transient neonatal diabetes mellitus; acromegaly and amyloidosis. Macroglossia is often associated (~57-60%) with all types of mucopolysaccharidoses, particularly type I (Hurler syndrome) and type II (Hunter syndrome), being a prominent feature of the disorder. It may also occur in patients with acquired and congenital hypothyroidism and myxedema, being a common sign of congenital hypothyroidism with an approximate prevalence of 12-25% at the time of diagnosis. Macroglossia is a predominant oral finding in subjects with transient neonatal diabetes mellitus (~44%), acromegaly (54-69%) and amyloidosis (10-25%), particularly AL amyloidosis (20-40%) whereas is considered a hallmark of the disease. Secondary to macroglossia various disturbances may occur, such as difficulty in speech or eating, orthodontic anomalies or even more serious conditions including upper airway obstruction or obstructive sleep apnea. Until now, no comprehensive review has been conducted focusing on macroglossia in endocrine and metabolic disorders. The objective of this review is to summarize literature on the etiology and epidemiology of macroglossia in major endocrine and metabolic disorders. It highlights key aspects such as pathophysiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, management and prognosis of macroglossia in the context of endocrine and metabolic disorders.
Repeatedly non-diagnostic thyroid nodules: the experience of two thyroid clinics
The clinical management of repeatedly non-diagnostic thyroid nodules (RNDNs) via fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAc) is a matter of debate because current recommendations and clinical practice are not based on high-quality evidence. Our purpose was to characterize RNDNs and evaluate their clinical management in our centers.
Clinical implications of the 2022 WHO classification on the multidisciplinary management of PitNETS patients
The review explores the 2022 update to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification of pituitary adenomas, now referred to as pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs), and his possible impact on the clinical management of PitNET patients. The review highlights the differences and the evolution from the 2017 to 2022 version, with the current classification considering the lineage of the tumor cells, cell type, hormones produced, and other auxiliary characteristics for a comprehensive histological classification. The revision in terminology reflects a broader perspective on neuroendocrine neoplasia. The new approach based on transcription factors, hormone expression and other biomarkers has allowed a major revision of the nomenclature and a more accurate classification of pituitary adenomas. Furthermore, in some cases this approach is also assuming a prognostic value, useful in clinical practice. However, despite this elaborate classification and stratification, the review points out the lack of a robust grading or staging system and suggests the need for further research and validation of diagnostic methods. Despite these limitations, the revised classification presents a significant step towards understanding and managing PitNETs patients.
Liraglutide in the management of obesity: real world data (Portugal)
Overweight and obesity are major public health issues with increasing incidence and prevalence, affecting more than 50% of the population in developed countries. Due to its complex pathophysiology and multifactorial etiology, disease understanding, diagnostic approach and management remain suboptimal. Together with a structured nutritional intervention and physical activity plan, pharmacological treatment has the potential to magnify weight loss and health related benefits. Liraglutide is one of the most effective and frequently prescribed weight loss medication. Its efficacy and safety have been demonstrated in randomized clinical trials, however, real world data in Portugal is scarce. The authors report on the experience of a University Hospital Endocrine Clinic in the management of patients with overweight and obesity with liraglutide on top of lifestyle intervention. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of liraglutide in the management of overweight and obesity.
Magnitude and time course of urinary iodine excretion in patients after amiodarone therapy
Amiodarone is a source of iodine excess that may persist in the body for long time after its withdrawal. The aim of the present analysis was to evaluate the magnitude and long-term time course of 24-h urinary iodine (UI) excretion in patients on antiarrhythmic therapy with amiodarone.
Managing intracranial tumors during gender-affirming hormone therapy
Combining TSH measurement with TIRADS assessment to further improve the detection of thyroid cancers
Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (TIRADSs) have demonstrated high performance in risk stratification of thyroid nodules (TNs). However, further improvements are needed in view of the ongoing project of an international TIRADS. Even if thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) measurement is traditionally used to assess the thyroid function, several papers have reported that higher TSH levels are associated with the presence of differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). The present study aimed to investigate the role of TSH levels as improvement factor of American College of Radiology (ACR-), European Thyroid Association (EU-), and Korean Society (K-)TIRADS.
Semaglutide and obesity: beyond the nutritional and lifestyle intervention?
Semaglutide is the second marketed glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist that can be used safely and efficiently in non-diabetic people with excess weight, providing a new milestone in the pharmacological treatment of obesity. This narrative review aims to describe the clinical actions of this new drug in weight management in non-diabetic patients along with possible side-effects and dropout reasons. To accomplish this, the PubMed database was searched to retrieve the most relevant clinical studies published to date on this topic, using the following keywords "semaglutide and obesity". Currently, semaglutide is on the market in two formulations, the once-weekly subcutaneous (s.c.) semaglutide and once-daily oral semaglutide. Data in the literature on the anti-obesity action of semaglutide are available for both routes of administration of the drug, with a prevalence of studies using the s.c. one. However, given its dosage, oral semaglutide may provide greater attractiveness and better treatment adherence, but further research is needed in this field.
Risk of erythrocytosis in transgender individuals undergoing testosterone therapy: a systematic review
In transgender individuals assigned female at birth, testosterone therapy is employed for body masculinization. Guidelines recommend close monitoring for potential side effects of hormonal therapy, especially during the first year. Erythrocytosis is a common finding during testosterone therapy and has been associated with a potential risk of thrombotic and cardiovascular events. Currently, the hematologic effects of testosterone therapy are understudied, with existing data primarily derived from the cisgender male population. The aim of this study was to comprehensively examine the hematological changes induced by testosterone therapy in the transgender population.
Teplizumab's breakthrough: a beacon of hope in the battle against type 1 diabetes mellitus