Identification of a novel bombesin bioactive peptide QUB2995 and its insulin secreting activity / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To identify a novel bombesin bioactive peptide from the skin secretion of Hylarana Latouchii, and to explore its effect on insulin secretion in islet cells.Methods:The skin secretion from Hylarana Latouchii was extracted by electrical stimulation, and the single chain of bombesin peptide was cloned and sequenced. The peptide QUB2995 was synthesized via solid-phase synthesis, then purified using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Matrix assisted laser desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) was applied to validate. QPCR and ELISA were used to probe the effect of QUB2995 on insulin secretion in MIN6 and INS-1 cells.Results:A novel bombesin peptide named QUB2995 (GAFGDFLKGAAKA GALKILSIAQCKLSGTC) was found in the skin secretion of Hylarana Latouchii through molecular cloning. The bioactive peptide could significantly promote the proliferation and insulin secretion from mouse islet MIN6 cells and rat islet INS-1 cells. The effect reached a climax at the concentration of 10 -5 mol/L. Conclusion:A novel bombesin bioactive peptide named QUB2995 was found from Hylarana Latouchii. It could significantly promote insulin secretion in MIN6 cells of mouse islets and INS-1 cells of rat islets, indicating its potential in the treatment of diabetes.

Construction and evaluation of recurrence risk model of Graves′ disease treated with antithyroid drugs / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Objective:To establish and evaluate a predictive model for recurrence risk of Graves′ disease after antithyroid drugs(ATD) withdrawal.Methods:Among 308 patients with newly onset Graves′ disease taking ATD from 2012 to 2019, 170 patients who completed follow-up were enrolled and divided into relapse and remission groups according to whether hyperthyroidism reoccurred within 2 years after ATD withdrawal to establish the discovery cohort. An internal validation cohort was constructed by repeating the sampling with bootstrap. Cox regression analysis was used to screen risk factors and establish a predictive model, named Graves′ Recurrence Evaluation System(GRES). The differentiation and accuracy of GRES model were evaluated and compared with the GREAT score.Results:Of 170 patients, 90 Graves′ disease cases relapsed within 2 years after ATD withdrawal. According to Cox regression analysis, family history of Graves′ disease, younger age(<30 years), grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ goiter, high level of TRAb(≥13 IU/L), large thyroid volume(≥26.4 cm 3) and low 25(OH) D(<14.7 ng/mL) were included in the predictive model: PI=0.672×family history+ 0.405×age+ 0.491×severity of goiter+ 0.808×TRAb+ 1.423×thyroid volume+ 0.579×25(OH) D. PI≥1.449 was associated with a higher risk of recurrence after drug withdrawal. The GRES model has good prediction in assessing Graves′ disease relapse within 2 years after ATD withdrawal and better than GREAT score. Conclusion:GRES model can be used to evaluate the recurrence risk within 2 years for patients with newly onset Graves′ disease after ATD withdrawal, and facilitate clinicians to reasonably select treatment modalities in order to improve the remission rate.

Late-onset hypogonadism in males: Guidelines and controversies / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is an age-related testosterone deficiency syndrome. With the increasing aging of society, LOH results in impaired quality of life of middle-aged and elderly men. Although domestic and international guidelines have been issued in recent years, and the management of LOH became more standardized, numerous controversies still remained in the diagnosis of LOH, the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and therapeutic targets. Based on comparison of different guidelines, this review focuses on age cut-off , specific signs and symptoms of LOH, diagnostic cut-off level of testosterone, the advantages and disadvantages of TRT treatment, and non-testosterone therapy.

Difficulties and prospects in the treatment of Graves′ disease / 中华内分泌代谢杂志

Although traditional treatment for Graves′ disease(GD) displays some effects, it is imperative to explore new treatment methods. Based on the pathogenesis of GD, biologic agents developed by consumption of B lymphocytes and acting on thyroid stimulating hormone receptor(TSHR), such as monoclonal antibodies, TSHR antagonists and epitopes, can provide more options for patients with GD, and some new drugs are expected to be put into clinical practice. By restoring the damaged immune system and maintaining normal thyroid function continuously, it can avoid the disadvantages of conventional therapies such as long-term treatment, induction or aggravation of Graves ophthalmopathy, permanent hypothyroidism, and other complications. Preliminary experience suggests that thermotherapy is effective and safe for patients with refractory GD. In addition, the traditional Chinese medicine improves the symptoms and thyroid function of GD patients.The emergence of new therapeutic modalities and techniques will provide new approaches for the future treatment of GD and help clinicians to make the best decision.