T2 hypointense signal discovered incidentally at the posterior edge of the adenohypophysis on MRI: its prevalence and morphology and their relationship to age.

PURPOSE: T2 hypointense signal at the posterior edge of the adenohypophysis (T2HSPA) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is incidentally encountered. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and morphology of T2HSPA and their relationship to age. METHODS: A total of 212 cases between 3 and 88 years old were examined. Sagittal T2-weighted image (T2WI) was evaluated for the presence of T2HSPA, which classified by its morphology into two types (belt-like or nodal). The Wilcoxon rank sum test and chi-square test were used to evaluate the differences between the groups. The T2HSPA was extracted by ImageJ software and measured as a cross-sectional area (CSA) quantitatively by threshold setting. We examined the relationship between CSA of T2HSPA and age, and Spearman's correlation coefficients were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 212 cases, 80 (37.7%) were identified with T2HSPA. The groups with T2HSPA were significantly younger than the groups without it (p = .01). Groups with belt-like T2HSPA were significantly younger than the groups with nodal T2HSPA (p = .01). There was a weak negative correlation between CSA of T2HSPA and age (p = .02). CONCLUSION: T2HSPAs were incidentally detected in 37.7% of all cases, tended to be more common in younger cases, and their morphology was related to age. They seem to have little clinical significance as they tend to decrease in size with age.

Multiple roles for peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase in the response to hypoxia.

The biosynthesis of many of the peptides involved in homeostatic control requires peptidylglycine α-amidating monooxygenase (PAM), an ancient, highly conserved copper- and ascorbate-dependent enzyme. Using the production of amidated chromogranin A to monitor PAM function in tumor cells, physiologically relevant levels of hypoxia were shown to inhibit this monooxygenase. The ability of primary pituitary cells exposed to hypoxic conditions for 4 h to produce amidated chromogranin A was similarly inhibited. The affinity of the purified monooxygenase for oxygen (Km = 99 ± 19 µM) was consistent with this result. The ability of PAM to alter secretory pathway behavior under normoxic conditions required its monooxygenase activity. Under normoxic conditions, hypoxia-inducible factor 1a levels in dense cultures of corticotrope tumor cells expressing high levels of PAM exceeded those in control cells; expression of inactive monooxygenase did not have this effect. The effects of hypoxia on levels of two PAM-regulated genes (activating transcription factor 3 [Atf3] and FK506 binding protein 2 [Fkbp2]) differed in cells expressing high versus low levels of PAM. Putative hypoxia response elements occur in both human and mouse PAM, and hPAM has consistently been identified as one of the genes upregulated in response to hypoxia. Expression of PAM is also known to alter gene expression. A quarter of the genes consistently upregulated in response to hypoxia were downregulated following increased expression of PAM. Taken together, our data suggest roles for PAM and amidated peptide secretion in the coordination of tissue-specific responses to hypoxia.

Does repeated gold-nanoparticles administration affect pars distalis hormonal and folliculo-stellate cells in adult male albino rats?

INTRODUCTION: Worldwide, nanoparticles especially gold-nanoparticles (Au-NPs) are widely used in medicine, cancer treatment and cosmetic industry. They are easily conjugated with different biomedical and biological agents and effortlessly absorbed with few side effects. The pars distalis of the pituitary gland is considered as the maestro of the endocrine peripheral glands since it secrets trophic hormones that controls their functions. 5-10% of the non-granular pars distalis cells are folliculo-stellate cells (FSCs) that support the granular cells' functions. The aim of the study was to explore the histological and the biochemical effects of repeated exposure to Au-NPs on the pars distalis in adult male albino rats with highlighting the impact on FSCs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-six adult male albino rats were divided equally into control group and Au-NPs group (received 40 µg/kg/day of 11 ± 2 nm spherical Au-NPs orally for 2 weeks). Then, rats were euthanized and deposition of Au-NPs in pars distalis was investigated. Biochemical investigations and histological studies including hematoxylin and eosin staining, periodic acid Schiff's reaction, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for S-100, connexin 43 (Cx43) and Cytochrome-C (Cyt-C) as well as electron-microscopic and morphometric studies were carried out. RESULTS: The Au-NPs group demonstrated structural disorganization in the pars distalis, inflammation, congestion and increased extracellular PAS-positive colloid deposition due to the accumulation of Au-NPs. A significant increase in the immunoreactivity of S-100, Cx43 and Cyt-c, along with a significant increase in TNF-a, MDA, and bFGF content in the pituitary homogenates, was noted as compared to the control group. Ultrastructurally, degenerative changes were observed in the secretory cells. FSCs showed proliferation and increased phagocytic activity. CONCLUSIONS: Repetitive exposure of adult male albino rats to Au-NPs prompted the accumulation of these nanoparticles in the pars distalis that was accompanied by cellular degeneration and dysfunction of the secretory cell and proliferation of FSCs. Thus, monitoring of the pars distalis hormonal levels might be useful for early detection of some hazardous effects possibly associated with the use of gold-nanoparticles.

Growth hormone deficiency in a child with branchio-oto-renal spectrum disorder: Clinical evidence of EYA1 in pituitary development and a recommendation for pituitary function surveillance.

Branchio-oto-renal spectrum disorder (BORSD) is a rare autosomal dominant condition characterized by ear abnormalities with hard of hearing/deafness, second branchial arch malformations and renal anomalies. Pathogenic variations in EYA1 gene are found in the majority of clinically diagnosed individuals with BORSD. We describe an infant with BORSD related to a paternally inherited heterozygous pathogenic variation in EYA1 gene presenting with poor growth and hypoglycemia due to growth hormone deficiency. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a diminutive pituitary gland and morphologically abnormal sella. Upon initiation of growth hormone therapy, the hypoglycemia resolved and catch up growth ensued. Pituitary abnormalities have not been reported previously in patients with BORSD. The zebrafish ortholog of eya1 is important for the development of adenohypophysis, suggesting that this patient's growth hormone deficiency and pituitary abnormality are part of BORSD. Inclusion of screening for pituitary hormone deficiency and pituitary imaging should be considered as a part of surveillance in patients with BORSD.

Effect of Acute and Prolonged Inflammation on the Gene Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines and Their Receptors in the Anterior Pituitary Gland of Ewes.

An acute and prolonged inflammation inhibits the reproduction process by the disruption of the neurohormonal activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. It is thought that these changes may be caused by proinflammatory cytokines, i.e., interleukin (IL) -1ß, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) α. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of an acute and prolonged inflammation on the expression of genes encoding cytokine and their receptors, gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor (GnRHR), beta subunits of luteinizing hormone (LHß) and follicle-stimulating (FSHß) in the anterior pituitary (AP). Moreover, the circulating concentration of LH and FSH was also assayed. Two experiments were carried out on adult ewes which were divided into two control groups and treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 400 ng / kg). Acute inflammation was caused by a single injection of LPS into the external jugular vein, while the chronic inflammation was induced by seven times LPS injection (one a day). In both experiments, animals were euthanized 3h after the last LPS / NaCl injection and the blood samples collected 15 min before euthanasia. An acute inflammation stimulates the expression of the IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNFα genes and their receptors in the AP of sheep. Prolonged inflammation increased TNFα gene expression and both types of TNFα and IL-6 receptors. Both an acute and prolonged inflammation inhibited LHß gene expression in the AP and reduced LH level in blood. A sevenfold LPS injection raises FSH concentration. The gene expression of GnRHR was reduced in the ovine AP only after a single injection of endotoxin. Our results suggest that there are important differences in the way how an acute and prolonged inflammation influence proinflammatory cytokines and their receptors gene expression in the AP of anestrous ewes, which could be reflected by differences in the AP secretory activity during these states.

Central diabetes insipidus and pituitary stalk thickening in adults: distinction of neoplastic from non-neoplastic lesions.

CONTEXT: Association of central diabetes insipidus (CDI) and pituitary stalk thickening (PST) may have several etiologies (including malignancies) and differential diagnosis remains often difficult. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify which clinical, biochemical or radiological features could help clinicians to make an etiological diagnosis, especially distinguishing neoplastic from non-neoplastic pituitary stalk lesions. DESIGNS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed clinical, biochemical, radiological and histological data of 38 adult patients diagnosed with CDI and PST of proven etiology. RESULTS: Of the 38 pituitary stalk lesions included, 11 (29%) were neoplastic. A histopathological diagnosis was obtained in 22/38 (58%) patients. The three most frequently observed etiologies of PST were neuroinfundibulitis (34%), germinoma (21%) and histiocytosis (18%). Pituitary stalk thickness was larger for neoplastic lesions, particularly germinomas. Male gender and a very young age were statistically associated with a risk of germinoma. At least one anterior pituitary deficit was observed in nearly 60% of patients. Patients with neoplastic PST were more affected by multiple anterior pituitary dysfunction than patients with benign PST. A high serum prolactin level was individually the best predictor of a neoplastic origin (90% sensitivity and 60% specificity for a serum prolactin level 1.27-fold above the normal upper limit (ULN)). CONCLUSION: We confirm a relatively high risk of malignancy in adult patients presenting with the association of CDI and PST. Young age, male gender, a very large thickening of the stalk, multiple anterior pituitary deficits and prolactin above 1.3× ULN increase the likelihood of a neoplastic origin.

Tumores adenohipofisarios agresivos: Reto diagnóstico y terapéutico para las Unidades Multidisciplinares de Excelencia en Patología Hipofisaria / Agressive pituitary tumours: a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for multidisciplinary pituitary units

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Linkage between growth retardation and pituitary cell morphology in a dystrophin-deficient pig model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

OBJECTIVE: Human patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) commonly exhibit a short stature, but the pathogenesis of this growth retardation is not completely understood. Due to the suspected involvement of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (GH/IGF1) system, controversial therapeutic approaches have been developed, including both GH- administration, as well as GH-inhibition. In the present study, we examined relevant histomorphological and ultrastructural features of adenohypophyseal GH-producing somatotroph cells in a porcine DMD model. METHODS: The numbers and volumes of immunohistochemically labelled somatotroph cells were determined in consecutive semi-thin sections of plastic resin embedded adenohypophyseal tissue samples using unbiased state-of-the-art quantitative stereological analysis methods. RESULTS: DMD pigs displayed a significant growth retardation, accounting for a 55% reduction of body weight, accompanied by a significant 50% reduction of the number of somatotroph cells, as compared to controls. However, the mean volumes of somatotroph cells and the volume of GH-granules per cell were not altered. Western blot analyses of the adenohypophyseal protein samples showed no differences in the relative adenohypophyseal GH-abundance between DMD pigs and controls. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study do not provide evidence for involvement of somatotroph cells in the pathogenesis of growth retardation of DMD pigs. These results are in contrast with previous findings in other dystrophin-deficient animal models, such as the golden retriever model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, where increased mean somatotroph cell volumes and elevated volumes of intracellular GH-granules were reported and associated with DMD-related growth retardation. Possible reasons for the differences of somatotroph morphology observed in different DMD models are discussed.

A Novel Missense Mutation in Human Receptor Roundabout-1 (ROBO1) Gene Associated with Pituitary Stalk Interruption Syndrome

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS) is characterized by the association of an absent or thin pituitary stalk, an absent or hypoplastic anterior pituitary lobe and an ectopic posterior pituitary (EPP) lobe. The causes of this anatomical defect include both genetic and environmental factors. Molecular genetic defects have been indentified in a small number of patients with PSIS. A 4-year-old boy presented with hypoglycemia and hyponatremia associated with growth hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone deficiencies. The patient had right sided strabismus. magnetic resonance imaging images showed pituitary hypoplasia, EPP and absent pituitary stalk. A novel Receptor Roundabout-1 (ROBO1) missense mutation (c.1690C>T, p.Pro564Ser) that may contribute to the disorder was found in this patient and his mother, who also exhibited pituitary abnormalities.

Sellar Xanthogranuloma: A Quest Based on Nine Cases Assessed with an Anterior Pituitary Provocation Test.

BACKGROUND: Xanthogranuloma is a chronic inflammatory mass characterized by cholesterol crystal deposition, which is rarely seen in the sellar region. The objective of this study is to identify the clinical features and cause of sellar xanthogranulomas. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed manifestation, radiographic, and endocrinologic presentation in 9 patients (7 women and 2 men) whom we had previously treated. RESULTS: The patients were between 26 and 73 years of age (median, 56 years). The chief symptoms were visual symptoms in 3, polyuria in 3, headache in 4, and tiredness in 4 patients. Perimetry found visual field deficit in 6 patients. Anterior pituitary provocation tests disclosed impairment of ≥1 hormone in all patients: growth hormone in 8 patients and adrenocorticotropic hormone-cortisol axis in 8 patients. The lesions were suprasellar in 2 patients, intrasellar in 2 patients, and intrasuprasellar region in 5 patients. Three of the lesions were solid and 6 were single cystic to multicystic. Very low intensity area on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging was observed in 4 lesions. Postcontrast study performed in 7 lesions showed enhancement in solid parts or cyst walls. Surgical decompression improved visual disturbance in half of the patients but rarely improved hormonal deficits. Follow-up (median, 47 months) found no recurrence of the lesion. In addition to these 9 cases, we found 2 xanthogranulomatous lesions pathologically associated with ciliated epithelia, which also presented with severe hypopituitarism. CONCLUSIONS: Xanthogranuloma seems to be the last stage of the chronic inflammation affecting Rathke cleft cyst or craniopharyngioma presenting with severe anterior pituitary insufficiency.

Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency Caused by a Synonymous HESX1 Gene Mutation.

CONTEXT: Mutations in the HESX1 gene can give rise to complex phenotypes that involve variable pituitary hormone deficiencies and other developmental defects. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 14-year-old boy presented with short stature and delayed puberty and received a diagnosis of GH deficiency, central hypothyroidism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and secondary adrenal insufficiency. He had anterior pituitary hypoplasia, ectopic posterior pituitary, and an interrupted pituitary stalk. Genetic studies uncovered a heterozygous variant in exon 2 of the HESX1 gene (c.219C>T; p.Ser73Ser). This single base change was predicted to be synonymous at the translational level but was shown to cause skipping of exon 2 in the RNA transcript. CONCLUSIONS: This study of a patient with combined pituitary hormone deficiency revealed an unusual synonymous mutation of the HESX1 gene leading to abnormal RNA processing and indicates the importance of investigating silent variants that at first glance appear to be benign.

Increased cell number with reduced nitric oxide level and augmented superoxide dismutase activity in the anterior-pituitary region of young suicide completers.

Suicidal behavior is a complex human behavior and current data suggests that suicide is an increasing cause of death among young people. The neurobiology of suicide is unknown and data investigating the role of the pituitary in suicidal behavior is scarce. Imaging data suggests that this gland increases in size in patients with major depression and recent data implicates hyperactivity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis in suicidal behavior. In this study, we evaluate the size and number of cells as well as markers related to oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation of the anterior and posterior sections of the pituitary gland of male suicide completers. Stereological analysis is used to quantify the total cell number in anterior- and posterior-pituitary regions. We examined nitric oxide (NO) levels, Zinc (Zn) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, 4-hydroxy-alkenals (4-HDA), malondialdehyde (MDA) and metallothioneins (MTs). Our results indicate that the anterior-pituitary region of suicide completers exhibits increased weight, likely due to an enhanced number of cells compared to the control group. In addition, we found a reduction of NO levels with higher SOD activity in the anterior-pituitary region of suicide victims. No changes in Zn, MDA, MTs, 4-HDA or MDA were observed in tissue of suicide completers compared to the control group. This study demonstrates that there is an increased number of cells, with an imbalance in oxidative stress without a process of lipid peroxidation in the anterior-pituitary region of young male suicide completers.

Clinical and Pathological Aspects of Silent Pituitary Adenomas.

CONTEXT: Silent pituitary adenomas are anterior pituitary tumors with hormone synthesis but without signs or symptoms of hormone hypersecretion. They have been increasingly recognized and represent challenging diagnostic issues. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A comprehensive literature search was performed using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from January 2000 to March 2018 with the following key words: (i) pituitary adenoma/tumor and nonfunctioning; or (ii) pituitary adenoma/tumor and silent. All titles and abstracts of the retrieved articles were reviewed, and recent advances in the field of silent pituitary adenomas were summarized. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The clinical and biochemical picture of pituitary adenomas reflects a continuum between functional and silent adenomas. Although some adenomas are truly silent, others will show some evidence of biochemical hypersecretion or could have subtle clinical signs and, therefore, can be referred to as clinically silent or "whispering" adenomas. Silent tumors seem to be more aggressive than their secreting counterparts, with a greater recurrence rate. Transcription factors for pituitary cell lineages have been introduced into the 2017 World Health Organization guidelines: steroidogenic factor 1 staining for gonadotroph lineage; PIT1 (pituitary-specific positive transcription factor 1) for growth hormone, prolactin, and TSH lineage, and TPIT for the corticotroph lineage. Prospective studies applying these criteria will establish the value of the new classification. CONCLUSIONS: A concise review of the clinical and pathological aspects of silent pituitary adenomas was conducted in view of the new World Health Organization classification of pituitary adenomas. New classifications, novel prognostics markers, and emerging imaging and therapeutic approaches need to be evaluated to better serve this unique group of patients.

Ca2+ Channels in Anterior Pituitary Somatotrophs: A Therapeutic Perspective.

Ca2+ influx through voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs) plays a key role in GH secretion. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the physiology and molecular machinery of VGCCs in pituitary somatotrophs. We next discuss the possible involvement of Ca2+ channelopathies in pituitary disease and the potential use of Ca2+ channel blockers to treat pituitary disease. Various types of VGCCs exist in pituitary cells. However, because L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) contribute the major component to Ca2+ influx in somatotrophs, lactotrophs, and corticotrophs, we focused on these channels. An increasing number of studies in recent years have linked genetic missense mutations in LTCCs to diseases of the human cardiovascular, nervous, and endocrine systems. These disease-associated genetic mutations occur at homologous functional positions (activation gates) in LTCCs. Thus, it is plausible that similar homologous missense mutations in pituitary LTCCs can cause abnormal hormone secretion and underlying pituitary disorders. The existence of LTCCs in pituitary cells opens questions about their sensitivity to dihydropyridines, a group of selective LTCC blockers. The dihydropyridine sensitivity of pituitary cells, as with any other excitable cell, depends primarily on two parameters: the pattern of their electrical activity and the dihydropyridine sensitivity of their LTCC isoforms. These two parameters are discussed in detail in relation to somatotrophs. These discussions are also relevant to lactotrophs and corticotrophs. High dihydropyridine sensitivity may facilitate their use as drugs to treat pituitary oversecretion disorders such as acromegaly, hyperprolactinemia, and Cushing disease.

Tumores hipofisarios, casuística de Anatomía Patológica / Pituitary tumors: anatomopathological reports

This study examines a description of pituitary tumors considering an anatomopathological casuistic. The study of the tumors of the Central Nervous System (CNS) include the pituitary gland, located in the sella turcica. The pathology of the sellar region is represented by the adenomas, tumors of slow development with or without endocrine secretion, that usually involve the population of young adults. The aim of this report, was to describe the casuistic of the " J. Fernandez Hospital" between the years 2000 through 2017. A retrospective review was performed and 234 samples of the sellar region were processed. Mean age was 42 years with a range of 17 to 77 years. Sex distribution was 57% women and 43 % men. Of these, 77% of the cases resulted adenomas. The conclusions obtained in the study are detailed.

Ganglioglioma of the adenohypophysis mimicking pituitary adenoma: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Ganglioglioma is a generally benign tumor, mostly occurring in patients <30 years old. Temporal lobe is most frequently involved. Up to now, only 3 cases were reported of ganglioglioma in the pituitary gland, all being confined to the neurohypophysis. Here, we are the first to report an adenohypophysis ganglioglioma. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old woman presented with chronic headache was referred to our hospital. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicated pituitary adenoma. Endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal surgery was performed. The tumor was rich in blood supply, with tough texture, therefore only subtotal resection was conducted. Pathology analysis revealed an adenohypophysial tumor composed of dysplastic ganglion cells and neoplastic glial cells collided with nonspecific hyperplasia of pituitary cells. Immunohistochemistry revealed positive staining of synaptophysin, glial-fibrillary acidic protein, and CD34. The results were consistent with the diagnosis of ganglioglioma. After the surgery the patient recovered well except developing cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, which was controlled by lumbar drainage. MRI 6 months later did not show any sign of progression. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of our case, concerns should be raised considering ganglioglioma as a differential diagnosis of mass located in the sellar region. Furthermore, an ideal management strategy for pituitary ganglioglioma is not known; therefore, more cases and long-term follow-up are needed to enrich our knowledge of the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of this rare intracranial lesion.

Premature Expression of FOXO1 in Developing Mouse Pituitary Results in Anterior Lobe Hypoplasia.

The process by which the somatotrope lineage emerges in the developing pituitary is regulated by the activity of specific signaling and transcription factors expressed during development. We set out to understand the contribution of FOXO1 to that process by using a mouse model in which FOXO1 is prematurely expressed in the pituitary primordium. Expression of FOXO1 in the oral ectoderm as early as embryonic day (e)9.5 resulted in pituitary gland hypoplasia and reduced expression of anterior lobe hormone transcripts at e18.5. Of note, the relative numbers of somatotropes and thyrotropes were also decreased at e18.5. LHX3 and PITX2, markers of pituitary identity, were present in a reduced number of cells during the formation of the Rathke pouch. Thus, premature expression of FOXO1 may affect adoption of pituitary identity during differentiation. Our results demonstrate that the timing of FOXO1 activation affects its role in pituitary gland organogenesis and somatotrope differentiation.

Histopathologic Findings in Canine Pituitary Glands.

To optimize the histologic evaluation of hypophysectomy specimens, sections of 207 canine pituitary glands (196 postmortem, 11 hypophysectomy specimens) were reviewed. Adenohypophyseal proliferation was the most common (n = 79) lesion. Proliferative lesions were sparsely to densely granulated; the granules were usually basophilic to chromophobic and periodic acid-Schiff-positive. Adenohypophyseal proliferation was classified as hyperplasia (n = 40) if ≤2 mm diameter with intact reticulin network, as microadenoma (n = 22) for 1-5 mm homogeneous nodules with lost reticulin network, or as macroadenoma (n = 17) for larger tumors. Craniopharyngeal duct cysts were common incidental lesions and the only lesion in 15 dogs. Uncommon diagnoses included lymphoma (n = 4), hemorrhagic necrosis (n = 4), metastatic carcinoma (n = 3), hypophysitis (n = 3), ependymoma (n = 2), craniopharyngioma (n = 2), and 1 case each of metastatic melanoma, pituicytoma, gliomatosis, germ cell tumor, meningioma, and atrophy. The pituitary histologic diagnosis was associated with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC; P < .001) and adrenocortical histologic diagnosis ( P = .025). Both HAC and adrenocortical hyperplasia showed a positive trend with the degree of adenohypophyseal proliferation. The association of adrenocortical hyperplasia with HAC was not significant ( P = .077). Dogs with adenohypophyseal proliferations were older than dogs with normal pituitary glands ( P < .05). Brachycephalic breeds were overrepresented among dogs with pituitary macroadenoma or craniopharyngeal duct cysts, but the association was not statistically significant ( P = .076). Adenohypophyseal hyperplasia was more common than adenoma among postmortem specimens, but was unexpected in >80% of cases. Pituitary macroadenoma was the most common diagnosis in hypophysectomy specimens.

Nintedanib effects on delaying cancer progression and decreasing COX-2 and IL-17 in the prostate anterior lobe in TRAMP mice.

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in men around the world. Due to its high incidence, new therapies have been evaluated, including drugs capable of inhibiting the FGF/VEGF pathways, as Nintedanib. The aim herein was to evaluate the Nintedanib therapeutic effects on morphology and COX-2 and IL-17 levels in the prostate anterior lobe in different grades of the tumor progression in TRAMP mice. Animals were treated with Nintedanib at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day in initial and intermediate grades of tumor development. At the end of treatment, the prostate anterior lobe was collected and submitted to morphological, immunohistochemical and Western Blotting analyses. The results showed that Nintedanib delayed the prostate carcinogenesis progression, with over 20% of reduction in frequency of tissue injuries, particularly in the group treated from 12 to 16 weeks of age. Also, decreased COX-2 and IL-17 levels were observed in both groups treated with Nintedanib in the prostate anterior lobe. Thus, we concluded that Nintedanib was effective in delaying tumor progression and, despite not directly acting on inflammation, Nintedanib may adversely affect inflammatory pathways, favoring prostate cancer delay.