Ghrelin and Leptin Concentrations in Patients after SARS-CoV2 Infection.

SARS-CoV2 infection can lead to severe cytokine storm especially in obese patients. Ghrelin acts not only as an appetite regulator but can also play a key role in the immune reaction. Leptin, secreted mainly by the white adipose tissue, can act as a pro-inflammatory cytokine. The crucial question is whether or not the cytokine storm in COVID-19 patients with obesity is linked to adipokine dysregulation. The aim of this study was to assess ghrelin and leptin concentrations in patients 6 months after SARS-CoV2 infection in comparison to a control group considering the influence of sex. The study group included 53 patients with a history of COVID-19 and 87 healthy subjects in the control group. Leptin and ghrelin concentrations as well as hormonal and biochemical parameters were measured. A significantly higher ghrelin concentration was observed in the COVID-19 group in comparison to the control group, with a statistically significant impact of sex on the relationship between COVID-19 and ghrelin concentration, which was lower in the males. No statistically significant differences in leptin concentration were observed between the groups. A significant negative correlation was observed between ghrelin and testosterone and morning cortisol levels in the COVID-19 group. The current study showed that ghrelin levels were significantly higher in patients 6 months after a mild course of SARS-CoV2 infection. To confirm the hypothetical protective role of ghrelin in the inflammatory process, it would be necessary to compare serum ghrelin levels between patients after mild and severe courses of COVID-19. Due to the small sample size and the lack of patients with a severe course of COVID-19, these observations need further investigation. There were no differences in leptin concentrations between the COVID-19 patients and the control group.

Trabecular bone score and sclerostin concentrations in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency.

Background: Patients with primary adrenal insufficiency need lifelong replacement therapy with glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, which may influence their bone quality. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate densitometry parameters, trabecular bone score and sclerostin concentrations in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency in comparison to control group. Materials and methods: We included 29 patients (62% females) with diagnose of autoimmune primary adrenal insufficiency (mean age 49.7 ± 11.7 years, mean duration of the disease 13.2± 13.6 years) and 33 healthy subjects (adjusted with age, sex and body mass index). Bone mineral density at the femoral neck, lumbar spine, total body and trabecular bone score were evaluated. Serum sclerostin concentrations were measured. Results: There were no significant differences in densitometry parameters (T-score, Z-score, bone mineral density in all locations) as well as in trabecular bone score in patients with adrenal insufficiency in comparison to control group. Mean serum sclerostin concentration was significantly higher in patients with adrenal insufficiency than in control group (44.7 ± 23.5 vs 30.7 ± 10.4 pmol/l, p=0.006). There was a negative correlation between trabecular bone score and the duration of adrenal insufficiency and age, also a negative correlation between femoral neck and total densitometry parameters and 24-hour urine cortisol as a marker of hydrocortisone daily dose in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Conclusions: The bone status in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency was not impaired in comparison to control group, while sclerostin concentration was higher. The duration of the disease and higher hydrocortisone doses may affect negatively bone status.

Trabecular Bone Score and Osteoprotegerin as Useful Tools in the Assessment of Bone Deterioration in Acromegaly.

Purpose: This study aimed to assess bone mineral density (BMD) and trabecular bone score (TBS) in 61 patients from the acromegaly group (AG) with regard to the activity of the disease in comparison to 42 patients-control group (CG). We also analyzed selected bone markers and their association with BMD and TBS. Materials and Methods: Lumbar spine and femoral neck BMD measurements were performed. TBS values were obtained. Serum concentrations of selected bone markers, including osteoprotegerin (OPG), were measured. Results: We revealed a difference in TBS values between the AG and CG as well as between the TCA (treatment-controlled acromegaly) vs. CG and TCA+CA (cured acromegaly) vs. CG. We did not observe any statistically significant difference in BMD. OPG had a lower concentration in the CG compared to the AG. TBS correlated negatively with OPG in the AG (r = -0.31, p = 0.01) and in the TCA+ CA group (r = -0.3, p = 0.01). Conclusions: The acromegalic patients have altered bone microstructure as indicated by the decreased TBS regardless of the activity of the disease and BMD. OPG could be a marker of the destruction of the bone microstructure, but further studies are needed.

Surgical implications of recent modalities for parathyroid imaging.

Clinical or subclinical primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in the world. Parathyroidectomy is the treatment of choice in symptomatic patients, stabilizing the progression of complications caused by the destruction activity of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Parathyroid surgical techniques have evolved over the years from bilateral neck exploration, to minimally invasive single parathyroid gland exploration, to minimally invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy. Localization of the abnormal parathyroid gland before surgery is crucial for the operation to be effective. Increased incidences of reoperations of the parathyroid glands and the rapid development of minimally invasive methods led to the development of new localization techniques. The noninvasive studies include ultrasound (US), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) and 99mTc-methoxyisobutylisonitrile (MIBI) scintigraphy combined with single-photon emission CT (SPECT/CT). Among the latest technologies, the four-dimensional (4D)-CT scan, positron emission tomography (PET)/CT and PET/MR are very promising, and are going to have surgical implications in the future.

Decreased Trabecular Bone Score in Patients With Active Endogenous Cushing's Syndrome.

Introduction: The impairment in bone microarchitecture and reduced bone quality are relevant mechanisms underlying the increased fracture risk in Cushing's syndrome (CS). The trabecular bone score (TBS) is a relatively novel textural index of bone microarchitecture. Purpose: The objective of the study was to compare TBS, bone mineral density (BMD), and fracture risk in patients with endogenous CS to controls. We have investigated the association of TBS with anthropometric parameters and 25(OH) vitamin D concentrations. Materials and Methods: The study group comprised 19 consecutive patients with CS (14 women and 5 men; mean age 45.84 ± 13.15 years) and sex-, age-matched 36 controls (25 women and men; mean age 52.47 ± 8.98 years). Anthropometric parameters, biochemical and hormonal data were compared between groups. Lumbar spine (L1-L4) and femoral neck BMD (LS BMD, FN BMD) measurements were performed. TBS values were obtained from lumbar spine DXA images. Results: TBS was significantly lower in patients with CS compared to controls (p = 0.0002). The 10-year probability of hip fracture and the 10-year probability of a major osteoporotic fracture were significantly higher in the CS group than in controls (p = 0.03, p < 0.0001, respectively). All subjects from the CS group with fractures had low TBS value (degraded microarchitecture). TBS correlated negatively with the duration of disease in patients with CS (r = -0.590 p = 0.008). Conclusions: The patients with active CS have altered bone microstructure as indicated by the decreased TBS and are at higher risk of hip and a major osteoporotic fractures. TBS seems to be a very important analytical tool facilitating fracture risk assessment in endogenous hypercortisolism.

Quantitative Ultrasound at the Hand Phalanges in Adolescent Girls is Related to Their Overall Physical Fitness.

BACKGROUND: Growing of the skeleton, depends on genetic, health, nutritional and environmental influences. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess the ultrasound properties of bone measured at hand phalanges in adolescent girls regarding the influence of pubertal status and level of physical fitness. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group was 56 adolescent girls aged 12-14 yrs, the controls were 86 girls matched for age, recruited from 1256 subjects undergoing bone measurement for screening purposes. The skeletal status (amplitude-dependent speed of sound - Ad-SoS) was assessed by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at proximal phalanges using DBM Sonic 1200. Physical fitness was assessed by the Zuchora index and pubertal development by the Tanner scale. RESULTS: The adolescent girls from our study group had greater body weight, height, BMI and Ad-SoS values than the controls. Overall physical fitness was highest in girls with the lowest BMI and lowest in girls with the highest BMI values. The highest results of the Ad-SoS were reported in girls presenting highest level of physical fitness. They were statistically significantly higher than in girls with a minimal level of physical fitness. There was a statistically significant correlation between the overall physical fitness score and Ad-SoS results. No correlations between Ad-SoS and the Tanner scale, particular the elements of physical fitness (speed, jumping ability, flexibility, shoulder muscular strength, abdominal muscle strength) and BMI were shown. CONCLUSIONS: The bone properties assessed by QUS at the hand phalanges in adolescent girls aged 12-14 years depend on their overall physical fitness. Pubertal development, body size and particular elements of physical fitness, especially shoulder muscular strength, have limited influence.

Interesting coincidence of atypical TSH-secreting pituitary adenoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Thyrotropin-secreting adenomas (TSH-oma) are very rare pituitary tumours. They are macroadenomas usually presenting with signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and mass effects. They can co-secrete other hormones such as growth hormone or prolactin. Different malignancies, including haematological ones, are reported in patients with pituitary diseases. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) occurs mostly in older patients, more often in males. CLL is associated with increased risk of second malignancies such as other blood neoplasms, skin and solid tumours. We present a successful neurosurgical outcome in a patient with an interesting coincidence of atypical TSH-oma and asymptomatic CLL.

Quantitative ultrasound at the hand phalanges in adolescent boys in relation to their pubertal development and physical efficiency.

INTRODUCTION: Our aim was to assess the ultrasound properties of bone measured at hand phalanges in 55 adolescent boys aged 13-15 years regarding the influence of pubertal status and level of physical efficiency including muscular strength. MATERIAL AND METHODS: They were divided into two age groups: Group I (n = 37, boys aged 159-171 months) and Group II (n = 18, aged 172-184 months). The controls were 94 boys matched for age, recruited from 1,256 subjects undergoing bone measurement for screening purposes. The skeletal status (amplitude-dependent speed of sound - Ad-SoS) was assessed by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) at proximal phalanges with the use of DBM Sonic 1200. Physical efficiency was assessed using Zuchora's test, and pubertal development by Tanner's score. RESULTS: There was no difference in mean Ad-SoS between the entire study group and controls. Ad-SoS values were greater in older than in younger boys, both in right and left hands. There were no differences between left and right hand measurements. There were positive correlations between Ad-SoS and shoulder muscle strength in boys. Negative correlations between Ad-SoS at phalanges of right and left hand and BMI were shown in younger adolescent boys only. Similarly, only in the younger group were positive correlations present between both hands Ad-SoS and overall physical efficiency and age. Ad-SoS correlated positively better with Tanner's scale scoring in the older group. CONCLUSION: QUS at hand phalanges in adolescent boys aged 13-15 years depends on pubertal development and shoulder muscle strength. The overall physical efficiency has limited influence on bone properties assessed by QUS.

The influence of other than prolactin hormones on bone mineral density in women with hyperprolactinaemia of various origins.

OBJECTIVE: Hyperprolactinaemia may lead to bone loss, both due to hypogonadism and other hormonal disturbances. Aim of the case-control study was the analysis of influences of hormonal profiles associated with hyperprolactinaemia on the bone mineral density (BMD) in women with hyperprolactinaemia of various origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The subjects were 32 patients with prolactinoma, 43 ones with functional hyperprolactinaemia and 29 healthy controls. All of them were studied for BMD (lumbar spine, proximal femur, forearm, total body) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and their correlations with hormones levels (prolactin, oestradiol, luteinising hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S), insulin-like growth factor-1 and intact parathyroid hormone) using Spearman correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis model. RESULTS: Correlation analysis revealed the anabolic influence of PTH on lumbar spine in women with prolactinoma, and on ultradistal radius in functional hyperprolactinaemia. In multiple regression analysis, oestradiol had greatest influence on lumbar spine and total body BMD. Moreover, positive influence of testosterone, SHBG on spine BMD, and of oestradiol, testosterone, SHBG and DHEA-S on total body BMD were observed in patients with prolactinoma. CONCLUSION: Hormonal disturbances associated with hyperprolactinaemia influence BMD more in patients with prolactinoma than in ones with functional hyperprolactinaemia.

Long-term survival and nearly asymptomatic course of carcinoid tumour with multiple metastases (treated by surgery, chemotherapy, (90)Y-DOTATATE, and LAR octreotide analogue): a case report.

Carcinoids are the most common neuroendocrine tumours. They are usually slowly growing, located in the small intestine, secrete serotonin, and are characterized by long survival of patients, so prognosis is generally good. The most frequently encountered clinical presentations of carcinoids are intermittent abdominal pain and carcinoid syndrome (diarrhoea and flushing). Metastases worsen the prognosis and limit the survival of the patients. We report a case of carcinoid tumour with primary focus in the ileum, with an appendix infiltration, in a thirty-two-year-old woman with acute appendicitis symptoms only. Carcinoid was diagnosed postoperatively by histopathological examination. Nowadays, twenty-five years after the surgery, there is evidence of nearly asymptomatic numerous metastases. Only intermittent abdominal pain for about 1-2 years was reported. Partial metastases resection was performed, followed by chemotherapy, (90)Y-DOTATATE and then long-acting release octreotide analogue therapy. In the meantime, severe chronic heart failure (NYHA IV) due to tricuspid combined valvular heart disease and pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed. Combined therapy, typical for chronic heart failure, together with long-acting octreotide analogue highly improved the patient's heart sufficiency and reduced carcinoid syndrome symptoms. The only adverse events of octreotide therapy were hyperbilirubinaemia and itching. Long-term survival is typical for carcinoids, but 30-years survival has not been described in the literature yet.

[Pheochromocytoma in 8-year observation at a single endocrinological center in Wroclaw]. / Guz choromochlonny w 8-letniej obserwacji akademickiego osrodka endokynologicznego we Wroclawiu

INTRODUCTION: Pheochromocytoma is rare tumor with a highly variable clinical presentation. This report provides clinical picture, efficiency of diagnostics and treatment of pheochromocytoma in 8-years in the endocrinological center in Wroclaw. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The records of 37 patients with pheochromocytoma were identified, who were treated in 2000-2007 in the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Isotope Treatment in Wroclaw. There were 23 women (age 23-75 year) and 14 men (age 17-74). We studied frequency of clinical signs, usefulness of diagnostic methods and efficacy of treatment. RESULTS: The duration of the clinical history ranged from 2 months to 16 years. The most frequent symptoms were: hypertension paroxysmal and constant, palpitations, headache, sweating and anxiety. The most sensitive diagnostic method was increased concentration of urinary metanephrine in 24-hour urine. Computed tomography was the most widely used method for tumor localization. Adrenal pheochromocytoma was detecting by CT in all patients, predominated in right adrenal, in 1 case in urinary bladder. Surgery caused remission of hypertension in 59%, improvement in 26.8%, and no changes in 13.9% of patients. Malignancy was reported in 2 cases, 1 woman died after surgery. MEN 2A occur in 21.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis of pheochromocytma is usually made after long duration of the disease. The study confirms that clinical presentation of pheochromocytoma is variable and nonspecific, this finding makes the diagnosis very difficult. The most typical symptom is paroxysmal hypertension, which is present only in 40%, other symptoms are nonspecific. The measurement of 24-hour urinary metanephrines was the best indicator. CT was almost always successful in localizing the tumor. Patients with pheochromocytoma should be consider for other endocrine diseases especially medullary carcinoma, primary hyperparathyroidism and other component of MEN 2A.

The role of cyclase activating (CAP) and cyclase inhibiting (CIP) parathormone fractions in the assessment of bone metabolism disturbances in women with hyperprolactinemia of various origin.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperprolactinemia could be one of possible causes of bone loss. The reason is thought to be connected with hypogonadism due to PRL excess and the role of other hormones like PTH and PTH-rP. There is no data on the influence of PTH fractions (CAP and CIP) on bone turnover and density in hyperprolactinemia. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of PTH and its fractions on bone metabolism in hyperprolactinemia of various origin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 75 women. Group I consisted of 32 women with prolactinoma, group II consisted of 43 women with functional hyperprolactinemia. Both groups were subdivided in patients with hypogonadism and normal gonadal function. The control group consisted of 29 healthy women. In all subjects PRL, PTH and its fractions (CAP, CIP), and bone turnover markers (BAP, ICTP) were studied. BMD measurement was carried out using DXA. RESULTS: In patients with functional hyperprolactinemia i-PTH and CAP levels were lower than in controls. CIP concentrations were lower in patients than in controls. CAP/CIP ratio was higher in patients with prolactinoma than in patients with functional hyperprolactinemia and controls. Higher values of bone turnover markers (BAP, ICTP) in patients groups and subgroups were shown as compared to controls. Some correlations between PTH and its fractions, and BMD and bone turnover were observed. CONCLUSIONS: There is no direct benefit from the assessment of parathormone fractions and CAP/CIP ratio in the prognosis of bone metabolism changes in hyperprolactinemia of various origin.

Bone mineral density and bone turnover in hyperprolactinaemia of various origins.

INTRODUCTION: Osteopenia and osteoporosis because of hyperprolactinaemia caused by prolactinoma may be followed by an increased risk of fracture. There are no data on the bone effects of functional hyperprolactinaemia. The aim was to assess the influence of hyperprolactinaemia of various origins on bone turnover and density in different skeletal sites. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was carried out in 75 women (aged 30.53 +/- 7.8): Group I--32 women with prolactinoma and Group II--43 women with functional hyperprolactinaemia. Both groups of patients were subdivided into those with hypogonadism and those with normal gonadal function. The control group consisted of 29 healthy women aged (33.59 +/- 4.7). In all subjects PRL and bone turnover markers (BAP, OC, ICTP) were studied. BMD measurements (lumbar spine, forearm, proximal femur and total body) were carried out using DXA. RESULTS: Higher PRL concentrations were observed in patients than in controls. The values of bone turnover markers (BAP, ICTP) were shown to be higher in patient groups and subgroups than in controls. In patients with prolactinoma lumbar spine BMD was lower than in patients with functional hyperprolactinaemia and controls. Total body BMD was also lower, albeit to a lesser extent. CONCLUSIONS: Hyperprolactinaemia caused by prolactinoma in women influences bone metabolism unfavourably, more by the impact on the activity of bone turnover markers than on BMD. This provides an opportunity for earlier assessment of bone metabolism disturbances before the BMD changes can be observed. Functional hyperprolactinaemia does not determine such a harmful effect on bone metabolism as hyperprolactinemia due to prolactinoma.