Low estradiol-to-testosterone ratio is associated with oligo-anovulatory cycles and atherogenic lipidic pattern in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

The estradiol-to-testosterone (E2/T) ratio has been investigated in different diseases but few in vivo data are available with regard to its role in women with ovary syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the E2/T ratio in the ovulatory function and metabolic pattern in such women.We retrospectively evaluated hyperandrogenemia, clinical hyperandrogenism, ovarian morphology, hypothalamo-hypophyseal axis and metabolic syndrome parameters in a cohort of 202 consecutive women affected by PCOS. An oral glucose tolerance test measured areas under the curve for insulin (AUC(2hIRI)), for glucose (AUC(2hglucose)), and the HOMA-IR and Matsuda index of insulin resistance we…

Un raro caso di sindrome ipoglicemica ipoinsulinemica: S. di Doege-Potter (SDP)

Difficoltà di identificazione della sindrome MEN2B ad esordio infantile: iter diagnostico.

Functional and molecular charecterizzation of cancer stam cells in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

Visual evoked potentials in insulin-dependent diabetics

The latency of pattern-reversal VEPs was studied in type I insulin-dependent diabetics without retinal and extraocular involvement. One hundred eyes of 50 diabetics (mean age 19.8 +/- 7.2 years) formed the study group; the duration of the disease ranged between 1 month and 15 years. The latencies of VEPs were progressively delayed in relation to the duration of the disease, becoming more and more evident and stabilizing after about 6 years from the onset of diabetes. The VEP alterations probably indicate alteration of membrane balance or demyelinization.

Adrenal incidentaloma: a new contributing factor in metabolic syndrome

Visceral adiposity index is associated with significant fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35: 238–247 Summary Background  Metabolic factors have been associated with liver damage in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Aims  To test a new marker of adipose dysfunction, the visceral adiposity index (VAI), in NAFLD patients to assess whether or not it is associated with host factors, and to investigate a potential correlation with histological findings. Methods  One hundred and forty-two consecutive NAFLD patients were evaluated by liver biopsy, and clinical and metabolic measurements, including insulin resistance with the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), and VAI by using waist circumference, body mass index, triglycerides and H…

Analysis of T-Lymphocyte Subsets After Phytohemagglutinin Stimulation in Normal and Type 1 Diabetic Mothers and Their Infants

Our aim was to investigate the immunological status of diabetic pregnancy, which is an overlap of diabetic immunity abnormalities and the immunological modifications normally occurring during pregnancy. METHOD: We studied lymphocyte subpopulations and lymphokine production, after 96 h of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulation, from normal and Type I diabetic pregnant women at delivery time and from the respective cord blood. RESULTS: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from both normal and Type I diabetic mothers showed an increase in CD8+ and a decrease in CD4+ cells compared to the respective cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMC). Moreover, Type I PBMC showed a lower number of “activate…

Resistin, visfatin, leptin and omentin are differently related to hormonal and metabolic parameters in growth hormone-deficient children

PURPOSE: The effect of growth hormone (GH) on adipose tissue and the role of adipokines in modulating metabolism are documented, but with discordant data. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of GH treatment on a series of selected adipokines known to have a metabolic role and poorly investigated in this setting. METHODS: This is a prospective study. Thirty-one prepubertal children (25 M, 6 F; aged 8.5 ± 1.6 years) with isolated GH deficiency treated with GH for at least 12 months and 30 matched controls were evaluated. Auxological and metabolic parameters, insulin sensitivity indexes, leptin, soluble leptin receptor, adiponectin, visfatin, resistin, omentin, adipocyte fatty acid-binding prot…

THE CLINICAL ACTIVITY SCORE IN MANAGEMENT OF GRAVES’ OPHTHALMOPATHY: CORRELATION WITH ORBITAL MR IMAGING.

Our aime was to investigate the correlation between GO ocular parameters obtained by MRI with contrast administration and the well-know clinical indicators of GO and to examine the relationship between the clinical course of hyperthyroidism and GO severity

Everolimus as first line therapy for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: current knowledge and future perspectives

urpose Everolimus has been shown to be effective for advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs), but its positioning in the therapeutic algorithm for pNETs is matter of debate. Methods With the aim to shed light on this point, we performed an up-to-date critical review taking into account the results of both retrospective and prospective published studies, and the recommendations of international guidelines. In addition, we performed an extensive search on the Clinical Trial Registries databases worldwide, to gather information on the ongoing clinical trials related to this specific topic. Results We identified eight retrospective published studies, two prospective published studies…

Ultrasound Parameters Can Accurately Predict the Risk of Malignancy in Patients with “Indeterminate TIR3b” Cytology Nodules: A Prospective Study

The increase in the incidence of thyroid nodules with cytological findings of TIR3b requires the identification of predictive factors of malignancy. We prospectively evaluated 2160 patients from January 2018 to June 2022 and enrolled 103 patients with indeterminate cytology TIR3b nodules who underwent total (73 patients) and hemi-thyroidectomy (30 patients). Among them, 61 had a histological diagnosis of malignancy (30 classic papillary thyroid carcinoma, 19 had follicular papillary thyroid carcinoma variant, 3 had Hurtle cell carcinoma and 9 had follicular thyroid carcinoma), while 42 had a benign histology. Clinical, ultrasonographic and cytological characteristics were recorded. In addit…

Levothyroxine and insulin requirement in autoimmune polyglandular type 3 syndrome: a real-life study

Abstract Purpose To evaluate factors influencing the insulin and levothyroxine requirement in patients with autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 3 (APS-3) vs. patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and autoimmune hypothyroidism (AH) alone, respectively. Methods Fifty patients with APS-3, 60 patients with T1DM and 40 patients with AH were included. Anthropometric, clinical and biochemical parameters were evaluated in all patients. Insulin requirement was calculated in patients with APS-3 and T1DM, while levothyroxine requirement was calculated in APS-3 and AH. Results Patients with APS-3 showed higher age (p = 0.001), age of onset of diabetes (p = 0.006) and TSH (p = 0.004) and lowe…

Serum visfatin levels in acromegaly: Correlation with disease activity and metabolic alterations

Objective: The studies that have extensively evaluated the relation between adipokines and metabolic parameters in acromegaly treatment are quite discordant. We aimed to evaluate and correlate a set of selected adipokines, known to have a metabolic role, with the disease activity, metabolic status and treatment modalities. Design: Data of 56 consecutive acromegalic patients (31 M and 25 F; aged 54 ± 12 years), admitted to the section of Endocrinology of the University of Palermo during the years 2005-2014, including 16 newly diagnosed untreated (ND), 21 during therapy with somatostatin analogues (SA), 12 with pegvisomant (PE) and 7 after surgical treatment (SU), grouped into uncontrolled (g…

“Sicilian Register of Thyroid Cancer”: Descriptive, clinical and of risk factors epidemiology. Preliminary data.

Predictors of microvascular complications in type 1 diabetic patients at onset: The role of metabolic memory

Background Several epidemiological studies showed a close association between metabolic control and microvascular complications in type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM). The aim of our longitudinal observational study was to evaluate the predictive role of the main clinical and biochemical parameters in determining microvascular complications. Methods 376 T1DM patients, hospitalized in our division from 1991 to 2005 (mean follow-up = 10.93 ± 4.26 years) were studied. Stepwise Cox regression analysis was used to identify the influence of residual ß-cell function, ß-cell autoimmunity, HbA1c levels and other clinical and laboratory parameters in the development of microalbuminuria and retinopathy. R…

Analisi dei meccanismi di controllo dell’apoptosi in una linea cellulare β-pancreatica resistente all’effetto delle citochine.

Metabolically healthy polycystic ovary syndrome (MH-PCOS) and metabolically unhealthy polycystic ovary syndrome (MU-PCOS): a comparative analysis of four simple methods useful for metabolic assessment.

Study question Is it possible to distinguish metabolically healthy polycystic ovary syndrome (MH-PCOS) from metabolically unhealthy PCOS (MU-PCOS) by simple diagnostic tools such as body mass index (BMI), waist/hip ratio (WHR), at-risk category suggested by Androgen Excess Society (AES) and visceral adiposity index (VAI)? Summary answer VAI could be an easy and useful tool in clinical practice and in population studies for assessment of MU-PCOS. What is known already VAI is a good indicator of insulin sensitivity and cardiometabolic risk in oligo-ovulatory women with PCOS. Study design, size, duration We conducted a cross-sectional study of 232 women with PCOS in a university hospital setti…

Factors associated with circulating concentrations of irisin in the general population cohort of the ABCD study

Animal studies have shown that irisin is a myokine secreted following physical exercise, and that it induces the remodeling of white adipose tissue toward brown adipose tissue. Therefore, a protective role of irisin against obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic and cardiovascular conditions has been hypothesized. However, data in humans are contradictory and few data are available concerning the general population.We aimed to evaluate the association between serum irisin concentrations and habitual physical activity, as well as other metabolic and cardiovascular factors in a general population in a Mediterranean area.We considered 858 consecutive individuals included in the ABCD (Alimentaz…

Th1 and Th2 cell phenotypes in AITD: role of allergy in Graves' disease

Thyrocytes--not innocent bystanders in autoimmune disease.

Distinct subsets of intrathyroidal regulatory CD4+CD25+ and CD8+CD25+ T cells in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: Potential role in the neoplastic cell growth.

Prediction of diabetes mellitus induced by steroid overtreatment in adrenal insufficiency

AbstractTo assess the differences between patients with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) and prediabetes/diabetes mellitus (DM) in secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI). We cross-sectionally evaluated 102, out of a total of 140, patients with SAI, who were on hydrocortisone (HC) (n = 50) and cortisone acetate (n = 52) replacement therapy. Clinical, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters were compared in patients with NGT (n = 60) and DM (n = 42). Patients with prediabetes/DM have a more marked family history of DM (p = 0.002), BMI (p < 0.001), higher waist circumference (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p = 0.012), LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.004), triglycerides (p = 0.031), fasting glucose …

Bioactive Scaffolds Based on Amine-Functionalized Gellan Gum for the Osteogenic Differentiation of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells

With the aim to produce a cellularized construct for the guided bone regeneration of dento-alveolar defects, here we produce a porous scaffold using an amine derivative of gellan gum to host gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) and allow their osteochondral differentiation. Three derivatives were produced by using the same synthetic procedure, and the viscoelastic properties of their aqueous dispersions were investigated and compared to those of the native polysaccharide to choose the derivative with suitable properties for the scaffold production. Freeze-drying was used to obtain a porous sponge that can be rehydrated with the cells’ suspension to produce an implantable cell containing …

The evaluation of metabolic parameters and insulin sensitivity for a more robust diagnosis of the polycystic ovary syndrome

BACKGROUND: Insulin glargine is a once-daily basal insulin analog with prolonged duration of action and absence of an evident peak. Glargine is associated with reduced frequency of hypoglycemic episodes (mostly nocturnal) as well as effective glycemic control. Maintenance of good metabolic control before conception and throughout pregnancy is essential to lower the risk of fetal malformations. Glargine might be a valuable alternative in the management of pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus. However, because its clinical utility has not been established, the use of glargine is not currently recommended during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluat…

Peak systolic velocity (PSV) in inferior thyroid arteries (ITA) at Graves'disease onset is predictive of the risk for ophtalmopathy development

Apoptosi beta cellulare e diabete di tipo 2

Ruolo della Terapia Medica nel Morbo di Basedow

Insulino sensibilità ed insulinosecrezione nell’acromegalia in fase attiva.

Dual drug-loaded halloysite hybrid-based glycocluster for sustained release of hydrophobic molecules

A dual drug-loaded HNT–CD glycocluster delivery system based on halloysite nanotubes and carbohydrate functionalized cyclodextrin was developed by a green protocol using solvent-free microwave irradiation. The nanohybrid was employed for concurrent load and release of silibinin and curcumin. The new delivery system was characterized by means of TGA, FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM and DLS. These techniques confirm the successful loading of the two drugs in the system. SEM and DLS measurements highlighted that the nanomaterial preserves a tubular structure with an average hydrodynamic radius of ca. 200 nm. The release of the drugs from the HNT glycocluster was investigated by means of UV-vis spectro…

The relationship between metabolic syndrome and bone health: results of a retrospective gender specific female study.

Sviluppo di un sistema di supporto decisionale tipo Fuzzy per il controllo della glicemia post-prandiale nel diabete mellito tipo 1

Differential proteomics of thyroid carcinoma cell lines

Early Lung Function Abnormalities in Acromegaly.

BACKGROUND: Acromegaly is an insidious disorder caused by a pituitary growth hormone (GH)-secreting adenoma resulting in high circulating levels of GH and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). Respiratory disorders are common complications in acromegaly, and can severely impact on quality of life, eventually affecting mortality. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to explore structural and functional lung alterations of acromegalic subjects. METHODS: We enrolled 10 consecutive patients (M/F: 5/5) affected by acromegaly. In all patients, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the presence of pituitary tumor. All patients underwent clinical, lung functional, biological, and radiological as…

Recovery of Endogenous β-Cell Function in Nonhuman Primates After Chemical Diabetes Induction and Islet Transplantation

OBJECTIVE—To describe the ability of nonhuman primate endocrine pancreata to reestablish endogenous insulin production after chemical β-cell destruction. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Eleven monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin. Eight diabetic monkeys received intraportal porcine islet transplantation. RESULTS—Two monkeys transplanted after 75 days of type 1 diabetes showed recovery of endogenous C-peptide production a few weeks after transplantation, concomitant with graft failure. Histological analysis of the pancreas of these monkeys showed insulin-positive cells, single or in small aggregates, scattered in the pancreas and adjacent to ducts. Interesting…

CeRNA and interactome bioinformatic analyses on human telomerase

We present a classic interactome bioinformatic analysis and a study on competing endogenous (ce) RNAs for hTERT. The hTERT gene codes for the catalytic subunit and limiting component of the human telomerase complex. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is essential for the integrity of telomeres. Telomere dysfunctions have been widely reported to be involved in aging, cancer, and cellular senescence. The hTERT gene network has been analyzed using the BioGRID interaction database (http://thebiogrid.org/) and related analysis tools such as Osprey (http://biodata.mshri.on.ca/osprey/servlet/Index) and GeneMANIA (http://genemania.org/). The network of interaction of hTERT transcripts h…

L’espressione di citochine TH1 e TH2 nei pazienti affetti da tireopatia autoimmune (AITD) e diabete di tipo 1

Early administration of an immunomodulator and induction of remission in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus

A clinical trial was undertaken to determine whether intensive thymopentin administration enhances remission of insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM) during the first year after diagnosis. Dosage with insulin was minimized with target control of blood glucose levels less than or equal to 7.8 mmol/l before meals. Remission was defined as a prolonged period after IDDM onset (not less than 3 months) characterized by a non-insulin-receiving (NIR) state in which target metabolic control was reached without administration of insulin and with a valid C-peptide response, evaluated after standard breakfast. Sixteen IDDM patients aged 12-31 years, recruited within 2 weeks of initiation of insulin therapy…

Dietary intake and major food sources of polyphenols in people with type 2 diabetes: The TOSCA.IT Study

Purpose: Proper evaluation of polyphenols intake at the population level is a necessary step in order to establish possible associations with health outcomes. Available data are limited, and so far no study has been performed in people with diabetes. The aim of this work was to document the intake of polyphenols and their major food sources in a cohort of people with type 2 diabetes and in socio-demographic subgroups. Methods: We studied 2573 men and women aged 50–75 years. Among others, anthropometry was measured by standard protocol and dietary habits were investigated by food frequency questionnaire (EPIC). The intake of polyphenols was evaluated using US Department of Agriculture and Ph…

Visceral adiposity index and DHEAS are useful markers of diabetes risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

ObjectiveOn the basis of the known diabetes risk in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), recent guidelines of the Endocrine Society recommend the use of an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to screen for impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in all women with PCOS. However, given the high prevalence of PCOS, OGTT would have a high cost–benefit ratio. In this study, we identified, through a receiver operating characteristic analysis, simple predictive markers of the composite endpoint (impaired fasting glucose (IFG) or IGT or IFG+IGT or T2DM) in women with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria.DesignWe conducted a cross-sectional study of 241 women with PCOS in a unive…

PFN1 and integrin‐β1/mTOR axis involvement in cornea differentiation of fibroblast limbal stem cells

Abstract Ex vivo limbal stem cell transplantation is the main therapeutic approach to address a complete and functional re‐epithelialization in corneal blindness, the second most common eye disorder. Although important key points were defined, the molecular mechanisms involved in the epithelial phenotype determination are unclear. Our previous studies have demonstrated the pluripotency and immune‐modulatory of fibroblast limbal stem cells (f‐LSCs), isolated from the corneal limbus. We defined a proteomic profile especially enriched in wound healing and cytoskeleton‐remodelling proteins, including Profilin‐1 (PFN1). In this study we postulate that pfn‐1 knock down promotes epithelial lineage…

Lacrimal glands herniation in patients with Graves’ Ophthalmopathy: an effective MRI-derived marker of disease activity

Aims and objectives Methods and materials Results Conclusion Personal information References

Metabolic parameters and adipokine profile during GH replacement therapy in children with GH deficiency

Objective: GH replacement therapy in children with GH deficiency (GHD) mainly promotes linear growth. Not only have very few studies fully analyzed the metabolic consequences of GH therapy, but also the question as to whether GH may affect adipokine secretion has been insufficiently investigated. Our aim was to study the effects of GH replacement therapy on auxological data, lipid and glycemic profiles, insulin homeostasis (HOMA-IR) and serum adipokines in children. Methods: This was a 1-year prospective study. Thirty-four GHD children (11.6 ± 2.6 years) and thirty healthy matched controls were enrolled. Children affected by GHD were studied both before beginning continuous GH replacement t…

Prevalence and clinical features of polycystic ovarian syndrome in adolescents with previous childhood growth hormone deficiency.

AbstractGrowth hormone (GH) plays a role in the regulation of ovarian function but there are limited data in women with GH deficiency (GHD). Our aim was to evaluate the features of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in women with previous GHD.Data of 22 adolescents previously GH-treated (group A) were compared with those of 22 women with classical PCOS (group B) and 20 controls (group C).: Group A showed higher testosterone (p=0.048) and prevalence of menstrual irregularities (p<0.001) than group C. Compared to the group B, group A showed lower diastolic blood pressure (p=0.004), degree of hirsutism (p=0.005), testosterone (p=0.003) and prevalence of polycsytic ovaries (POC) morphology (…

MON-445 Long-Term Results of an Ongoing Non-Interventional, Real-World Observational Study of Pasireotide SC in Cushing's Disease

Abstract Background: Clinical trials have shown that subcutaneous (sc) pasireotide effectively decreases urinary free cortisol (UFC), improves signs/symptoms and has a favorable safety profile in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD). We describe interim long-term safety and efficacy results of an ongoing multicenter observational study of pasireotide sc in real-world clinical practice for CD (NCT02310269). Methods: This study aims to enroll 100-200 adults with CD for whom surgery has failed or is not an option. Eligible patients could have started pasireotide before (prior use) or at (new use) study entry. Primary endpoint: incidence of pasireotide-related adverse events (AEs) and serious A…

Polycistic ovary syndrome and antiepileptic drugs: a cross-sectional study

Defective expression of CD95 (FAS/APO-1) molecule suggests apoptosis impairment of T and B cells in HLA-B8, DR3-positive individuals.

Activation-induced apoptosis is one of the primary control mechanisms for the negative selection of an immune response, leading to maintenance of immune homeostasis and selective T cell deletion. The interaction between the surface molecule Fas and its ligand (FasL) has been proposed as a primary mechanism initiating T cell apoptosis. The T cell receptor modulates the expression and function of these molecules. Defects in the Fas/FasL apoptosis pathway have been shown to result in autoimmune disease in humans and in murine models. Because subjects carrying the HLA-B8, DR3 haplotype show a number of immune dysfunctions, including membrano-proliferative glomerulonephritis, systemic lupus eryt…

Visceral adiposity index is associated with histological findings and high viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis C due to genotype 1.

Metabolic factors have been associated with liver damage in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (G1 CHC). We tested visceral adiposity index (VAI), a new marker of adipose dysfunction in G1 CHC, patients to assess its association with host and viral factors and its link to both histological findings and sustained virological response (SVR). Two hundred thirty-six consecutive G1 CHC patients were evaluated by way of liver biopsy and anthropometric and metabolic measurements, including insulin resistance (IR), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), and VAI using waist circumference, body mass index, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. All biopsies were scored by on…

CeRNA bioinformatic analysis on human telomerase

Messenger RNA (mRNA) translation efficiency is regulated by microRNAs. Each microRNA is able to regulate the translation of multiple mRNAs and each mRNA is regulated by multiple microRNAs. Thus, cellular mRNAs pool competed for microRNAs pool and viceversa. The regulatory network between mRNAs and microRNAs can be studied in the perspective of Competing Endogenous RNAs or ceRNAs. Here it is presented a bioinformatic study on ceRNAs for human telomerase (hTERT). Several genes potentially involved in the regulatory network of hTERT have been harvested by this study. hTERT is essential for the telomeres integrity. Telomere dysfunctions have been widely reported to be involved in Ageing, Cancer…

Increased central corneal thickness in acromegalic patients.

Soluble Interleukin-2 Receptor Secretion Defectin Vitroin HLA-B8, DR3 Positive Subjects

Several studies have shown that HLA-B8,DR3 positive subjects may display T cell dysfunctions. Recently, a soluble form of the receptor for IL-2 (sIL-2R) has been demonstrated in human sera and in vitro-stimulated culture supernatant from human T lymphocytes. In the present paper we report sIL-2R serum levels and sIL-2R production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in HLA-B8,DR3 positive subjects. We found that HLA-B8,DR3 positive subjects have the highest values of serum sIL-2R, but comparing the values of these subjects with those of negative ones no significant difference was observed. As regards the in vitro production of sIL-2R, no difference exists for unstimulated cultures, where…

More Favorable Metabolic Impact of Three-Times-Weekly versus Daily Growth Hormone Treatment in Naïve GH-Deficient Children

Objective. To evaluate whether two different regimens of weekly injections could lead to similar auxological and metabolic effects in children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD).Design. 32 GHD children (25 males, mean age 10.5 ± 2.2 yr) were randomly assigned to receive daily (group A, 16 patients) or TIW (group B, 16 patients) GHT for 12 months.Methods. Auxological parameters, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), glucose and insulin during OGTT, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid profile, the oral disposition index (DIo), the homeostasis model assessment estimate of insulin resistance (Homa-IR), and the insulin sensitivity index (ISI).Results. After 12 months, both groups showed a s…

Search for the mutation of B-RAFV600E in FNA of thyroid nodules

La valutazione retinica mediante Tomografia a Coerenza Ottica (OCT) nel diabete mellito tipo 1.

Use of antiepileptic drugs in women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Insulin sensitivity and visceral adiposity index (VAI) in women with functional secondary amenorrhea.

I picchi di flusso delle AA. Tiroidee Inferiori all’esordio del M. di Graves sono predittivi di Basso Rischio di Associata Oftalmopatia

Diabetic foot ulcers: Retrospective comparative analysis from Sicily between two eras

Aim The aim of this study was to analyze changes in the incidence, management and mortality of DFU in Sicilian Type 2 diabetic patients hospitalized between two eras, i.e. 2008–2013 and 2014–2019. Methods We compared the two eras, era1: 2008–13, era2: 2014–19. In era 1, n = 149, and in era 2, n = 181 patients were retrospectively enrolled. Results In the population hospitalized for DFU in 2008–2013, 59.1% of males and 40.9% of females died, whilst in 2014–2019 65.9% of males and 34.1% of females died. Moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD) was significantly higher in patients that had died than in ones that were alive (33% vs. 43%, p < 0.001), just as CKD was severe (14.5% vs. 4%, p <…

Le tireopatie autoimmuni

Disregolazione funzionale gonadotropinica nella sindrome dell’ovaio policistico: risultati di una two-step cluster analysis.

Insulin sensitività in women whit clinical features of hyperandrogenism.

High expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPRgamma) in infiltrating lymphocytes from glands with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

IPOVITAMINOSI D ED EFFETTI BENEFICI DELLA TERAPIA SOSTITUTIVA CON GH SUI LIVELLI DI VITAMINA D IN BAMBINI AFFETTI DA DEFICIT DI GH

No effect of oral insulin on residual beta-cell function in recent-onset Type I diabetes (the IMDIAB VII)

Aims/hypothesis. Induction of tolerance to insulin is achievable in animal models of Type I (insulin-dependent) Diabetes mellitus by oral treatment with this hormone, which can lead to prevention of the disease. In the Diabetes Prevention Trial of Type I diabetes (DPT-1), oral insulin is given with the aim of preventing disease insurgence. We investigated whether if given at diagnosis of Type I diabetes in humans, oral insulin can still act as a tolerogen and therefore preserve residual beta-cell function, which is known to be substantial at diagnosis. Methods. A double-blind trial was carried out in patients (mean age ± SD: 14 ± 8 years) with recent-onset Type I diabetes to whom oral insul…

Phenotyping normal kidney function in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional multicentre study

AimsType 2 diabetes (T2D) accelerates the decline in glomerular function; however, some individuals do not develop chronic kidney disease despite advanced age and long-lasting T2D. We aimed to phenotype patients with T2D aged 80years or older who presented with a fully preserved kidney function.MethodsFrom an Italian population of 281,217 T2D outpatients, we collected data on demographics, anthropometrics, diabetes duration, HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, lipids, liver enzymes, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), albumin excretion rate (AER), chronic complications, and medication use. We primarily compared patients with a fully preserved kidney function (eGFR>90ml/min/1.73m(2) and …

Clinical indications and proper use of Visceral Adiposity Index.

L’obesità viscerale ed un aumentato rapporto ApoB/ApoA1 fanno perdere la protezione cardiovascolare di genere nelle donne diabetiche tipo 2.

EFFETTI METABOLICI DELLA TERAPIA SOSTITUTIVA CON GH IN BAMBINI AFFETTI DA DEFICIT DI GH DURANTE UN FOLLOW-UP DI 36 MESI

<p>Circulating Irisin Levels as a Marker of Osteosarcopenic-Obesity in Cushing’s Disease</p>

Purpose To evaluate circulating irisin levels in patients with active and controlled Cushing's disease (CD). Design Forty-four patients with CD evaluated during the active phase and after 12 months of biochemical remission and 40 controls were recruited. Methods Phenotypic, anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters, including insulin sensitivity estimation by homeostatic model of insulin resistance, Matsuda index and oral disposition index and circulating irisin levels were evaluated. Results Patients with active CD showed lower irisin levels compared to controls (p<0.001) and controlled CD (p<0.001). The independent variables significantly associated with irisin were waist circumf…

Pasireotide treatment reduces cardiometabolic risk in Cushing’s disease patients: an Italian, multicenter study

Purpose: Patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) experience metabolic alterations leading to increased cardiovascular mortality. Recently, the visceral adiposity index (VAI) has been proposed as a marker of visceral adipose tissue dysfunction (ATD) and of the related cardiometabolic risk. We aimed to evaluate the impact of 12-month pasireotide treatment on cardiometabolic risk in CD patients. Methods: This is a multicentre, prospective, and observational study. Sixteen CD patients, referred to the Endocrine Units of the University Hospitals of Messina, Napoli, Padova, and Palermo (Italy), successfully treated with pasireotide for 12 month have been enrolled. In all patients, we assessed anthro…

L’uso del hrTSH nel follow up del microcarcinoma tiroideo in pazienti sottoposti a tiroidectomia totale

Low bcl-2 expression and increased spontaneous apoptosis in T-lymphocytes from newly-diagnosed IDDM patients.

The bcl-2 gene product has been shown to regulate apoptotic cell death, and its dysregulation has been shown to induce several abnormalities in the immune system. No data exist regarding bcl-2 expression in autoimmune diseases, such as human insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). We investigated bcl-2 protein expression by testing T lymphocytes from 15 newly-diagnosed (3 weeks) IDDM patients in comparison to 10 age-matched control subjects. The expression of bcl-2 on CD3+ lymphocyte subsets was investigated after membrane permeabilization by two- or three-colour immunofluorescence. When the percentage and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of bcl-2+/CD3+ cells from normal individuals an…

Multicavity halloysite-amphiphilic cyclodextrin hybrids for co-delivery of natural drugs into thyroid cancer cells

Multicavity halloysite nanotube materials were employed as simultaneous carriers for two different natural drugs, silibinin and quercetin, at 6.1% and 2.2% drug loadings, respectively. The materials were obtained by grafting functionalized amphiphilic cyclodextrin onto the HNT external surface. The new materials were characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, SEM, thermogravimetry, turbidimetry, dynamic light scattering and ζ-potential techniques. The interaction of the two molecules with the carrier was studied by HPLC measurements and fluorescence spectroscopy, respectively. The release of the drugs from HNT-amphiphilic cyclodextrin, at two different pH values, was also investigated by means of…

Valutazione morfologica e funzionale surrenalica nell’acromegalia

Valutazione dell'insulinoresistenza tramite un test pasto standard

La patologia nodulare della tiroide - Collana di Quaderni di Endocrinologia

Identification of Novel Wsf1 Mutations in a Sicilian Child with Wolfram Syndrome

Wolfram Syndrome (WS) is a rare hereditary disease with autosomal recessive inheritance with incomplete penetrance. It is characterized by diabetes mellitus associated with progressive optic atrophy. The diagnosis is essentially clinical and mutation analysis is used to confirm the diagnosis. In the present study we describe the clinical and molecular features of a diabetic child carrying two novel WFS1 mutations. The Sicilian proband and his non-affected family were studied. Ophthalmologic examination included: visual acuity determination and funduscopy, optical coherent tomography, retinal fluorangiography, perimetry and electroretinogram. Molecular methods: automatic sequencing of PCR am…

Chilomicronemia transitoria causa di diabete di tipo I in assenza di markers umorali di autoimmunità in una bambina di nove anni

3D polymeric supports promote the growth and progression of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.

Abstract Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare and aggressive malignancy that accounts for the majority of deaths from all thyroid cancers. ATC exhibits invasiveness and highly resistance to conventional therapies which include cytotoxic chemotherapy, the combination of BRAF and MEK inhibition and, more recently, immunotherapies, that have shown promising but still limited results. A growing knowledge on ATC tumor biology is needed for developing more effective therapies with significant better survival. Researchers have begun to utilize 3D models to culture cancer cells for in vitro studies. In this work, C643 ATC cell line was cultured on polymeric scaffolds with high-interconnecte…

The metabolic outcomes of growth hormone treatment in children are gender specific

Objective To evaluate the impact of gender on the clinical and metabolic parameters in prepubertal growth hormone deficiency (GHD) children at diagnosis and during GH treatment (GHT). Design The data of 105 prepubertal children (61 males, 44 females, mean age 6.8 ± 0.7 years) affected by idiopathic GHD were retrospectively evaluated. Methods Body height, BMI, waist circumference (WC), IGF-I, HbA1c, lipid profile, fasting and after-OGTT glucose and insulin levels, insulin sensitivity and secretion indices were evaluated at baseline and after 24 months of GHT. Results At baseline, no significant difference was found in all clinical, hormonal and metabolic parameters between males and females…

Low Estradiol-to-Testosterone ratio is associated with low progesterone levels and atherogenic lipidic pattern in women with policystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Pasireotide versus pituitary surgery: a retrospective analysis of 12 months of treatment in patients with Cushing’s disease

Pituitary surgery represents the first-line treatment for most patients with Cushing’s disease (CD). In the case of surgery failure, additional treatment options are required. Pasireotide has shown favourable results in the first-line treatment of patients with CD, who are not candidates for surgery or in the second-line when surgery has failed. The aim of the current study is to compare the effects of surgery and pasireotide treatment in a cohort of patients with CD, and to evaluate the differences in response rate in terms of hormonal and clinical control, and improvement of metabolic complications

Possible Pathogenetic Relevance of Interleukin-1beta in "Destructive" Organ-specific Autoimmune Disease (Hashimoto's Thyroiditis)

Thyroid follicular cells (TFC) abundantly express a variety of immunologically relevant surface molecules in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), for example, MHC antigens and adhesion molecules such as ICAM-1. Cytokines produced by infiltrating type 1 helper and cytotoxic T cells are importantly involved in de novo expression or up-regulation of such molecules. We recently demonstrated that TFC from HT patients almost invariably bear on their surface two additive functional molecules: Fas/Apo1/CD95, an important participant in apoptosis, and B7.1, a member of a family of "co-stimulatory" molecules that are crucial for efficient antigen presentation. To date, 12 out of 14 surgical HT thyroid speci…

NANOG Plays a Hierarchical Role in the Transcription Network Regulating the Pluripotency and Plasticity of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells

The stromal vascular cell fraction (SVF) of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) has increasingly come into focus in stem cell research, since these compartments represent a rich source of multipotent adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). ASCs exhibit a self-renewal potential and differentiation capacity. Our aim was to study the different expression of the embryonic stem cell markers NANOG (homeobox protein NANOG), SOX2 (SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2) and OCT4 (octamer-binding transcription factor 4) and to evaluate if there exists a hierarchal role in this network in ASCs derived from both SAT and VAT. ASCs were isolated from SAT and VAT biopsies of 72 consenting pat…

Additional file 4: of Human limbal fibroblast-like stem cells induce immune-tolerance in autoreactive T lymphocytes from female patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Jurkat cells as a positive control for apoptosis detection. (A) Untreated Jurkat cells (first row) or treated with activating anti-Fas for 4 or 24 h (second and third row, respectively) after AO/EB staining. The arrows indicate many apoptotic body formations, bright green dots in the nuclei as a consequence of chromatin condensation and nuclear fragmentation. Late apoptotic cells were observed with condensed and fragmented nuclei especially after 24 h of anti-Fas treatment. Original magnification: 40×. All pictures are representative of five independent experiments. (PDF 240 kb)

Differential proteomic and phenotypic behavior of papillary and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell lines: an updated study

Participating Laboratories. Diabetes Antibody Standardization Program: evaluation of assays for autoantibodies to glutamic acid decarboxylase and islet antigen-2

In vivo investigation on stem cells isolated from dental pulp and gingival tissues from periodontally compromised teeth

Il rischio cardiovascolare nella donna diabetica

Traitement séquential avec des corticostéroides dans les ophtalmopathy Graves

T-cell activation in HLA-B8,DR3-positive individuals early antigen expression defect in vitro

The HLA-B8, DR3 haplotype is overrepresented in several autoimmune diseases, implying that genes predisposing to these disorders are linked to this haplotype. In the patients affected by these diseases, as well as in healthy HLA-B8, DR3 individuals, various dysfunctions reflecting an impairment of T-cell activation have been found. To better characterize T-cell impairment of HLA-B8, DR3-positive healthy individuals, we analyzed the surface expression of early (CD69) and late (CD71) activation phenotypes. MNC cultures were stimulated with PHA and used for T-cell phenotyping by flow cytometry analysis. The results showed that the percentage of CD69+ T cells was significantly decreased in MNC …

A PUTATIVE PROTEOMIC SIGNATURE FOR STROMAL FIBROBLAST-LIKE STEM CELLS

Changes in lipid profile and adipokine levels in GH deficient children during GH replacement therapy.

Visceral adiposity index is associated with insulin sensitivity and adipocytokine levels in newly diagnosed acromegalic patients.

Complete biochemical control and pituitary adenoma disappearance in a child with gigantism: Efficacy of octreotide therapy

Additional file 2: Table S1. of Mesenchymal stem cells derived from inflamed dental pulpal and gingival tissue: a potential application for bone formation

The expression values of putative mesenchymal surface stem cells markers. (DOC 31 kb)

Circulating Irisin Levels in Children With GH Deficiency Before and After 1 Year of GH Treatment.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate circulating irisin levels in children with GH deficiency (GHD) and any relation with clinical and metabolic parameters. Patients Fifty-four prepubertal children (mean age, 7.4 ± 0.8 years) with idiopathic GHD treated with GH for at least 12 months and 31 healthy short children as control subjects. Methods Body height, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), IGF-I, HbA1c, lipid profile, fasting and after–oral glucose tolerance test glucose and insulin, insulin sensitivity indices, and irisin levels were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months of GH replacement (GHR). Results At baseline, children with GHD, in addition to having lower growth velocity (P…

Adrenal incidentaloma: a new contributing factor in metabolic syndrome?

Cornea in acromegalic patients as a possible target of growth hormone action.

Background: GH exerts its effects on many organs and the eye also seems to be a target site, although few authors have investigated the corneal thickness in patients with acromegaly. Aim: To perform a detailed ophthalmological evaluation in acromegalic patients, in relation to disease activity. Material and methods: Twenty-eight acromegalic patients (11 males, 17 females) and 22 voluntary healthy subjects underwent complete metabolic and ophthalmological evaluation, including retinal thickness (RT), central corneal thickness (CCT), and intraocular pressure values (IOP). Results: Significantly greater CCT values were found in all acromegalic patients in comparison with controls (567 vs 528.5…

Detection of BRAFv600E mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma using real time allele-specific amplification on fine needle aspiration biopsy specimens.

Corneal thickness in children with growth hormone deficiency: The effect of GH treatment.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The eye represents a target site for GH action, although few data are available in patients with GH deficiency (GHD). Our aim was to evaluate central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) values in GHD children to assess the role played by GHD or GH treatment on these parameters. DESIGN: In 74 prepubertal GHD children (51M, 23F, aged 10.4±2.4years) we measured CCT and IOP before and after 12months of treatment. A baseline evaluation was also made in 50 healthy children matched for age, gender and body mass index. The study outcome considered CCT and IOP during treatment and their correlations with biochemical and auxological data. RESULTS: No difference …

The lacrimal gland herniation role in the Graves’ orbitopathy

To evaluate the LG involvement, through the measurement of the LG herniation by of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in patients with different GO activity

BIOINFORMATICS CERNA ANALYSIS FOR THE STUDY OF STEM FACTOR SOX2 IN ANAPLASTIC THYROID CANCER.

Cancer stem cells (CSC) are believed to play a central role in oncogenesis, but until today their isolation and characterization is still particularly complex. Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) presents several characteristics suggestive of a tumour highly enriched in CSC (high mitotic rate, poor prognosis, high aggressiveness, resistance to treatments, etc). For these reasons ATC represents a good candidate to study CSCs. SOX2 is a key stem transcriptional factor, usually only transiently expressed, that plays a fundamental role in stem cell identity. SOX2 proved to be constitutively expressed in SW1736 cell line, a well established and recognized ATC cell line. The bioinformatics ceRNA anal…

Growth and Osteogenic Differentiation of Discarded Gingiva-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells on a Commercial Scaffold

Background In periodontal patients with jawbone resorption, the autologous bone graft is considered a "gold standard" procedure for the placing of dental prosthesis; however, this procedure is a costly intervention and poses the risk of clinical complications. Thanks to the use of adult mesenchymal stem cells, smart biomaterials, and active biomolecules, regenerative medicine and bone tissue engineering represent a valid alternative to the traditional procedures. Aims In the past, mesenchymal stem cells isolated from periodontally compromised gingiva were considered a biological waste and discarded during surgical procedures. This study aims to test the osteoconductive activity of FISIOGRAF…

Immunobiology of normal and diabetic pregnancy

The International Congress of Immunobiology of Normal and Diabetic Pregnancy brought together a heterogeneous group of workers to consider one of the most fascinating areas of immunology. The meeting, which proved to be a thinkshop as much as a workshop, developed along two major lines: (1) an examination of new data in normal pregnancy immunology, from both the research and clinical points of view and (2) analysis of the suspected problems of diabetic pregnancy. 'Suspected' because pregnancy-related problems in diabetic women are not due solely to metabolic disturbances, but also involve immunological aspects of diabetes, particularly where type I diabetes is concerned.

Up-regulation of c-FLIPshort and reduction of activation-induced cell death in T-cells from patients with Type 1 diabetes

AICD of T-cells is an efficient way of removing activated T-lymphocytes. In this study we investigated the molecular basis of AICD upon reactivation in peripheral T-lymphocytes from newly diagnosed T1DM patients and age-matched healthy controls. In an in vitro model system, PHA-stimulated T-cells, upon prolonged culture in IL-2, acquire a sensitive phenotype to Fas-mediated apoptosis. This phenomenon is less pronounced in T1DM T-cells. Moreover, the restimulation of activated T-cells via TCR/CD3 and/or via CD28 inhibits Fas-mediated apoptosis in T1DM in comparison to control T-cells. After Fas triggering, the generation of the active sub-units of caspase-8 is significantly reduced in T1DM T…

BRAFV600E mutation and timp-1 hyper-expression in classical variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).

Vitamin D Deficiency in Cushing&rsquo;s Disease: Before and After Its Supplementation

Background: The primary objective of the study was to assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] values in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD), compared to controls. The secondary objective was to assess the response to a load of 150,000 U of cholecalciferol. Methods: In 50 patients with active CD and 48 controls, we evaluated the anthropometric and biochemical parameters, including insulin sensitivity estimation by the homeostatic model of insulin resistance, Matsuda Index and oral disposition index at baseline and in patients with CD also after 6 weeks of cholecalciferol supplementation. Results: At baseline, patients with CD showed a higher frequency of hypovitaminosis deficiency (p = 0…

Evaluation of serum levels of soluble CD4, CD8 and β2-microglobulin in visceral human leishmaniasis

SUMMARY The levels of soluble CD4 (sCD4), sCD8 and β2-microglobulin (β2-M) were measured in sera from patients with visceral leishmaniasis during the course of infection. Levels of sCD4. sCD8 and β2-M were raised significantly above levels In normal sera and returned to the normal range after recovery. The decrease in the levels of CDS was related to a reduction of anaemia, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. In contrast, sCD4 levels fluctuated during the period of infection. β2-M returned within normal range more rapidly than sCD8 secretion. Our results suggest that T cells are activated during infection, and that it is also possible that the raised levels of these soluble molecules play a ro…

Genetic Pattern and Haemorheological Determinants in Type 1 Diabetics

Janus kinase (JAK) 2 V617F mutation as the cause of primary thrombocythemia in acromegaly with severe visceromegaly and divergence between growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations during the follow-up: causal or casual association?

OBJECTIVE: An increased prevalence of hematological abnormalities is reported in acromegaly, but to date no reports about the presence of the Janus Kinase (JAK) 2 mutation in acromegalic patients have been described. DESIGN: We report the complex clinical presentation of the unique case, never described, of acromegaly due to GH-secreting pituitary adenoma associated with JAK2 V617F mutation. RESULTS: The patient shows primary thrombocythemia and myelofibrosis, due to JAK2 V617F mutation, severe visceromegaly and a peculiar clinical course of the disease characterized by discrepant values of GH and IGF-1 during somatostatin analog (SA) treatment despite a significant reduction in pituitary a…

Alteration of the growth hormone axis, visceral fat dysfunction, and early cardiometabolic risk in adults: the role of the visceral adiposity index

The aim of the study is to clarify the relationship between adipose tissue dysfunction, metabolic profile and growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I secretion in healthy adult subjects. We investigated the metabolic profile in a cohort of 231 consecutive healthy subjects in relation to GH, IGF-I levels, and visceral adiposity index (VAI). Anthropometric measures, lipid profile, and glucose and insulin levels during oral glucose tolerance test, Homa-IR and ISI Matsuda, IGF-I and GH peak after GHRH plus Arginine test were analyzed. The subjects with high VAI showed lower GH peak (22.8 ± 11.1 vs. 42.2 ± 21.3 µg/L; p = 0.049) and lower IGF-I (presented as IGF-I under normal rang…

Azione antalgica di Hydrogel nell'orbitopatia basedowiana

La terapia dell'orbitopatia,nella fase acuta,si basa oltre che sulla correzione della turba endocrinologica,sulla protezione della cornea e sull'uso dei corticosteroidi ad alto dosaggio o di farmaci immunosoppressori o, in alternativa,sulla radioterapia orbitaria.Per attenuare la sintomatologia dolorosa,frequente nella fase acuta e che può inficiare la qualità della vita,data la componente flogistica,abbiamo voluto valutare gli effetti di una terapia antalgica mediante appliocazione sulla superficie palpebrale di un gel chirurgico criogenico decongestinante ( a contenuto di estratto di ananas più acido betaglicirretico),ad oggi utilizzato con risultati soddisfacenti in soggetti sottoposti a…

No effect of GH/IGF-1 excess on adrenal glands in acromegalic patients

Co-presence of BRAFv600E mutation and ret/ptc3 rearrangement in a patient affected by hyperthyroidism and histologic diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.

Hyperinsulinism and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): role of insulin clearance.

PURPOSE: Insulin resistance and compensatory hyperinsulinism are the predominant metabolic defects in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, hyperinsulinism, as well as being compensatory, can also express a condition of reduced insulin clearance. Our aim was to evaluate the differences in insulin action and metabolism between women with PCOS (with normal glucose tolerance) and age- and BMI-matched women with prediabetes (without hyperandrogenism and ovulatory disorders). METHODS: 22 women with PCOS and 21 age/BMI-matched women with prediabetes were subjected to a Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and an Oral Glucose tolerance Test (OGTT). Insulin sensitivity was assessed by the glucose…

Circulating Irisin Levels as a Marker of Osteosarcopenic-Obesity in Cushing’s Disease

Purpose: To evaluate circulating irisin levels in patients with active and controlled Cushing’s disease (CD). Design: Forty-four patients with CD evaluated during the active phase and after 12 months of biochemical remission and 40 controls were recruited. Methods: Phenotypic, anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters, including insulin sensitivity estimation by homeostatic model of insulin resistance, Matsuda index and oral disposition index and circulating irisin levels were evaluated. Results: Patients with active CD showed lower irisin levels compared to controls (p&lt;0.001) and controlled CD (p&lt;0.001). The independent variables significantly associated with irisin were wais…

Adrenal morphology and function in acromegalic patients in relation to disease activity.

Visceromegaly is a common consequence of acromegaly. However, few studies investigated the chronic effects of growth hormone on adrenal glands. Our aim was to evaluate adrenal morphology and function in a cohort of acromegalic patients in relation to disease activity. Twenty-six acromegalics (10 males and 16 females) and 21 healthy subjects were investigated. Gland morphology was evaluated by computerized axial tomography, measuring central, lateral, and medial adrenal segments. Uncontrolled acromegalics showed increased volume of all adrenal segments, higher urinary free cortisol (UFC), and lower morning adrenocorticotropic hormone in comparison with healthy subjects. However, normal corti…

A ceRNA analysis on LMNA gene focusing on the Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome

Background: Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is a rare dominant human disease of genetic origin. The average life expectancy is about 20 years, patients’ life quality is still very poor and no efficient therapy has yet been developed. It is caused by mutation of the LMNA gene, which results in accumulation in the nuclear membrane of a particular splicing form of Lamin-A called progerin. The mechanism by which progerin perturbs cellular homeostasis and leads to the symptoms is still under debate. Micro-RNAs are able to negatively regulate transcription by coupling with the 3’ UnTranslated Region of messenger RNAs. Several Micro-RNAs recognize the same 3’ UnTranslated Region and each Micr…

Visfatin as a marker of adipose dysfunction and metabolic impairment in active acromegaly and its possible use during the follow-up

Background Visfatin is an adipokine with insulin-mimetic and adipogenic effect related to insulin resistance (IR) and visceral adipose mass. Although acromegaly is characterized by both adipose dysfunction and IR, data on visfatin levels in acromegaly are very scarce and in the few existing studies no difference was reported between acromegalic patients and controls. Aim To evaluate the visfatin levels in acromegaly in relation to disease activity and type of treatment. Subjects and Methods Data of 56 patients (31 M, age 59 ± 12 yrs) were analyzed. Sixteen patients were newly diagnosed (ND), while the remaining were in therapy with somatostatin analogues (SA, 21), pegvisomant (PE, 12) and a…

Identification and enrichment of thyroid stem cells in anaplastic cell lines

Aqueous Processed Biopolymer Interfaces for Single-Cell Microarrays

Single-cell microarrays are emerging tools to unravel intrinsic diversity within complex cell populations, opening up new approaches for the in-depth understanding of highly relevant diseases. However, most of the current methods for their fabrication are based on cumbersome patterning approaches, employing organic solvents and/or expensive materials. Here, we demonstrate an unprecedented green-chemistry strategy to produce single-cell capture biochips onto glass surfaces by all-aqueous inkjet printing. At first, a chitosan film is easily inkjet printed and immobilized onto hydroxyl-rich glass surfaces by electrostatic immobilization. In turn, poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether is graft…

Multiple Pluripotent Stem Cell Markers in Human Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer: The Putative Upstream Role of SOX2

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare and aggressive endocrine tumor with highly undifferentiated morphology. It has been suggested that cancer stem cells (CSCs) might play a central role in ATC. The objectives of this study were (i) to characterize CSCs from ex vivo ATC specimens by investigating the expression of several pluripotent stem cell markers, and (ii) to evaluate in vitro drug resistance modifications after specific CSC transcription factor switch-off.In ex vivo experiments, eight formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded ATC specimens were analyzed by reverse-transcription and real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry. In in vitro experiments using ATC SW1736 cells, the…

Marcatori di rischio diabetologico nella Sindrome dell’ovaio policistico (PCOS).

Visceral adiposity index is associated with histological findings and high viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis C due to genotype 1.

Metabolic factors have been associated with liver damage in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (G1 CHC). We tested visceral adiposity index (VAI), a new marker of adipose dysfunction in G1 CHC, patients to assess its association with host and viral factors and its link to both histological findings and sustained virological response (SVR). Two hundred thirtysix consecutive G1 CHC patients were evaluated by way of liver biopsy and anthropometric and metabolic measurements, including insulin resistance (IR), homeostasis model assessment (HOMA), and VAI using waist circumference, body mass index, triglycerides, and highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol. All biopsies were scored by one …

ANTITUMOR EFFECTS OF SULPHORAPHANE ON THYROID CARCINOMA CELL LINES

Thyroid cancer is the most frequent endocrine malignancy with a global increasing incidence. Many evidences show that sulphoraphane (SF), a natural isothiocyante found in cruciferous vegetables has a wide range of chemopreventive as well as apoptosis inducing properties. The ability of SF in inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest is associated with the regulation of many proteins including Bcl-2 family proteins, caspases, p21, and cyclin dependent kinases. In the present work, we investigated in vitro the activity of SF in three human thyroid cancer cell lines. For this purpose we studied SW1736 (ATC), BC-PAP (PTC) and TT (MTC) cell line by MTT assay, after addition of SF ranging from 0 t…

The degree of urinary hypercortisolism is not correlated with the severity of cushing’s syndrome

Cushing syndrome (CS) is characterized by increased morbidity and mortality compared to the general population. However, there are patients who have more clinical aggressive forms than others. Aim of the study is to evaluate whether the degree of hypercortisolism, defined by the number of times urinary free cortisol (UFC) levels exceed the upper limit of the normal range (ULN), is related to the worsening of phenotypic features, as well as metabolic and cardiovascular parameters, in a cohort of CS patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 192 patients with active CS, consecutively presenting at the outpatients' clinic of the University Hospitals of Ancona, Naples, and Palermo. Pati…

Limbal stem cells as a potential source of pancreatic beta cells

BACKGROUND/RATIONAL Beta cell replacement therapy represents an alternative approach to conventional insulin regimen for the management of type 1 diabetes. Stem cells theoretically represent a suitable and renewable source of surrogate beta cells. Recently, it has been demonstrated that corneal epithelium contains stem cells in the basal layer of the limbus. Our aim was to isolate and characterize limbal stem cells (LSCs) from adult corneal-limbal biopsies, and to assess their capability to differentiate into insulin-producing cells. METHODS 2-3 mm2 biopsies were obtained from limbus and central cornea of four patients undergoing surgery for ocular diseases not involving conjuctive or corne…

Myristic acid is associated to low plasma HDL cholesterol levels in a Mediterranean population and increases HDL catabolism by enhancing HDL particles trapping to cell surface proteoglycans in a liver hepatoma cell model

Background: HDL-C plasma levels are modulated by dietary fatty acid (FA), but studies investigating dietary supplementation in FA gave contrasting results. Saturated FA increased HDL-C levels only in some studies. Mono-unsaturated FA exerted a slight effect while poly-unsaturated FA mostly increased plasma HDL-C. Aims: This study presents two aims: i) to investigate the relationship between HDL-C levels and plasma FA composition in a Sicilian population following a "Mediterranean diet", ii) to investigate if FA that resulted correlated with plasma HDL-C levels in the population study and/or very abundant in the plasma were able to affect HDL catabolism in an "in vitro" model of cultured hep…

GH-treatment improves growth and reduces the severity of fibrosis and hypertansaminasemia in a prepubertal child with sclerosant cholangiopathy

"Regional Register for Thyroid Cancer": preliminary epidemiological findings

Osmocellular Fas and Fas ligand interactions mediate thyrocyte destruction in Hashimoto's thyroiditis

In Vitro Generation of Pancreatic Endocrine Cells from Human Adult Fibroblast-Like Limbal Stem Cells

Stem cells might provide unlimited supply of transplantable cells for β-cell replacement therapy in diabetes. The human limbus is a highly specialized region hosting a well-recognized population of epithelial stem cells, which sustain the continuous renewal of the cornea, and the recently identified stromal fibroblast-like stem cells (f-LSCs), with apparent broader plasticity. However, the lack of specific molecular markers for the identification of the multipotent limbal subpopulation has so far limited the investigation of their differentiation potential. In this study we show that the human limbus contains uncommitted cells that could be potentially harnessed for the treatment of diabete…

Physical activity and cardiovascular prevention: Is healthy urban living a possible reality or utopia?

Favoring correct lifestyles is the most important measure to contrast cardiovascular diseases and the epidemic of high cardiovascular risk conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Lifestyle is a broad expression that includes diet, physical exercise, and psychological and socio-economic factors, each of which must be taken into due consideration because of their intertwining influences, which may be a barrier to healthy changes at both the individual and population levels. While physical activity has probably received less attention in the last decades, it is likely the most important among the modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Improving the habitual physi…

Towards the tailoring of glucocorticoid replacement in adrenal insufficiency: the Italian Society of Endocrinology Expert Opinion.

Context: Glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy in patients with adrenal insufficiency (AI) is life saving. After over 50 years of conventional GC treatment, novel formulations are now entering routine clinical practice. Methods: Given the spectrum of medications currently available and new insights into the understanding of AI, the authors reviewed relevant medical literature with emphasis on original studies, prospective observational data and randomized controlled trials performed in the past 35 years. The Expert Opinion of a panel of selected endocrinologists was sought to answer specific clinical questions. The objective was to provide an evidence-supported guide, for the use of GC in…

Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: A ceRNA Analysis Pointed to a Crosstalk between SOX2, TP53, and microRNA Biogenesis.

It has been suggested that cancer stem cells (CSC) may play a central role in oncogenesis, especially in undifferentiated tumours. Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) has characteristics suggestive of a tumour enriched in CSC. Previous studies suggested that the stem cell factorSOX2has a preeminent hierarchical role in determining the characteristics of stem cells in SW1736 ATC cell line. In detail, silencing SOX2 in SW1736 is able to suppress the expression of the stem markers analysed, strongly sensitizing the line to treatment with chemotherapeutic agents. Therefore, in order to further investigate the role of SOX2 in ATC, a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) analysis was conducted in order…

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1: an Italian survey on 158 patients

Abstract Background Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome type 1 (APS-1) is a rare recessive inherited disease, caused by AutoImmune Regulator (AIRE) gene mutations and characterized by three major manifestations: chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC), chronic hypoparathyroidism (CH) and Addison’s disease (AD). Methods Autoimmune conditions and associated autoantibodies (Abs) were analyzed in 158 Italian patients (103 females and 55 males; F/M 1.9/1) at the onset and during a follow-up of 23.7 ± 15.1 years. AIRE mutations were determined. Results The prevalence of APS-1 was 2.6 cases/million (range 0.5–17 in different regions). At the onset 93% of patients presented with one or more component…

BRAFV600E mutation, TIMP-1 upregulation, and NF-κB activation: closing the loop on the papillary thyroid cancer trilogy.

BRAFV600E is the most common mutation found in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB have been shown to play an important role in thyroid cancer. In particular, TIMP-1 binds its receptor CD63 on cell surface membrane and activates Akt signaling pathway, which is eventually responsible for its anti-apoptotic activity. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether interplay among these three factors exists and exerts a functional role in PTCs. To this purpose, 56 PTC specimens were analyzed for BRAFV600E mutation, TIMP-1 expression, and NF-κB activation. We found that BRAFV600E mutation occurs selectively in PTC nodules an…

Study of T-cell activation in Type I diabetic patients and pre-Type I diabetic subjects by cytometric analysis: Antigen expression defectin vitro

In Type I diabetes the observation of a decreased release of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and soluble IL-2 receptors by means of stimulated lymphocytes in vitro indicates that a primary immunoregulatory defect may be involved. To confirm this hypothesis we investigated the T-cell activation trend, evaluating the surface expression of IL-2 receptor (CD25), transferrin (CD71), HLA class II (DR), and CD69 phenotypes after in vitro stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA; 1 and 10 micrograms/ml) and concanavalin A (12.5 micrograms/ml) in six newly diagnosed Type I diabetics and six islet cell- and insulin autoantibody-positive first-degree relatives. As controls were studied six long-standing Type I d…

In Vitro Phenotypic, Genomic and Proteomic Characterization of a Cytokine-Resistant Murine β-TC3 Cell Line

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is caused by the selective destruction of insulin-producing β-cells. This process is mediated by cells of the immune system through release of nitric oxide, free radicals and pro-inflammatory cytokines, which induce a complex network of intracellular signalling cascades, eventually affecting the expression of genes involved in β-cell survival. The aim of our study was to investigate possible mechanisms of resistance to cytokine-induced β-cell death. To this purpose, we created a cytokine-resistant β-cell line (β-TC3R) by chronically treating the β-TC3 murine insulinoma cell line with IL-1β + IFN-γ. β-TC3R cells exhibited higher proliferation rate and resistan…

Lower insulin sensitivity differentiates hirsute from non-hirsute Sicilian women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective: It is well known that hyperandrogenism and insulin-resistance with or without compensatory hyperinsulinism are closely associated, but the Rotterdam Consensus has concluded that principally obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) should be evaluated for the metabolic syndrome. Our aim was to study insulin sensitivity in PCOS women with hirsutism regardless of obesity. Methods: Clinical characteristics, sex hormones and fasting- and after OGTT-glycemia and insulinemia, homeostatic model of insulin resistance (HOMA IR), and Matsuda index of insulin sensitivity were analyzed in 130 women with PCOS. Hirsutism has been evaluated through the Ferriman–Gallwey (FG) map scoring …

In Vitro Identification and Characterization of CD133pos Cancer Stem-Like Cells in Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma Cell Lines

BackgroundRecent publications suggest that neoplastic initiation and growth are dependent on a small subset of cells, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs). Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma (ATC) is a very aggressive solid tumor with poor prognosis, characterized by high dedifferentiation. The existence of CSCs might account for the heterogeneity of ATC lesions. CD133 has been identified as a stem cell marker for normal and cancerous tissues, although its biological function remains unknown.Methodology/principal findingsATC cell lines ARO, KAT-4, KAT-18 and FRO were analyzed for CD133 expression. Flow cytometry showed CD133(pos) cells only in ARO and KAT-4 (64+/-9% and 57+/-12%, respectively). These …

The adipose visceral dysfunction plays an important role in diabetes in Cushing disease.

Background: Cushing disease (CD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality caused by cardiometabolic alterations. Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) expresses impaired adipose distribution and function which are related to the cardiometabolic risk. Aim: To evaluate in a cohort of CD patients the correlation between VAI and other parameters, such as gender, etiology, age, cortisol values measured in the morning (8 am) and at the midnight, urinary free cortisol (24h sample of urine, average of three samples) and glucose tolerance as normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), IFG+IGT and diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods: We …

Author Correction: Liraglutide Improves Cardiovascular Risk as an Add-on to Metformin and Not to Insulin Secretagogues in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Real-life 48-Month Retrospective Study

Although liraglutide is widely recognized to have glycemic and extra-glycemic effects, few studies have compared these effects in relation to hypoglycemic treatment starting from the diagnosis of diabetes. We evaluated the effectiveness of liraglutide in reducing the Framingham risk score (FRS) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) in relation to first-line hypoglycemic treatment from diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, continued without any changes.We selected 105 diabetic outpatients who were treated with liraglutide for at least 48 months as an add-on therapy to metformin alone (group A, n = 52) or insulin secretagogues (group B, n = 53) from diagnosis time.Although both groups showed a reduction…

The current version of the visceral adiposity index is not suitable for application in pediatric populations: comments on the article by Al-Daghri et al.

The current version of the visceral adiposity index is not suitable for application in pediatric populations: comments on the article by Al-Daghri et al .

PROPOSED OF A NEW SIMPLIFIED VISCERAL ADIPOSITY INDEX (VAI-2).

Insulin sensitivity and secretion and adipokine profile in patients with Cushing’s disease treated with pasireotide

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of pasireotide on β-cell and adipose function in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD). Methods: Clinical and hormonal parameters, insulin secretion evaluated by HOMA-β and by the area under the curve (AUC2h) of C-peptide during a mixed meal tolerance test and insulin sensitivity, evaluated by the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp, were evaluated in 12 patients with active CD, before and after 6 and 12 months of pasireotide. In addition, a panel of adipokines including leptin (Ob), leptin/leptin receptor ratio (Ob/Ob-R ratio), adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (AFABP) and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) was evaluated at…

Characterization of Metabolically Healthy Obese People and Metabolically Unhealthy Normal-Weight People in a General Population Cohort of the ABCD Study.

There is actually no consensus about the possibility that in some instances, obesity may be a benign metabolically healthy (MH) condition as opposed to a normal-weight but metabolically unhealthy (MUH) state. The aim of this study was to characterize MH condition and to investigate possible associations with metabolic and cardiovascular complications. One thousand nineteen people (range of age 18–90 years) of the cohort of the ABCD_2 study were investigated. Participants were classified as normal weight (BMI &lt; 24.9 kg/m2) or overweight-obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2); they were also classified as MH in the presence of 0-1 among the following conditions: (a) prediabetes/type 2 diabetes, (b) hyperte…

Effect of Cabergoline on Metabolism in Prolactinomas.

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Introduction:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Hyperprolactinemia has been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity and glucose intolerance and is reportedly associated with an impaired metabolic profile. The current study aimed at investigating the effects of 12- and 60-month treatment with cabergoline (CAB) on metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with prolactinomas. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Patients and Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; 61 patients with prolactinomas (13 men, 48 women, 41 with microadenoma, 20 with macroadenoma), aged 34.4 ± 10.3 years, entered the study. In all patients, prolactin (PRL) and metabolic parameters were assessed at diagnosis and after 12 and 60 months of continuo…

No association between BRAFV660E and metalloproteinase activity in anaplastic thyroid cell lines

One-hour post-load plasma glucose level is associated with a worse metabolic profile in children with GH deficiency

Purpose: In children, the plasma glucose value at 1 h (1hPG) during OGTT higher than 132.5 mg/dl is a predictor of alterations in glucose metabolism. We aimed to metabolically characterize GHD children according to 1hPG levels. Methods: Fifty-one GHD children (35 M, 16 F; mean age 8.6 years), grouped according to 1hPG, were evaluated at diagnosis and after 12 months of GH treatment (GHT) and compared with 50 matched controls at baseline. Auxological parameters, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), glucose and insulin during OGTT, lipid profile, the oral disposition index (DIo), the homeostasis model assessment estimate of insulin resistance (Homa-IR), and the insulin sensitivity index (ISI…

Knockdown of NANOG Reduces Cell Proliferation and Induces G0/G1 Cell Cycle Arrest in Human Adipose Stem Cells

The core components of regenerative medicine are stem cells with high self-renewal and tissue regeneration potentials. Adult stem cells can be obtained from many organs and tissues. NANOG, SOX2 and OCT4 represent the core regulatory network that suppresses differentiation-associated genes, maintaining the pluripotency of mesenchymal stem cells. The roles of NANOG in maintaining self-renewal and undifferentiated status of adult stem cells are still not perfectly established. In this study we define the effects of downregulation of NANOG in maintaining self-renewal and undifferentiated state in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from subcutaneous adipose tissue (hASCs). hASCs were expanded…

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GONADAL HOMEOSTASIS AND METABOLIC PARAMETERS IN A POPULATION OF HOSPITALIZED DIABETIC MALES.

Systolic flow peak of inferior thyroid arteries in Graves’disease: A predictive parameter for the ophalmopathy development.

Detection of BRAFV600 mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma using real time allele-specific amplification on fine needle aspiration biopsy specimens

Impact of a Mediterranean Dietary Pattern and Its Components on Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Glucose Control, and Body Weight in People with Type 2 Diabetes: A Real-Life Study

This study evaluates the relation of a Mediterranean dietary pattern and its individual components with the cardiovascular risk factors profile, plasma glucose and body mass index (BMI) in people with type 2 diabetes. We studied 2568 participants at 57 diabetes clinics. Diet was assessed with the EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) questionnaire, adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated with the relative Mediterranean diet score (rMED). A high compared to a low score was associated with a better quality of diet and a greater adherence to the nutritional recommendations for diabetes. However, even in the group achieving a high score, only a small prop…

L'immuno-intervento nel diabete di tipo 1 alla diagnosi e nei soggetti a rischio.

Leptina e adiponectina nella valutazione del compenso glicometabolico in corso di diabete mellito di tipo 1 normopeso.

Metabolic comorbidities of adrenal insufficiency: Focus on steroid replacement therapy and chronopharmacology

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is characterized by higher mortality and morbidity compared with the general population. Conventional replacement steroid therapy, currently recommended for the treatment of AI, is associated with increased frequency of metabolic comorbidities due to daily overexposure. By contrast, dual-release hydrocortisone is associated with a decreased risk of metabolic comorbidities, providing an adequate release of hydrocortisone and mimicking the physiological profile of cortisol. These favorable effects are due to a reduced daily steroid exposure that does not affect the expression of the clock genes which are involved in metabolic pathways and are regulated by the normal…

Liraglutide Improves Cardiovascular Risk as an Add-on to Metformin and Not to Insulin Secretagogues in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Real-life 48-Month Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Although liraglutide is widely recognized to have glycemic and extra-glycemic effects, few studies have compared these effects in relation to hypoglycemic treatment starting from the diagnosis of diabetes. We evaluated the effectiveness of liraglutide in reducing the Framingham risk score (FRS) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) in relation to first-line hypoglycemic treatment from diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, continued without any changes. METHODS: We selected 105 diabetic outpatients who were treated with liraglutide for at least 48 months as an add-on therapy to metformin alone (group A, n = 52) or insulin secretagogues (group B, n = 53) from diagnosis time. RESULTS: Altho…

No effect of GH/IGF-1 excess on adrenal gland in Acromegalic patients.

Usefulness and safety of pasireotide in a case of acromegaly highly resistant to treatment.

Background: Pasireotide is a novel somatostatin analogue with higher affinity to 4/5 known human somatostatin receptors subtypes. It could have utility in acromegalic patients not responding to available treatments, although a deterioration in glucose metabolism is described during its use. Case: We describe our experience in the management of a case of a 41 years-old man affected by mixed GH-PRL secreting pituitary macroadenoma (32 mm) high resistant to different treatments. At baseline, the patient showed GH nadir after OGTT 26 ng/ml, IGF-1 1369 ng/dl, PRL 2386 ng/ml, normal glucose tolerance (NGT) with HbA1c 5.9%. Eight months of pre-operative treatment with monthly lanreotide LA 120 mg …

Molecular characterization of cancer stem cells in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma

Human exfoliated deciduous teeth and oral mucosa: promising applications in tissue regeneration

In the last three decades, the constantly increasing need for therapies, efficiently preventing and/or treating human diseases, has raised the interest in Regenerative Medicine (RM). RM is based on employing mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), that showed to have great proliferation, self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potential, in vitro as well as in vivo. The opportunity of an accessible, painless and low-cost reservoir of MSCs constitutes the first important step of a successful regenerative therapy to include in the current clinical practice. Oral cavity has recently demonstrated to contain different MSCs niches: dental pulp from permanent and deciduous teeth, periodontal ligament…

Transient chylomicronemia preceding the onset of insulin-dependent diabetes in a young girl with no humoral markers of islet autoimmunity

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the possible causes of diabetes in a young child who presented with hyperglycemia associated with severe hypertriglyceridemia (&gt;166 mmol/l), hypercholesterolemia (&gt;38 mmol/l) and fasting chilomicrons. RESULTS: The patient did not have any of the HLA and autoantibody markers typically associated with type 1 diabetes. A glucose clamp failed to demonstrate insulin resistance (peripheral glucose utilization rate (M)=4.3 mg/kg per min) and there was no family history of type 2 diabetes or maturity onset diabetes in youth. Both fasting and stimulated C-peptide levels, including those in response to i.v. glucagon, were below the limit of detection. This is consiste…

Papillary thyroid cancer incidence in the volcanic area of Sicily.

Abstract BACKGROUND: The steadily increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed mostly to more sensitive thyroid nodule screening. However, various environmental factors, such as those associated with volcanic areas, cannot be excluded as risk factors. We evaluated thyroid cancer incidence in Sicily, which has a homogenous population and a province (Catania) that includes the Mt Etna volcanic area. METHODS: In a register-based epidemiological survey, we collected all incident thyroid cancers in Sicily from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2004. The age-standardized incidence rate for the world population (ASR(w)) was calculated and expressed as the number of thyroid cancer…

Additional file 2: of Human limbal fibroblast-like stem cells induce immune-tolerance in autoreactive T lymphocytes from female patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

f-LSCs arrest T-cell division. (A) One-way mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR) was carried out by seeding 2 × 105 of responder healthy PBMCs into 48-well plates (Corning) and adding 1 × 105 mytomycin-C pre-treated stimulator cells for a final volume of 500 μl of lymphocyte medium. Each responder and stimulator cell population was seeded in triplicate. When MLRs were cocultured with f-LSCs the allogenic activation was greatly reduced. Pictures are representative of five independent experiments. (B) Molecular detection of p27Kit and CCND1 mRNA by qRT-PCR. Results are shown as mean ± SD of three independent experiments; *p 

Ambulatory Glucose Profile Applied to Flash Glucose Monitoring in Real Life: An Expert Opinion.

The clinical benefits of real time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) use have been well demonstrated in both CSII- and MDI-treated individuals in large clinical trials. However, recommendations for patient use of rtCGM in everyday life situations are lacking. This article provides guidance to clinicians and patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in effective use of rtCGM data, including glucose rate of change (ROC) arrows, for insulin dosing adjustments and other treatment decisions. The recommendations presented here are based on our own clinical experiences as endocrinologists, our personal experiences living with T1D using rtCGM, and findings from a recent survey of T1D patients who hav…

Dental pulp stem cells for bone tissue engineering: a review of the current literature and a look to the future.

The aim of this narrative review is to investigate the implication of mesenchymal stem cells harvested from human dental pulp in in vivo bone tissue regeneration. We focused on studies related to roles of human dental pulp stem cells in in vivo bone regeneration. A total of 1021 studies were identified; after the assessment of eligibility, only 39 studies were included in the review. The evaluated information of the studies regards the experimental strategies (e.g., the isolation method, the scaffold, the in vivo animal models). The overall main evidences highlighted from the analysis are that dental pulp stem cells and human-exfoliated deciduous teeth stem cells supported by a suitable sc…

Correction to: One Year of Dapaglifozin Add-On Therapy Ameliorates Surrogate Indexes of Insulin Resistance and Adiposity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

This study investigates the effects of dapagliflozin on the visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), product of triglycerides and glucose (TyG) and triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). In this real-life study, dapaglifozin was added to metformin alone (group 1, no. 42) or insulin plus metformin (group 2, no. 58) in 100 T2D patients. In group 1, after 6 months of dapaglifozin addition, a significant decrease in BMI (p < 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (p < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.009), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.012), mean fasting blood glucose (FBG), post-breakfast glucose…

Subclinical ovulatory dysfunction (SOD): a frequent but underestimated phenomenon which may be useful for diagnosis of PCOS.

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POSITIVELY CHARGED FUNCTIONALIZED HALLOYSITE/CURCUMIN SYSTEMS AND EVALUATION OF THEIR ANTICANCER ACTIVITY

Phenolic compound originated from one of the main class of secondary metabolites, as curcumin and its derivatives have been studied and their biological and pharmacological activities have been evaluated, too [1,2]. Unfortunately, curcumin exhibits poor bioavailability after oral or topic administration [3]. Therefore a carefully designed carrier could significantly facilitate curcumin delivery and broaden the range of its possible pharmaceutical applications. Halloysite was found to be a viable and inexpensive nanoscale container for the encapsulation of biological active molecules [4]. In this communication we report data about a new potential curcumin carrier based on positively charged …

Transient chylomicronemic syndrome: description of three cases

Efficacia e sicurezza della terapia con glargine in gravidanza: esperienza su una casistica di 15 donne diabetiche di tipo 1.

L’aumentata risposta dell’unità pilosebacea agli androgeni è correlata all’insulinoresistenza: valutazione di vari indici di sensibilità insulinica in donne con segni clinici di iperandrogenismo.

Analisi comparativa tra linee cellulari di carcinoma tiroideo papillare ed anaplastico

The Metabolic Profile in Active Acromegaly is Gender-Specific.

CONTEXT: The sexual dimorphism of the somatotroph axis has been documented, but whether the acromegaly-related metabolic alterations are gender-dependent has never been investigated. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of gender on the metabolic parameters in acromegaly. DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective, comparative, multicenter study. PATIENTS: The 307 newly diagnosed acromegalic patients included in the study were grouped by gender: 157 men (aged 48.01 ± 14.28 yr), and 150 women (aged 48.67 ± 14.95 yr; of which 77 were premenopausal and 73 postmenopausal). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: We measured each component of the metabolic syndrome (MS), hemoglobin A1c, the areas …

Accumulation of apoE-enriched triglyceride-rich lipoproteins in patients with coronary artery disease.

Triglycerides (TGs) are vehicled by multiple particles with different abilities to promote atherosclerosis. Among plasma TG-rich lipoproteins (TRLs), subspecies may or may not contain apolipoprotein E (apoE) molecules: in this study, we evaluated the relative contribution of apoE-rich and apoE-poor TRLs to coronary atherosclerosis. We selected a group of males with premature coronary artery disease (CAD) without any of the classical nonlipid risk factors and/or high plasma lipid levels and evaluated the plasma concentration of TRL subspecies in comparison with healthy controls. Patients with CAD and controls had total cholesterol and TG levels within the normal range (despite slightly, even…

Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome: A Therapeutic Approach via Adenoviral Delivery of CRISPR/cas Genome Editing System

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a rare human genetic disease caused by mutations in the LMNA gene. LMNA codes for structural components of the nuclear lamina. Alterations of nuclear lamina lead to a very variable class of diseases known as laminopathies. In detail, HGPS manifests a severe premature ageing phenotype due to the accumulation of a dominant negative form of lamin-A called progerin. With current treatments, the life expectancy of HGPS patients does not exceed their second decade. Death is usually due to cardiovascular complications. Recently, a new technology for mammals in vivo gene editing has been developed: the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic …

The treatment of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycaemia in adults: an update

Treatment of hyperinsulinemic hypoglycaemia (HH) is challenging due to the rarity of this condition and the difficulty of differential diagnosis. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the recent literature on the management of adult HH. A search for reviews, original articles, original case reports between 1995 and 2016 in PubMed using the following keywords: hyperinsulinemic hypoglycaemia, insulinoma, nesidioblastosis, gastric bypass, autoimmune hypoglycaemia, hyperinsulinism, treatment was performed. One hundred and forty articles were selected and analysed focusing on the most recent treatments of HH. New approaches to treatment of HH are available including mini-invasive sur…

SEARCH OF THE MUTATION OF B-RAFV600E IN FNA OF THYROID NODULES

The role of FAS/FASLig and apoptosis in β-cell death in animal models: relevance for human IDDM

Clinical and metabolic effects of first-line treatment with somatostatin analogues or surgery in acromegaly: a retrospective and comparative study.

To evaluate the metabolic effects of first-line somatostatin analogues or surgery in acromegaly. Retrospective, comparative, 12-month follow-up. Two hundred and thirty one patients (123 men, age 47.32 ± 14.63 years) with active acromegaly, first line treatments were somatostatin analogues in 151 (65.4%) and surgery in 80 (34.6%). Metabolic syndrome (MS) parameters, glucose, insulin and GH during oral glucose tolerance test, stimulated insulin sensitivity by insulin sensitivity index (ISI Matsuda), early and total insulin-secretion rate by insulinogenic index and AUC(INS), visceral adiposity function, expressed by visceral adipose index (VAI). Somatostatin analogues treatment improved all MS…

Association of obesity and diabetes with thyroid nodules

Aim: There are conflicting data concerning the possibility that obesity and diabetes raise the risk of thyroid nodules. The incidence of thyroid nodules is increasing, as is that of obesity and diabetes; therefore, understanding whether these metabolic and nutritional disorders influence nodular thyroid disease is important for organizing prevention strategies. This study investigated the association between thyroid nodules, obesity, diabetes, and dietary habits. Materials and methods: A cohort of randomly selected adults (455 males, 746 females; age: 18–90 years) living in Palermo (Italy), a mild iodine deficiency area, was cross-sectionally investigated. Participants underwent high-reso…

High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in Sicilian children affected by growth hormone deficiency and its improvement after 12 months of replacement treatment.

PURPOSE: Although the correlation between vitamin D and growth hormone (GH)-insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) axis is documented, as of date, few and conflicting studies have prospectively analyzed vitamin D before and after GH treatment. Our aim was to evaluate as to how the condition of GH deficiency (GHD) or GH treatment influences vitamin D in children. METHODS: Eighty Sicilian GHD children (M/F 58/22; mean age 10.3 years), grouped according to the season of evaluation in group A (June-September; 41 children) and group B (November-February; 39 children), were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months of GH treatment. RESULTS: Twenty-eight children (35 %) were vitamin D insufficient an…

Glucose Metabolism in Children With Growth Hormone Deficiency

Background: The growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) axis has a fundamental impact on glucose metabolism. Therefore, both untreated GH deficiency (GHD) and GH treatment (GHT) may be associated with some metabolic alterations, although the abnormalities of glucose metabolism have been investigated by relatively few studies as main outcomes. Aim: The present review summarizes the available data on glucose metabolism in children with GHD, providing an overview of the current state of the art in order better to clarify the real metabolic impact of GHD and GHT. Methods: Among all the existing studies, we evaluated all original studies that fulfilled our criteria for analysis …

Increated central corneal thickness in acromegalic patients

Espressione dei fattori di trascrizione di staminalità in cellule stromali (HASC) ottenute da tessuto adiposo viscerale e sottocutaneo

OCT is not useful for detection of minimal diabetic retinopathy in type 1 diabetes.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has been proven useful in measuring retinal thickness (RT) in patients with diabetes, although with discordant results in different studies. We examined RT in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) with or without minimal diabetic retinopathy (MDR) to test whether OCT is able to identify early retinal changes and potential correlations with metabolic parameters. RT of 102 patients with T1D (53 females, 49 males, aged 27.03 +/- 7.4 years) and of 42 healthy controls was examined, with analysis of nine different sectors (fovea, four pericentral and four peripheral sectors). According to the results of basal fundus photography, patients were divided into two grou…

IS VISCERAL ADIPOSITY INDEX (VAI)RELATED TO PROSTATE CANCER DETECTED BY BIOPSY?

association between obesity and prostate cancer, yielding inconsistent results. Metabolic syndrome has been suggested to promote aggressive prostate tumors. In a previous study we failed to detect a relation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and prostate cancer Gleason score (1). BMI, although routinely adopted to measure obesity, has low sensitivity and specificity. A novel sex-specific obesity index, based on waist circumference (WC), BMI, triglycerides (TGs) and high density lipoproteins (HDL), the Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI), has been proposed to estimate the visceral adiposity dysfunction (2). The aim of our preliminary research was to correlate VAI and BMI with the presence of prostate…

Rationale, design, and baseline characteristics in Evaluation of LIXisenatide in Acute Coronary Syndrome, a long-term cardiovascular end point trial of lixisenatide versus placebo

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Furthermore, patients with T2DM and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) have a particularly high risk of CV events. The glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist, lixisenatide, improves glycemia, but its effects on CV events have not been thoroughly evaluated.METHODS: ELIXA (www.clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT01147250) is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multicenter study of lixisenatide in patients with T2DM and a recent ACS event. The primary aim is to evaluate the effects of lixisenatide on CV morbidity and mortality in a population …

Recherche de la mutation B-RAF V600E sur materiel preleve par citopontion de nodule thyroidiens: utilitè diagnostique et valeur prognostique

Phenotyping of type 2 diabetes mellitus at onset on the basis of fasting incretin tone: Results of a two-step cluster analysis.

Aims/Introduction According to some authors, in type 2 diabetes there is a reduced postprandial action of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). However, little is known about the role of fasting incretins in glucose homeostasis. Our aim was to evaluate, through a two-step cluster analysis, the possibility of phenotyping patients with type 2 diabetes at onset on the basis of fasting GLP-1, GIP and ghrelin. Materials and Methods A total of 96 patients with type 2 diabetes within 6 months of onset (mean age 62.40 ± 6.36 years) were cross-sectionally studied. Clinical, anthropometric and metabolic parameters were evaluated. At fasting the follow…

Variabili cliniche nella casistica del policlinico di Palermo nell’ambito del registro dei tumori della tiroide in Sicilia: Età, sesso, autoimmunità, tipo, dimensionilesionali e coinvolgimento delle stazioni linfonodali della tiroide

I picchi di flusso dell aa. tiroidee inferiori all'esordio del m. Graved sono predittivi di basso rischio di associata oftalmopatia

Effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists on myokine levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Background and aims: To evaluate the change in circulating serum irisin and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after 6 and 12 months of GLP-1 treatment. Methods and results: Eighty-five patients with T2DM inadequately controlled with insulin or other hypoglycaemic drugs were added to dulaglutide (N° = 44) and liraglutide (N° = 41) treatment. After 6 months of GLP-1 analogues a significant decrease in BMI (p &lt; 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (p &lt; 0.001), fasting blood glucose (p &lt; 0.001), HbA1c (p &lt; 0.001), total cholesterol (p &lt; 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.003), triglycerides (p = 0.017), IL-6 (p = 0.045) and a significant increase in s…

Complete biochemical control and oituitary adenoma disappearance in a child with gigantism: efficay of octreotide therapy

Immunoregulatory T-lymphocyte subset deficiency in newly diagnosed Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus

Humoral and cell-mediated disorders in Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes suggest that an imbalance of immunoregulatory T-cell subsets exists. In 23 newly diagnosed (onset less than 3 months) and 21 long-standing Type 1 diabetic patients, T lymphocyte subsets were analyzed using monoclonal antibodies (OKT3, OKT4, OKT8, OKM1). The newly diagnosed patients showed a reduction with a significant difference from healthy controls in total T cells (OKT3+: 58.1 +/- 8.5% versus 70.7 +/- 8.0%), helper/inducer cells (OKT4+: 33.8 +/- 7.0% versus 47.1 +/- 8.3%), suppressor/cytotoxic cells (OKT8+: 18.5 +/- 7.3% versus 32 +/- 6.8%) and monocytes (OKM1+: 11.5 +/- 3.8% versus 19.9 +/- 5.2%) (p less than 0.…

Erratum to: Donor age and long-term culture do not negatively influence the stem potential of limbal fibroblast-like stem cells

In regenerative medicine the maintenance of stem cell properties is of crucial importance. Ageing is considered a cause of reduced stemness capability. The limbus is a stem niche of easy access and harbors two stem cell populations: epithelial stem cells and fibroblast-like stem cells. Our aim was to investigate whether donor age and/or long-term culture have any influence on stem cell marker expression and the profiles in the fibroblast-like stem cell population.Fibroblast-like stem cells were isolated and digested from 25 limbus samples of normal human corneo-scleral rings and long-term cultures were obtained. SSEA4 expression and sphere-forming capability were evaluated; cytofluorimetric…

Differential proteomic and phenotypic behaviour of papillary and anaplastic thyroid cell lines.

Abstract Thyroid carcinomas account for a minority of all malignant tumours but, after those of the gonads, they represent the most common forms of endocrine cancers. They include several types, among which the papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and the anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) are the best known. The two hystotypes display significant biological and clinical differences: PTC is a well differentiated form of tumour with a high incidence and a good prognosis, while the ATC is less frequent but represents one of the most aggressive endocrine tumours with morphological features of an undifferentiated type. To date, as far as we know, no conclusive studies, useful to design arrays of molecul…

One Year of Dapaglifozin Add-On Therapy Ameliorates Surrogate Indexes of Insulin Resistance and Adiposity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction: This study investigates the effects of dapagliflozin on the visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), product of triglycerides and glucose (TyG) and triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol ratio (TG/HDL-C) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Methods: In this real-life study, dapaglifozin was added to metformin alone (group 1, no. 42) or insulin plus metformin (group 2, no. 58) in 100 T2D patients. Results: In group 1, after 6 months of dapaglifozin addition, a significant decrease in BMI (p &lt; 0.001), waist circumference (WC) (p &lt; 0.001), systolic blood pressure (SBP) (p = 0.009), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (p = 0.012), mean fasting blood…

Glucocorticoid excess and COVID-19 disease

AbstractThe pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is causing high and rapid morbidity and mortality. Immune system response plays a crucial role in controlling and resolving the viral infection. Exogenous or endogenous glucocorticoid excess is characterized by increased susceptibility to infections, due to impairment of the innate and adaptive immune system. In addition, diabetes, hypertension, obesity and thromboembolism are conditions overrepresented in patients with hypercortisolism. Thus patients with chronic glucocorticoid (GC) excess may be at high risk of developing COVID-19 infection with a sever…

Effetti di una terapia con glucocorticoidi ev ad alte dosi sull'oftalmopatia di Graves moderata-severa:uno studio caso-controllo

Improved insulin sensitivity and secretion in prediabetic patients with adrenal insufficiency on dual-release hydrocortisone treatment: a 36-month retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE Dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) provides physiological cortisol exposure, leading to an improvement of anthropometric and metabolic parameters. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of DR-HC on insulin secretion and sensitivity and cardiometabolic risk, indirectly expressed by the visceral adiposity index (VAI). DESIGN AND PATIENTS Retrospective analysis of 49 patients, 13 with primary and 36 with secondary adrenal insufficiency (AI), respectively, on conventional glucocorticoid treatment at baseline and switched to DR-HC for 36 months. Overall, 24 patients had AI-pre-diabetes (impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance and the combination), and 25 had AI-…

Treatment of Recent-Onset Type 1 Diabetic Patients With DiaPep277: Results of a Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Phase 3 Trial.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate safety and efficacy of DiaPep277 in preserving β-cell function in type 1 diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS DIA-AID 1 is a multinational, phase 3, balanced-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical study. Newly diagnosed patients (N = 457, aged 16–45 years) were randomized to subcutaneous injections of DiaPep277 or placebo quarterly for 2 years. The primary efficacy end point was the change from baseline in the area under the glucagon-stimulated C-peptide curve. Secondary end points were the change from baseline in mixed-meal stimulated C-peptide secretion and in fasting C-peptide and achieving target HbA1c ≤7% (≤53 mmol/mol). P…

Myoinositol supplementation in the treatment of gestational diabetes mellitus: effects on glycaemic control and maternal-foetal outcomes.

Abstract Background Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is defined as glucose intolerance with onset during pregnancy. It is characterized by high risk of adverse outcomes for the mother and the foetus, if not adequately controlled. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of 4000 mg of myoinositol supplementation in women with GDM on maternal-foetal outcomes, compared to controls. Methods A cohort of 330 women with GDM, 150 supplemented with myoinositol and 180 controls were enrolled. Clinical and metabolic parameters and the prevalence of maternal and foetal complications were assessed. Results The same number of women in the two groups started insulin as additional therapy. Women…

Revaluation of the clinical and metabolic behavior of GHD children during GH treatment according to newly proposed note 39 of the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA)

Background The newly proposed note 39 of the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) revisited the diagnostic criteria of growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in children and, applying it, a percentage of children previously diagnosed as GHD may have received a wrong diagnosis and a unnecessary treatment, with potential clinical implications. Aim To evaluate the clinical and metabolic behavior of GH-treated children according to the new criteria of GHD diagnosis. Subjects and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical and metabolic data of 310 prepubertal children (220 M, 90 F, age 10.8 ± 2.9 yrs) with short stature admitted to our section of Endocrinology during the years 2005-2014, having at least …

Increased thyroid cancer incidence in a basaltic volcanic area is associated with non-anthropogenic pollution and biocontamination

The increased thyroid cancer incidence in volcanic areas suggests an environmental effect of volcanic-originated carcinogens. To address this problem, we evaluated environmental pollution and biocontamination in a volcanic area of Sicily with increased thyroid cancer incidence. Thyroid cancer epidemiology was obtained from the Sicilian Regional Registry for Thyroid Cancer. Twenty-seven trace elements were measured by quadrupole mass spectrometry in the drinking water and lichens (to characterize environmental pollution) and in the urine of residents (to identify biocontamination) in the Mt. Etna volcanic area and in adjacent control areas. Thyroid cancer incidence was 18.5 and 9.6/10(5) inh…

Off-line control of the postprandial glycemia in type 1 diabetes patients by a fuzzy logic decision support

Iter diagnostico "rapido" per un caso di MEN IIb in un giovane adolescente

Identification of Tyrosine Phosphatase 2(256-760) Construct as a New, Sensitive Marker for the Detection of Islet Autoimmunity in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: The Non Insulin Requiring Autoimmune Diabetes (NIRAD) Study 2

Abstract OBJECTIVE: The presence of autoantibodies to islet antigens GAD and/or tyrosine phosphatase 2 (IA-2) in type 2 diabetic patients (latent autoimmune diabetes in adults [LADA]) identifies subjects at high risk to develop insulin dependency. The aim of this study was to dissect humoral anti-IA-2 immune response in Caucasian LADA patients, identifying the most sensitive construct to evaluate IA-2 immunoreactivity and comparing LADA IA-2 epitope specificities to those found in type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed 177 LADA and 978 type 2 diabetic patients with different disease duration, collected in a nationwide Italian survey, the Non-Insulin Requiring Autoimmune D…

Effect of the switch from conventional to “dual release hydrocortisone” in adult patients with primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency: a six-months multicenter study

Heterogeneity of Stem Cells in the Thyroid

Identification of thyroid stem cells in the past few years has made important contributions to our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that induce tissue regeneration and repair. Embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced-pluripotent stem cells have been used to establish reliable protocols to obtain mature thyrocytes and functional follicles for the treatment of thyroid diseases in mice. In addition, the discovery of resident thyroid progenitor cells, along with other sources of stem cells, has defined in detail the mechanisms responsible for tissue repair upon moderate or severe organ injury.In this chapter, we highlight in detail the current state of research on thyroid ste…

Factors associated with mild cognitive impairment in a population-based cohort

Il lavoro non prevede abstract

Diabetes Secondary to Acromegaly: Physiopathology, Clinical Features and Effects of Treatment.

Acromegaly is a rare disease due to chronic GH excess and to the consequent increase in IGF-1 levels. Both GH and IGF-1 play a role in intermediate metabolism affecting glucose homeostasis. Indeed, chronic GH excess impairs insulin sensitivity, increases gluconeogenesis, reduces the glucose uptake in adipose tissue and muscle and alters pancreatic β cells function. As a consequence, glucose metabolism alterations are a very frequent complication in acromegaly patients, further contributing to the increased cardiovascular risk and mortality. Treatment modalities of acromegaly differently impact on glucose tolerance. Successful surgical treatment of acromegaly ameliorates glucose metabolism a…

Trattamento con GH e metabolismo glucidico

Il c-peptide come marker principale nella storia naturale del Diabete di tipo 1: ruolo della funzione b-cellulare pancreatica nelle complicanze.

(Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine)(glycinato)copper(II) perchlorate: a novel DNA-intercalator with anti-proliferative activity against thyroid cancer cell lines.

Abstract A novel copper(II) heteroleptic complex of dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine (dppz) and glycinato (gly) as chelating ancillary ligand, [Cu(dppz)(gly)]ClO 4 ( 1 ), was synthesized and characterized. X-ray crystallography revealed that the coordination geometry of the cationic [Cu(dppz)(gly)] + unit is hexacoordinated and shows a distorted octahedral coordination geometry in the solid state, with the N,N and N,O chelating atoms of dppz and glycinato, respectively, in the square plane and in which the planar units are connected in a monodimensional polymeric array by the apical copper coordination of the second carboxylic oxygen atom. Biological assays showed that 1 exhibits a remarkab…

Insulin resistance and hyperandrogenism drive steatosis and fibrosis risk in young females with PCOS

Background and aims Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) recognize obesity and insulin resistance (IR) as common pathogenic background. We assessed 1) whether PCOS is a risk factor for steatosis, and 2) the impact, in PCOS patients, of IR and hyperandrogenism on steatosis and fibrosis. Methods We considered 202 consecutive Italian PCOS nondiabetic patients and 101 age-matched controls. PCOS was diagnosed applying the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria. Steatosis was diagnosed if hepatic steatosis index (HSI) >36, while fibrosis by using the FIB-4 score. As surrogate estimate of insulin sensitivity we considered the insulin sensitivity index (ISI). Free an…

Additional file 5: of Human limbal fibroblast-like stem cells induce immune-tolerance in autoreactive T lymphocytes from female patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Immunomodulation mechanism played from BM-MSCs on healthy activated PBMCs. (A) Acitive-caspase-3 detection by FACS revealed weak induction of the apoptotic cascade in activated healthy PBMCs after 72 h of coculture with BM-MSCs. FACS histogram plots are representative of five experiments of identical design. (B) The expression percentage of the three activation markers (CD28, PD-1, CD69) in activated healthy PBMCs were assessed by flow cytometry and reported in the histogram. Samples were run after 72 h of incubation with or without BM-MSCs. (C) The CD4/CD8 ratio was calculated from data obtained by flow staining in samples of healthy activated PBMCs alone and after coculture with BM-MSCs. …

Cellule Staminali Pancreatiche

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Growth hormone and hematopoiesis: A retrospective analysis on a large cohort of children with growth hormone deficiency

Objective: Few large-scale studies regarding the impact of GH deficiency (GHD) on hematopoiesis in children have been reported. Our aim was to investigate hematopoiesis indices in a large cohort of GHD children at diagnosis and during GH treatment (GHT) and any correlation with hormonal parameters. Design: Clinical and biochemical data of children with idiopathic GHD at diagnosis and annually up to 36 months of GHT were retrospectively evaluated. Overall, 255 children reached 12 months, 140 children 24 months and 86 children 36 months of follow-up during GHT. Results: At baseline, 18.4% of GHD children and 10.1% of controls showed normocytic anemia. GHD children showed lower hemoglobin (Hb)…

Cut-off points of the visceral adiposity index (VAI) identifying a visceral adipose dysfunction associated with cardiometabolic risk in a Caucasian Sicilian population

Abstract Background The Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) is a sex-specific mathematical index, based on Waist Circumference (WC), Body Mass Index (BMI), triglycerides (TG) and HDL cholesterol (HDL) levels, indirectly expressing visceral adipose function and insulin sensitivity. Our aim was to find the optimal cut-off points of VAI identifying a visceral adipose dysfunction (VAD) associated with cardiometabolic risk in a Caucasian Sicilian population. Methods Medical check-up data of 1,764 Primary Care patients (PC patients) were retrospectively and cross-sectionally examined using a receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine appropriate stratified-for-age cut-off of VAI, for t…

Alte dosi di cabergolina migliorano i parametri metabolici in pazienti affetti da prolattinoma.

Mesenchymal stem cells derived from inflamed dental pulpal and gingival tissue: a potential application for bone formation

Background Chronic periodontal disease is an infectious disease consisting of prolonged inflammation of the supporting tooth tissue and resulting in bone loss. Guided bone regeneration procedures have become common and safe treatments in dentistry, and in this context dental stem cells would represent the ideal solution as autologous cells. In this study, we verified the ability of dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DPSCs) and gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) harvested from periodontally affected teeth to produce new mineralized bone tissue in vitro, and compared this to cells from healthy teeth. Methods To characterize DPSCs and GMSCs, we assessed colony-forming assay, immunophenot…

Lacrimal gland herniation in Graves ophthalmopathy: a simple and useful MRI biomarker of disease activity

Lacrimal gland (LG) involvement in patients with Graves ophthalmopathy (GO) has been considered as a potential cause of the associated GO symptoms and different studies demonstrated the LG involvement in patients with GO than healthy controls. The aim of this study was to evaluate LG involvement, through measurement of its herniation, using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) index, in patients with different GO activities. Thirty-two consecutive Caucasian patients affected by GO were enrolled and grouped in group A (16 with inactive GO, CAS < 3) and B (16 with active GO, CAS ≥ 3) according to their GO activity. All patients underwent clinical-endocrinological assessment, a complete ocular e…

HYPERINSULINISM AND POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS): ROLE OF INSULIN CLEARANCE.

Use of basal insulin analog detemir in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes: a case-control retrospective study

Fine-Needle Aspiration (FNAB) Molecular Analysis for the Diagnosis of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma through BRAFv600E mutation and RET/PTC rearrangement

Objective: To evaluate BRAFV600E mutation on consecutive fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) specimens in order to assess FNAB’s usefulness in preoperative papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) diagnosis with the contemporaneous analysis of RET=PTC1 and RET=PTC3 rearrangements obtained from ex vivo thyroid nodules. Design: Thyroid FNABs from 156 subjects with nodules and 49 corresponding surgical samples were examined for the presence of BRAF mutation by real-time allele-specific polymerase chain reaction, confirmed with the use of a laser pressure catapulting system. Samples were also examined for RET=PTC rearrangements. The results were compared with the cytological diagnosis and histopathol…

Correlation between adrenal function, growth hormone secretion, and insulin sensitivity in children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency

Purpose Patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) demonstrate an increased cortisol/cortisone ratio which could potentially explain the metabolic features of GHD, while GH treatment (GHT) could increase the cortisol metabolism. Methods In 35 children (27 M, mean age 10.1 years) with idiopathic GHD at baseline and after 12 months of GHT and in 25 controls, in addition to metabolic parameters, we assessed adrenal function by morning serum cortisol, its peak, and its area under the curve (AUCCOR) during insulin tolerance test (ITT). Results A cortisol peak <18 µg/dl was shown in 22 and 31% of GHD children at baseline and after GHT, respectively. At baseline, GHD children had lower fasting …

Rotterdam consensus, NIH and EAS: comparison among the three different diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of PCOS.

DIFFERENTIAL PROTEOMIC ANALYSIS OF THYROID CARCINOMA CELL LlNES

Terapia sequenziale con corticosteroidi nell’Oftalmopatia di Graves

Potential involvement of fas and its ligand in the pathogenesis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis

The mechanisms responsible for thyrocyte destruction in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) are poorly understood. Thyrocytes from HT glands, but not from nonautoimmune thyroids, expressed Fas. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), abundantly produced in HT glands, induced Fas expression in normal thyrocytes, and cross-linking of Fas resulted in massive thyrocyte apoptosis. The ligand for Fas (FasL) was shown to be constitutively expressed both in normal and HT thyrocytes and was able to kill Fas-sensitive targets. Exposure to IL-1β induced thyrocyte apoptosis, which was prevented by antibodies that block Fas, suggesting that IL-1β-induced Fas expression serves as a limiting factor for thyrocyte destruction. Th…

Predictive factors of polycystic ovary syndrome in girls with precocious pubarche

Objective: The aim of this study is to clarify, in girls with premature pubarche (PP), the influence of premature androgenization on the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Design and patients: Ninety-nine PP girls, 63 who developed PCOS and 36 who did not develop PCOS, were retrospectively included. Clinical, anthropometric, and metabolic parameters were evaluated at the time of diagnosis of PP and after 10 years from menarche to find predictive factors of PCOS. Results: Young females with PP showed a PCOS prevalence of 64% and showed a higher prevalence of familial history of diabetes (P = 0.004) and a lower prevalence of underweight (P = 0.025) than PP-NO-PCOS. In addition, g…

Is diabetes in Cushing's syndrome only a consequence of hypercortisolism?

ObjectiveDiabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most frequent complications of Cushing's syndrome (CS). The aim of this study was to define the changes in insulin sensitivity and/or secretion in relation to glucose tolerance categories in newly diagnosed CS patients.DesignCross-sectional study on 140 patients with CS.MethodsA total of 113 women (80 with pituitary disease and 33 with adrenal disease, aged 41.7±15.7 years) and 27 men (19 with pituitary disease and eight with adrenal disease, aged 38.1±20.01 years) at diagnosis were divided according to glucose tolerance into normal glucose tolerance (CS/NGT), impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance (CS/prediabetes), and diabe…

Thyroid function during long-term GH treatment in children affected by idiopathic GH deficiency

Valutazione dell’insulinoresistenza tramite un test pasto standard.

BRAF(V600E) mutation influences hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha expression levels in papillary thyroid cancer

Abstract Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha is found frequently overexpressed in solid tumors cells, exerting an important role in angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, cell proliferation, survival and invasion. In thyroid carcinomas, hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha expression was found increased in differentiated, poorly differentiated, medullary and anaplastic variants. Hypoxia represents the principal stimulus responsible for hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha induction. Other nonhypoxic stimuli increase hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha synthesis through the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in a cell-type-specific manner. We have previously s…

Pasta consumption and connected dietary habits: Associations with glucose control, adiposity measures, and cardiovascular risk factors in people with type 2 diabetes—TOSCA.IT study

Background: Pasta is a refined carbohydrate with a low glycemic index. Whether pasta shares the metabolic advantages of other low glycemic index foods has not really been investigated. The aim of this study is to document, in people with type-2 diabetes, the consumption of pasta, the connected dietary habits, and the association with glucose control, measures of adiposity, and major cardiovascular risk factors. Methods: We studied 2562 participants. The dietary habits were assessed with the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) questionnaire. Sex-specific quartiles of pasta consumption were created in order to explore the study aims. Results: A higher pasta con…

Alterazioni del metabolismo glucidico determinate da eccesso di ormoni contro regolatori.

Visceral Adiposity Index

OBJECTIVE To individuate a novel sex-specific index, based on waist circumference, BMI, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol, indirectly expressing visceral fat function. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Visceral adiposity index (VAI) was first modeled on 315 nonobese healthy subjects. Using two multiple logistic regression models, VAI was retrospectively validated in 1,498 primary care patients in comparison to classical cardio- and cerebrovascular risk factors. RESULTS All components of metabolic syndrome increased significantly across VAI quintiles. VAI was independently associated with both cardiovascular (odd ratio [OR] 2.45; 95% CI 1.52–3.95; P &amp;lt; 0.001) and cerebrovascular (1.63; 1.0…

The Daily Consumption of Cola Can Determine Hypocalcemia: A Case Report of Postsurgical Hypoparathyroidism-Related Hypocalcemia Refractory to Supplemental Therapy with High Doses of Oral Calcium

The consumption of soft drinks is a crucial factor in determining persistent hypocalcemia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the biochemical mechanisms inducing hypocalcemia in a female patient with usual high consumption of cola drink and persistent hypocalcemia, who failed to respond to high doses of calcium and calcitriol supplementation. At baseline and after pentagastrin injection, gastric and duodenal secretion samples were collected and calcium and total phosphorus concentrations were evaluated. At the same time, blood calcium, total phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium concentrations and vitamin D were sampled. After intake of cola (1 L) over 180 min, gastric and du…

INSULIN SECRETION AND SENSITIVITY DURING PASIREOTIDE TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH RECURRENT CUSHING DISEASE: A CASE SERIES

Visceral adiposity index (VAI) is predictive of an altered adipokine profile in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Aims Although there is still no clear definition of “adipose tissue dysfunction” or ATD, the identification of a clinical marker of altered fat distribution and function may provide the needed tools for early identification of a condition of cardiometabolic risk. Our aim was to evaluate the correlations among various anthropometric indices [BMI, Waist Circumference (WC), Hip Circumference (HC), Waist/Hip ratio (WHR), Body Adiposity Index (BAI) and Visceral adiposity Index (VAI)] and several adipocytokines [Visfatin, Resistin, Leptin, Soluble leptin receptors (sOB-R), Adiponectin, Ghrelin, Adipsin, PAI-1, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) TNF-α, hs-CRP…

Donor age and long-term culture do not negatively influence the stem potential of limbal fibroblast-like stem cells

AbstractBackgroundIn regenerative medicine the maintenance of stem cell properties is of crucial importance. Ageing is considered a cause of reduced stemness capability. The limbus is a stem niche of easy access and harbors two stem cell populations: epithelial stem cells and fibroblast-like stem cells. Our aim was to investigate whether donor age and/or long-term culture have any influence on stem cell marker expression and the profiles in the fibroblast-like stem cell population.MethodsFibroblast-like stem cells were isolated and digested from 25 limbus samples of normal human corneo-scleral rings and long-term cultures were obtained. SSEA4 expression and sphere-forming capability were ev…

Correlation between severity of growth hormone deficiency and thyroid metabolism and effects of long-term growth hormone treatment on thyroid function in children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency.

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background/Aim:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The significance of changes in thyroid function in children during growth hormone (GH) treatment remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate the impact of GH replacement on thyroid status in children with idiopathic GH deficiency (GHD). &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Data of 105 GHD children (82 M, 23 F; aged 11.13 years) during a 36-month follow-up were analyzed. At diagnosis the areas under the curve of GH (AUC&lt;sub&gt;GH&lt;/sub&gt;) were calculated during a GH-releasing hormone + arginine (GHRH-Arg) and insulin tolerance test. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; A significant &amp;#x0394;fT&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/su…

Le Malattie Endocrine Autoimmuni - Collana di Quaderni di Endocrinologia

BRAFV660E mutation and Timp-1 hyper-expression in classical variants of papyllary thyroid carcinoma.

The medical treatment with pasireotide in Cushing’s disease: an Italian multicentre experience based on “real-world evidence”

A phase III study has demonstrated that 6-month pasireotide treatment induced disease control with good safety in 15–26% of patients with Cushing’s disease (CD). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the 6-month efficacy and safety of pasireotide treatment according to the real-world evidence. Thirty-two CD patients started pasireotide at the dose of 600 µg twice a day (bid) and with the chance of up-titration to 900 µg bid, or down-titration to 450 or 300 µg bid, on the basis of urinary cortisol (UC) levels or safety. Hormonal, clinical and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline and at 3-month and 6-month follow-up, whereas tumour size was evaluated at baseline and at 6-mont…

Different Th1/Th2 cytokine expression in Type 1 diabetes mellitus patients (T1DM) alone or associated with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD)

Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI): A Reliable Indicator Of Visceral Fat Function Associated With Cardiometabolic Risk.

Objective: To individuate a novel sex-specific index, based on Waist Circumference (WC), Body Mass Index (BMI), Triglycerides (TG) and HDL cholesterol (HDL), indirectly expressing visceral fat function. Research design and Methods: Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) was first modelled on 315 non-obese healthy subjects. Using two multiple logistic regression models, VAI was retrospectively validated in 1,498 primary care patients in comparison to classical cardio and cerebrovascular risk factors. Results: All components of metabolic syndrome increased significantly across VAI quintiles. VAI was independently associated with both cardiovascular (OR:2.45; 95%CI: 1.52-3.95; p&lt;0.001) and cerebrov…

Decreased regulatory CD4+CD25+ Treg cells in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes

Additional file 3: of Human limbal fibroblast-like stem cells induce immune-tolerance in autoreactive T lymphocytes from female patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Inhibitory effect of BM-MSCs on PBMC proliferation. (A) PBMCs from healthy volunteers were stimulated with anti-CD3 for 72 h in the presence or absence of BM-MSCs (1:10 ratio). No activated PBMCs served as negative controls. Original magnification: 40×. Pictures are representative of at least five independent experiments (B). DNA content was assessed using PI staining and analyzed by flow cytometry. Analysis of cell cycle showed the 28 ± 2.7% of PBMCs after 72 h of activation in G2/S phase. The same cells in the presence of BM-MSCs became 15 ± 3.0% confirming the inhibitory action of BM-MSCs on PBMC proliferation. In the transwell system no significant inhibition of PBMC growing was observe…

The oligomenorrhoic phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome are characterized by a high visceral adiposity index: a likely condition of cardiometabolic risk.

BACKGROUND: Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) frequently exhibit central obesity, glucose intolerance, atherogenic dys- lipidemia and hypertension, which are characteristic features of a condition of cardiometabolic risk. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between visceral adiposity index (VAI) and phenotypic characteristics in women with PCOS. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional case-control study in our Endocrinology Outpatients Clinic. A total of 220 women with PCOS (Rotterdam definition) and I44 age- and BMI-matched healthy women were studied. We evaluated hyperandrogenemia and clinical hyperandrogenism, ovarian morphology, hypothalamic-hypophyseal axis and …

Safety of glargine therapy during pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Impact of Chemical Endocrine Disruptors and Hormone Modulators on the Endocrine System

There is growing concern regarding the health and safety issues of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Long-term exposure to EDCs has alarming adverse health effects through both hormone-direct and hormone-indirect pathways. Non-chemical agents, including physical agents such as artificial light, radiation, temperature, and stress exposure, are currently poorly investigated, even though they can seriously affect the endocrine system, by modulation of hormonal action. Several mechanisms have been suggested to explain the interference of EDCs with hormonal activity. However, difficulty in quantifying the exposure, low standardization of studies, and the presence of confounding factors do n…

Visceral adiposity index and metabolic profile in adult patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: hydrocortisone versus prednisone treatment.

Background: Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hypeplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency need a life-long therapy with glucocorticoids (GCs) and tend to have a cluster of metabolic risk factors, which are consistent with metabolic syndrome (MS). Most frequently used GCs are Hydrocortisone (HC) and Prednisone (P), different for both pharmacodynamic and pharmacokynetic characteristics. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of HC and P on VAI, a new indicator of visceral fat function, and on metabolic profile in CAH patients long term treated with GC. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients (22 F, 10 M, 18-46 yrs), among which 16 (11 F, 5 M) treated with HC (dose 10-45…

BrafV600E mutation and hyperexpression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) in papillary thyroid carcinoma

Epigenetic involvement in Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome: a mini-review.

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare human genetic disease that leads to a severe premature ageing phenotype, caused by mutations in the &lt;i&gt;LMNA&lt;/i&gt; gene. The &lt;i&gt;LMNA&lt;/i&gt; gene codes for lamin-A and lamin-C proteins, which are structural components of the nuclear lamina. HGPS is usually caused by a de novo &lt;i&gt;C1824T&lt;/i&gt; mutation that leads to the accumulation of a dominant negative form of lamin-A called progerin. Progerin also accumulates physiologically in normal ageing cells as a rare splicing form of lamin-A transcripts. From this perspective, HGPS cells seem to be good candidates for the study of the physiological mechanisms of ageing…

Maggior rischio cardiometabolico nelle donne affette da Cushing, anche in assenza di una franca Sindrome Metabolica.

Recovery of endogenous beta cell function in non-human primates following chemical diabetes induction and islet transplantation

Objectives: To describe the ability of non-human primate endocrine pancreata to re-establish endogenous insulin production after chemical beta cell destruction. Research Design and Methods: Eleven monkeys (macaca fascicularis) were rendered diabetic with streptozotocin. Eight diabetic monkeys received intraportal porcine islet transplantation. Results: Two monkeys transplanted after 75 days of insulin dependent diabetes, showed recovery of endogenous C-peptide production a few weeks after transplantation, concomitant with graft failure. Histological analysis of the pancreas of these monkeys showed insulin-positive cells, single or in small aggregates scattered in the pancreas and adjacent t…

Increased expression of transketolase-like-1 in papillary thyroid carcinomas smaller than 1.5 cm in diameter is associated with lymph-node metastases.

BACKGROUND. Patients with small papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) may have a high incidence of regional lymph-node (LN) metastases at presentation, and these are considered to be an independent risk factor for tumor recurrence. A mutated transketolase transcript (TKTL1) has been found up-regulated in different human malignancies, and strong TKTL1 protein expression has been associated with aggressiveness and poor patient survival in several epithelial cancers. METHODS. TKTL1 protein expression was analyzed in 256 consecutive cases of PTCs ≤1.5 cm by immunohistochemistry with a specific anti-TKTL1 antibody. RNA analysis was performed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in all cases …

Leukocyte migration test (LMT) in patients with thyroid disease: the response to human thyroid subcellular fractions.

The response of circulating leukocytes to thyroid subcellular fractions was investigated in 19 patients with Graves' disease, 15 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, 7 patients with toxic adenoma, 19 patients with nontoxic goiter and in 10 healthy students as control subjects. For this purpose, the leukocyte migration test of Soborg and Bendixen was performed against human crude thyroid extract (CTE), cell plasma membranes, nuclei, ribosomes, mitochondria and microsomes. Our results show positive LMT against: 1) CTE in patients with Graves' disease (61 +/- 13, p less than 0.001) and Hashimoto's thyroiditis (65 +/- 11, p less than 0.001) compared to controls (90 +/- 11); 2) cell plasma mem…

Efficacy of combined treatment with pasireotide, pegvisomant and cabergoline in an acromegalic patient resistant to other treatments: a case report

Abstract Background The approach to acromegalic patients with persistent acromegaly after surgery and inadequate response to first-generation somatostatin receptor ligands (SRLs) should be strictly tailored. Current options include new pituitary surgery and/or radiosurgery, or alternative medical treatment with SRLs high dose regimens, pegvisomant (PEG) as monotherapy, or combined therapy with the addition of PEG or cabergoline to SRLs. A new pharmacological approach includes pasireotide, a second-generation SRL approved for patients who do not adequately respond to surgery and/or for whom surgery is not an option. No reports on efficacy and safety of combined therapy with pasireotide and p…

Are diabetes and its medications risk factors for the development of COVID-19? Data from a population-based study in Sicily

Abstract Background and aims Diabetes mellitus (DM) has been associated with higher incidence of severe cases of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients, but it is unknown whether DM is a risk factor for the overall COVID-19 incidence. The aim of present study was to investigate whether there is an association of DM with COVID-19 prevalence and case fatality, and between different DM medications and risk for COVID-19 infection and death. Methods and results retrospective observational study on all SARS-CoV-2 positive (SARS-CoV-2+) cases and deaths in Sicily up to 2020, May 14th. No difference in COVID-19 prevalence was found between people with and without DM (RR 0.92 [0.79–1.09]). Case fatality …

Endocrine and pro-inflammatory activity of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue in morbidly obese patients with and without metabolic syndrome.

EFFECT OF SWITCH FROM CONVENTIONAL GLUCOCORTICOIDS TO “DUAL RELEASE HYDROCORTISONE” (DR-HC) ON METABOLIC PROFILE AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN ADULT PATIENTS WITH SECONDARY ADRENAL INSUFFICIENCY (SAI): RESULTS OF THREE MONTHS FOLLOW-UP

Higher cardiometabolic risk in idiopathic versus autoimmune type 1 diabetes: A retrospective analysis

Abstract Background Idiopathic type 1 diabetes mellitus (IDM) is characterized by an onset with insulinopenia and ketoacidosis with negative β-cell autoimmunity markers and lack of association with HLA. The aim of the study is to compare the clinical and metabolic parameters, the macro and microvascular complications, the adipose tissue dysfunction and the insulin secretion and sensitivity indexes in patients with IDM and autoimmune type 1 diabetes mellitus (ADM) at clinical onset. Methods Thirty patients with IDM and 30 with ADM, matched for age and gender, were retrospectively analyzed. BMI, waist circumference, lipids, glycemia, HbA1c, insulin requirement, glutamic oxaloacetic and glutam…

The influence of high dose intravenous immunoglobulins on immunological and metabolic pattern in newly diagnosed type I diabetic patients

In autoimmune disease the functional deficiency of T suppressor cells, also described in Type I diabetes, may be restored through immunoglobulin (Ig) infusion, which increases antigen phagocytosis, NK activity, cell clones and antibody anti-idiotype responses. Sixteen Type I diabetic patients were studied: eight were treated soon after the initial correction of disease-onset glycemic deterioration with intensive intravenous (i.v.) 7S Ig treatment (0.4 g/kg/BW) for 1 week and once per week for 6 months, whilst the remaining patients constituted the control group. All patients were evaluated during the study for metabolic and immunological parameters. A reduction in insulin requirement compar…

Further monotonicity and convexity properties of the zeros of cylinder functions

AbstractLet cvk be the kth positive zero of the cylinder function Cv(x,α)=Jv(x) cos α−Yv sin α, 0⩽α<π, where Jv(x) and Yv(x) are the Bessel functions of the first and the second kind, respectively. We prove that the function v(d2cvkddv2+δ)cvk increases with v⩾0 for suitable values of δ and k−απ⩾ 0.7070… . From this result under the same conditions we deduce, among other things, that cvk+12δv2 is convex as a function of v⩾0. Moreover, we show some monotonicity properties of the function c2vkv. Our results improve known results.

40(th) EASD Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes : Munich, Germany, 5-9 September 2004

L'acromegalia - Collana di Quaderni di Endocrinologia

Diabete e Cellule staminali

Interleukin 2 and soluble interleukin 2-receptor secretion defect in vitro in newly diagnosed type I diabetic patients

In this study, we investigated whether an interleukin 2 (IL-2) secretion defect by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after in vitro stimulation with phytohemagglutinin (PHA-M) occurs in either newly diagnosed or long-standing type I (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients and whether it is accompanied by a dysregulation of soluble IL-2— receptor (IL-2RS) production. PBMC cultures (2.5 × 106 cells), unstimulated or stimulated with PHA-M (25 μg/ml), from 20 type I diabetic patients (10 with time since onset &amp;lt;3 mo and 10 with long-term diabetes of &amp;lt;3 yr) and 10 control subjects were studied for the production of IL-2 and IL-2RS in their respective supernatants. No differen…

The impact of insulin resistance, serum adipocytokines and visceral obesity on steatosis and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C

SUMMARY Aims  To assess whether host metabolic factors influence the degree of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients infected with hepatitis C virus, and to evaluate the impact of anti-viral therapy on insulin resistance and serum levels of adipocytokines. Methods  Clinical and biochemical features, anthropometrical characteristics, and levels of fasting insulin, leptin, adiponectin and resistin were measured in ‘naive’ patients with chronic hepatitis C, before, during and after therapy with Peg-Interferon-alpha 2a plus Ribavirin. Results  Forty-eight patients were included (M/F 28/20; mean age 50.0 ± 12.6 years; 62.5% genotype-1). Body mass index was 26.4 ± 4.0 kg/m2, and visceral obe…

Reduction in insulin sensitivity and inadequate β-cell capacity to counteract the increase in insulin resistance in children with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency during 12 months of growth hormone treatment

Purpose: To evaluate the performance of various indexes of insulin sensitivity and secretion and to identify the most useful indicator of deterioration of glucose metabolism in a cohort of children with growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) during GH treatment. Methods: In 73 GHD children (55 M, 18 F; mean age 10.5 years) at baseline and after 12 months of treatment, we evaluated a number of surrogate indexes of insulin secretion and sensitivity. In a subgroup of 11 children we also performed an euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp. Results: After 12 months, a significant increase in fasting glucose (p < 0.001) and HbA1c levels (p < 0.001) was documented, despite all children remained with a no…

Clamp euglicemico iperinsulinemico e test al glucagone come utili strumenti di valutazione degli effetti metabolici della terapia sostitutiva con GH.

Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) as a simple indicator of “adipose tissue dysfunction” in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Although still there is no a clear definition of “adipose tissue dysfunction”, the identification of clinical and biological markers of altered fat distribution and function may provide the needed tools to early identify a condition of cardiometabolic risk. Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) is a mathematical gender-specific index estimated with the use of simple anthropometric [(BMI and Waist circumference (WC)] and biochemical parameters [HDL cholesterol (HDL) and Triglycerides (Tg)], that in recent studies has shown to reflect accurately the degree of visceral adiposity and insulin resistance. However, although VAI has been indirectly shown to be a marker of impaired fat distribution and fun…

Il c-peptide come marker principale nella storia naturale del Diabete tipo 1: ruolo della funzione b-cellulare pancreatica nelle complicanze

COVID-19 infection and glucocorticoids: update from the Italian Society of Endocrinology Expert Opinion on steroid replacement in adrenal insufficiency

In November 2019, the Italian Society of Endocrinology (SIE) has published a consensus statement on the tailoring of glucocorticoid replacement in adrenal insufciency [1]. A few months later, a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) has been recognized as responsible for COVID-19. The outbreak has now reached pandemic level, with a high global mortality rate [2]. From February on, Italy has experienced an exponential rise in the infected which is estimated to reach 200,000 people, with an overall lethality of approximately 10% [3]. A recent Chinese series of nearly 50,000 patients with confrmed COVID-19 infection found that approximately one-out-of-fve (19%) evolve …

Hydrolyzed infant formula and early β-cell autoimmunity: a randomized clinical trial.

Importance The disease process leading to clinical type 1 diabetes often starts during the first years of life. Early exposure to complex dietary proteins may increase the risk of β-cell autoimmunity in children at genetic risk for type 1 diabetes. Extensively hydrolyzed formulas do not contain intact proteins. Objective To test the hypothesis that weaning to an extensively hydrolyzed formula decreases the cumulative incidence of diabetes-associated autoantibodies in young children. Design, Setting, and Participants A double-blind randomized clinical trial of 2159 infants with HLA-conferred disease susceptibility and a first-degree relative with type 1 diabetes recruited from May 2002 to Ja…

Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet: A Potential Application in the Treatment of Hypercortisolism Comorbidities

A very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) is characterized by low daily caloric intake (less than 800 kcal/day), low carbohydrate intake (&lt;50 g/day) and normoproteic (1–1.5 g of protein/kg of ideal body weight) contents. It induces a significant weight loss and an improvement in lipid parameters, blood pressure, glycaemic indices and insulin sensitivity in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is characterized by an endogenous or exogenous excess of glucocorticoids and shows many comorbidities including cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and lipid disorders. The aim of this speculative review is to provide an overview on nutrit…

Prevalence of residual B-cell function related to age at onset and genetic profile in newly diagnosed type I diabetics.

Patients with type I (insulin-dependent) diabetes mellitus maintain B-cell function for a varying period of time after onset. This is commonly held to account for post-initial remission. To estimate residual B-cell function we measured plasma and 24-h urinary C-peptide in 68 type I diabetic patients (age range 4-35 years, within 10-180 days of the onset of symptoms, typed for HLA-A, -B, -C and DR loci. A positive correlation (r = 0.26; p less than 0.05) was found between urinary C-peptide levels and the age of the patient. The analysis of variance of urinary C-peptide values on the basis of the presence or absence of DR3 and DR4 antigens revealed that the DR3-positive patients had reduced e…

Long-term safety and efficacy of subcutaneous pasireotide in patients with Cushing’s disease: interim results from a long-term real-world evidence study

Abstract Purpose Clinical trials have demonstrated the favorable efficacy/safety profile of pasireotide in patients with Cushing’s disease (CD). We report interim long-term results of an ongoing real-world evidence study of subcutaneous pasireotide in patients with CD. Methods Adults with CD receiving pasireotide, initiated before (prior-use) or at study entry (new-use), were monitored for ≤ 3 years during a multicenter observational study (http://clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02310269). Primary objective was to assess long-term safety of pasireotide alone or with other CD therapies. Results At the time of this interim analysis, 127 patients had received pasireotide (new-use, n = 31; pri…

Dual-release hydrocortisone improves hepatic steatosis in patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency: A real-life study

Background:Conventional glucocorticoid treatment has a significant impact on liver in patients with adrenal insufficiency. Dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) provides physiological cortisol exposure, leading to an improvement in anthropometric and metabolic parameters. We aimed to evaluate the effects of 12-month DR-HC treatment on the hepatic steatosis index (HSI), a validated surrogate index of hepatic steatosis, in patients with secondary adrenal insufficiency (SAI).Methods:A total of 45 patients with hypopituitarism, 22 with hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, ACTH, and GH deficiencies, and 23 with hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and ACTH deficiency, on replacement therapy for all the pituitar…

Dual-release hydrocortisone vs conventional glucocorticoids in adrenal insufficiency

Background Dual-release hydrocortisone (DR-HC) improves metabolism in patients with adrenal insufficiency. The aims of this study were to compare the cardiovascular and metabolic effects of conventional glucocorticoids (GCs) vs. DR-HC and of high vs. low doses of GCs, after 48 months of observation. Methods We selected 27 patients on hydrocortisone (mean dose 17.5 ± 4.2 mg/day) and 20 patients on cortisone acetate (mean dose 37.5 ± 12.1 mg/day) who maintained this treatment (group A) and 53 patients switched to DR-HC (mean dose 22 ± 4.8 mg/day) (group B). At baseline and after 48 months, clinical and metabolic parameters and Framingham Risk Score (FRS) were obtained. Results After 48 month…

Insulin resistance and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in humans, affecting approximately 7-8% of women of reproductive age. Despite the criteria adopted, PCOS is considered to be a predominantly hyperandrogenetic syndrome and the evaluation of metabolic parameters and insulin sensitivity is not mandatory. Most women with PCOS also exhibit features of the metabolic syndrome, including insulin resistance, obesity and dyslipidaemia. While the association with type 2 diabetes is well established, whether the incidence of cardiovascular disease is increased in women with PCOS remains unclear. Acknowledging the strong impact of insulin-resistance in the genesis of PCOS co…

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic action of hydrogel in thyroid orbitopathy.

Purpose: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy of applying on the eyelid surface sterile hydrogel dressings containing substances such as pineapple extract which has anti-inflammatory and antioedema properties, and 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid. Design: Randomized prospective clinical trial. Methods: 50 patients (16 males and 34 females) affected with thyroid-associated orbitopathy in acute phase equally distributed in two groups. The level of patient satisfaction of the treatment was measured by answering a questionnaire before and after the treatment phase. Results: While 24 patients of study group reported an reduction in the pain only 2 of control group did. In the study group questionnaire’…

Valutazione dell’insulino-sensibilità e della funzione adiposa viscerale nel diabete mellito tipo 1 autoimmune ed idiopatico.

Maternal-fetal Complications in Pregnancy: A Retrospective Comparison Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background The aim of the study was a retrospective comparison of the differences in maternal-foetal outcomes between women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T1DM and T2DM). Methods A cohort of 135 patients with pregestational diabetes, 73 with T1DM (mean age 29 ± 5 years) and 62 with T2DM (mean age 33 ± 6 years), in intensive insulin treatment throughout pregnancy were evaluated. Clinical and metabolic parameters and the prevalence of maternal and foetal complications were assessed. Results Women with T1DM showed lower pregestational BMI (p &lt; 0.001), pregestational weight (p &lt; 0.001), weight at delivery (p &lt; 0.001), ∆_total_insulin requirement (IR) at the first, s…

Hypothyroidism induced by esophageal adenocarcinoma metastates: a case report

The Daily Consumption of Cola Can Determine Hypocalcemia: A Case Report of Postsurgical Hypoparathyroidism-Related Hypocalcemia Refractory to Supplemental Therapy with High Doses of Oral Calcium

The consumption of soft drinks is a crucial factor in determining persistent hypocalcemia. The aim of the study is to evaluate the biochemical mechanisms inducing hypocalcemia in a female patient with usual high consumption of cola drink and persistent hypocalcemia, who failed to respond to high doses of calcium and calcitriol supplementation. At baseline and after pentagastrin injection, gastric secretion (Gs) and duodenal secretion (Ds) samples were collected and calcium and total phosphorus (Ptot) concentrations were evaluated. At the same time, blood calcium, Ptot, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium concentrations, and vitamin D were sampled. After intake of cola (1 L) over 180 min,…

ISOLAMENTO E CARATTERIZZAZIONE DI CELLULE STAMINALI NELLE LINEE CELLULARI DI CARCINOMA TIROIDEO

Trattamento con lanreotide di un caso di gastrinoma già trattao con 177Lu-DOTATATE

I Tumori Neuroendocrini

Metabolic effects of GH therapy in adults with GH deficiency: a 2 year prospective study

Background Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adults is associated with adverse metabolic profile, while data about the metabolic effects of GH treatment are controversial. Aim To evaluate the metabolic influence of GH replacement in GHD. Subjects and Methods Data of 65 patients (35 M, age 54 ± 18 yrs) were analyzed. Before GH therapy and yearly up to 2 years we measured BMI, WC, visceral adiposity index (VAI), IGF-1, lipide profile, HbA1c and basal insulin-secretion (Homa-β) and -sensitivity (Homa-IR) indexes. Results No subject showed overt dysglycemia at baseline and during GH therapy. Hypertriglyceridemia was detected in 36 patients at baseline and in 31 and 20 respectively at 12 and 24…

Utilizzo dell’insulina detemir in una casistica di donne affette da diabete tipo 1 in gravidanza: uno studio caso-controllo retrospettivo.

Utility of C-peptide for a reliable estimate of insulin secretion in children with growth hormone deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: GH treatment (GHT) can lead to glucose metabolism impairment through decreased insulin sensitivity and impaired pancreatic β-cell function, which are the two key components of the pathogenesis of diabetes. Therefore, in addition to insulin sensitivity, during GHT it is very important to perform a reliable evaluation of insulin secretion. However, conflicting data exist regarding the insulin secretion in children during GHT. C-peptide provides a more reliable estimate of β-cell function than insulin, but few studies evaluated it during GHT. Our aim was to assess the usefulness of C-peptide in the evaluation of insulin secretion in GH deficiency (GHD) children. DESIGN: In 48 GHD ch…

Riflessioni sul Trapianto di Pancreas

GHD come predittore di sindrome metabolica

Il GH, la cui principale azione consiste nella stimolazione della crescita corporea, continua ad esercitare funzioni metaboliche in età adulta, per cui l’ormai riconosciuta “sindrome da deficit di GH (GHD) dell’adulto” configura un vero e proprio modello di sindrome metabolica (SM). La prevalenza di SM nel GHD è infatti significativamente più alta rispetto alla popolazione generale anche se ad oggi sono ancora limitati gli studi prospettici di lunga durata che hanno analizzato specificatamente la prevalenza di SM e delle sue individuali componenti in soggetti GHD. Le azioni metaboliche del GH sono tessuto-specifiche, esplicandosi prevalentemente a livello di fegato, tessuto adiposo, muscolo…

Decremento delle cellule T regolatorie (Treg) CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ nei linfociti periferici dei pazienti affetti da diabete di tipo 1.

Buon compenso glicemico nei pazienti acromegalici affetti da diabete secondario.

Differential protein expression in cytokine-sensitive and -resistant pancreatic beta cell lines

Clinical and hormonal characteristics in heterozygote carriers of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Abstract Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NC-CAH) includes a group of genetic disorders due to a broad class of CYP21A2 variants identifying a disease-causing ‘C’ genotype. The heterozygous carriers of CYP21 mutations are at increased risk of developing clinically evident hyperandrogenism, even though clinical and laboratory characteristics are still underestimated. With the aim of obtaining a more accurate delineation of the phenotype of heterozygous carrier of CAH, we analyzed clinical, biochemical and molecular characteristics in a cohort of Sicilian subjects. Fifty-seven females with biallelic and monoallelic CYP21A2 variants classifying NC-CAH (24) and heterozygous carrier…

Erratum: Donor age and long-term culture do not negatively influence the stem potential of limbal fibroblast-like stem cells (Stem Cell Research and Therapy (2016) 7 (8))

Following publication of the original article in Stem Cell Research and Therapy [1], it was brought to our attention that panel 5E in Fig. 5 is a duplicate of panel 5F. Please find below the figure with the correct panel E. We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.

Corrigendum to “Off-line control of the postprandial glycemia in type 1 diabetes patients by a fuzzy logic decision support” [Expert Systems with Applications 39 (12) (2012) 10693–10699]

Production of a Double-Layer Scaffold for the “On-Demand” Release of Fibroblast-like Limbal Stem Cells

The production and characterization of a double layer scaffold, to be used as a system for the “on demand” release of corneal limbal stem cells are here reported. The devices used in the clinics and proposed so far in the scientific literature, for the release of corneal stem cells in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency, cannot control the in vivo space-time release of cells since the biomaterial of which they are composed is devoid of stimuli responsiveness features. Our approach was to produce a scaffold composed of two different polymeric layers that give the device the appropriate mechanical properties to be placed on the ocular surface and the possibility of releasing the stem…

Role of PTPRJ genotype in papillary thyroid carcinoma risk

The strong genetic predisposition to papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) might be due to a combination of low-penetrance susceptibility variants. Thus, the research into gene variants involved in the increase of susceptibility to PTC is a relevant field of investigation. The gene coding for the receptor-type tyrosine phosphatase PTPRJ has been proposed as a cancer susceptibility gene, and its role as a tumor suppressor gene is well established in thyroid carcinogenesis. In this study, we want to ascertain the role of PTPRJ genotype in the risk for PTC. We performed a case–control study in which we determined the PTPRJ genotype for the non-synonymous Gln276Pro and Asp872Glu polymorphisms by PC…

Anti-Inflammatory Action of Heterogeneous Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein A2/B1 in Patients with Autoimmune Endocrine Disorders

Our previous studies documented that human fibroblast-limbal stem cells (f-LSCs) possess immunosuppressive capabilities, playing a role in regulating T-cell activity. This study highlights the molecular activities by which human f-LSCs can attenuate the inflammatory responses of self-reactive peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) collected from patients with autoimmune endocrine diseases (AEDs). Anti-CD3 activated PBMCs from twenty healthy donors and fifty-two patients with AEDs were cocultured on f-LSC monolayer. 2D-DIGE proteomic experiments, mass spectrometry sequencing and functional in vitro assays were assessed in cocultured PBMCs. We identified the downmodulation of several huma…

Differential regulation of Fas-mediated apoptosis in both thyrocyte and lymphocyte cellular compartments correlates with opposite phenotypic manifestations of autoimmune thyroid disease.

Several mechanisms are probably involved in determining the evolution of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) towards either hypothyroidism and the clinical syndrome known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) or toward hyperthyroidism and the symptoms of Graves' disease (GD). To gain further insight into such mechanisms we performed an exhaustive comparative analysis of the expression of key molecules regulating cell death (Fas, Fas ligand [FasL], Bcl-2) and apoptosis in both thyrocytes and thyroid infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from patients with either GD or HT. GD thyrocytes expressed less Fas/FasL than HT thyrocytes, whereas GD TILs had higher levels of Fas/FasL than HT TILs. GD thyrocytes exp…

Oligomenorrhea in PCOS is characterized by a high visceral adiposity index (VAI): a likely condition of cardiometabolic risk.

Development and characterization of co-loaded curcumin/triazole-halloysite systems and evaluation of their potential anticancer activity.

Abstract Positively charged halloysite nanotubes functionalized with triazolium salts (f-HNT) were employed as a carrier for curcumin molecules delivery. The synthesis of these f-HNT new materials is described. Their interaction with curcumin was evaluated by means dynamic light scattering (DLS) and UV–vis spectroscopy in comparison with pristine unmodified HNT (p-HNT). The curcumin load into HNT was estimated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements, while the morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Release of curcumin from f-HNT, at three different pH values, by means of UV–vis spectroscopy was also studied. Furthermore, different cancer cell …

BRAFV600E Mutation and p27kip1 Expression in Papillary Carcinomas of the Thyroid ≤1 cm and Their Paired Lymph Node Metastases

BACKGROUND. BRAFV600E mutation and p27kip1 expression have been introduced as novel indicators that may predict prognosis in different tumors, as well as in papillary thyroid carcinomas. METHODS. Tissue samples from 214 consecutive patients who underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy with histological diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) ≤1 cm were analyzed for BRAFV600E mutation by a real-time, allele-specific amplification and for p27kip1 expression by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS. The BRAFV600E mutation was detected in 88 of the tumors examined, with significant differences between groups with and without lymph node (LN) metastases; the mean age of patients with BRAFV600E …

Serum miRNAs in women affected by hyperandrogenic polycystic ovary syndrome: the potential role of miR-155 as a biomarker for monitoring the estroprogestinic treatment.

MicroRNAs can be used as very efficient circulating biomarkers. The role of microRNAs in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the effects of antiandrogen therapy on microRNA expression is still not fully understood. A panel of serum microRNAs were retrotranscribed via looped reverse primer transcription specific for each miRNA and quantified via probe specific RT-PCR in 16 Caucasian hyperandrogenic PCOS women selected according to the Rotterdam criteria and in a subset of seven patients after four months of sequential reverse antiandrogenic therapy. All women recruited underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and a baseline total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins cholesterol, tr…

HSP90 in ageing progression and ageing related diseases

HSP90 activities decline during ageing. Noteworthy, HSP90 mediated retrotransposon silencing seems to have a key role in the maintenance of genome integrity. Furthermore, inhibition of HSP90 activities lead to cell senescence and apoptosis. Original bioinformatics analyses and literature data will be discussed in the light of the potential involvement of HSP90 in ageing progression and ageing related diseases.

NANOG Plays a Hierarchical Role in the Transcription Network Regulating the Pluripotency and Plasticity of Adipose Tissue-Derived Stem Cells (ASCs)

The stromal vascular cell fraction (SVF) of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue (VAT and SAT) has increasingly come into focus in stem cell research, since these compartments represent a rich source of multipotent adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs). ASCs exhibit a self- renewal potential and differentiation capacity. Our aim was to study the different expression of embryonic stem cell markers NANOG, SOX2 and OCT3/4 and to evaluate if there exists a hierarchal role in this network in ASCs derived from both SAT and VAT. ASCs were isolated from SAT and VAT biopsies of 72 consenting patients (23 men, 47 women; age 45 &amp;plusmn; 10; BMI between 25 and 30 range) undergoing elective open-abd…

Improved Cardiovascular and Cardiometabolic Risk in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes and Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome Switched From Glargine to Degludec Due to Hypoglycaemic Variability

Background: Cardiovascular disease is a frequent complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D). We evaluated the effectiveness of switching from glargine to degludec in reducing the cardiovascular risk factors, the Framingham risk score (FRS) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) in patients with T1D and autoimmune polyglandular syndrome (APS).Methods: We selected 66 T1D outpatients who had been on stable treatment with glargine for at least 5 years. Among them, 30 patients maintained glargine (group A), while 36 were switched to degludec (group B) for 12 months. At baseline and after 12 months of observation, clinical and metabolic parameters, insulin dose, 30-days blood glucose (BG) self monitoring,…

The use of rh-TSH in the follow-up of thyroid microcarcinoma after total thyroidectomy

Additional file 1: of Human limbal fibroblast-like stem cells induce immune-tolerance in autoreactive T lymphocytes from female patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Immunophenotyping of BM-MSCs. (A) The immunological profile of BM-MSCs was assessed by flow cytometry before (upper panel) and after 48 h of cytokine-treatment (IL-1β, IL-6, and IFNγ, 500 U/ml) (lower panel) using the same Abs for f-LSC immune characterization. All histogram plots include the percentage of expression of each protein as representative value of five independent experiments. (PDF 572 kb)

EFFECTS OF CABERGOLINE TREATMENT ON METABOLIC SYNDROME AND VISCERAL ADIPOSITY INDEX IN PATIENTS WITH HYPERPROLACTINEMIA.

Introduction: Hyperprolactinemia is reportedly associated with an impaired metabolic profile, particularly in patients with concomitant hypogonadism. The current study aimed at investigating the effects of short (12 months) and long (60 months) treatment with cabergoline (CAB) on metabolic complications, metabolic syndrome (MS) prevalence and visceral adiposity index (VAI) in hyperprolactinemic patients (pts). Patients and Methods: Seventy-one pts (51 F, 20 M, aged 35.4±11.7 yrs), including 36 with microprolactinomas, 32 with macroprolactinomas and 3 with non-tumoral hyperprolactinemia, entered the study. In all pts, PRL and metabolic parameters (BMI, waist circumference, lipid and glucose …

Incretin Response to Mixed Meal Challenge in Active Cushing’s Disease and after Pasireotide Therapy

Cushing&rsquo;s disease (CD) causes diabetes mellitus (DM) through different mechanisms in a significant proportion of patients. Glucose metabolism has rarely been assessed with appropriate testing in CD; we aimed to evaluate hormonal response to a mixed meal tolerance test (MMTT) in CD patients and analyzed the effect of pasireotide (PAS) on glucose homeostasis. To assess gastro-entero-pancreatic hormones response in diabetic (DM+) and non-diabetic (DM&ndash;) patients, 26 patients with CD underwent an MMTT. Ten patients were submitted to a second MMTT after two months of PAS 600 &micro;g twice daily. The DM+ group had significantly higher BMI, waist circumference, glycemia, HbA1c, ACTH le…

Efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy with RLP068 for diabetic foot ulcers: a review of the literature and clinical experience

This article is the second part of a literature review concerning diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and the use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT involves the topical application of a photosensitiser into the tissue, followed by illumination that induces the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). PDT provides bacterial inactivation and promotes wound healing, and it can be used to manage the infection and microbial colonisation of DFUs. It has pivotal advantages in comparison with chemotherapeutics, such as no potential to induce resistance, and a wide spectrum of activity. Tetracationic Zn(II) phthalocyanine derivatives have been developed for PDT. Among these, we would like …

Apoptosis in Thyroid Autoimunity.

Does iris(in) bring bad news or good news?

Irisin, a novel myokine produced in response to physical activity, promotes white-to-brown fat transdifferentiation. The name irisin referred to the ancient Greek goddess Iris, the messenger who delivered (bad) news from the gods. In mice, it has been demonstrated that irisin plays a key role in metabolic regulation, energy expenditure and glucose homeostasis. New findings from various studies carried out in both animals and humans suggest that irisin might also have other favorable effects, such as increasing bone cortical mass, preventing hepatic lipid accumulation, and improving cognitive functions, thus mediating many exercise-induced health benefits. However, data on the role and funct…

AlKam Metabolic Syndrome Study (AlkaMeSy Study): Studio di prevalenza sulla sindrome metabolica.

Low hrTSH-Tg levels in patients affected by papillary thyroid microcarcinoma are influenced by pre-surgery L-thyroxine therapy.

Amplificazione real-time allele-specifica per l'individuazione della mutazione V600E del B-RAF nel carcinoma papillare su agoaspirato tiroideo.

La transizione del soggetto cronicamente malato dall’età pediatrica all’età adulta

Defective T cell receptor/CD3 complex signaling in human type I diabetes

The autoimmune process leading to the destruction of pancreatic β-cells is mediated by T lymphocytes. Peripheral T cells from subjects with preclinical and clinical type I diabetes respond weakly in vitro to lectin stimulation. We, therefore, investigated in a group of newly diagnosed diabetic patients the presence of a defect in the signal transduction pathway of the T cell receptor (TcR)/CD3 complex. Following stimulation with anti-CD3-coupled beads, the proliferative response in diabetic T cells was significantly decreased in comparison with that from normal T cells. Interestingly, addition of either recombinant interleukin (IL)-2 or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate to the cell culture wa…

Effects of pasireotide treatment on coagulative profile: a prospective study in patients with Cushing's disease.

Introduction: Cushing’s disease (CD) is characterized by procoagulative profile. Treatment with cortisol-reducing medications might normalize the coagulation impairment potentially eliminating the risk of thromboembolic complications. Aim: The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the effectiveness of 6–12 months of treatment with pasireotide (Signifor®, Novartis) 600 µg twice daily on coagulative factors in 21 patients (16 females, mean age 46 ± 12.2 years) with CD. Biochemical, hormonal (urinary free cortisol, UFC; late night salivary cortisol, LNSC; ACTH) and coagulative parameters as Protrombin time (PT), aPTT, factors VIII, IX and XI, antithrombin III, protein C, protein S, fibr…

Development of a fuzzy expert system for the control of glycemia in type 1 diabetic patients

Abstract The paper describes the structure and the characteristics of an expert system that allows the optimization of postprandial glycemia in type 1 diabetic patients. The expert system is able to provide patients with the number of rapid insulin units that must be taken in order to keep the blood glucose level close to the omeostatic condition in the hours following a meal.

IL CONSUMO DI BEVANDE RICCHE DI ACIDO ORTOFOSFORICO COME FATTORE DI RISCHIO PER LO SVILUPPO DI IPOCALCEMIA: IL CASO DI UNA DONNA CON IPOPARATIROIDISMO POST-CHIRURGICO

Use of glargine in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Insulin glargine is a once-daily basal insulin analog with prolonged duration of action and absence of an evident peak. Glargine is associated with reduced frequency of hypoglycemic episodes (mostly nocturnal) as well as effective glycemic control. Maintenance of good metabolic control before conception and throughout pregnancy is essential to lower the risk of fetal malformations. Glargine might be a valuable alternative in the management of pregnancies complicated by diabetes mellitus. However, because its clinical utility has not been established, the use of glargine is not currently recommended during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluat…

Efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with inadequately controlled type 1 diabetes (DEPICT-1): 24 week results from a multicentre, double-blind, phase 3, randomised controlled trial

Background Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin as an add-on to adjustable insulin in patients with inadequately controlled type 1 diabetes. Methods DEPICT-1 was a double-blind, randomised, parallel-controlled, three-arm, phase 3, multicentre study done at 143 sites in 17 countries. Eligible patients were aged 18–75 years and had inadequately controlled type 1 diabetes (HbA1c between ≥7·7% and ≤11·0% [≥61·0 mmol/mol and ≤97·0 mmol/mol]) and had been prescribed insulin for at least 12 months before enrolment. After an 8 week lead-in period to optimise diabetes man…

Prevalenza del fenotipo oligoovulatorio non irsuto nelle donne diabetiche di tipo 1 normopeso affette da PCOS

HIGH VISCERAL ADIPOSITY INDEX (VAI) SCORE BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT IN YOUNGH HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS

The new therapies in HIV-positive patients are extremely effective in terms of immunological response. In western countries the mortality rate was reduced by 100% from 1984 to the current 8.8%. HIV people are now patients with a chronic disease characterized by also metabolic disorders. Long term virus alterations and treatment sideeffects induced lipid disorders, in particular hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. To assess cardiovascular risk (CVR) in HIV patients. From April 2012 to January 2013 we evaluated 20 HIV-positive naive patients, no HBV-HCV coinfected (19 males, age range 21-42 years, mean 31.8 + 4.8, BMI 23.5 + 3.8). Before and after inhibitor proteases (IP) treatment…

Differente pattern di espressione di citochine a fenotipo Th1 e Th2 nei pazienti affetti da diabete di tipo 1 (T1DM) e con associata tireopatia autoimmune (AITD)

In vivo and in vitro cytokine profiles and mononuclear cell subsets in sicilian patients with active visceral leishmaniasis

Sera from Sicilian patients with confirmed visceral leishmaniasis (Leishmania donovani infantum) were analysed at the moment of the diagnosis, during the course of the disease and after clinical recovery, for the concentration of IL-10, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-2. The results show high concentrations of IL-10 and IFN-gamma in the sera at the beginning of infection that return to the normal range following successful chemotherapy. By contrast, PBMC stimulated in vitro with Ag and mitogen produced low levels of IL-10 and IFN-gamma when collected at the time of the diagnosis and normal levels when assayed after recovery. IL-2 was undetected in the sera and was significantly reduced in the supern…

Higher doses of cabergoline further improve metabolic parameters in patients with prolactinoma regardless of the degree of reduction in prolactin levels.

OBJECTIVE: Currently available studies that fully analyse the metabolic parameters in patients with prolactinoma are scarce and discordant. The aim of this study was to evaluate the metabolic effects of cabergoline (CAB) treatment in patients with newly diagnosed prolactinoma in relation to disease control and CAB dosage. DESIGN: This is a retrospective clinical-based therapy analysis. PATIENTS: Forty-three patients with prolactinoma (eight men, 35 women), aged 33·65 ± 11·23 years, were evaluated metabolically at baseline and after 12 months of CAB treatment. MEASUREMENTS: Body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, waist circumference (WC), lipid profile, haemoglobinA1c (…

Relative Hypoleptinemia in poor controlled patients with Type 1 Diabetes

Human limbal fibroblast-like stem cells induce immune-tolerance in autoreactive T lymphocytes from female patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

Background Due to their “natural immune privilege” and immunoregulatory properties human fibroblast-like limbal stem cells (f-LSCs) have acquired great interest as a potential tool for achieving immunotolerance. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is the most common thyroid autoimmune disease and cause of hypothyroidism. To date, conventional hormone replacement therapy and unspecific immunosuppressive regimens cannot provide a definitive cure for HT subjects. We explored the immunosuppressant potential of human f-LSCs on circulating lymphomonocytes (PBMCs) collected from healthy donors and female HT patients. Methods We assessed the immunophenotyping of f-LSCs, both untreated and after 48 h of pr…

LA TERAPIA CON GH PEGGIORA L'INSULINO-SENSIBILITA' SENZA UN'ADEGUATA RISPOSTA PANCREATICA COMPENSATORIA IN BAMBINI AFFETTI DA DEFICIT DI GH DURANTE IL PRIMO ANNO DI TERAPIA

BRAF mutation influences hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression levels in papillary thyroid cancer

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1α is found frequently overexpressed in solid tumors cells, exerting an important role in angiogenesis, glucose metabolism, cell proliferation, survival and invasion. In thyroid carcinomas, hypoxia-inducible factor-1α expression was found increased in differentiated, poorly differentiated, medullary and anaplastic variants. Hypoxia represents the principal stimulus responsible for hypoxia-inducible factor-1α induction. Other nonhypoxic stimuli increase hypoxia-inducible factor-1α synthesis through the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in a cell-type-specific manner. We have previously shown the role of BRAFV600…

Visceral Adiposity Index: An Indicator of Adipose Tissue Dysfunction

The Visceral Adiposity Index (VAI) has recently proven to be an indicator of adipose distribution and function that indirectly expresses cardiometabolic risk. In addition, VAI has been proposed as a useful tool for early detection of a condition of cardiometabolic risk before it develops into an overt metabolic syndrome. The application of the VAI in particular populations of patients (women with polycystic ovary syndrome, patients with acromegaly, patients with NAFLD/NASH, patients with HCV hepatitis, patients with type 2 diabetes, and general population) has produced interesting results, which have led to the hypothesis that the VAI could be considered a marker of adipose tissue dysfuncti…

Direct and indirect effects of Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) on lung function in children: A mediation analysis

Background: Studies on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) children are lacking. The aims of this study were: (i) to investigate PFTs in GHD pre-pubertal children with respect to Controls, before starting Growth Hormone Therapy (GHT) (T0); (ii) to evaluate changes of PFTs in GHD vs Controls, after 1-year GHT (T1). Forboth aims the mediation analysis (MA) was applied to evaluate the extent to which the relationship between GHD and PFTs could be ascribed to a height-mediated (indirect) or a GH direct effect. Methods: 47 pre-pubertal GHD children (aged 5–14 years) underwent PFTs at T0 and T1. At T0, 47 healthy children matched for age and sex were enrolled as Contr…

Comparison between euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp and surrogate indices of insulin sensitivity in children with growth hormone deficiency

Objective: Data about the impact of growth hormone treatment (GHT) on insulin sensitivity in children are quite controversial, due to the different surrogate indices that have been used. Design: We evaluated insulin sensitivity through the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, considered the gold standard technique, in 23 children affected by growth hormone deficiency (GHD) at baseline and after 12. months of GHT and in 12 controls with short stature at baseline, and we compared the clamp-derived index (M-value) with the most commonly used surrogate index of insulin sensitivity, as ISI Matsuda, and with circulating plasma markers of insulin sensitivity, as adiponectin and resistin levels. Resu…

L’espressione del “peroxisome proliferator-activated gamma” (PPARgamma) nelle tireopatie croniche autoimmuni

Papillary Thyroid microcarcinomas: a comparative study of the characteristics and risk factors at presentation in two cancer registries

Papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) is an indolent neoplasia, often asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. Some PTMCs, however, exhibit a more aggressive behavior, frequently recur, and can even cause cancer-related death.The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of PTMCs and the associated risk factors at presentation in 2 thyroid cancer registries from areas with different genetic and environmental characteristics.We conducted a retrospective, observational study of all incident cases of PTMCs recorded over a 5-year period in the Sicilian Regional Registry for Thyroid Cancer (SRRTC) and in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) US registry.The study took pl…

The impact of insulin resistance, serum adipocytokines and visceral obesity on steatosis and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Aims To assess whether host metabolic factors influence the degree of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients infected with hepatitis C virus, and to evaluate the impact of anti-viral therapy on insulin resistance and serum levels of adipocytokines. Methods Clinical and biochemical features, anthropometrical characteristics, and levels of fasting insulin, leptin, adiponectin and resistin were measured in ‘naı¨ve’ patients with chronic hepatitis C, before, during and after therapy with Peg-Interferon-alpha 2a plus Ribavirin. Results Forty-eightpatientswereincluded(M/F28/20;meanage50.0 12.6years; 62.5% genotype-1). Body mass index was 26.4 4.0 kg/m2 , and visceral obesity was present in 24…

Evaluation of the autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene mutations in a cohort of Italian patients with autoimmune-polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal-dystrophy (APECED) and in their relatives

Summary Objective   Autoimmune-polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal-dystrophy (APECED) is a rare syndrome characterized by chronic candidiasis, chronic hypoparathyroidism and Addison's disease. APECED has been associated with mutations in autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene. Our aim is to perform a genetic analysis of the AIRE gene in Italian APECED patients and in their relatives. Design  AIRE mutations were determined by DNA sequencing in all subjects. Patients were tested for clinical autoimmune or non-autoimmune diseases, or for organ and non-organ specific autoantibodies. Patients   A total of 24 Italian patients with APECED (15 from the Venetian region, 2 from Southern-Tyrol, 4 from…

T-cell cloning in human type I diabetes.

PTC REFRACTORY TO RADIOIODINE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

B7.1 Costimulatory Molecule Is Expressed on Thyroid Follicular Cells in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, But Not in Graves’ Disease1

The molecules of the B7 family play a major role in T-lymphocyte costimulation through interaction with their counterreceptors CD28 and CTLA4. In the present study, we analyzed the possible expression of B7 molecules on surgically removed thyroid tissue of patients with autoimmune [Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) or Graves' disease (GD)] or nonautoimmune [nontoxic goiter (NTG) or papillary cancer (PC)] thyroid diseases. We found clear positivity of thyroid follicular cells for B7.1 in HT but not in GD, nor in nonautoimmune specimens (NTG, PC) using in situ analysis by alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) technique. Double immunostaining experiments in combination with an anti…

Bilateral Ultrathin Descemet’s Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty vs. Bilateral Penetrating Keratoplasty in Fuchs’ Dystrophy: Corneal Higher-Order Aberrations, Contrast Sensitivity and Quality of Life

Background and Objectives: The objective of this paper is to compare the visual outcomes and quality of life (QoL) after bilateral ultrathin Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) with bilateral penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for Fuchs’ endothelial dystrophy (FED). Materials and Methods: Retrospective comparative cohort study, including 11 patients with FED who underwent bilateral PK and 13 patients with FED who underwent bilateral UT-DSAEK. All patients were already pseudophakic or had undergone a combined cataract procedure. The main outcomes were corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs), contrast sensitivity (CS) and quali…

Influence of dietary fat and carbohydrates proportions on plasma lipids, glucose control and low-grade inflammation in patients with type 2 diabetes—The TOSCA.IT Study

Purpose: The optimal macronutrient composition of the diet for the management of type 2 diabetes is debated, particularly with regard to the ideal proportion of fat and carbohydrates. The aim of the study was to explore the association of different proportions of fat and carbohydrates of the diet—within the ranges recommended by different guidelines—with metabolic risk factors. Methods: We studied 1785 people with type 2 diabetes, aged 50–75, enrolled in the TOSCA.IT Study. Dietary habits were assessed using a validated food-frequency questionnaire (EPIC). Anthropometry, fasting lipids, HbA1c and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured. Results: Increasing fat intake from &lt;25 to ≥35 % is …

Metabolic Profile in a Cohort of Young Sicilian Patients with Klinefelter’s Syndrome: The Role of Irisin

Klinefelter’s syndrome (KS) is the main cause of hypogonadism and infertility in men and is often related to obesity, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. The purpose of our real-life observational study was to investigate the metabolic and anthropometric parameters in a population of patients with Klinefelter syndrome compared to a group of healthy age-matched subjects. Methods. In our study, 25 consecutive Caucasian adult outpatients (age range 21–52 years, mean age 32.9 ± 12.2) with KS in testosterone replacement therapy and 30 healthy men (age range 25–45 years, mean age 32.4 ± 7.62) were studied. In both groups of subjects, anthropometric indices, lipid profile, glucose metabolic paramete…

Utilizzo del Visceral Adiposity Index per l’identificazione di donne con sindrome iperandrogenica a rischio cardiometabolico.

RNA mediated trans-activation: its therapeutic potential in anaplastic thyroid cancer

RNA mediated trans-Activation is a proposed mechanism involved in the setting of the epigenetic state of chromatin. It has been studied first in Drosophila melanogaster where it seems that at least some transcribed loci are marked as transcriptionally active by their own transcripts. This effect acts in trans and in some cases could give rise to a transgenerational paramutational-like effect. This work studies RNA mediated trans-activation in the light of one of its possible applications, specifically its use as a therapeutic strategy for the incurable and highly aggressive ATC (anaplastic thyroid cancer). We explore the possibility to reactivate the Thyroid specific NIS (Natrium-Iodine sym…

The sonographic pattern of neck lymph nodes in chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.

Background: Neck lymph nodes may be involved in the pathogenesis of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (CAT).We hypothesized that the involvement of cervical lymph nodes in CAT may be associated with a different sonographic pattern of neck nodes in comparison to subjects without CAT. Methods: We included 106 patients (92 females and 14 males) with CAT and 70 control subjects (53 females andm17 males) without clinical, biochemical, and ultrasonographic evidence of thyroid and neck diseases. We performed laboratory tests (thyrotropin, antithyroperoxidase antibodies, antithyroglobulin antibodies, and ultrasonography) to evaluate in each group: (i) thyroid function, autoimmunity, and morphology; (i…

Revaluation of the clinical and metabolic behavior of children with isolated growth hormone deficiency during GH treatment according to newly proposed note 39 of the Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA).

Purpose To evaluate the clinical and metabolic behavior of children with isolated growth hormone (GH)-deficiency (GHD), grouped according to the new AIFA criteria for the appropriateness of use and reimbursement of GH treatment in children. Methods The clinical and metabolic data of 310 prepubertal children (220 M, 90 F; mean age 10.8 years) grouped, according to new AIFA note 39, into group A (No 181 with a peak of GH 10 µg/L) were retrospectively analyzed. Group A and B, diagnosed as having GHD, were treated with GH for at least 24 months, while group C was analyzed only at baseline. Results At baseline, group A showed higher waist circumference than B (p=0.031) and C (p=0.041), while no …

Competing endogenous RNA and interactome bioinformatic analyses on human telomerase.

We present a classic interactome bioinformatic analysis and a study on competing endogenous (ce) RNAs for hTERT. The hTERT gene codes for the catalytic subunit and limiting component of the human telomerase complex. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) is essential for the integrity of telomeres. Telomere dysfunctions have been widely reported to be involved in aging, cancer, and cellular senescence. The hTERT gene network has been analyzed using the BioGRID interaction database (http://thebiogrid.org/) and related analysis tools such as Osprey (http://biodata.mshri.on.ca/osprey/servlet/Index) and GeneMANIA (http://genemania.org/). The network of interaction of hTERT transcripts h…

GH-suppression test in acromegaly: comparison between OGTT and chocolate test

COMPARATIVE PROFILING BY PROTEOMICS AND ZYMOGRAPHIC ACTIVITIES OF TUMORAL AND NON TUMORAL CELL LINES

The extracellular matrix (ECM) underlying epithelial tissues is involved in the maintenance of cell polarity and homeostasis. ECM is a dynamic structure under the regulated remodeling of its components. The major enzymes responsible of matrix degradation are the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), a well known family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases. Much attention has been focused on MMP-2 and MMP-9 because of their ability to degrade type IV collagen, a major constituent of basement membranes. A deregulated proteolysis of ECM molecules may cause the alteration of cell polarity and may contribute to the disruption of cell–cell and cell–ECM adhesions, promoting cancer progression. These alter…

The visceral adiposity index is associated with insulin sensitivity and IGF-I levels in adults with growth hormone deficiency

The visceral adiposity index, based on anthropometric and metabolic parameters, has been shown to be related to adipose tissue function and insulin sensitivity. We aimed to evaluate the performance of the visceral adiposity index in adult patients with growth hormone deficiency. We enrolled 52 patients(mean age 51 ± 13 years) with newly diagnosed growth hormone deficiency and 50 matched healthy subjects as controls at baseline. At baseline and after 12 and 24 months of treatment we evaluated anthropometric measures, lipid profile, glucose and insulin during an oral glucose tolerance test, hemoglobin A1c, homeostasis model assessment estimate of insulin resistance, quantitative insulin sensi…

Hepatic Steatosis Index in Acromegaly: Correlation with Insulin Resistance Regardless of the Disease Control

Objective. In acromegaly, both lipotoxicity secondary to GH excess and insulin resistance have a significant impact on the liver. Ultrasonography has shown poor sensitivity in detecting hepatic steatosis and noninvasive methods have been proposed. We evaluated the hepatic steatosis index (HSI), a validated surrogate index of hepatic steatosis, and we correlated it with disease activity and insulin resistance. Design. Thirty-one patients with newly diagnosed acromegaly were studied at diagnosis and after 12 months of treatment with somatostatin receptor ligands. Methods. Glucose and insulin levels, surrogate estimates of insulin sensitivity, and hepatic steatosis through ultrasonography and …

IS THE DEGREE OF URINARY FREE CORTISOL AN EXHAUSTIVE PARAMETER FOR DEFINING CUSHING SYNDROME SEVERITY?

Alta prevalenza di Sindrome dell’ovaio policistico in donne diabetiche di tipo 1 in età fertile.

Regulation of Apoptosis in Endocrine Autoimmunity

Dysregulation of apoptosis is associated with the pathogenesis of organ-specific autoimmune diseases, through altered target organ susceptibility. Apoptosis signaling pathways can be initiated through activation of death receptors such as Fas. A comparative analysis of the expression of Fas and FasL, the antiapoptotic molecule Bcl-2, and apoptosis in both thyrocytes and thyroid-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from patients with either Graves' disease (GD) or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) was performed. GD thyrocytes expressed less Fas than HT thyrocytes, whereas GD TILs had higher levels of Fas and FasL than HT TILs. GD thyrocytes expressed higher levels of Bcl-2 compared with HT thyrocytes.…

Hirsutism and oligomenorrhea are characterized by a different pathogenesis in women affected by PCOS

CD4(+)IL-13(+) cells in peripheral blood well correlates with the severity of atopic dermatitis in children.

BACKGROUND In atopic dermatitis (AD) a Th1/Th2 imbalance has been reported, and interleukin (IL)-13 seems to play a pivotal role in the inflammatory network. We tried to assess the correlation between the immunological marker CD4(+)IL-13(+) and the clinical phase of extrinsic AD in children. METHODS Twenty children with AD were studied. Assessed parameters were: clinical severity (SCORAD index), total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), blood eosinophil count, and percentage of CD4(+)IFNgamma(+), CD4(+)IL-4(+), CD4(+)IL-13(+) T cells. Determinations were carried out in the acute phase and after clinical remission were achieved. Ten nonatopic-matched children served as controls. RESULTS At baselin…

Poor diagnostic value of the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp in the clinical assessment of insulin resistant women with PCOS.

Insulin resistance (IR) per se and/or the ensuing compensatory hyperinsulinism, have been always considered as a key point in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Aim of our study was to evaluate which of these two aspects plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Using a cross-sectional study design, 15 PCOS (Rotterdam criteria) and 16 age/BMI-matched control women (with suspect of IR) underwent clinical measures of IR after a 3-month withdrawal of insulin sensitizers and oral contraceptive pills. In an academic clinic setting, average glucose infusion rate (M-value) (during an euglycaemic–hyperinsulinaemic clamp), AUCinsulin and AUCglucose (during an Oral Glucose tolerance Test), HOMA-IR, ISI-Ma…

LONG-TERM METABOLIC EFFECTS OF GH THERAPY IN CHILDREN WITH IDIOPATHIC GH DEFICIENCY

Background Increased insulin levels during GH replacement therapy are often reported both in adults and in children with GH deficiency (GHD), although discordant data fully describe the behavior of metabolic parameters during GH therapy in children and overall the majority of published data are limited to the first 12 months of follow-up and in small populations. Aim To evaluate the long-term metabolic influences of GH replacement in a large selected cohort of prepubertal children with idiopathic GHD during GH therapy. Subjects and Methods Data of 194 prepubertal GHD children (150 M, 44 F; age 10.85 ± 2.77 yrs) were analyzed. Before GH therapy and yearly up to 36 months we measured body mas…

No phenotypic differences for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) between women with and without type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Context: Women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) have a higher prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) than the general population. Objective: The aim of this study was to clarify, in DM1 women with PCOS(PCOS-DM1), the influence of insulin therapy and glycemic control and evaluate the hormonal and phenotypic differences with age-matched and body mass index (BMI)-matched women with PCOS without diabetes. Design, Setting, and Patients: We evaluated 103 DM1 women with and without PCOS treated with intensive insulin therapy; 38 age-matched and BMI-matched women with PCOS without diabetes were compared in a cross-sectional study. Outcome Measurements: Clinical, anthropometric, and metab…

Vitamin D across growth hormone (GH) disorders: From GH deficiency to GH excess

The interplay between vitamin D and the growth hormone (GH)/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I system is very complex and to date it is not fully understood. GH directly regulates renal 1 alpha-hydroxylase activity, although the action of GH in modulating vitamin D metabolism may also be IGF-I mediated. On the other hand, vitamin D increases circulating IGF-I and the vitamin D deficiency should be normalized before measurement of IGF-I concentrations to obtain reliable and unbiased IGF-I values. Indeed, linear growth after treatment of nutritional vitamin D deficiency seems to be mediated through activation of the GH/IGF-I axis and it suggests an important role of vitamin D as a link betwee…

Disfunzione del tessuto adiposo e diabete mellito tipo 2: scarsa utilità diagnostica della quantificazione del grasso tramite RMN.

Antitumor effect of aminobisphosphonates on anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell lines.

Additional file 1: Figure S1. of Mesenchymal stem cells derived from inflamed dental pulpal and gingival tissue: a potential application for bone formation

A) Bar graph represents the MTT absorbance mean values ± SD of P-DPSCs and P-GMSCs vs. their healthy control. The differences were not significant. B) The histograms represent the comparison of DT. Mean values ± SD are based on three independent experiments. n.s = not significant (p value &gt; 0.05). C) Each field shows a cell cycle analysis representative of each sample investigated. (TIF 11728 kb)

One-Year of Dapaglifozin Add-On Therapy Ameliorates Surrogate Indexes of Insulin Resistance and Adiposity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Article full text The above summary slide represents the opinions of the authors. For a full list of declarations, including funding and author disclosure statements, please see the full text online (see “read the peer-reviewed publication” opposite). © The authors, CC-BY-NC 2021.

Additional file 3: Figure S2. of Mesenchymal stem cells derived from inflamed dental pulpal and gingival tissue: a potential application for bone formation

A, B) Basal gene expression of IL-1β and TNF-α receptors in P-DPSCs, H-DPSCs, P-GMSCs, and H-GMSCs. C, D) Gene expression of IL-1β and TNF-α receptors under cytokine stimulation at 24, 48, and 72 h (cytokine treatment: 20 ng/ml IL-1β + 40 ng/ml TNF-α). *p value