Thalassemia ENDOCRINOPATHIES IN THALASSEMIA PATIENTS

Objective: To determine the common endocrine complications found in children having thalassemia major. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Pediatric Medicine, Combined Military Hospital Multan, from May to Nov 2019. Methodology: A total of 160 Children with thalassemia were taken in this study. Once registered, venous blood sample was taken and sent to the laboratory for endocrine profile. SPSS-21 was applied for analysis of collected data. Results: Out of 160 study cases, 100 (62.5%) were boys while 60 (37.5%) were female patients. Mean age of our study cases was 8.58 ± 1.98 years. Mean duration of disease was 5.28 ± 3.29 years. Parental consanguinity was positive in 122 (76.3%) and only 47 (29.4%) were taking chelation therapy. Mean HbA1C level was 6.23 ± 1.18% mg/dl and diabetes was noted in 41 (25.6%) of our study cases. Mean FT4 was 0.98 ± 0.13 ng/dl and hypothyroidism was noted in 24 (15%) of our study cases. Conclusion: Diabetes and hypothyroidism were the common endocrine complications noted in our study among children having thalassemia. All physicians treating such patients should always screen such patients for early diagnosis and timely management in order to reduce burden of related morbidities and enhance quality of life of these patients.

Clinical Aspects of Microcephaly Patients Regarding Endocrine Profile

Introduction: Microcephaly is characterized as an occipitofrontal head circumference (OFC) underneath the third centile or more than 2 standard deviations (SD) below the mean for sex, age, and ethnicity. The term ‘severe’ microcephaly is connected to an OFC more than 3SD below the mean. Microcephaly is associated with a reduction in brain volume and frequently intellectual and/or motor inabilities. The pathogenesis of microcephaly is heterogeneous, extending from hereditary causes to environmental components that can have an effect on developmental process that impact brain size. Objective: The main objective of this study was to compare the BMI and endocrine profile of patients having microcephaly with age matched to normal siblings in their families. Materials and Methods: Study design: Quantitative cross sectional Settings: Services Hospital Lahore Duration: 01 year i.e. 1st January 2020 to 30th December 2020 Methodology: This is a quantitative cross sectional study arrangement based on 12 persons. On the basis of microcephaly, the subjects were separated into the two groups: Group I: Subjects with microcephaly (n=10), Group II: Normal kin as controls (n=2). Five families including add up to of 12 individuals was selected. Ten people with microcephaly (cases) and two normal kin (without microcephaly) were taken as controls. Cooperation of the subjects in this study was selected voluntarily and written informed consent was taken to take part in the study from each individual and from their guardians. The individuals and their guardians were educated about the potential benefits and risks of this study. Results: There was little difference within the mean age of microcephaly individuals as compared to healthy siblings. Conclusion: In light of this study it can be recommended that there's a significant affiliation of BMI and microcephaly but the affiliation of Leptin, Cortisol, GH and TSH with microcephaly seem not be found as proposed by non-significant results. This may moreover emphasize on heredity perspective of this condition. Keywords: Microcephaly, Leptin, Growth Hormone, BMI, TSH

Steroid hormonal endpoints in goats carrying single or twin fetuses reared in semi-extensive systems

The study provides baseline data regarding 17-β-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and cortisol profile of 30 Nicastrese goats during different physiological periods. Animals were evaluated monthly from the pre-mating period (non-pregnant), during pregnancy, and from 30 to 105 d of lactation. The effects of single or twin births and the kid's sex were also considered. Serum E2, P4, and cortisol concentrations were measured using immunoenzymatic assay kits. The highest concentrations of E2 and P4 (P<0.0001) were found during pregnancy and their lowest values (P<0.0001) in the non-pregnant period. E2 was negatively correlated with P4 (r=-0.41; P<0.01) during lactation. The mothers with twin kids showed the highest concentration of P4 (P<0.04) at > 95–115 d of gestation and the lowest of E2 (P<0.04) at > 50–70 d of lactation. Pregnant goats carrying male kid(s) presented the highest E2 concentrations (P<0.02) at > 130–150 d of gestation. Different physiological conditions induced a temporal relationship with the endocrine profile in Nicastrese goats. Understanding the effects of single or twin fetuses on the gestation and lactation will also be helpful to improve the managemental approach for the health of mothers and their kids.

Adaptive Potential and Endocrine Profile of Pulp and Paper Workers in Arkhangelsk

Introduction. Maintaining good health and working capacity of the population is one of the main tasks of the healthcare system. Living under adverse climatic conditions of the North and being exposed to dangerous production factors of the pulp and paper industry, strongly represented in the Arkhangelsk Region, can significantly reduce the adaptive capacity of the body. Major role in providing an adequate response to the action of irritators and initiating the adaptation process is played by the neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and circulatory systems, which reflect qualitative and quantitative changes in the body while being reliable markers of homeostasis. The aim was to study the adaptive potential of workers showing the level of functioning of the circulatory system and to evaluate their endocrine profile depending on the revealed functional capabilities of the body. Materials and methods. The study involved 50 men aged 22–60 years working in the production departments of Solombala Pulp and Paper Mill (Arkhangelsk) with a body mass index of 19–25 and without earlier history of endocrine pathology. Serum levels of thyroxine-binding globulin and oestradiol were determined by means of radioimmunoassay, while serum concentrations of total cortisol, thyrotropin, thyroxine, triiodothyronine, progesterone, testosterone, insulin, C-peptide, and somatotropin were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. The research demonstrated that in 2/3 of the examined employees of the pulp and paper mill the adaptation mechanisms were under strain, while the condition of two subjects corresponded to the physiological norm, which is characterized by good and satisfactory adaptation. Workers with decreased adaptive capabilities to the point of unsatisfactory adaptation showed increased levels of cortisol, thyroxine-binding globulin, oestradiol, C-peptide, and insulin against the background of a decrease in testosterone, progesterone, and the testosterone/oestradiol ratio. The authors recommend conducting periodic medical examinations of pulp and paper workers, including endocrine profile assessment, and monitoring changes that occur over time.

The use of inositol stereoisomers for the treatment of patients with clinical and biochemical signs of hyperandrogenism

For many years, the use of combined oral contraceptives (COC) with antiandrogenic effects was the main treatment of clinical and biochemical hyperandrogenism in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). At the same time, the creation of an alternative therapy regimen for patients who have contraindications to taking hormonal drugs, as well as planning pregnancy, is obvious. Various combinations of inositol stereoisomers (myoinositol ― MI, and D-chiro-inositol ― DCI) are being actively studied. The review reflects the current understanding of the etiology, pathogenesis of hyperinsulinemia and androgen-dependent dermatological manifestations of polycystic ovary syndrome. The mechanisms of action of inositols at the molecular level are normalization of carbohydrate metabolism in the body and the reduction of hyperinsulinemia, as well as the levels of male sex hormones in PCOS. A comparative analysis of studies with various combinations of inositols was conducted on the effectiveness of treatment of clinical manifestations of hyperandrogenism, such as hirsutism and acne. The use of MI in conjunction with DCI reduces the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and improves the endocrine profile and manifestations of insulin resistance, but further multicenter studies on this problem are required.

ENDOMETRIOSIS-ASSOCIATED INFERTILITY: THE ROLE OF HORMONES AND ITS CORRECTION

Background. Endometriosis-associated infertility (EAI) has a number of specific features, which are crucial in the choice of medical treatment. Objective. The aim of the study is to analyze endocrine profile in women with EAI before and after sclerotherapy and pregravid preparation (PP), which includes a vitamin complex FT 500 plus with inositol and vitamin D3. Methods. The study involved 70 women aged 21-40 years with endometriosis-associated infertility. The comparison group included 30 women with tuboperitoneal infertility. ELISA was used to determine concentrations of Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), progesterone and estradiol in blood serum using a standard kit by Diagnostic Systems Laboratories, Inc (USA). During two menstrual cycles the FT 500 plus was prescribed once a day from the 2nd/3rd day of the cycle, vitamin D3 was prescribed at the dose of 2,000 IU for women without its deficiency and in therapeutic doses in case of hypovitaminosis. The sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol solution was performed on the 6th-8th day of menstrual cycle. Results. It was established that in women with EAI undergoing PP and sclerotherapy the level of AMH was lower (by 12.90%) as well as progesterone (by 9.84%), while FSH (by 14.47%), LH (by 21.14%) and estradiol (by 35.55%) was higher compare to the comparison group. At the same time, FSH (by 21.98%), LH (by 32.89%) and estradiol (by 32.23%) concentrations were significantly lower compare to their primary indices before sclerotherapy. Conclusions. Sclerotherapy and PP with a vitamin complex, inositol and vitamin D3 has a positive effect on endocrine profile in women with endometriosis-associated infertility

Relationship between Prenatal Characteristics and Body Condition and Endocrine Profile in Rabbits

This study evaluated the relationship between prenatal characteristics and body condition and endocrine profile. A total of 25 non-lactating multiparous females were used. Body condition, measured as body weight and perirenal fat thickness, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), leptin, progesterone and 17β-estradiol were recorded at mating and 12 d of gestation. Ovulation rate, number of foetuses, ovary and foetal weight, length and weight of uterine horn, available space per foetus and maternal and foetal placental morphometry were recorded at 12 d of gestation. Ovulation rate showed a positive linear relationship with number of foetuses, ovary weight and NEFA. A negative linear relationship between ovulation rate and perirenal fat thickness and leptin was obtained. Ovulation rate was maximum when body weight and 17β-estradiol were 4.4 kg and 22.7 pg/mL, respectively. Foetal weight showed a positive relationship with perirenal fat thickness and a negative relationship with leptin. An increase in progesterone and NEFA concentration was related to a positive linear increase in number of foetuses and in uterine horn weight. Space available per foetus was affected both by the number of vessels that reach the implantation site and by position of the foetus in the uterine horn. In conclusion, body condition during mating and early gestation should be maintained within an optimal range to ensure the best prenatal characteristics. While 17β-estradiol, NEFA and leptin affected the ovulation rate, progesterone and NEFA affected foetal development. The number of vessels that reach the implantation site determines early foetal survival.