Relationship Between Insulin Resistance and Serum Androgens Levels in Women With and Without PCOS by Rotterdam Diagnosis Criteria

IntroductionPCOS is the most common endocrine disorder in women of childbearing age. Insulin resistance is a key component of the pathophysiology of PCOS that can increase the secretion of serum androgens. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between insulin resistance and serum androgens levels in PCOS subgroups.MethodsHormonal and clinical laboratory studies were performed for all research units. Insulin resistance was diagnosed with the HOMA index (Cut off> 2.5). ResultsIn subgroup A, there was a positive relationship between HOMA-IR with FAI (P = 0.014) and negative relationship with SHBG (P <0.001). In subgroup C, a negative relationship was observed between HOMA-IR and SHBG (P = 0.002). In subgroup D, there was a positive relationship between HOMA-IR and FAI (P = 0.035). No significant association was found in the control group and subgroup B (P> 0.05). Also, in all different PCOS phenotypes, no association was found between HOMA-IR and serum TT levels (P> 0.05).ConclusionThere was a relationship between insulin resistance and some serum androgens in PCOS subtypes. Therefore, it is hoped that early detection of these at-risk patients will be done through early biochemical markers to prevent and change lifestyle.

Virilising adrenocortical carcinoma

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy, with an estimated annual incidence of 0.7–2 cases per million and a median overall survival of 3–4 years. Hormone-secreting ACCs represent most cases; of these, only a small minority presents with virilisation alone. Early diagnosis is key to increase the chances of a better outcome. Here, we report a case of a 41-year-old woman who presented with menstrual irregularities, hirsutism and virilising symptoms, associated with abdominal discomfort and constitutional symptoms. On physical examination, there was a palpable mass in the right upper quadrant. Laboratory workup revealed elevated serum androgens. The imaging study showed a 163×110×122 cm right adrenal mass with features consistent with ACC and suggested potential hepatic invasion. Our patient underwent surgical resection, and the histopathological findings confirmed the diagnosis. She was referred to a specialised centre for follow-up and adjuvant therapy.

Abiraterone acetate in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, chemo-naive, who received a prior diethylstilbestrol therapy.

130 Background: The use of diethylstilbestrol (DES) for the treatment of metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is very common in developing countries. Retrospective data suggests that abiraterone acetate (AA) is active in patients that progressed to DES. This phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of abiraterone acetate in chemotherapy-naïve patients with metastatic CRPC who have progressed to DES. Methods: Patients with DES−refractory metastatic CRPC with ongoing ADT, serum testosterone level < 50 ng/dL and ECOG of 0-2 were included. All patients received AA 1,000 mg with prednisone 5 mg once daily in a 28 days cycles. The primary endpoint was the time to PSA progression (PSAP) by PCWG2 and was previously reported. We present here secondary endpoints: overall survival, PSA response, maximum PSA change from baseline and safety. Results: A total of 46 patients were enrolled, median age was 69.8 years, 76% had gleason > = 7 at diagnosis, median time from metastatic disease to DES discontinuation was 25.9 months, and a median duration of prior DES of 7.2 months. AA treatment resulted in median time to PSA progression of 7.3 months. PSA response rate (³ 50%) was 47.5% (95% CI: 36,1% to 68,5%) at 12 weeks and 57.5% (95% CI: 27.0% to 59.1%) at any time. 93.4% received chemotherapy after progression to AA. The median overall survival was 29.6 months. Substantial declines in serum androgens from baseline to week 12 occurred and in this group a higher proportion of PSA responses occurred. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) related to AA was 74% and prednisone 59%. Hypertension (21.7%), fatigue (19.6%) and oedema peripheral (13.0%) were the most frequent AA related AEs. The most frequent prednisone related AEs were hyperglycaemia (15.2%) hypertension (10.9%). Serious AEs occurred in 23.9% of subjects and 3 subjects (6.5%) died of AEs not related to study drugs. Conclusions: AA is well tolerated and demonstrated activity in mCRPC patients previously treated with DES, therefore it should be considered an option in chemo-naïve patients. Serum androgens levels tend to decrease with AA treatment and are associated with PSA responses. Clinical trial information: NCT02217566.

Androgen Receptor Signaling Pathway in Prostate Cancer: From Genetics to Clinical Applications

Around 80–90% of prostate cancer (PCa) cases are dependent on androgens at initial diagnosis; hence, androgen ablation therapy directed toward a reduction in serum androgens and the inhibition of androgen receptor (AR) is generally the first therapy adopted. However, the patient’s response to androgen ablation therapy is variable, and 20–30% of PCa cases become castration resistant (CRPCa). Several mechanisms can guide treatment resistance to anti-AR molecules. In this regard, AR-dependent and -independent resistance mechanisms can be distinguished within the AR pathway. In this article, we investigate the multitude of AR signaling aspects, encompassing the biological structure of AR, current AR-targeted therapies, mechanisms driving resistance to AR, and AR crosstalk with other pathways, in an attempt to provide a comprehensive review for the PCa research community. We also summarize the new anti-AR drugs approved in non-metastatic castration-resistant PCa, in the castration-sensitive setting, and combination therapies with other drugs.

Serum Androgens Are Independent Predictors of Insulin Clearance but Not of Insulin Secretion in Women With PCOS

Context/Objective In insulin-resistant individuals, hyperinsulinemia is a key compensatory mechanism, aimed at maintaining glucose homeostasis. Increased secretion and reduced clearance of insulin may both potentially contribute to this phenomenon. Insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are common findings in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). While there is some information on insulin secretion, very few studies have investigated metabolic clearance rate of insulin (MCRI) in these women. Moreover, there is paucity of data on the relationships between MCRI and the pathophysiological characteristics of PCOS. The aim of the study was to explore these issues. Patients One hundred ninety women with PCOS, diagnosed according to the Rotterdam criteria, with normal glucose tolerance. Design Assessment of MCRI and clinical, hormonal, and metabolic characteristics of subjects. MCRI and insulin sensitivity were measured by the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp. Serum androgens were assessed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and equilibrium dialysis. A historical sample of healthy women was used to define the corresponding reference intervals. Results MCRI was impaired in about two-thirds of women with PCOS. Subjects with low MCRI differed from those with normal MCRI for a number of anthropometric, metabolic, and endocrine features. In multivariate analysis, the degree of adiposity, estimates of insulin secretion, and serum androgen concentrations were independent predictors of MCRI. Conversely, age, adiposity, MCRI, and insulin sensitivity, but not serum androgens, were independent predictors of insulin secretion. Conclusions In women with PCOS, metabolic clearance of insulin is reduced, contributing to generating hyperinsulinemia. Serum androgens are independent predictors of this phenomenon.