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  • Abstract: Adrenal x
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  • Abstract: Androgens x
  • Abstract: Catecholamines x
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  • Abstract: Cortex x
  • Abstract: Cushings x
  • Abstract: Glucocorticoids x
  • Abstract: Medulla x
  • Abstract: Noradrenaline x
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Nidan Qiao Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

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Introduction

It is unclear whether the proportions of remission and the recurrence rates differ between endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery (TS) and microscopic TS in Cushing’s disease (CD); thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate studies of endoscopic TS and microscopic TS.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed to identify relevant studies. Remission and recurrence were used as outcome measures following surgical treatment of CD.

Results

A total of 24 cohort studies involving 1670 adult patients were included in the comparison. Among these studies, 702 patients across 9 studies underwent endoscopic TS, and 968 patients across 15 studies underwent microscopic TS. Similar baseline characteristics were observed in both groups. There was no significant difference in remission between the two groups: 79.7% (95% CI: 73.1–85.0%) in the endoscopic group and 76.9% (95% CI: 71.3–81.6%) in the microscopic group (P = 0.485). It appears that patients who underwent endoscopic surgery experience recurrence less often than patients who underwent microscopic surgery, with recurrence proportions of 11.0% and 15.9%, respectively (P = 0.134). However, if follow-up time is taken into account, both groups had a recurrence rate of approximately 4% per person per year (95% CI: 3.1–5.4% and 3.6–5.1%, P = 0.651).

Conclusions

We found that remission proportion and recurrence rate were the same in patients who underwent endoscopic TS as in patients who underwent microscopic TS. The definition of diagnosis, remission and recurrence should always be considered in the studies assessing therapeutic efficacy in CD.

Open access
Elena Valassi Endocrinology Department, Germans Trias i Pujol Hospital and Research Institute, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

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Iacopo Chiodini IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy

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Richard A Feelders Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, Netherlands

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Cornelie D Andela Division of Endocrinology and Centre for Endocrine Tumours, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, Netherlands

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Margueritta Abou-Hanna HRA Pharma Rare Diseases, Châtillon, France

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Sarah Idres HRA Pharma Rare Diseases, Châtillon, France

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Antoine Tabarin Department of Endocrinology and INSERM U862 University and CHU of Bordeaux, Pessac, France

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Background

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is a rare condition of chronically elevated cortisol levels resulting in diverse comorbidities, many of which endure beyond successful treatment affecting the quality of life. Few data are available concerning patients’ experiences of diagnosis, care and persistent comorbidities.

Objective

To assess CS patients’ perspectives on the diagnostic and care journey to identify unmet therapeutic needs.

Methods

A 12-item questionnaire was circulated in 2019 by the World Association for Pituitary Organisations. A parallel, 13-item questionnaire assessing physician perceptions on CS patient experiences was performed.

Results

Three hundred twenty CS patients from 30 countries completed the questionnaire; 54% were aged 35–54 and 88% were female; 41% were in disease remission. The most burdensome symptom was obesity/weight gain (75%). For 49% of patients, time to diagnosis was over 2 years. Following treatment, 88.4% of patients reported ongoing symptoms including, fatigue (66.3%), muscle weakness (48.8%) and obesity/weight gain (41.9%). Comparisons with delay in diagnosis were significant for weight gain (P = 0.008) and decreased libido (P = 0.03). Forty physicians completed the parallel questionnaire which showed that generally, physicians poorly estimated the prevalence of comorbidities, particularly initial and persistent cognitive impairment. Only a minority of persistent comorbidities (occurrence in 1.3–66.3%; specialist treatment in 1.3–29.4%) were managed by specialists other than endocrinologists. 63% of patients were satisfied with treatment.

Conclusion

This study confirms the delay in diagnosing CS. The high prevalence of persistent comorbidities following remission and differences in perceptions of health between patients and physicians highlight a probable deficiency in effective multidisciplinary management for CS comorbidities.

Open access
Amir H Zamanipoor Najafabadi Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Centre for Endocrine Tumors, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
Department of Neurosurgery, University Neurosurgical Centre Holland (UNCH), Leiden University Medical Centre, Haaglanden Medical Centre and Haga Teaching Hospitals, Leiden and The Hague, The Netherlands

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Merel van der Meulen Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Centre for Endocrine Tumors, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands

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Ana Luisa Priego Zurita Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Centre for Endocrine Tumors, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands

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S Faisal Ahmed Chair of Work Package of E-Health & ICT of Endo-ERN, Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow and Office for Rare Conditions, Royal Hospital for Children & Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, UK

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Wouter R van Furth Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands

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Evangelia Charmandari Pediatric Chair Main Thematic Group 6 Pituitary of Endo-ERN, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, ‘Aghia Sophia’ Children’s Hospital, Athens, Greece

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Olaf Hiort Pediatric Chair and Deputy Coordinator of Endo-ERN, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany

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Alberto M Pereira Adult Chair and Coordinator of Endo-ERN, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

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Mehul Dattani London Centre for Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes at Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital and University College London Hospitals, London, UK

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Diana Vitali SOD ITALIA (Italian Organization for Septo Optic Dysplasia and other Neuroendocrine Disorders), European Patient Advocacy Group, Rome, Italy

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Johan P de Graaf Dutch Pituitary Foundation, European Patient Advocacy Group, Nijkerk, The Netherlands

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Nienke R Biermasz Adult Chair Main Thematic Group 6 Pituitary of Endo-ERN, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Centre for Endocrine Tumors, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands

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Objective

The European Reference Network on Rare Endocrine Conditions (Endo-ERN) aims to organize high-quality healthcare throughout Europe, including care for pituitary adenoma patients. As surgery is the mainstay of treatment, we aimed to describe the current surgical practice and published surgical outcomes of pituitary adenoma within Endo-ERN.

Design and Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting surgical outcomes of pituitary adenoma patients within Endo-ERN MTG6 pituitary reference centers between 2010 and 2019. A survey was completed by reference centers on their current surgical practice.

Results

A total of 18 out of 43 (42%) reference centers located in 7 of the 20 (35%) MTG6-represented countries published 48 articles. Remission rates were 50% (95% CI: 42–59) for patients with acromegaly, 68% (95% CI: 60–75) for Cushing’s disease, and 53% (95% CI: 39–66%) for prolactinoma. Gross total resection was achieved in 49% (95% CI: 37–61%) of patients and visual improvement in 78% (95% CI: 68–87). Mortality, hemorrhage, and carotid injury occurred in less than 1% of patients. New-onset hypopituitarism occurred in 16% (95% CI: 11–23), transient diabetes insipidus in 12% (95% CI: 6–21), permanent diabetes insipidus in 4% (95% CI: 3–6), syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) in 9% (95% CI: 5–14), severe epistaxis in 2% (95% CI: 0–4), and cerebrospinal fluid leak in 4% (95% CI: 2–6). Thirty-five (81%) centers completed the survey: 54% were operated endoscopically and 57% were together with an ENT surgeon.

Conclusion

The results of this study could be used as a first benchmark for the outcomes of pituitary adenoma surgery within Endo-ERN. However, the heterogeneity between studies in the reporting of outcomes hampers comparability and warrants outcome collection through registries.

Open access
Agata Hanna Bryk-Wiązania Chair and Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
Department of Endocrinology, Oncological Endocrinology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Krakow, Poland

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Mari Minasyan Department of Endocrinology, Oncological Endocrinology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Krakow, Poland

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Alicja Hubalewska-Dydejczyk Chair and Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
Department of Endocrinology, Oncological Endocrinology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Krakow, Poland

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Aleksandra Gilis-Januszewska Chair and Department of Endocrinology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
Department of Endocrinology, Oncological Endocrinology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Krakow, Poland

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Objective

Cushing’s syndrome (CS) is associated with an 18-fold greater risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). We aimed to identify factors which provoke VTE among patients with CS and VTE and to describe the anticoagulant regimen used in these cases.

Methods

In this retrospective observational study, patients included in the European Registry on CS (ERCUSYN) in Krakow center, Poland, were followed for the occurrence of VTE and anticoagulant treatment. We identified factors provoking VTE according to the International Society of Thrombosis and Hemostasis (ISTH), along with factors included in the Padua score and CS-VTE score.

Results

Of the 128 patients followed for a median of 4.3 years, there were nine patients who experienced ten VTE episodes (prevalence of 7.8% and incidence of 13.4 per 1000 patient-years). All VTEs were classified as provoked according to the ISTH guidance, predominantly due to the transient major and minor (50% and 20%, respectively) factors, while they were less commonly due to persistent (30%) factors. In 2/9 patients, we could not identify any risk factor for VTE according to the Padua score, while in 2/6 patients according to the CS-VTE score. Patients were mostly anticoagulated with vitamin K antagonists (4/8 patients), followed by direct oral anticoagulants (3/8) and low-molecular-weight heparin (1/8). The median duration of anticoagulation was 2.75 years and exceeded beyond the primary treatment in 28% of episodes provoked by transient factors.

Conclusion

Further, multicenter studies are required to create a validated thrombotic risk score and guidelines regarding VTE treatment in CS patients.

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Magdalena Lech Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Course Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK

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Ruvini Ranasinghe Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK

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Royce P Vincent Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK
Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, School of Life Course Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK

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David R Taylor Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK

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Lea Ghataore Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK

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James Luxton Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK

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Fannie Lajeunesse-Trempe Department of Endocrinology ASO/EASO COM, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK
Quebec Heart and Lung Institute, Laval University, Quebec, Canada

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Pia Roser Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Medical Centre Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany

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Eftychia E Drakou Department of Clinical Oncology, Guy's Cancer Centre - Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, Great Maze Pond, London, UK

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Ling Ling Chuah Department of Endocrinology ASO/EASO COM, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK

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Ashley B Grossman Green Templeton College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Barts and the London School of Medicine, Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Institute, London, UK
Neuroendocrine Tumour Unit, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK

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Simon J B Aylwin Department of Endocrinology ASO/EASO COM, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK

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Georgios K Dimitriadis Department of Endocrinology ASO/EASO COM, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK
Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and Immunometabolism Research Group, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, Faculty of Life Course Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
Division of Reproductive Health, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK

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Introduction

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy of the adrenal cortex. Whilst surgery is the preferred treatment, adjunctive therapy with mitotane may be offered post-surgically to minimise the risk of recurrence or, in the absence of surgery, to attenuate progression.

Aim

The objective was to evaluate the effects of mitotane treatment on serum protein concentrations in patients treated for ACC with mitotane therapy and compare this to patients with other adrenal neoplasms and a normal pregnant cohort.

Methods

Serum cortisol, thyroid function tests, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), cortisol-binding globulin (CBG), thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), gonadotrophins and androgens were measured on plasma and serum samples. Thirty-five patients with ACC were included, and mitotane levels were noted to be sub-/supra-therapeutic. Data were tested for normality, reported as mean ± s.d., and compared to other two cohorts using paired-sample t-test with a 5% P-value for significance and a 95% CI.

Results

Patients on mitotane therapy had a higher mean serum CBG concentration compared to the adrenal neoplasm group (sub-therapeutic: 79.5 (95% CI: 33.6, 125.4 nmol/L), therapeutic: 85.3 (95% CI: 37.1–133.6 nmol/L), supra-therapeutic: 75.7 (95% CI: −19.3, 170.6 nmol/L) and adrenal neoplasm: 25.5 (95% CI: 17.5, 33.5 nmol/L). Negative correlations between serum cortisol and CBG concentration were demonstrated within the supra-therapeutic plasma mitotane and adrenal neoplasm groups.

Conclusion

Patients with ACC and therapeutic plasma mitotane concentrations had higher serum CBG concentrations compared to those with adrenal neoplasms or pregnant women, and higher serum cortisol. Whilst there was no direct correlation with cortisol and mitotane level, the negative correlation of cortisol with CBG may suggest that the direct effect of mitotane in increasing cortisol may also reflect that mitotane has a direct adrenolytic effect.

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R Walia Department of Endocrinology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India

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M Singla Department of Endocrinology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India

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K Vaiphei Department of Histopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India

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S Kumar Department of Urology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India

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A Bhansali Department of Endocrinology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India

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Objective

To study the clinical profile and the management of patients with disorders of sex development (DSD).

Design and setting

Retrospective study from a tertiary care hospital of North India.

Methods and patients

One hundred ninety-four patients of DSD registered in the Endocrine clinic of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh between 1995 and 2014 were included.

Results

One hundred and two patients (52.5%) had 46,XY DSD and seventy-four patients (38.1%) had 46,XX DSD. Sex chromosome DSD was identified in seven (3.6%) patients. Of 102 patients with 46,XY DSD, 32 (31.4%) had androgen insensitivity syndrome and 26 (25.5%) had androgen biosynthetic defect. Of the 74 patients with 46,XX DSD, 52 (70.27%) had congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and eight (10.8%) had ovotesticular DSD. Five patients with sex chromosome DSD had mixed gonadal dysgenesis. Excluding CAH, majority of the patients (90%) presented in the post-pubertal period. One-fourth of the patients with simple virilising CAH were reared as males because of strong male gender identity and behaviour and firm insistence by the parents. Corrective surgeries were performed in twenty patients (20%) of 46,XY DSD without hormonal evaluation prior to the presentation.

Conclusion

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia is the most common DSD in the present series. Most common XY DSD is androgen insensitivity syndrome, while CAH is the most common XX DSD. Delayed diagnosis is a common feature, and corrective surgeries are performed without seeking a definite diagnosis.

Open access
Hershel Raff Division of Endocrinology, Division of Nephrology, Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine
Division of Endocrinology, Division of Nephrology, Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine
Division of Endocrinology, Division of Nephrology, Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine
Division of Endocrinology, Division of Nephrology, Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine

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Hariprasad Trivedi Division of Endocrinology, Division of Nephrology, Endocrine Research Laboratory, Department of Medicine

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Objective

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) can display the features of endogenous hypercortisolism but are difficult to evaluate for Cushing's syndrome. We evaluated the circadian rhythm of plasma compared with salivary cortisol in subjects with ESRD.

Design

Plasma and salivary cortisol and plasma ACTH samples were drawn frequently over 24 h in an inpatient research unit in stable ESRD subjects on daytime chronic hemodialysis (n=16) vs controls (n=8).

Methods

Plasma cortisol was measured every 2 h from 0800 to 0600 h the following day. Salivary cortisol was measured every 2 h, except between 2400 and 0400 h (sleep time). Plasma ACTH measured in a subset of samples and C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured as a marker of a subclinical inflammatory state in all subjects.

Results

ESRD subjects had a discernable circadian rhythm in plasma and salivary cortisol, but with a significantly higher nadir (1800–2400 h) compared with the controls (P=0.016–<0.001). After excluding four ESRD subjects without a normal circadian rhythm, the ESRD subjects still had higher nadir plasma and salivary cortisol and plasma ACTH compared with controls. There was no difference in the correlation of salivary and plasma cortisol in control vs ESRD subjects. ESRD subjects had higher CRP levels compared with controls.

Conclusions

ESRD subjects had increased late-night plasma and salivary cortisol and plasma ACTH levels. Late-night salivary cortisol is a reliable index of plasma cortisol in ESRD patients.

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Marcus Imamovic Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

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Nils Bäcklund Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

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Staffan Lundstedt Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

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Göran Brattsand Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

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Elisabeth Aardal Department of Clinical Chemistry and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden

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Tommy Olsson Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

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Per Dahlqvist Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden

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Objective

To determine the effects of liquorice consumption, topical hydrocortisone, and blood contamination on salivary cortisol and cortisone concentrations.

Design and methods

Thirty healthy volunteers were randomized to a low, medium, or high dose of liquorice. Late-night saliva samples were collected using a Salivette® collection device at baseline, during 1 week of daily liquorice consumption, and during 4 weeks' washout. Saliva sampling was also performed before and after the application of topical hydrocortisone on the skin. Furthermore, in a subgroup (n  = 16), saliva and venous blood were collected from each individual and mixed to achieve graded blood contamination in saliva. Salivary cortisol and cortisone were analyzed with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Significant increases in salivary cortisol concentrations were observed during medium- (+49%) and high-dose (+97%) liquorice intake, which returned to baseline 4 days after liquorice withdrawal. Topical hydrocortisone on fingers holding the collection swab increased salivary cortisol concentrations >1000-fold with concomitant pronounced elevation of the cortisol:cortisone ratio. Salivary cortisol increased significantly after contamination with blood ≥0.5%. Visual examination could safely detect these samples. Salivary cortisone concentrations were unaffected by liquorice consumption and blood contamination, and only marginally affected by topical hydrocortisone.

Conclusion

Liquorice, topical hydrocortisone, and blood contamination may all cause elevated salivary cortisol concentrations. Improved sampling instructions and visual examination of the sample may minimize these risks. Salivary cortisone is essentially unaffected by the different preanalytical confounders and may be used as a first-line screening test for Cushing's syndrome.

Open access
Robert I Menzies The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK

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Xin Zhao The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK

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Linda J Mullins The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK

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John J Mullins The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK

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Carolynn Cairns The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK

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Nicola Wrobel The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK

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Donald R Dunbar The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK

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Matthew A Bailey The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK

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Christopher J Kenyon The University/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, University of Edinburgh, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK

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Chronic ACTH exposure is associated with adrenal hypertrophy and steroidogenesis. The underlying molecular processes in mice have been analysed by microarray, histological and immunohistochemical techniques. Synacthen infused for 2 weeks markedly increased adrenal mass and plasma corticosterone levels. Microarray analysis found greater than 2-fold changes in expression of 928 genes (P < 0.001; 397 up, 531 down). These clustered in pathways involved in signalling, sterol/lipid metabolism, cell proliferation/hypertrophy and apoptosis. Signalling genes included some implicated in adrenal adenomas but also upregulated genes associated with cyclic AMP and downregulated genes associated with aldosterone synthesis. Sterol metabolism genes were those promoting cholesterol supply (Scarb1, Sqle, Apoa1) and disposal (Cyp27a1, Cyp7b1). Oil red O staining showed lipid depletion consistent with reduced expression of genes involved in lipid synthesis. Genes involved in steroidogenesis (Star, Cyp11a1, Cyp11b1) were modestly affected (P < 0.05; <1.3-fold). Increased Ki67, Ccna2, Ccnb2 and Tk1 expression complemented immunohistochemical evidence of a 3-fold change in cell proliferation. Growth arrest genes, Cdkn1a and Cdkn1c, which are known to be active in hypertrophied cells, were increased >4-fold and cross-sectional area of fasciculata cells was 2-fold greater. In contrast, genes associated with apoptosis (eg Casp12, Clu,) were downregulated and apoptotic cells (Tunel staining) were fewer (P < 0.001) and more widely distributed throughout the cortex. In summary, long-term steroidogenesis with ACTH excess is sustained by genes controlling cholesterol supply and adrenal mass. ACTH effects on adrenal morphology and genes controlling cell hypertrophy, proliferation and apoptosis suggest the involvement of different cell types and separate molecular pathways.

Open access
Kate E Lines Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK

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Mahsa Javid Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK

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Anita A C Reed Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK

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Gerard V Walls Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK

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Mark Stevenson Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK

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Michelle Simon MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK

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Kreepa G Kooblall Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK

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Sian E Piret Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK

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Paul T Christie Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK

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Paul J Newey Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK

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Ann-Marie Mallon MRC Harwell Institute, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK

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Rajesh V Thakker Academic Endocrine Unit, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (OCDEM), Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK

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Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), an autosomal dominant disorder caused by MEN1 germline mutations, is characterised by parathyroid, pancreatic and pituitary tumours. MEN1 mutations also cause familial isolated primary hyperparathyroidism (FIHP), a milder condition causing hyperparathyroidism only. Identical mutations can cause either MEN1 or FIHP in different families, thereby implicating a role for genetic modifiers in altering phenotypic expression of tumours. We therefore investigated the effects of genetic background and potential for genetic modifiers on tumour development in adult Men1+/- mice, which develop tumours of the parathyroids, pancreatic islets, anterior pituitary, adrenal cortex and gonads, that had been backcrossed to generate C57BL/6 and 129S6/SvEv congenic strains. A total of 275 Men1+/- mice, aged 5–26 months were macroscopically studied, and this revealed that genetic background significantly influenced the development of pituitary, adrenal and ovarian tumours, which occurred in mice over 12 months of age and more frequently in C57BL/6 females, 129S6/SvEv males and 129S6/SvEv females, respectively. Moreover, pituitary and adrenal tumours developed earlier, in C57BL/6 males and 129S6/SvEv females, respectively, and pancreatic and testicular tumours developed earlier in 129S6/SvEv males. Furthermore, glucagon-positive staining pancreatic tumours occurred more frequently in 129S6/SvEv Men1+/- mice. Whole genome sequence analysis of 129S6/SvEv and C57BL/6 Men1+/- mice revealed >54,000 different variants in >300 genes. These included, Coq7, Dmpk, Ccne2, Kras, Wnt2b, Il3ra and Tnfrsf10a, and qRT-PCR analysis revealed that Kras was significantly higher in pituitaries of male 129S6/SvEv mice. Thus, our results demonstrate that Kras and other genes could represent possible genetic modifiers of Men1.

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