Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders-Drug Targets (Formerly Current Drug Targets - Immune, Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders) - Volume 16, Issue 1, 2016

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism can be associated with the onset and progression of chronic heart failure. Methods: We undertook a careful search of the literature aiming to review the possible pathogenetic mechanisms explaining the influence of subclinical hypothyroidism on the onset and progression of chronic heart failure. Results: Thyroid hormones can influence the expression of genes involved in calcium handling a Read More

Background: G protein coupled receptor 120 (GPR120) is a class of receptors in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) that is implicated in nutrient sensing and body weight regulation. Functions of GPR120 are thought to be mediated by the release of a group of hormones known as incretins, such as glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP). Methods: We have searched PubMed with the keywords "GPR120 Read More

Background: The gender and sex of an individual is known to have a significant bearing on the immune system, responsible for protection against infections and disease. Contemporary evidence suggests there exists a sexual dimorphism in the hetero immune as well as autoimmune responses in human beings and females show stronger and more vigorous immune responses to antigenic stimulations, e.g infectious diseases and Read More

The correlation of prolactin (PRL) levels with SLE activity is a controversial issue, which could be explained by the presence of macroprolactin (MPRL), a high molecular weight form of PRL with a lower in vivo biological activity. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia, PRL and MPRL levels in SLE patients, and to correlate these levels with disease activity as measured by the SLE Dise Read More

Background: Besides changes in pituitary hormones secretion observed during the acute phase of stroke as an adaptive response to injury or an effect of drugs, a true hypopituitarism due to ischemic and/or hemorrhagic damage at the hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland can develop after a stroke. Case Report: We report a case of a 72-year-old woman showing clinical signs and laboratory data suggesting a secondary adrena Read More

Objectives: Bisphosphonates are the first line treatment options in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis among elderly women or men. Age associated cognitive decline may increase due to adverse effects of medications. The aim of the present study was to observe the course of cognitive skills in elderly subjects treated with a bisphosphonate. Materials and Methods: This prospective study enrolled 120 community Read More

Background: Hereditary Coproporphyria (HCP) is characterized by abdominal pain, neurologic symptoms and psychiatric disorders, even if it might remain asymptomatic. The pathophysiology of both neurologic and psychiatric symptoms is not fully understood. Therefore, aiming to evaluate a possible role of brain blood flow disorders, we have retrospectively investigated cerebral perfusion patterns in Single Photon Emission C Read More

Aim: Cabergoline is related to an elevated risk of fibrotic adverse reactions including cardiac valvular and pleuropulmonary fibrosis. We investigated pulmonary and cardiac valve fibrosis and immunological markers before and after 3 and 12 months of treatment with cabergoline in women with prolactinoma. Material-Methods: The study included thirty-two women with newly diagnosed prolactinoma and 28 healthy women. CAB c Read More

Background: Postmenopausal osteoporosis has been linked to accelerated cognitive decline; however, little is known about the effects of medical treatment on cognitive functions. Material and Methods: In this prospective study, we evaluated the effects of bisphosphonate treatment and calcium plus vitamin D supplementation on cognitive functions in 45 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis who were started on me Read More

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous condition with wide range of phenotype the cause of this disorder is unknown, however, increased ovarian androgen production including increased theca cell responsiveness to gonadotropin stimulation, increased pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone, and hyperinsulinemia have been suggested. Some known risk factors are ethnicity and environmental Read More