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Pituitary Feb 2017Acromegaly is a rare disorder in which, due to the high incidence of secondary hypogonadism, pregnancies are relatively rare. However, some women with acromegaly do get... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Acromegaly is a rare disorder in which, due to the high incidence of secondary hypogonadism, pregnancies are relatively rare. However, some women with acromegaly do get pregnant, which brings along questions about medication, complications and follow-up. This review tries to address these issues and provide the reader with practical information.
METHODS
This review summarizes published data.
CONCLUSIONS
Acromegaly is a disorder that is characterized by changes in growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin concentrations and actions. All these hormones are important in pregnancy as well. In principle, the fetal-placental collaboration between mother and child more-or-less takes over the control over GH and IGF-1, not only in normal physiology but also to a certain extend in acromegaly. When medication for the high GH levels or actions is continued during pregnancy, both dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogs and GH receptor antagonists have been used and the available data suggest that there are no adverse consequences on mother or fetus to date. However, it is strongly advised to stop any medical intervention during pregnancy until more data are available on the safety of these compounds. Also, medical treatment is not needed as tumor size and disease activity are not reported to escape.
Topics: Acromegaly; Dopamine Agonists; Female; Growth Hormone; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Pregnancy; Receptors, Somatotropin
PubMed: 27568329
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-016-0740-3 -
Reviews in Endocrine & Metabolic... Jun 2022Acromegaly is a rare pathology characterized by chronic hypersecretion of Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) that causes somatic, metabolic,... (Review)
Review
Acromegaly is a rare pathology characterized by chronic hypersecretion of Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) that causes somatic, metabolic, and systemic changes. The somatotropic axis acts physiologically favoring gonadal function, but when GH is produced in excess it has deleterious effects on many aspects of male sexuality. It is widely demonstrated, in fact, that acromegaly induces hypogonadism through different mechanisms, both through direct mass effect on gonadotropic cells and through increased plasma levels of prolactin. Moreover, hypogonadism is also one of the factors linking acromegaly to erectile dysfunction (ED), but also metabolic complications of acromegaly and, probably, GH itself contribute to the genesis of this disorder. There are few data in the literature on the impact of the disease on fertility and testicular volume. Finally, knowledge of the role of GH hypersecretion on the occurrence of prostatic diseases such as benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostatic cancer appears to be of fundamental clinical importance in the long-term management of these patients.
Topics: Acromegaly; Growth Hormone; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Hypogonadism; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Male; Sexual Health
PubMed: 35364803
DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09721-0 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Acromegaly is a systemic disease caused by excessive inappropriate secretion of GH and IGF-I levels, resulting in many systemic complications, including cardiovascular,... (Review)
Review
Acromegaly is a systemic disease caused by excessive inappropriate secretion of GH and IGF-I levels, resulting in many systemic complications, including cardiovascular, respiratory, metabolic diseases, and a possible increased risk of some neoplasias. Although many studies on acromegaly and cancer remain uncertain, most data indicate that colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is increased in this population. The exact mechanism involved in the role of GH-IGF-I axis in CRC has not been fully explained, yet it is associated with local and circulating effects of GH and IGF-I on the colon, promoting angiogenesis, cell proliferation, risk of mutation, inhibition of tumor-suppressor genes and apoptosis, thus facilitating a tumor microenvironment. Nevertheless, population-based studies present controversial findings on CRC incidence and mortality. All worldwide guidelines and expert consensuses agree with the need for colonoscopic screening and surveillance in acromegaly, although there is no consensus regarding the best period to do this. This review aims to analyze the existing data on CRC and acromegaly, exploring its pathophysiology, epidemiological studies and their limitations, colonic polyp characteristics, overall cancer and CRC incidences and mortality, risk factors for colon cancer pathophysiology, and recommendation guideline aspects.
Topics: Acromegaly; Cell Proliferation; Colorectal Neoplasms; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 35795151
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.924952 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2022Acromegaly is a disease that occurs secondary to high levels of GH, most often from a hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma, with multisystem adverse effects. Diagnosis... (Review)
Review
Acromegaly is a disease that occurs secondary to high levels of GH, most often from a hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma, with multisystem adverse effects. Diagnosis includes serum GH and IGF-1 levels, and obtaining an MRI pituitary protocol to assess for a functional pituitary adenoma. Attempted gross total resection of the GH-secreting adenoma is the gold standard in treatment for patients with acromegaly for a goal of biochemical remission. Medical and radiation therapies are available when patients do not achieve biochemical cure after surgical therapy.
Topics: Acromegaly; Adenoma; Goals; Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma; Humans; Pituitary Neoplasms
PubMed: 35992136
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.924589 -
Methodist DeBakey Cardiovascular Journal 2017In patients with acromegaly, chronic excess of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) leads to the development of acromegalic cardiomyopathy. Its... (Review)
Review
In patients with acromegaly, chronic excess of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) leads to the development of acromegalic cardiomyopathy. Its main features are biventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction, and in later stages, systolic dysfunction and congestive heart failure. Surgical and/or pharmacological treatment of acromegaly and control of cardiovascular risk factors help reverse some of these pathophysiologic changes and decrease the high risk of cardiovascular complications.
Topics: Acromegaly; Cardiovascular Diseases; Cardiovascular System; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Prognosis; Risk Factors
PubMed: 28740584
DOI: 10.14797/mdcj-13-2-64 -
Growth Hormone & IGF Research :... Jun 2024Acromegaly is a disorder associated with excessive levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). In general, GH/IGF-1 excess leads to... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Acromegaly is a disorder associated with excessive levels of growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). In general, GH/IGF-1 excess leads to morphologic craniofacial and acral changes as well as cardiometabolic complications, but the phenotypic changes and clinical presentation of acromegaly differ across species. Here, we review the pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management of acromegaly in humans and cats, and we provide a systematic comparison between this disease across these different species.
DESIGN
A comprehensive literature review of pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis and management of acromegaly in humans and in cats was performed.
RESULTS
Acromegaly is associated with prominent craniofacial changes in both species: frontal bossing, enlarged nose, ears and lips, and protuberant cheekbones are typically encountered in humans, whereas increased width of the head and skull enlargement are commonly found in cats. Malocclusion, prognathism, dental diastema and upper airway obstruction by soft tissue enlargement are reported in both species, as well as continuous growth and widening of extremities resulting in osteoarticular compromise. Increase of articular joint cartilage thickness, vertebral fractures and spine malalignment is more evident in humans, while arthropathy and spondylosis deformans may also occur in cats. Generalized organomegaly is equally observed in both species. Other similarities between humans and cats with acromegaly include heart failure, ventricular hypertrophy, diabetes mellitus, and an overall increased cardiometabolic risk. In GH-secreting pituitary tumours, local compressive effects and behavioral changes are mostly observed in humans, but also present in cats. Cutis verticis gyrata and skin tags are exclusively found in humans, while palmigrade/plantigrade stance may occur in some acromegalic cats. Serum IGF-1 is used for acromegaly diagnosis in both species, but an oral glucose tolerance test with GH measurement is only useful in humans, as glucose load does not inhibit GH secretion in cats. Imaging studies are regularly performed in both species after biochemical diagnosis of acromegaly. Hypophysectomy is the first line treatment for humans and cats, although not always available in veterinary medicine.
CONCLUSION
Acromegaly in humans and cats has substantial similarities, as a result of common pathophysiological mechanisms, however species-specific features may be found.
Topics: Acromegaly; Cats; Humans; Animals; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Cat Diseases
PubMed: 38810595
DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2024.101595 -
Endocrine Jul 2023Secondary diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common complication of acromegaly, encountered in up to 55% of cases. Vice versa, the prevalence of acromegaly is markedly higher... (Review)
Review
Secondary diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common complication of acromegaly, encountered in up to 55% of cases. Vice versa, the prevalence of acromegaly is markedly higher in cohorts of patients with type 2 DM (T2DM). The presence of secondary DM depends primarily on acromegaly status and is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity, malignancy rate and overall mortality. The principal pathophysiologic mechanism is increased insulin resistance due to excessive lipolysis and altered fat distribution, reflected at the presence of intermuscular fat and attenuated, dysfunctional adipose tissue. Insulin resistance is ascribed to the direct, diabetogenic effects of growth hormone (GH), which prevail over the insulin-sensitizing effects of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), probably due to higher glucometabolic potency of GH, IGF-1 resistance, or both. Inversely, GH and IGF-1 act synergistically in increasing insulin secretion. Hyperinsulinemia in portal vein leads to enhanced responsiveness of liver GH receptors and IGF-1 production, pointing towards a mutually amplifying loop between GH-IGF-1 axis and insulin. Secondary DM occurs upon beta cell exhaustion, principally due to gluco-lipo-toxicity. Somatostatin analogues inhibit insulin secretion; especially pasireotide (PASI) impairs glycaemic profile in up to 75% of cases, establishing a separate pathophysiologic entity, PASI-induced DM. In contrast, pegvisomant and dopamine agonizts improve insulin sensitivity. In turn, metformin, pioglitazone and sodium-glucose transporters 2 inhibitors might be disease-modifying by counteracting hyperinsulinemia or acting pleiotropically. Large, prospective cohort studies are needed to validate the above notions and define optimal DM management in acromegaly.
Topics: Humans; Acromegaly; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Insulin Resistance; Prospective Studies; Human Growth Hormone; Growth Hormone; Insulin; Diabetes Mellitus
PubMed: 36882643
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03339-1 -
Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism 2019Acromegaly is an insidious disease, usually resulting from growth hormone hypersecretion by a pituitary adenoma. It is most often diagnosed during the 3rd to 4th decade... (Review)
Review
Acromegaly is an insidious disease, usually resulting from growth hormone hypersecretion by a pituitary adenoma. It is most often diagnosed during the 3rd to 4th decade of life. However, recent studies have shown an increase in the incidence and prevalence of acromegaly in the elderly, probably due to increasing life expectancy. As in the younger population with acromegaly, there is a delay in diagnosis, aggravated by the similarities of the aging process with some of the characteristics of the disease. As can be expected elderly patients with acromegaly have a higher prevalence of comorbidities than younger ones. The diagnostic criteria are the same as for younger patients. Surgical treatment of the pituitary adenoma is the primary therapy of choice unless contraindicated. Somatostatin receptor ligands are generally effective as both primary and postoperative treatment. The prognosis correlates inversely with the patient's age, disease duration and last GH level. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2019;63(6):638-45.
Topics: Acromegaly; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Female; Humans; Male; Prognosis
PubMed: 31939489
DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000194 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Apr 2023Paltusotine is a once-daily, oral, nonpeptide small-molecule somatostatin receptor type 2 (SST2) agonist in clinical development for treatment of acromegaly. (Clinical Trial)
Clinical Trial
CONTEXT
Paltusotine is a once-daily, oral, nonpeptide small-molecule somatostatin receptor type 2 (SST2) agonist in clinical development for treatment of acromegaly.
OBJECTIVE
This work aimed to evaluate change in insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels in patients switched from octreotide long-acting release or lanreotide depot monotherapy to paltusotine.
METHODS
A phase 2, open-label, prospective, multicenter, multinational, nonrandomized, single-arm exploratory study was conducted in which dosage uptitrations were performed in a double-blinded manner. At 26 global sites, patients with acromegaly switched to paltusotine from injected somatostatin receptor ligand (SRL)-based therapy. Patients received 13-week treatment with once-daily oral paltusotine (10-40 mg/d). The primary end point was change from baseline to week 13 in IGF-I for patients who switched from long-acting octreotide or lanreotide depot monotherapy to paltusotine (group 1). All patients underwent a 4-week paltusotine washout at end of treatment period (wk 13-17). IGF-I, growth hormone (GH), patient-reported outcome, and safety data were collected.
RESULTS
Forty-seven patients enrolled. In group 1 (n = 25), IGF-I and GH showed no significant change between SRL baseline and end of paltusotine treatment at week 13 (median change in IGF-I = -0.03×upper limit of normal [ULN]; P = .6285; GH = -0.05 ng/mL; P = .6285). IGF-I and GH rose significantly in the 4 weeks after withdrawing paltusotine (median change in IGF-I = 0.55×ULN; P < .0001 [median increase 39%]; GH = 0.72 ng/mL; P < .0001 [109.1% increase]). No patients discontinued because of adverse events (AE); no treatment-related serious AEs were reported.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest once-daily oral paltusotine was effective in maintaining IGF-I values in patients with acromegaly who switched from injected SRLs. Paltusotine was well tolerated with a safety profile consistent with other SRLs.
Topics: Humans; Acromegaly; Octreotide; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Prospective Studies; Peptides, Cyclic; Human Growth Hormone; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36353760
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac643 -
Endocrine Journal Nov 2023Long-term stimulation of thyroid follicular epithelium by high growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in patients with acromegaly can lead to...
Long-term stimulation of thyroid follicular epithelium by high growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in patients with acromegaly can lead to thyroid dysfunction, goiter, thyroid nodules, and even thyroid cancer and thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO). Excessive GH/IGF-1 promotes goiter and thyroid nodule formation, which can be reversed by normalizing the IGF-1 levels with surgery or medical treatment. Whether patients with acromegaly have an increased risk of thyroid cancer remains controversial, and routine thyroid ultrasonography and regular cancer screening are recommended in such cases, especially when the nodules possess malignant propensity. TAO is an autoimmune disease and newer treatments are being discovered against it. Recent studies have reported that the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of TAO, and the IGF-1R inhibitor teprotumumab involves significantly improved disease endpoints in patients with active TAO. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor (TSHR) and IGF-1R co-immunoprecipitate in orbital and thyroid tissues to form a functional complex; thus, combined therapy targeting TSHR and IGF-1R may be more effective than single therapy.
Topics: Humans; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Acromegaly; Receptor, IGF Type 1; Thyroid Diseases; Graves Ophthalmopathy; Goiter; Receptors, Thyrotropin; Human Growth Hormone; Growth Hormone; Thyroid Neoplasms
PubMed: 37880078
DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.EJ23-0356