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Veterinary Journal (London, England :... 2023Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is common in aged horses. The majority of horses respond well to treatment, but treatment is lifelong, meaning... (Review)
Review
Equine pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is common in aged horses. The majority of horses respond well to treatment, but treatment is lifelong, meaning accurate diagnosis of PPID is important. Similar to any condition, there is no perfect laboratory test to diagnose PPID and accuracy is affected by the characteristics of the population in which the test is being evaluated. This review details the importance of consideration of clinical factors and diagnostic test accuracy. Basal adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) concentration is used most frequently in practice and has very good diagnostic accuracy when used in combination with clinical judgement and the correct application of diagnostic thresholds. The thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test can be used in horses with equivocal test results following basal ACTH testing, or to evaluate subtle cases due to its improved accuracy.
Topics: Horses; Animals; Thyrotropin-Releasing Hormone; Pituitary Gland, Intermediate; Horse Diseases; Pituitary Diseases; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
PubMed: 37805159
DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.106036 -
International Journal of Molecular... Oct 2023Recently, advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics have allowed a more thorough understanding of tumorigenesis in aggressive PitNETs (pituitary neuroendocrine... (Review)
Review
Recently, advances in molecular biology and bioinformatics have allowed a more thorough understanding of tumorigenesis in aggressive PitNETs (pituitary neuroendocrine tumors) through the identification of specific essential genes, crucial molecular pathways, regulators, and effects of the tumoral microenvironment. Target therapies have been developed to cure oncology patients refractory to traditional treatments, introducing the concept of precision medicine. Preliminary data on PitNETs are derived from preclinical studies conducted on cell cultures, animal models, and a few case reports or small case series. This study comprehensively reviews the principal pathways involved in aggressive PitNETs, describing the potential target therapies. A search was conducted on Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science for English papers published between 1 January 2004, and 15 June 2023. 254 were selected, and the topics related to aggressive PitNETs were recorded and discussed in detail: epigenetic aspects, membrane proteins and receptors, metalloprotease, molecular pathways, PPRK, and the immune microenvironment. A comprehensive comprehension of the molecular mechanisms linked to PitNETs' aggressiveness and invasiveness is crucial. Despite promising preliminary findings, additional research and clinical trials are necessary to confirm the indications and effectiveness of target therapies for PitNETs.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Pituitary Neoplasms; Pituitary Gland; Neuroendocrine Tumors; Aggression; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 37958702
DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115719 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Dec 2023Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolical disorder and can lead to liver fibrosis. Because it is commonly seen, several noninvasive scores (NS) have been...
CONTEXT
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolical disorder and can lead to liver fibrosis. Because it is commonly seen, several noninvasive scores (NS) have been validated to identify high-risk patients. Patients with NAFLD have been shown to have higher serum angiopoietin-like protein-8 (ANGPTL-8) levels.
OBJECTIVE
The risk of NAFLD is known insufficiently in acromegaly. Moreover, the utility of the NS and the link between NAFLD and ANGPTL-8 in acromegaly is unknown.
METHODS
Thirty-two patients with acromegaly (n = 15, active [AA] and n = 17, controlled acromegaly [CA]) and 19 healthy controls were included. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-proton density fat fraction (PDFF) was used to evaluate hepatic steatosis, and magnetic resonance elastography to evaluate liver stiffness measurement. ANGPTL-8 levels were measured with ELISA.
RESULTS
Median liver MRI-PDFF and NAFLD prevalence in AA were lower than in CA (P = .026 and P < .001, respectively). Median magnetic resonance elastography-liver stiffness measurement were similar across groups. Of the NS, visceral adiposity index, fatty liver index, hepatic steatosis index, and triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) all showed positive correlation with the liver MRI-PDFF in the control group. However, only TyG significantly correlated with liver fat in the AA and CA groups. There was no correlation between traditional NAFLD risk factors (body mass index, waist circumference, C-reactive protein, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, visceral adipose tissue) and liver MRI-PDFF in the AA and CA. Patients with acromegaly with NAFLD had lower GH, IGF-1, and ANGPTL-8 levels than in those without NAFLD (P = .025, P = .011, and P = .036, respectively).
CONCLUSION
Active acromegaly may protect from NAFLD because of high GH. In patients with acromegaly, NAFLD risk cannot be explained with classical risk factors; hence, additional risk factors must be identified. TyG is the best score to evaluate NAFLD risk. Lower ANGPTL-8 in patients with acromegaly and NAFLD implies this hormone may be raised because of insulin resistance rather than being a cause for NAFLD.
Topics: Humans; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Insulin Resistance; Acromegaly; Liver; Liver Cirrhosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Triglycerides
PubMed: 37590020
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad490 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Prolactinomas (PRLomas) constitute approximately half of all pituitary adenomas and approximately one-fifth of them are diagnosed in males. The clinical presentation of... (Review)
Review
Prolactinomas (PRLomas) constitute approximately half of all pituitary adenomas and approximately one-fifth of them are diagnosed in males. The clinical presentation of PRLomas results from direct prolactin (PRL) action, duration and severity of hyperprolactinemia, and tumor mass effect. Male PRLomas, compared to females, tend to be larger and more invasive, are associated with higher PRL concentration at diagnosis, present higher proliferative potential, are more frequently resistant to standard pharmacotherapy, and thus may require multimodal approach, including surgical resection, radiotherapy, and alternative medical agents. Therefore, the management of PRLomas in men is challenging in many cases. Additionally, hyperprolactinemia is associated with a significant negative impact on men's health, including sexual function and fertility potential, bone health, cardiovascular and metabolic complications, leading to decreased quality of life. In this review, we highlight the differences in pathogenesis, clinical presentation and treatment of PRLomas concerning the male sex.
Topics: Female; Male; Humans; Prolactinoma; Hyperprolactinemia; Quality of Life; Pituitary Neoplasms; Adenoma
PubMed: 38370355
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1338345 -
Endocrine Nov 2023To evaluate the incidence of malignancies in acromegaly and to identify risk factors for newly-diagnostic cancers, especially the excessive growth hormone (GH) and...
PURPOSE
To evaluate the incidence of malignancies in acromegaly and to identify risk factors for newly-diagnostic cancers, especially the excessive growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1).
METHODS
A retrospective cohort including 1738 consecutive hospitalized patients with acromegaly in a single referral center between 2012 and 2020 (mean follow-up 4.3 years). A gender- and age-matched case-control study (280 patients from the cohort) was performed for risk factor analysis.
RESULTS
One hundred thirteen malignancies (67 diagnosed after acromegaly) were observed. The overall newly-diagnostic cancer risk of acromegaly was higher than the general population (standardized incidence ratio (SIR) 2.81; 95% CI 2.18-3.57). The risk of thyroid cancer (n = 33, SIR 21.42; 95% CI 13.74-30.08) and colorectal cancer (n = 8, SIR 3.17; 95% CI 1.37-6.25) was elevated. In the overall cohort, IGF-1 (ULN: 1.27 vs. 0.94, p = 0.057), GH (1.30 vs. 1.00 ng/ml, p = 0.12), and disease-controlled rate (34.9% vs. 45.9%, p = 0.203) at the last visit did not reach significance between patients with and without post-diagnostic cancer. In the case-control study, GH (1.80 vs. 0.90 ng/ml, p = 0.018) and IGF-1 (ULN: 1.27 vs. 0.91, p = 0.003) at the last visit were higher in patients with post-diagnostic cancers, with a lower disease-controlled rate. Elder age was a risk factor for cancer. Other metabolic comorbidities and the size of pituitary tumors were similar.
CONCLUSION
The risk of malignancies, especially thyroid cancer, was increased in patients with acromegaly in our center. More cancer screening should be considered when managing acromegaly, especially in patients with higher posttreatment GH and IGF-1.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Acromegaly; Retrospective Studies; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Case-Control Studies; Incidence; East Asian People; Pituitary Neoplasms; Thyroid Neoplasms; Risk Factors; Human Growth Hormone
PubMed: 37442901
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03447-y -
Acta Neurochirurgica Oct 2023Sustained cure of acromegaly can only be achieved by surgery. Most growth hormone (GH) secreting pituitary adenomas are macroadenomas (≥ 10 mm) at diagnosis, with...
PURPOSE
Sustained cure of acromegaly can only be achieved by surgery. Most growth hormone (GH) secreting pituitary adenomas are macroadenomas (≥ 10 mm) at diagnosis, with reported surgical cure rates of approximately 50%. Long-term data on disease control rates after surgery are limited. Our aim was to estimate short- and long-term rates of biochemical control after pituitary surgery in acromegaly and identify predictive factors.
METHODS
Patients operated for GH-secreting pituitary adenomas between 2005-2020 were included from the local pituitary registry (n = 178). Disease activity and treatment data were recorded at one-year (short-term) and five-year (long-term) postoperative follow-up. Biochemical control was defined as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) ≤ 1.2 × upper limit of normal value. Multivariate regression models were used to identify factors potentially predicting biochemical control.
RESULTS
A total of 178 patients with acromegaly (median age at diagnosis 49 (IQR: 38-59) years, 46% women) were operated for a pituitary adenoma. Biochemical control was achieved by surgery in 53% at short-term and 41% at long-term follow-up, without additional treatment for acromegaly. Biochemical control rates by surgery were of same magnitude in paired samples (45% vs. 41%, p = 0.213) for short- and long-term follow-up, respectively. At short-term, 62% of patients with microadenomas and 51% with macroadenomas, achieved biochemical control. At long-term, the biochemical control rate was 58% for microadenomas and 37% for macroadenomas (p = 0.058). With adjunctive treatment, 82% achieved biochemical control at long-term. Baseline IGF-1 levels significantly predicted biochemical control by surgery at short-term (OR: 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96-0.99), p = 0.011), but not at long-term (OR: 0.76 (95% CI: 0.57-1.00), p = 0.053).
CONCLUSION
In unselected patients with acromegaly, the long-term biochemical control rate remains modest. Our findings indicate a need to identify patients at an earlier stage and improve therapeutic methods and surgical outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Male; Acromegaly; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Pituitary Gland; Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma; Pituitary Neoplasms; Adenoma; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies; Human Growth Hormone
PubMed: 37665404
DOI: 10.1007/s00701-023-05772-7 -
Endocrine Jan 2024Assessment of pituitary adenoma (PA) volume and extent of resection (EOR) through manual segmentation is time-consuming and likely suffers from poor interrater...
PURPOSE
Assessment of pituitary adenoma (PA) volume and extent of resection (EOR) through manual segmentation is time-consuming and likely suffers from poor interrater agreement, especially postoperatively. Automated tumor segmentation and volumetry by use of deep learning techniques may provide more objective and quick volumetry.
METHODS
We developed an automated volumetry pipeline for pituitary adenoma. Preoperative and three-month postoperative T1-weighted, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with manual segmentations were used for model training. After adequate preprocessing, an ensemble of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) was trained and validated for preoperative and postoperative automated segmentation of tumor tissue. Generalization was evaluated on a separate holdout set.
RESULTS
In total, 193 image sets were used for training and 20 were held out for validation. At validation using the holdout set, our models (preoperative / postoperative) demonstrated a median Dice score of 0.71 (0.27) / 0 (0), a mean Jaccard score of 0.53 ± 0.21/0.030 ± 0.085 and a mean 95 percentile Hausdorff distance of 3.89 ± 1.96./12.199 ± 6.684. Pearson's correlation coefficient for volume correlation was 0.85 / 0.22 and -0.14 for extent of resection. Gross total resection was detected with a sensitivity of 66.67% and specificity of 36.36%.
CONCLUSIONS
Our volumetry pipeline demonstrated its ability to accurately segment pituitary adenomas. This is highly valuable for lesion detection and evaluation of progression of pituitary incidentalomas. Postoperatively, however, objective and precise detection of residual tumor remains less successful. Larger datasets, more diverse data, and more elaborate modeling could potentially improve performance.
Topics: Humans; Pituitary Neoplasms; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Adenoma; Neoplasm, Residual; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
PubMed: 37749388
DOI: 10.1007/s12020-023-03529-x -
Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2023Radiotherapy (RT) is an effective treatment for dogs presented with neurologic signs caused by pituitary tumors. However, its impact on the outcome of concurrent...
BACKGROUND
Radiotherapy (RT) is an effective treatment for dogs presented with neurologic signs caused by pituitary tumors. However, its impact on the outcome of concurrent pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) is controversial.
OBJECTIVES
Determine whether dogs with PDH have longer survival after pituitary RT compared with dogs with nonhormonally active pituitary masses and to evaluate whether clinical, imaging, and RT variables affect survival.
ANIMALS
Ninety-four dogs divided into 2 groups: PDH and non-PDH, based on the presence of hypercortisolism. Forty-seven dogs were allocated to the PDH group and 47 to the non-PDH group.
METHODS
Retrospective cohort study in which clinical records of dogs undergoing RT for pituitary macroadenomas between 2008 and 2018 at 5 referral centers were retrospectively evaluated.
RESULTS
Survival was not statistically different between PDH and non-PDH groups (median survival time [MST], 590 days; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0-830 days and 738 days; 95% CI, 373-1103 days, respectively; P = .4). A definitive RT protocol was statistically associated with longer survival compared with a palliative protocol (MST 605 vs 262 days, P = .05). The only factor statistically associated with survival from multivariate Cox proportional hazard analysis was total radiation dose (Gy) delivered (P < .01).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE
No statistical difference in survival was identified between the PDH and non-PDH groups, and longer survival was associated with higher Gy delivered.
Topics: Humans; Dogs; Animals; Pituitary Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Cushing Syndrome; Pituitary ACTH Hypersecretion; Adrenocortical Hyperfunction; Treatment Outcome; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 37218395
DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16724 -
European Journal of Endocrinology Jul 2023The optimal approach to the surveillance of non-functioning pituitary microadenomas (micro-NFPAs) is not clearly established. Our aim was to generate evidence on the...
OBJECTIVE
The optimal approach to the surveillance of non-functioning pituitary microadenomas (micro-NFPAs) is not clearly established. Our aim was to generate evidence on the natural history of micro-NFPAs to support patient care.
DESIGN
Multi-centre, retrospective, cohort study involving 23 endocrine departments (UK NFPA consortium).
METHODS
Clinical, imaging, and hormonal data of micro-NFPA cases between January, 1, 2008 and December, 21, 2021 were analysed.
RESULTS
Data for 459 patients were retrieved [median age at detection 44 years (IQR 31-57)-152 males/307 females]. Four hundred and nineteen patients had more than two magnetic resonance imagings (MRIs) [median imaging monitoring 3.5 years (IQR 1.71-6.1)]. One case developed apoplexy. Cumulative probability of micro-NFPA growth was 7.8% (95% CI, 4.9%-8.1%) and 14.5% (95% CI, 10.2%-18.8%) at 3 and 5 years, respectively, and of reduction 14.1% (95% CI, 10.4%-17.8%) and 21.3% (95% CI, 16.4%-26.2%) at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Median tumour enlargement was 2 mm (IQR 1-3) and 49% of micro-NFPAs that grew became macroadenomas (nearly all >5 mm at detection). Eight (1.9%) patients received surgery (only one had visual compromise with surgery required >3 years after micro-NFPA detection). Sex, age, and size at baseline were not predictors of enlargement/reduction. At the time of detection, 7.2%, 1.7%, and 1.5% patients had secondary hypogonadism, hypothyroidism, and hypoadrenalism, respectively. Two (0.6%) developed hypopituitarism during follow-up (after progression to macroadenoma).
CONCLUSIONS
Probability of micro-NFPA growth is low, and the development of new hypopituitarism is rare. Delaying the first follow-up MRI to 3 years and avoiding hormonal re-evaluation in the absence of tumour growth or clinical manifestations is a safe approach for micro-NFPA surveillance.
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adult; Middle Aged; Pituitary Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Cohort Studies; Adenoma; Hypopituitarism; United Kingdom
PubMed: 37345849
DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad070 -
Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases Nov 2023Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH) deficiency caused by 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency is a rare disorder that is one of the major causes of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH) deficiency caused by 6-pyruvoyl-tetrahydropterin synthase (PTPS) deficiency is a rare disorder that is one of the major causes of hyperphenylalaninemia in Taiwan.
METHODS
In this study, we reviewed the clinical courses of 12 adolescent and adult patients (7 females and 5 males) with PTPS deficiency.
RESULTS
The patients were treated shortly after diagnosis through newborn screening with a combination of BH, levodopa/carbidopa, and 5-OH-tryptophan. Their plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine levels were well controlled, and their prolactin levels were also decreased after treatment. However, their prolactin levels gradually rose as they grew into puberty, and at a current age of 27.5 [interquartile range (IQR 7.9)] years, five of the 12 patients had either highly elevated prolactin levels (> 100 ng/mL in one male patient, normal reference values, male < 11 ng/mL, female < 17 ng/mL) or symptoms, including irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, and breast swelling (in four female patients). The dosage of levodopa in these five patients (14.3 (IQR 3.0) mg/kg/day) was slightly higher than that in the other patients (p = 0.05). Magnetic resonance imaging studies did not reveal an increase in the size of the anterior pituitary gland, although a Rathke cleft cyst was found in one patient. Two patients received cabergoline treatment, which promptly lowered prolactin levels and relieved symptoms.
CONCLUSIONS
Hyperprolactinemia is common in female patients with PTPS deficiency, especially after puberty. A long-acting dopamine agonist, such as cabergoline, may be a necessary adjunctive treatment for most patients with BH deficiency.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Cabergoline; Hyperprolactinemia; Levodopa; Phenylketonurias; Prolactin
PubMed: 37950276
DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02963-4