-
Psychoneuroendocrinology Dec 2023The role of anterior pituitary hormones - i.e., adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones (LH and FSH), growth hormone (GH),... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
INTRODUCTION
The role of anterior pituitary hormones - i.e., adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing and follicle stimulating hormones (LH and FSH), growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) - in early schizophrenia and psychoses unclear. We thus performed a systematic review and meta-analysis on the blood concentrations of ACTH, LH and FSH, GH, PRL, and TSH in drug-naïve people with first-episode psychosis (FEP) as compared with healthy controls.
METHODS
We searched Embase, MEDLINE, and PsycInfo for articles indexed until September 2022. Data quality was appraised. Random-effects meta-analyses were carried out, generating pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs). Between-study heterogeneity was estimated using the I statistic. Sensitivity and meta-regression analyses were performed.
RESULTS
Twenty-six studies were included. Drug-naïve people with FEP, compared to healthy subjects, had higher blood concentrations of ACTH (k = 7; N = 548; SMD = 0.62; 95%CI: 0.29 to 0.94; p < 0.001; I = 60.9%) and PRL (k = 17; N = 1757; SMD = 0.85; 95%CI: 0.56 to 1.14; p < 0.001; I = 85.5%) as well as lower levels of TSH (k = 6; N = 677; SMD = -0.34; 95%CI: -0.54 to -0.14; p = 0.001; I = 29.1%). Meta-regressions did not show any moderating effect of age (p = 0.78), sex (p = 0.21), or symptom severity (p = 0.87) on PRL concentrations in drug-naïve FEP. Available data were not sufficient to perform meta-analyses on FSH, LH, and GH.
CONCLUSIONS
Drug-naïve people with FEP have altered ACTH, PRL, and TSH blood concentrations, supporting the hypothesis that an abnormal anterior pituitary hormone secretion may be involved in the onset of schizophrenia and psychoses. Further research is needed to elucidate the role of pituitary hormones in FEP.
Topics: Humans; Prolactin; Growth Hormone; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Thyrotropin; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Human Growth Hormone; Psychotic Disorders; Pituitary Hormones
PubMed: 37778198
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106392 -
Pituitary Dec 2017Double adenomas in the pituitary gland are a rare occurrence. The ability to cure a hormone-producing adenoma with surgery is dependent on the ability to identify and... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Double adenomas in the pituitary gland are a rare occurrence. The ability to cure a hormone-producing adenoma with surgery is dependent on the ability to identify and completely remove the correct adenoma. The relative frequency of each subtype of hormone-secreting adenomas confirmed with magnetic resonance image (MRI), surgery and immunohistochemistry is not defined.
METHODS
Following PRISMA guidelines, we performed a systematic review of PubMed Central, Google Scholar, Scopus Database, Cochrane database and Science Research, using the key-words: "double pituitary adenomas", "multiple pituitary adenomas" and only papers where multiple or truly separate double pituitary adenomas were identified pre-surgically by MRI and/or confirmed by pathology/immunohistochemistry staining were included.
RESULTS
We reviewed papers from 1975 to 2016 and found 17 cases with two pituitary adenomas and 1 with three pituitary adenomas. The ages ranged from 22 to 67 years old, and there were twelve females and five males. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the most common double pituitary adenomas were growth hormone (GH)- followed by adrenocorticotropic (ACTH)-secreting.
CONCLUSION
Double pituitary adenomas are rare but most commonly found with GH- or ACTH-producing tumors. It is critical to remove all identified possible adenomas to achieve biochemical cure and clinicians should have heightened sensitivity in patients with acromegaly or Cushing's Disease.
Topics: ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma; Female; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Male; Pituitary Neoplasms
PubMed: 28766078
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-017-0826-6 -
Pituitary Feb 2019TSH-secreting pituitary adenomas are rare pituitary tumors. An efficient treatment is essential to limit the mortality and morbidity in untreated patients. The aim of...
PURPOSE
TSH-secreting pituitary adenomas are rare pituitary tumors. An efficient treatment is essential to limit the mortality and morbidity in untreated patients. The aim of this study is to summarize the evidence about the postoperative outcomes and management of this rare pathology.
METHODS
A systematic search and meta-analysis of surgical series was performed.
RESULTS
Our analysis included 23 articles (536 patients). No sex difference was observed and mean age at diagnosis was 45 years. Hyperthyroidism was reportedly clinical in 67% and biochemical in 90% of patients. Co-secretion of other pituitary hormones was present in 42% of cases. Macroadenomas were found in 79% of patients, showing in 44% and 30% of cases respectively extrasellar extension and cavernous sinus invasion. The pooled rate of postoperative biochemical remission was 69.7% and a gross total resection (GTR) was observed in 54% of patients. The extent of resection was significantly increased in microadenomas (p < 0.001) and cavernous sinus invasion was predictive of lower GTR rate (p < 0.001). A biochemical remission was achieved in 66% of patients after adjuvant radiation therapy and in 76% after adjuvant medical treatment. The combination of both allowed remission in 67% of cases. At final follow-up the overall biochemical remission rate was significantly improved (85.8%) when compared to the postoperative biochemical remission (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
When compared to the early postoperative period, at last follow-up biochemical remission was significantly greater (p < 0.001). GTR was achieved in half of patients; the size of tumor and cavernous sinus invasion determined the extent of resection.
Topics: Adenoma; Female; Humans; Male; Pituitary Neoplasms; Postoperative Period; Thyrotropin
PubMed: 30390277
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-018-0921-3 -
Anti-cancer Drugs Jan 2022To date, there are no standardized systemic treatment options for patients with metastatic pituitary carcinoma progressed to chemo and radiation therapy....
To date, there are no standardized systemic treatment options for patients with metastatic pituitary carcinoma progressed to chemo and radiation therapy. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been successfully assessed in other solid malignancies and could be a concrete hope for these patients. We performed a critical review of the literature aimed to evaluate studies assessing ICIs in pituitary malignancies. We also conducted research about published translational data assessing immune-contexture in these malignancies. Some preliminary reports reported a successful administration of pembrolizumab or the combination between nivolumab and ipilimumab in patients with metastatic ACTH-secreting pituitary carcinomas. Translational data suggest that adenomas secreting growth hormone and ACTH have a suppressed immune-microenvironment, which could be more likely to benefit from ICIs. Immune-checkpoint inhibitors can be an effective treatment in patients with pituitary carcinoma and maybe also recurrent adenoma. Tumors secreting growth hormone and ACTH are more likely to benefit from ICIs due to a different immune-microenvironment.
Topics: Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Growth Hormone; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Ipilimumab; Neoplasm Metastasis; Nivolumab; Pituitary Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 34348358
DOI: 10.1097/CAD.0000000000001157 -
Archives of Disease in Childhood Sep 2016The diagnostic value of tests used in assessing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) in children remains controversial. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
The diagnostic value of tests used in assessing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) in children remains controversial.
DESIGN
A systematic review and meta-analysis with receiver-operated-characteristic curve was undertaken to assess the diagnostic values of conventional standard dose 250 μg tetracosactrin (ACTH), short Synacthen test (SSST) and/or low-dose Synacthen test (LDSST) in the assessment of HPA insufficiency in children. Studies eligible for inclusion were any study that compared the use of the LDSST and/or SSST in the assessment of central adrenal insufficiency in children compared with reference standard test.
RESULTS
There were no randomised trials found. SSST resulted in higher specificity and positive likelihood ratio than LDSST. The LDSST had a higher sensitivity (86% vs 61%) but a lower specificity (88% vs 99%) than the SSST, but there was high heterogeneity from the LDSST studies with various doses of Synacthen used.
CONCLUSIONS
Lack of standardisation of assays and protocols with regard to timing, frequency and dose has resulted in diagnostic inaccuracies. There is no clear evidence to indicate that LDSST is superior to SSST in the assessment of HPA axis in children. The choice of either SSST or LDSST should be individualised based on clinical judgement for each patient. This systematic review has identified the need for a well-designed, adequately powered, randomised controlled trial on the use of diagnostic tests used in assessing HPA axis in children.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Function Tests; Adrenal Insufficiency; Child; Cosyntropin; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Hormones; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Pituitary-Adrenal System
PubMed: 26951687
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2015-308925 -
Annals of Internal Medicine Jan 2007Human growth hormone (GH) is widely used as an antiaging therapy, although its use for this purpose has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Human growth hormone (GH) is widely used as an antiaging therapy, although its use for this purpose has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and its distribution as an antiaging agent is illegal in the United States.
PURPOSE
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of GH therapy in the healthy elderly.
DATA SOURCES
The authors searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for English-language studies published through 21 November 2005 by using such terms as growth hormone and aging.
STUDY SELECTION
The authors included randomized, controlled trials that compared GH therapy with no GH therapy or GH and lifestyle interventions (exercise with or without diet) with lifestyle interventions alone. Included trials provided GH for 2 weeks or more to community-dwelling participants with a mean age of 50 years or more and a body mass index of 35 kg/m2 or less. The authors excluded studies that evaluated GH as treatment for a specific illness.
DATA EXTRACTION
Two authors independently reviewed articles and abstracted data.
DATA SYNTHESIS
31 articles describing 18 unique study populations met the inclusion criteria. A total of 220 participants who received GH (107 person-years) completed their respective studies. Study participants were elderly (mean age, 69 years [SD, 6]) and overweight (mean body mass index, 28 kg/m2 [SD, 2]). Initial daily GH dose (mean, 14 microg per kg of body weight [SD, 7]) and treatment duration (mean, 27 weeks [SD, 16]) varied. In participants treated with GH compared with those not treated with GH, overall fat mass decreased (change in fat mass, -2.1 kg [95% CI, -2.8 to -1.35] and overall lean body mass increased (change in lean body mass, 2.1 kg [CI, 1.3 to 2.9]) (P < 0.001), and their weight did not change significantly (change in weight, 0.1 kg [CI, -0.7 to 0.8]; P = 0.87). Total cholesterol levels decreased (change in cholesterol, -0.29 mmol/L [-11.21 mg/dL]; P = 0.006), although not significantly after adjustment for body composition changes. Other outcomes, including bone density and other serum lipid levels, did not change. Persons treated with GH were significantly more likely to experience soft tissue edema, arthralgias, carpal tunnel syndrome, and gynecomastia and were somewhat more likely to experience the onset of diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose.
LIMITATIONS
Some important outcomes were infrequently or heterogeneously measured and could not be synthesized. Most included studies had small sample sizes.
CONCLUSIONS
The literature published on randomized, controlled trials evaluating GH therapy in the healthy elderly is limited but suggests that it is associated with small changes in body composition and increased rates of adverse events. On the basis of this evidence, GH cannot be recommended as an antiaging therapy.
Topics: Aged; Aging; Blood Glucose; Body Composition; Bone Density; Exercise; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Life Style; Lipids; Recombinant Proteins
PubMed: 17227934
DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-146-2-200701160-00005 -
Pituitary Feb 2023Endonasal resection is the first-line treatment for patients harboring growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas. The complexity of the parasellar neurovascular...
PURPOSE
Endonasal resection is the first-line treatment for patients harboring growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary adenomas. The complexity of the parasellar neurovascular structures makes pre-operative diagnostic imaging essential to understanding the anatomy of this region. We aimed to describe vascular anomalies in acromegalic patients and emphasize their relevance for surgery and preoperative planning.
METHODS
A systematic review following the PRISMA statement was performed in July 2021.
RESULTS
Thirty-three studies were evaluated. Elevated GH and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels are linked to the occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors. This is attributed to endothelial dysfunction, mainly caused by changes in flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), which is probably the main cause of vascular anomalies in acromegaly. The occurrence of protrusions of the internal carotid artery (ICA) (35-53%), a narrow intercarotid distance, and an asymmetrical course was described. In 13-18% of acromegalic patients, the presence of an intracerebral aneurysm could be reported (incidence in the general population:0.8-1.3%). The selected studies were however performed with a small patient sample (range:1-257). We present a case report of a 57y/o male patient with anomalies of the ICA ("kissing carotid arteries") harboring a GH-secreting adenoma, which was resected via an endoscopic endonasal approach.
CONCLUSIONS
There is an association between acromegaly and endothelial dysfunction, which increases cardiovascular risk factors and vascular anomalies. Preoperative vascular imaging, e.g., CT angiography, should be implemented as a standard to identify patients at risk and estimate surgical morbidity. However, no evidence-based recommendations exist so far, so future studies are necessary.
Topics: Humans; Male; Acromegaly; Adenoma; Growth Hormone-Secreting Pituitary Adenoma; Human Growth Hormone; Pituitary Neoplasms; Middle Aged
PubMed: 36508085
DOI: 10.1007/s11102-022-01291-3 -
Clinical Endocrinology Jul 2014Due to the positive effects demonstrated in randomized clinical trials on cardiovascular surrogate markers and bone metabolism, a positive effect of growth hormone (GH)... (Review)
Review
Due to the positive effects demonstrated in randomized clinical trials on cardiovascular surrogate markers and bone metabolism, a positive effect of growth hormone (GH) treatment on clinically relevant end-points seems feasible. In this review, we discuss the long-term efficacy and safety of GH treatment in adult patients with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) with emphasis on morbidity: fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke, fractures, fatal and nonfatal malignancies and recurrences, and diabetes mellitus. A positive effect of GH treatment on CVD and fracture risk could be concluded, but study design limitations have to be considered. Stroke and secondary brain tumours remained more prevalent. However, other contributing factors have to be taken into account. Regrowth and recurrences of (peri)pituitary tumours were not increased in patients with GH treatment compared to similar patients without GH treatment. All fatal and nonfatal malignancies were not more prevalent in GH-treated adults compared to the general population. However, follow-up time is still relatively short. The studies on diabetes are difficult to interpret, and more evidence is awaited. In clinical practice, a more individualized assessment seems appropriate, taking into consideration the underlying diagnosis of GHD, other treatment regimens, metabolic profile and the additional beneficial effects of GH set against the possible risks. Large and thoroughly conducted observational studies are needed and seem the only feasible way to inform the ongoing debate on health care costs, drug safety and clinical outcomes.
Topics: Adult; Cardiovascular Diseases; Fractures, Bone; Growth Hormone; Hormone Replacement Therapy; Human Growth Hormone; Humans; Neoplasms; Stroke
PubMed: 24750271
DOI: 10.1111/cen.12477 -
Acupuncture in Medicine : Journal of... Aug 2022To evaluate the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of hot flushes and its impact on serum hormone levels in menopausal women. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of hot flushes and its impact on serum hormone levels in menopausal women.
METHODS
A total of 10 databases were searched from their inception to August 2018. Reference lists of reviews and included articles were also hand-searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of acupuncture versus sham acupuncture, or acupuncture versus hormone therapy (HT), as treatment for menopausal hot flushes were included. Outcomes included hot flush frequency, hot flush severity and serum hormone levels of estradiol (E2), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.3 software.
RESULTS
Thirteen RCTs including 1784 patients were selected, seven of which were available for meta-analysis. Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture significantly decreased hot flush frequency (mean difference (MD) -0.84, 95% confidence interval (CI) [-1.64, -0.05], I = 54%) from baseline to the end of study, but did not impact end scores of hot flush frequency (MD 0.19, 95% CI [-0.61, 0.99], I = 0%) or severity (MD 0.02, 95% CI [-0.13, 0.17], I = 0%). No differences were found between acupuncture and HT in serum levels of E (MD 6.56, 95% CI [-3.77, 16.89], I = 76%), FSH (MD 1.06, 95% CI [-1.44, 3.56], I = 0%) or LH (MD -3.36, 95% CI [-13.37, 6.65], I = 89%).
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture may not decrease hot flush frequency, but yet appears to have similar effects on serum hormone levels as HT, that is, increased E2 and decreased FSH and LH. Considering that no firm conclusions could be drawn due to the low quality and limited number of included trials included, further high-quality RCTs need to be conducted.
Topics: Acupuncture Therapy; Estradiol; Female; Follicle Stimulating Hormone; Hot Flashes; Humans; Menopause
PubMed: 34894774
DOI: 10.1177/09645284211056655 -
World Journal of Surgical Oncology Mar 2023Currently, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is the main treatment for pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs). Excision of the tumor may have positive or negative... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
PURPOSE
Currently, endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery is the main treatment for pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs). Excision of the tumor may have positive or negative effects on pituitary endocrine function, and the pituitary function of somatotroph tumors is a point of particular concern after the operation. This study aimed to conduct a meta-analysis on the effect of endoscopic transsphenoidal somatotroph tumor resection on pituitary function.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was conducted for articles that included the evaluation of pituitary target gland before and after endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection and were published between 1992 and 2022 in PubMed, Cochrane, and Ovid MEDLINE.
RESULTS
Sixty-eight studies that included biochemical remission rates in 4524 somatotroph tumors were concluded. According to the 2000 consensus, the biochemical remission rate after transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery was 66.4% (95% CI, 0.622-0.703; P = 0.000), the biochemical remission rate was 56.2% according to the 2010 consensus (95% CI, 0.503-0.620; P = 0.041), and with the rate of biochemical remission ranging from 30.0 to 91.7% with investigator's definition. After endoscopic resection, adrenal axis dysfunction was slightly higher than that before surgery, but the difference was not statistically significant. Hypothyroidism was 0.712 times higher risk than that before surgery (OR = 0.712; 95% CI, 0.527-0.961; P = 0.027). Hypogonadism was 0.541 times higher risk than that before surgery (OR = 0.541; 95% CI, 0.393-0.746; P = 0.000). Hyperprolactinemia was 0.131 times higher risk than that before surgery (OR = 0.131; 95% CI, 0.022-0.783; P = 0.026). The incidence of pituitary insufficiency was 1.344 times the risk before surgery after endoscopic resection of somatotroph tumors, but the difference was not statistically significant.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with somatotroph tumors after undergoing endoscopic surgery, the risk of dysfunction and pituitary insufficiency tend to increase, while preoperative thyroid insufficiency, gonadal insufficiency, and hyperprolactinemia will be partially relieved.
Topics: Humans; Hyperprolactinemia; Somatotrophs; Pituitary Hormones; Endoscopy; Hypopituitarism; Pituitary Neoplasms
PubMed: 36859291
DOI: 10.1186/s12957-023-02958-2