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Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology Apr 2021The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis is one of several hormone regulatory systems from the hypothalamus to the pituitary and ultimately to the peripheral target... (Review)
Review
The hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis is one of several hormone regulatory systems from the hypothalamus to the pituitary and ultimately to the peripheral target organs. The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are in close anatomical proximity at the base of the brain and extended through the pituitary stalk to the sella turcica. The pituitary stalk allows passage of stimulatory and inhibitory hormones and other signal molecules. The target organs are placed in the periphery and function through stimulation/inhibition by the circulating pituitary hormones. The several hypothalamus-pituitary-target organ axis systems interact in very sophisticated and complicated ways and for many of them the interactive and integrated mechanisms are still not quite clear. The diagnosis of central hypothyroidism is complicated by itself but challenged further by concomitant affection of other hypothalamus-pituitary-hormone axes, the dysfunction of which influences the diagnosis of central hypothyroidism. Treatment of both the central hypothyroidism and the other hypothalamus-pituitary axes also influence the function of the others by complex mechanisms involving both central and peripheral mechanisms. Clinicians managing patients with neuroendocrine disorders should become aware of the strong integrative influence from each hypothalamus-pituitary-hormone axis on the physiology and pathophysiology of central hypothyroidism. As an aid in this direction the present review summarizes and highlights the importance of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, pitfalls in diagnosing central hypothyroidism, diagnosing/testing central hypothyroidism in relation to panhypopituitarism, pointing at interactions of the thyroid function with other pituitary hormones, as well as local hypothalamic neurotransmitters and gut-brain hormones. Furthermore, the treatment effect of each axis on the regulation of the others is described. Finally, these complicating aspects require stringent diagnostic testing, particularly in clinical settings with lower or at least altered à priori likelihood of hypopituitarism than in former obvious clinical patient presentations.
Topics: Animals; Hormones; Humans; Hypopituitarism; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Hypothyroidism; Models, Biological; Thyroid Gland
PubMed: 33549603
DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111173 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Sheehan syndrome (SS) caused by postpartum hemorrhage leads to partial or complete pituitary hormone deficiency. In addition to lipid and glucose abnormalities, patients... (Review)
Review
Sheehan syndrome (SS) caused by postpartum hemorrhage leads to partial or complete pituitary hormone deficiency. In addition to lipid and glucose abnormalities, patients with SS have increased body fat, insulin resistance (IR), coagulation abnormalities, increased leptin concentration, low-grade inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction that predispose them to cardiovascular diseases. Untreated growth hormone (GH) deficiency, hypogonadism, and excess glucocorticoid use are considered risk factors for these abnormalities. Compared to other hypopituitary subjects, patients with SS are younger and have a longer duration of disease and severe GH deficiency. Replacement with GH in addition to standard hormone replacement improves their cardiometabolic profile.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Insulin Resistance; Hypopituitarism; Risk Factors; Cardiovascular System; Adipose Tissue
PubMed: 36742387
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1086731 -
Acta Bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis Sep 2019Infertility due to genetic mutations that cause other defects, besides infertility, is defined as syndromic. Here we describe three of these disorders for which we... (Review)
Review
Infertility due to genetic mutations that cause other defects, besides infertility, is defined as syndromic. Here we describe three of these disorders for which we perform genetic tests. 1) Hypopituitarism is an endocrine syndrome characterized by reduced or absent secretion of one or more anterior pituitary hormones with consequent dysfunction of the corresponding peripheral glands. Deficiencies in all the hormones is defined as pan-hypopituitarism, lack of two or more hormones is called partial hypopituitarism, whereas absence of a single hormone is defined as selective hypopituitarism. Pan-hypopituitarism is the rarest condition, whereas the other two are more frequent. Several forms exist: congenital, acquired, organic and functional. 2) The correct functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is fundamental for sexual differentiation and development during fetal life and puberty and for normal gonad function. Alteration of the hypothalamic-pituitary system can determine a condition called hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, characterized by normal/low serum levels of the hormones FSH and LH. 3) Primary ciliary dyskinesia is frequently associated with infertility in males because it impairs sperm motility (asthenozoospermia). Primary ciliary dyskinesia is a group of genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous disorders that show morpho-structural alterations of the cilia. Adult women with primary ciliary dyskinesia can be subfertile and have an increased probability of extra-uterine pregnancies. This is due to delayed transport of the oocyte through the uterine tubes.
Topics: Ciliary Motility Disorders; Female; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Genetic Testing; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Humans; Hypogonadism; Hypopituitarism; Infertility; Male
PubMed: 31577259
DOI: 10.23750/abm.v90i10-S.8764 -
The American Journal of Tropical... Oct 2020Snakebite envenoming is a neglected, public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions. Local tissue necrosis, neurotoxic, and hemo-vasculotoxic effects are... (Review)
Review
Snakebite envenoming is a neglected, public health problem in tropical and subtropical regions. Local tissue necrosis, neurotoxic, and hemo-vasculotoxic effects are well-recognized features, whereas the endocrine and metabolic derangements are not as well known. In addition to contributing to morbidity, some of these manifestations can be potentially life-threatening if not recognized early. The most prominent endocrine manifestation is hypopituitarism (HP), which can manifest acutely or remain asymptomatic and present years later. Unexplained recurrent hypoglycemia and refractory hypotension are early clinical clues to suspect corticotroph axis involvement in acute settings. Chronic pituitary failure may present, like Sheehan's syndrome, several years after the bite. The occurrence of acute kidney injury, capillary leak syndrome, and disseminated intravascular coagulation are predictors of HP. Adrenal hemorrhages are documented in autopsy series; however, primary adrenal insufficiency is very rare and confounded by the presence of HP. Hyponatremia, hypokalemia or hyperkalemia, and dysglycemia can occur, but the mechanisms involved are only partially understood. Awareness, a high index of suspicion, correct interpretation of hormonal parameters, and timely treatment of these abnormalities can be lifesaving.
Topics: Adrenal Insufficiency; Humans; Hypoglycemia; Hyponatremia; Hypopituitarism; Pituitary Gland; Snake Bites; Snake Venoms
PubMed: 32602439
DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.20-0161 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023Hypopituitarism is defined as a complete or partial deficiency in one or more pituitary hormones. Anterior hypopituitarism includes secondary adrenal insufficiency,... (Review)
Review
Hypopituitarism is defined as a complete or partial deficiency in one or more pituitary hormones. Anterior hypopituitarism includes secondary adrenal insufficiency, central hypothyroidism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, growth hormone deficiency and prolactin deficiency. Patients with hypopituitarism suffer from an increased disability and sick days, resulting in lower health status, higher cost of care and an increased mortality. In particular during adulthood, isolated pituitary deficits are not an uncommon finding; their clinical picture is represented by vague symptoms and unclear signs, which can be difficult to properly diagnose. This often becomes a challenge for the physician. Aim of this narrative review is to analyse, for each anterior pituitary deficit, the main related etiologies, the characteristic signs and symptoms, how to properly diagnose them (suggesting an easy and reproducible step-based approach), and eventually the treatment. In adulthood, the vast majority of isolated pituitary deficits are due to pituitary tumours, head trauma, pituitary surgery and brain radiotherapy. Immune-related dysfunctions represent a growing cause of isolated pituitary deficiencies, above all secondary to use of oncological drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. The diagnosis of isolated pituitary deficiencies should be based on baseline hormonal assessments and/or dynamic tests. Establishing a proper diagnosis can be quite challenging: in fact, even if the diagnostic methods are becoming increasingly refined, a considerable proportion of isolated pituitary deficits still remains without a certain cause. While isolated ACTH and TSH deficiencies always require a prompt replacement treatment, gonadal replacement therapy requires a benefit-risk evaluation based on the presence of comorbidities, age and gender of the patient; finally, the need of growth hormone replacement therapies is still a matter of debate. On the other side, prolactin replacement therapy is still not available. In conclusion, our purpose is to offer a broad evaluation from causes to therapies of isolated anterior pituitary deficits in adulthood. This review will also include the evaluation of uncommon symptoms and main etiologies, the elements of suspicion of a genetic cause and protocols for diagnosis, follow-up and treatment.
Topics: Humans; Prolactin; Pituitary Hormones, Anterior; Hypopituitarism; Pituitary Hormones; Pituitary Gland; Hypothalamic Diseases; Hypothyroidism
PubMed: 36967769
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1100007 -
CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association... Dec 2018
Topics: Adrenal Insufficiency; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Hypoglycemia; Hypopituitarism; Hypotension; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Middle Aged; Pituitary Apoplexy; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 30510048
DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.180658 -
Arquivos de Neuro-psiquiatria Jun 2010Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD), also referred to as de Morsier syndrome, is a rare congenital condition, characterized by two of the classic triad features: midline brain...
Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD), also referred to as de Morsier syndrome, is a rare congenital condition, characterized by two of the classic triad features: midline brain abnormalities, optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) and pituitary endocrine dysfunction. We report 5 children with SOD, originally referred to be evaluated due to short stature, who also presented bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia, nystagmus and development delay. In 4 of the patients, we identified neuroimaging abnormalities of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis such as anterior pituitary hypoplasia (3/5), ectopic posterior pituitary (4/5), thin or absent stalk (3/5) and empty sella (1/5). We also encountered diverse pituitary deficiencies: growth hormone (3/5), adrenocorticotropic hormone (3/5), thyroid-stimulating hormone (2/5) and antidiuretic hormone (1/5). Only one child presented intact pituitary function and anatomy. Although rare, SOD is an important cause of congenital hypopituitarism and it should be considered in children with optic nerve hypoplasia or midline brain abnormalities for early diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Hypopituitarism; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Sella Turcica; Septo-Optic Dysplasia
PubMed: 20602044
DOI: 10.1590/s0004-282x2010000300014 -
Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine Mar 1995
Topics: Endocrinology; History, 20th Century; Humans; Hypopituitarism; Syndrome; Terminology as Topic
PubMed: 7752168
DOI: No ID Found -
Current Neurology and Neuroscience... May 2023This article reviews hypopituitarism after TBI, the importance of pituitary hormones, and related controversies, concluding with a suggested patient approach. (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
This article reviews hypopituitarism after TBI, the importance of pituitary hormones, and related controversies, concluding with a suggested patient approach.
RECENT FINDINGS
While earlier studies focused on increased pituitary deficiencies after moderate-severe TBI, recent studies have focused on deficiencies after mild TBI. There has been increasing focus on the role of growth hormone after injury; growth hormone is the most frequent reported deficiency at 1 year post-TBI, and an area with unresolved questions. While more research is needed to quantify the risk of deficiencies in special populations, and establish the natural history, increasing data indicate an increase in hypopituitarism after other acquired brain injuries; the potential role of pituitary hormone deficiencies after stroke and after COVID-19 infection is an area of active inquiry. Given the negative health effects of untreated hypopituitarism and the opportunity to intervene via hormone replacement, it is important to recognize the role of pituitary hormone deficiencies after TBI.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Hypopituitarism; Brain Injuries; Human Growth Hormone; Growth Hormone
PubMed: 37148402
DOI: 10.1007/s11910-023-01263-5 -
The American Journal of Case Reports May 2021BACKGROUND Sheehan syndrome (pituitary necrosis after postpartum hemorrhage) can present in various ways, depending on the hormones that are deficient. There may be a...
BACKGROUND Sheehan syndrome (pituitary necrosis after postpartum hemorrhage) can present in various ways, depending on the hormones that are deficient. There may be a long delay to diagnosis of over a decade because symptoms are often vague and pituitary dysfunction progresses gradually. We describe a case of a patient with acute presentation of Sheehan syndrome 7 years after the obstetric event and with no clear precipitating event. CASE REPORT A 46-year-old woman with a history of hyperlipidemia and transaminitis came to the clinic for evaluation of hypotension and syncope. She had a history of longstanding anhedonia, fatigue, and postpartum hemorrhage 7 years previously and had undergone medical evaluations with her primary doctor with no cause found. Laboratory results showed anemia, central hypothyroidism, and adrenal insufficiency. A diagnosis of Sheehan syndrome was made. CONCLUSIONS Sheehan syndrome is a rare condition of progressive pituitary dysfunction, which can present with nonspecific symptoms and a myriad of laboratory abnormalities until an adrenal crisis is triggered years after the precipitating event. Screening patients for hypopituitarism by free thyroxine levels and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation testing is vital for determining whether hypopituitarism is the cause in the appropriate clinical scenario. Use of thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and morning cortisol testing alone will miss this diagnosis, and free thyroxine levels and ACTH stimulation testing are vital.
Topics: Adrenal Insufficiency; Female; Humans; Hyperlipidemias; Hypopituitarism; Middle Aged; Postpartum Hemorrhage; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy
PubMed: 33951030
DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.930908