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International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2023Compared to young people and adults, there are differences in the ability of elderly people to resist diseases or injuries, with some noticeable features being...
Compared to young people and adults, there are differences in the ability of elderly people to resist diseases or injuries, with some noticeable features being gender-dependent. However, gender differences in age-related viscera alterations are not clear. To evaluate a potential possibility of gender differences during the natural aging process, we used three age groups to investigate the impact on spleens, kidneys, and adrenal glands. The immunofluorescence results showed that male-specific p21 proteins were concentrated in the renal tubule epithelial cells of the kidney. Histological staining revealed an increase in the frequencies of fat vacuoles located in the renal tubule epithelial cells of the cortex, under the renal capsule in the kidneys of male mice with age. In female mice, we found that the width of the globular zone in the adrenal gland cortex was unchanged with age. On the contrary, the male displayed a reduction in width. Compared to females, the content of epinephrine in adrenal gland tissue according to ELISA analysis was higher in adults, and a greater decline was observed in aged males particularly. These data confirmed the age-dependent differences between female and male mice; therefore, gender should be considered one of the major factors for personalized treatment in clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Topics: Female; Male; Animals; Mice; Adrenal Glands; Kidney; Adrenal Cortex; Cerebral Cortex; Aging
PubMed: 37628974
DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612790 -
Nutrients Apr 2019The consumption of high levels of dietary caffeine has increased in children and adolescents. Human and animal studies have shown that chronic intake of high doses of...
The consumption of high levels of dietary caffeine has increased in children and adolescents. Human and animal studies have shown that chronic intake of high doses of caffeine affects serum glucocorticoid levels. Given that glucocorticoids play a role in peripubertal organ growth and development, chronic high doses of caffeine during puberty might impair maturation of the adrenal glands. To evaluate any effects of caffeine exposure on growing adrenal glands, 22-day-old male ( = 30) and female Sprague Dawley rats ( = 30) were divided into three groups ( = 10/group); group 1 received tap water (control) and groups 2 and 3 received water containing 120 and 180 mg/kg/day caffeine, respectively, via gavage for 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, adrenal glands were weighed and processed for histological analysis. Relative adrenal weights increased in both groups of caffeine-fed males and females, whereas absolute weights were decreased in the females. In the female caffeine-fed groups the adrenal cortical areas resembled irregularly arranged cords and the medullary area was significantly increased, whereas no such effects were seen in the male rats. Our results indicate that the harmful effects of caffeine on the adrenal glands of immature rats differ between females and males. Although female rats seemed to be more susceptible to damage based on the changes in the microarchitecture of the adrenal glands, caffeine affected corticosterone production in both female and male rats. In addition, increased basal adrenocorticotropic hormone levels in caffeine-fed groups may reflect decreased cortical function. Therefore, caffeine may induce an endocrine imbalance that disturbs the establishment of the hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal axis during puberty, thereby leading to abnormal stress responses.
Topics: Adrenal Glands; Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; Animals; Caffeine; Corticosterone; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Male; Organ Size; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Sexual Maturation
PubMed: 31035471
DOI: 10.3390/nu11050951 -
BMJ Open Quality Feb 2020Adrenal incidentalomas are lesions that are incidentally identified while scanning for other conditions. While most are benign and hormonally non-functional, around 20%...
INTRODUCTION
Adrenal incidentalomas are lesions that are incidentally identified while scanning for other conditions. While most are benign and hormonally non-functional, around 20% are malignant and/or hormonally active, requiring prompt intervention. Malignant lesions can be aggressive and life-threatening, while hormonally active tumours cause various endocrine disorders, with significant morbidity and mortality. Despite this, management of patients with adrenal incidentalomas is variable, with no robust evidence base. This project aimed to establish more effective and timely management of these patients.
METHODS
We developed a web-based, electronic Adrenal Incidentaloma Management System (eAIMS), which incorporated the evidence-based and National Health Service-aligned 2016 European guidelines. The system captures key clinical, biochemical and radiological information necessary for adrenal incidentaloma patient management and generates a pre-populated outcome letter, saving clinical and administrative time while ensuring timely management plans with enhanced safety. Furthermore, we developed a prioritisation strategy, with members of the multidisciplinary team, which prioritised high-risk individuals for detailed discussion and management. Patient focus groups informed process-mapping and multidisciplinary team process re-design and patient information leaflet development. The project was partnered by University Hospital of South Manchester to maximise generalisability.
RESULTS
Implementation of eAIMS, along with improvements in the prioritisation strategy, resulted in a 49% reduction in staff hands-on time, as well as a 78% reduction in the time from adrenal incidentaloma identification to multidisciplinary team decision. A health economic analysis identified a 28% reduction in costs.
CONCLUSIONS
The system's in-built data validation and the automatic generation of the multidisciplinary team outcome letter improved patient safety through a reduction in transcription errors. We are currently developing the next stage of the programme to proactively identify all new adrenal incidentaloma cases.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenal Glands; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Humans; Incidental Findings; State Medicine; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; United Kingdom
PubMed: 32054639
DOI: 10.1136/bmjoq-2018-000572 -
The Journal of Veterinary Medical... Oct 1999The juxtaglomerular apparatus is known to be the functional unit of renin control. In the present review, the author will describe the comparative characteristics of... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
The juxtaglomerular apparatus is known to be the functional unit of renin control. In the present review, the author will describe the comparative characteristics of renin-containing (RC) cells as well as extrarenal distribution, paying special attention to developmental and topographical approaches. The characteristic locality of RC cells suggests that the secretion of renin is performed at a site beside the adventitia or via the glomerular capillaries. Ontogenetical and phylogenetical investigations of RC cells have provided interesting findings on their morphogenesis. Analysis of the endocrine kidney after unilateral obstruction of the ureter provides some findings about the origin of RC cells and the processing of renin granules. Observation of developing adrenal renin suggests that there is important involvement of angiotensin II produced by renin synthesis in the morphogenesis of the adrenal gland in the fetal stage. Coagulating gland (CG) renin is characterized by testosterone-regulated and exocrine mechanisms. Recently, all or some of the components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) have been reported to be synthesized and secreted outside of classical organs or tissues. In the future, the real function of local RAS will be clarified by using gene targeting in mice.
Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; Humans; Immunohistochemistry; Juxtaglomerular Apparatus; Kidney; Male; Mice; Microscopy, Immunoelectron; Phylogeny; Rats; Renin; Renin-Angiotensin System
PubMed: 10563283
DOI: 10.1292/jvms.61.1075 -
Physiological Research Dec 2021In December of 2019, several cases of unknown atypical respiratory diseases emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China. After preliminary research, it was stated that the... (Review)
Review
In December of 2019, several cases of unknown atypical respiratory diseases emerged in Wuhan, Hubei Province in China. After preliminary research, it was stated that the disease is transmittable between humans and was named COVID-19. Over the course of next months, it spread all over the world by air and sea transport and caused a global pandemic which affects life of everyone now-a-days. A large number of countries, have since been forced to take precautions such as curfews, lockdowns, wearing facemasks etc. Even with vaccines being produced in mass numbers, lack of targeted therapy continues to be a major problem. According to studies so far it seems that elderly people are more vulnerable to severe symptoms while children tend to by asymptomatic or have milder form the disease. In our review, we focused on gathering data about the virus itself, its characteristics, paths of transmission, and its effect on hormone production and secretion. In such, there is insufficient information in the literature worldwide, especially the ones that focus on the effect of COVID-19 on individual organs systems within the human body. Hence, the present evidence-based study focused on the possible effects of COVID-19 on adrenal gland and gonads i.e. on the process of steroidogenesis and fertility.
Topics: Adrenal Glands; Animals; COVID-19; Fertility; Gonads; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Steroids
PubMed: 34913350
DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934756 -
Pediatric Radiology Nov 2002Asplenia syndrome is a form of heterotaxy characterized by bilateral right-sidedness. Congenital fusion of the adrenal glands ("horseshoe adrenal gland") is a less... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Asplenia syndrome is a form of heterotaxy characterized by bilateral right-sidedness. Congenital fusion of the adrenal glands ("horseshoe adrenal gland") is a less common feature of asplenia syndrome, most instances of which have been found at autopsy.
PURPOSE
To present clinical and imaging features of infants diagnosed with asplenia syndrome and horseshoe adrenal gland.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Six infants with asplenia syndrome were identified as having a horseshoe adrenal gland. Medical records and imaging studies were reviewed to determine clinical presentation, associated anomalies, and outcome. The literature was reviewed for prior reports of horseshoe adrenal gland.
RESULTS
Horseshoe adrenal gland was identified in five infants by sonography and one by CT, the latter confirmed by autopsy. In all cases, the horseshoe adrenal gland was pre-aortic. Besides features of asplenia syndrome, one infant also had associated vertebral anomalies and bilateral renal agenesis. Including the current cases, of 65 reported cases of horseshoe adrenal gland 34 (52%) were associated with asplenia, 24 (37%) with neural tube defects, 19 (29%) with renal anomalies, and 2 (3%) with Cornelia de Lange syndrome. Horseshoe adrenal gland has not been reported with polysplenia syndrome.
CONCLUSIONS
Horseshoe adrenal gland is a less common manifestation of asplenia that may be demonstrated by imaging. Horseshoe adrenal gland may be a differentiating feature between asplenia and polysplenia.
Topics: Adrenal Glands; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Spleen; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 12389104
DOI: 10.1007/s00247-002-0773-9 -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta May 2011Glucocorticoid (GC) is an adrenal steroid hormone that controls a variety of physiological processes such as metabolism, immune response, cardiovascular activity, and... (Review)
Review
Glucocorticoid (GC) is an adrenal steroid hormone that controls a variety of physiological processes such as metabolism, immune response, cardiovascular activity, and brain function. In addition to GC induction in response to stress, even in relatively undisturbed states its circulating level is subjected to a robust daily variation with a peak around the onset of the active period of the day. It has long been believed that the synthesis and secretion of GC are primarily regulated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) neuroendocrine axis. However, recent chronobiological research strongly supports the idea that multiple regulatory mechanisms along with the classical HPA neuroendocrine axis underlie the diurnal rhythm of circulating GC. Most notably, recent studies demonstrate that the molecular circadian clockwork is heavily involved in the daily GC rhythm at multiple levels. The daily GC rhythm is implicated in various human diseases accompanied by abnormal GC levels. Patients with such diseases frequently show a blunted GC rhythmicity and, more importantly, circadian rhythm-related symptoms. In this review, we focus on recent advances in the understanding of the circadian regulation of adrenal GC and its implications in human health and disease.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Diseases; Adrenal Glands; Animals; Circadian Rhythm; Glucocorticoids; Humans
PubMed: 21320597
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2011.02.003 -
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology... Apr 2021Adrenal tumors in noncancer patients are common.
CONTEXT
Adrenal tumors in noncancer patients are common.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate performance of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography computed tomography (18F-FDG-PET/CT) in distinguishing between benign and malignant adrenal tumors.
DESIGN
Retrospective chart review 2010-2019.
SETTING
Academic institution.
PATIENTS
One hundred and seventeen noncancer patients, defined as having no history of cancer or with cancer in remission for ≥5 years, completed 18F-FDG-PET/CT to evaluate adrenal masses, with pathologic diagnoses or imaging follow-up (≥12 months).
INTERVENTION
18F-FDG-PET/CT of 117 indeterminate adrenal masses.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Receiver operator characteristic curve of the ratios of adrenal lesion standardized uptake value (SUV)max to liver SUVmean and of adrenal lesion SUVmax to aortic arch blood pool SUVmean were constructed.
RESULTS
Seventy benign and 47 malignant masses (35 adrenocortical carcinomas [ACCs], 12 adrenal metastases) were identified. Malignant masses had higher median liver SUV and blood pool SUV ratios than benign masses (6.2 and 7.4 vs 1.4 and 2.0, P < .001). Median liver and blood pool SUV ratios of ACC (6.1 and 7.3, respectively) and metastases (6.7 and 7.7, respectively) were higher than those of than adenomas (1.4 and 2.2, P < .05 for all comparisons). Optimal liver SUV ratio to discern between benign and malignant masses was 2.5, yielding 85% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 7 false negative results (including 3 ACCs). Optimal blood pool SUV ratio was 3.4, yielding 83% sensitivity, 90% specificity, and 8 false negative results (including 4 ACCs).
CONCLUSION
When used in conjunction with other clinical assessments, 18F-FDG-PET/CT can be a valuable tool in evaluating adrenal masses in noncancer patients.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenal Glands; Adult; Aged; Cohort Studies; Diagnosis, Differential; Early Detection of Cancer; Female; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Retrospective Studies; United States
PubMed: 33524123
DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgab005 -
Nihon Hinyokika Gakkai Zasshi. the... May 1990In adrenal surgery, of note are increase of the incidence of incidentaloma because of a rapid advance of various image diagnostic procedures, change of the approach of... (Review)
Review
In adrenal surgery, of note are increase of the incidence of incidentaloma because of a rapid advance of various image diagnostic procedures, change of the approach of choice due to the more accurate preoperative localization of the adrenal lesions, and the treatment of bilateral lesions. Additionally, the treatments of adrenocortical carcinoma and malignant pheochromocytoma and the method of cortisol withdrawal in Cushing's syndrome were reviewed and discussed. It is important for urologists to perform adrenal surgery appropriately by preoperatively elucidating the full picture of adrenal disorder.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Diseases; Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenal Glands; Humans; Incidence; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Pheochromocytoma; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 2198370
DOI: 10.5980/jpnjurol1989.81.661 -
Cancer Control : Journal of the Moffitt... Apr 2011Adrenal lesions are commonly identified in patients with extra-adrenal cancer. When lesions are present, it is important to identify if the lesion is a metastasis of the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Adrenal lesions are commonly identified in patients with extra-adrenal cancer. When lesions are present, it is important to identify if the lesion is a metastasis of the primary cancer or a primary adrenal neoplasm. If primary, the adrenal lesion must be evaluated for hypersecretion and its malignant potential determined for appropriate treatment planning.
METHODS
Recent literature was reviewed that focused on the normal investigation of adrenal lesions including radiographic imaging and hormonal evaluations as well as specific focused therapeutic options available for isolated metastatic adrenal lesions.
RESULTS
This review presents a pathway approach in investigating these lesions and also discusses various potential treatment options.
CONCLUSIONS
A proper investigative workup of an adrenal lesion in a cancer patient is critical for proper management. Isolated adrenal metastatic lesions in the cancer patient should be surgically removed when possible, but other options can be considered. In patients who do not have metastasis from extra-adrenal cancer, the decision for surgical resection is dependent on functionality of the tumor and it's potential for malignancy. Observation plays a key role in those tumors that are nonfunctioning and have a low risk of malignancy.
Topics: Adrenal Gland Neoplasms; Adrenal Glands; Catheter Ablation; Humans; Incidence; Laparoscopy; Neoplasms
PubMed: 21451454
DOI: 10.1177/107327481101800206