The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism Vol. 91, No. 6 17a
Copyright © 2006 by The Endocrine Society
Endocrinology & Metabolism News June 2006
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Endocrine Discovery
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The dose of thyroxine needed to achieve a low level of thyrotropin (0.05–0.20 mU/liter) in 248 patients with multinodular goiter was higher in patients with impaired gastric acid secretion due to either Helicobacter pylori-related gastritis and or atrophic gastritis, suggesting that normal gastric acid secretion is necessary for effective absorption of oral thyroxine.
(N Engl J Med (Apr. 27, 2006) 245:1787)
Consumption of green tea, coffee, and total caffeine was associated with lesser risk of developing type 2 diabetes in a retrospective cohort study of 17,413 Japanese adults (2.0% vs. 3.4% over 5 years, with a more pronounced effect in women and overweight men.
(Ann Intern Med (Apr. 18, 2006) 144(8):554)
In a cross sectional study of adults in the Washington D.C. area, vitamin D deficiency was found in 59% of obese black women. Overall, vitamin D levels were lower in blacks than whites, and inversely related to BMI.
(Clin Endocrinol (May 2006) 64:523)[CrossRef][Medline]
Treatment of metabolic syndrome patients with the TNF receptor antagonist etanercept reduced C-reactive protein and fibrinogen levels, and elevated adiponectin concentrations without changing body composition or insulin sensitivity in a 4-week randomized placebo-controlled trial.
(Arch Intern Med (Apr. 24, 2006) 166:902)[Abstract/Free Full Text]
Risk of atraumatic hip fracture in elderly men was related to lower serum estradiol, and especially to combined lower estradiol and testosterone in men followed for up to 18 years.
(Am J Med (May 2006) 119:426)[CrossRef][Medline]
Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding was more effective than nonsurgical treatment for weight loss, metabolic syndrome reversal, and quality of life improvement over 2 years in a randomized trial.
(Ann Intern Med (May 2, 2006) 144:625)[Abstract/Free Full Text]
A common genetic polmorphism (rs7566605) upstream of the transcription start site for INSIG2, which inhibits fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, was associated with obesity in 4 of 5 populations studied.
(Science (Apr. 14, 2006) 312:279)[Abstract/Free Full Text]
In a cell culture model of insulin resistance, two small molecules and four transgenes that lowered reactive oxygen species (ROS) all reduced insulin resistance. Furthermore, the one of these ROS-lowering treatments that was tested in obese insulin-resistant mice enhanced insulin sensitivity and improved glucose homeostasis. These findings suggest that increased ROS play a role in development of insulin resistance.
(Nature (Apr. 13, 2006) 440:944)[CrossRef][Medline]
Mice lacking the gene for brain-specific carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1c, which controls fatty acid entry into mitochondria and fatty acid oxidation, ate less and had lower body weight, but were paradoxically more susceptible to obesity when on a high fat diet, suggesting that the gene plays a key role in regulation of energy homeostasis.
(Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (May 9, 2006) 103:7282)[Abstract/Free Full Text]
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Endocrine Practice
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Compared with a decade ago, the proportion of U.S. adults with diabetes who had hemoglobin A1c 6–8% increased from 34% to 47%, but there was no significant reduction in the percentage with poor glycemic control or the overall mean hemoglobin A1c level. The proportion with good to fair LDL-cholesterol control increased 22%, but their blood pressure distribution was unchanged. Rates of annual lipid testing, dilated ophthalmologic evaluation, and foot examination increased by 8%, 5%, and 4%, respectively.
(Ann Intern Med (Apr. 4, 2006) 144(7):465)
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Endocrine Education & Training
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NIH is proposing reductions in individual and institutional National Research Service Award support for trainee tuition, fees, and health insurance, placing a $4,500 per year cap on post-doctoral trainees’ tuition and fees and a fixed amount for health insurance costs. Comments will be accepted until June 2. For further information, see: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-06-064.html
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Endocrine Policy
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The American Diabetes Association (ADA) developed a training video and poster currently in use around the country to help law enforcement officers better recognize and respond to a diabetes emergency. The materials were first produced for the Philadelphia Police Department, following a class action lawsuit by the ADA on behalf of arrestees who were denied access to insulin and appropriate diet while in police custody in Philadelphia. Both the poster and the video can be obtained for free (except shipping) by calling the ADA Store at 1-800-232-6733.
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Endocrinologists
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Jack Oppenheimer, a pioneering thyroid researcher whose many seminal contributions to thyroidology included demonstration of thyroid hormone’s nuclear actions, died in Minnesota at age 78.
Olof Johnell, Professor of Orthopedics at Malmö University Hospital, whose epidemiological research on osteoporosis contributed to greater understanding of its risk factors and treatment, died in Sweden at age 61.
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Milestones in Endocrinology
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150 years ago, Brown-Séquard reported animal experiments demonstrating that the adrenal glands are essential to sustain life.
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In the Journal 50 Years Ago
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An evaluation of the prophylactic use of cortisone for pituitary operations. Troen P, Rynearson EH. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1956;16:747–754.
"After operations on patients receiving cortisone prophylactically, the mortality rate was 6 per cent compared to 17 per cent for those receiving no preoperative therapy. Other things being equal, this suggests that cortisone reduces the mortality after operations on the pituitary gland".
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Footnotes
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Readers are encouraged to suggest items for Endocrinology and Metabolism News by email (sherman{at}endo-society.org). Submissions will be considered based on their significance and timeliness.
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