Biomedicines

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 2211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Serum Sirtuin 1 and Growth Hormone/Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 Concentrations in Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency and Idiopathic Short Stature

by Anna Fedorczak, Dorota Kowalik, Justyna Kopciuch, Ewa Głowacka, Katarzyna Mikołajczyk, Marcin Tkaczyk, Andrzej Lewiński and Renata Stawerska

Biomedicines 2024, 12(7), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12071433 - 27 Jun 2024

Viewed by 945

Abstract

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) inhibits growth hormone (GH) intracellular signaling for the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) synthesis via the janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (STATs) pathway. The aim of this study was to compare SIRT1 concentrations in children with [...] Read more.

Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) inhibits growth hormone (GH) intracellular signaling for the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) synthesis via the janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription proteins (STATs) pathway. The aim of this study was to compare SIRT1 concentrations in children with GH deficiency (GHD) and so-called idiopathic short stature (ISS, non-GH deficient), in order to determine the possible impact of changes in serum SIRT1 concentrations on the GH-IGF-1 axis. The study group included 100 short-stature children: 38 with GHD and 62 with ISS (maxGH in two stimulation tests <10 and ≥10 ng/mL, respectively). The control group consisted of 47 healthy, normal-height children. For each child, the concentrations of SIRT1, IGF-1 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) were determined and the IGF-1/IGFBP-3 molar ratio was calculated. The level of SIRT1 was significantly higher in both groups of short children than in the controls (p < 0.0001), but there were no differences between GHD and ISS (mean ± SD: 0.89 ± 0.45 for ISS; 1.24 ± 0, 86 for GHD; and 0.29 ± 0.21 for controls). A significant negative correlation was found between SIRT1 and height standard deviation score (SDS), IGF-1 and IGF-1/IGFBP-3, but not between SIRT1 and maxGH. Elevated SIRT1 levels may serve as one of the mechanisms through which the secretion of IGF-1 is reduced in children with short stature; however, further research is required to confirm this issue. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Endocrinology and Metabolism Research in Poland (Volume II))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associations between the VDR Gene rs731236 (TaqI) Polymorphism and Bone Mineral Density in Postmenopausal Women from the RAC-OST-POL

by Sylwia Górczyńska-Kosiorz, Elżbieta Tabor, Paweł Niemiec, Wojciech Pluskiewicz and Janusz Gumprecht

Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040917 - 20 Apr 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1482

Abstract

Background: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is not only related to hormonal factors but is also associated with environmental and genetic factors. One of the latter is the polymorphism of vitamin D receptor (VDR). The aim of the reported study was to comprehensively analyze [...] Read more.

Background: Postmenopausal osteoporosis is not only related to hormonal factors but is also associated with environmental and genetic factors. One of the latter is the polymorphism of vitamin D receptor (VDR). The aim of the reported study was to comprehensively analyze the VDR gene polymorphic variants rs731236 (TaqI), rs1544410 (BsmI) and rs7975232 (ApaI) in the Polish population of postmenopausal women. Methods: The study group consisted of 611 women after menopause (their median age was 65.82 ± 6.29 years). Each of them underwent bone densitometry (DXA) of the non-dominant femoral neck and total hip with a biochemical analysis of vitamin D3 serum concentration and genotyping of the above-mentioned single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); the obtained results were analyzed in the aspect of waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI) and past medical history. Results: The genotype prevalence rates of all SNPs were compatible with Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p > 0.050). Out of the studied polymorphisms, only rs731236 genotype variants affected DXA, with AG heterozygotes showing the worst bone parameters. Neither patient age nor vitamin D3 concentration, BMI, WC or comorbidities was associated with rs731236 genotype. Conclusions: Out of the polymorphisms studied, only rs731236 genotypes differed among the DXA results, while the AG heterozygotes were characterized by the lowest median bone mineral density. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Endocrinology and Metabolism Research in Poland (Volume II))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 276 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Trabecular Bone Microarchitecture and Bone Mineral Density in Young Women, Including Selected Hormonal Parameters

by Elżbieta Sowińska-Przepiera, Mariola Krzyścin, Igor Syrenicz, Adrianna Ćwiertnia, Adrianna Orlińska, Dorota Ćwiek, Dorota Branecka-Woźniak, Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska, Žana Bumbulienė and Anhelli Syrenicz

Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040758 - 29 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1235

Abstract

The absence of non-invasive methods for assessing bone material and structural changes is a significant diagnostic challenge. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) testing is the gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis. BMD and the trabecular bone score (TBS) have facilitated targeted [...] Read more.

The absence of non-invasive methods for assessing bone material and structural changes is a significant diagnostic challenge. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) testing is the gold standard for osteoporosis diagnosis. BMD and the trabecular bone score (TBS) have facilitated targeted osteoporosis prevention and treatment in clinical settings. The findings from this study indicate that BMD modulation in young women is influenced by various hormones, potentially compromising the diagnostic precision of BMD for subclinical bone demineralization. A total of 205 women aged 19 to 37 underwent anthropometric measurements and hormonal tests. BMD was determined using DXA, and TBS values were computed from the lumbar spine L1–L4 segment. The multivariate analysis findings suggest that BMD might not be determined by hormones. The relationship between TBS and TSH was statistically significant in the univariate analysis, which indicates the efficacy of further studies to determine the link between TBS and specific hormones. Analyzing the strength of the correlation between TBS and hormones in the univariate analysis shows which factors are worth considering in further analyses. This makes it possible to create better techniques that will help identify young women who are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Endocrinology and Metabolism Research in Poland (Volume II))

12 pages, 740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potential Role of Selected miRNAs in the Pathogenesis of Autoimmune Thyroid Diseases in Children and Adolescents

by Beata Sawicka, Anetta Sulewska, Agnieszka Kulczyńska-Przybik, Filip Bossowski, Maciej Dulewicz, Hanna Borysewicz-Sańczyk, Barbara Mroczko, Jacek Nikliński and Artur Bossowski

Biomedicines 2024, 12(4), 731; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12040731 - 25 Mar 2024

Viewed by 1540

Abstract

Background: Many epigenetic factors, including microRNAs, are involved in the process of changing gene expressions. Small non-coding RNA molecules, called miRNAs, are responsible for regulating gene translation by silencing or degrading target mRNAs. It is acknowledged that for many diseases, they may be [...] Read more.

Background: Many epigenetic factors, including microRNAs, are involved in the process of changing gene expressions. Small non-coding RNA molecules, called miRNAs, are responsible for regulating gene translation by silencing or degrading target mRNAs. It is acknowledged that for many diseases, they may be novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases are more likely to develop nodules in the thyroid tissue, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease predispose patients to thyroid cancer. We evaluated the concentrations of microRNA molecules (miR-15a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-150-5p) in the blood of children with thyroid disorders. In addition, we wished to identify molecules whose change in concentration predisposes to the development of thyroid cancer. Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate selected epigenetic elements by analyzing the levels of miR-15a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-150-5p and miR-21-5p in the blood of pediatric patients with Graves’ disease (n = 25), Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (n = 26) and thyroid nodular disease (n = 20) compared to a control group of healthy children (n = 17). Materials and Methods: The study consists of groups of children and adolescents aged 10–18 years with autoimmune thyroid disease, with thyroid nodular disease compared to a control group. The miR-15a-5p, miR-126-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-21-5p and miR-150-5p molecules were determined through an immunoenzymatic assay using BioVendor reagents. Results: There is a statistically significant decrease in the expression of the miR-15a-5p in children with Graves’ disease (21.61 vs. 50.22 amol/μL, p = 0.03) and in patients with thyroid nodular disease compared to controls (20.23 vs. 50.22 amol/μL, p = 0.04). Higher levels of the miR-142-5p molecule are found in patients with thyroid disease (with GD-3.8 vs. 3.14 amol/μL, p = 0.01; with HT-3.7 vs. 3.14 amol/μL, p = NS, with thyroid nodular disease-4.16 vs. 3.14 amol/μL, p = 0.04). Lower levels of miR-126-3p were noted in the GD group compared to the control group (7.09 vs. 7.24 amol/μL, p = 0.02). No statistically significant changes in the expressions of miR-150-5p and miR-21-5p molecules were observed in the study groups. Conclusions: 1. The overexpression of the miR-142-5p molecule occurs in children and adolescents with thyroid diseases. 2. Decreased blood levels of miR-15a-5p predispose patients to the formation of focal lesions in the thyroid gland. 3. Identifying a lower expression of the miR-126-3p molecule in the blood of children with GD requires careful follow-up for the development of focal lesions in the thyroid gland and evaluation for their potential malignancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Endocrinology and Metabolism Research in Poland (Volume II))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pathologic Characteristics of Somatotroph Pituitary Tumors—An Observational Single-Center Study

by Agnieszka Tomasik, Maria Stelmachowska-Banaś, Maria Maksymowicz, Izabella Czajka-Oraniec, Dorota Raczkiewicz, Grzegorz Zieliński, Jacek Kunicki and Wojciech Zgliczyński

Biomedicines 2023, 11(12), 3315; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11123315 - 15 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1186

Abstract

The pathologic evaluation of a tumor tissue is an essential part of an acromegaly patient’s assessment. This study aimed to analyze the pathologic characteristics of pituitary tumors in patients with acromegaly. The demographic data, in addition to the hormonal, imaging, and pathologic results [...] Read more.

The pathologic evaluation of a tumor tissue is an essential part of an acromegaly patient’s assessment. This study aimed to analyze the pathologic characteristics of pituitary tumors in patients with acromegaly. The demographic data, in addition to the hormonal, imaging, and pathologic results of 120 patients with acromegaly after pituitary surgery, were extracted from the Polish Acromegaly Registry. We compared sparsely and densely granulated tumors, GH(+), mixed GH(+)/PRL(+) and plurihormonal tumors, α-subunit-positive and α-subunit-negative tumors, and tumors of various Ki-67 indices in terms of the abovementioned features. Sparsely granulated tumors were more frequent in women than in men (p = 0.001) and in younger patients (p = 0.011), and they were larger (p < 0.001) compared to densely granulated tumors. Tumors with positive α-subunit were smaller (p = 0.013), showed extrasellar extension less often (p = 0.039), and were more often densely granulated (p < 0.001) compared to α-subunit-negative tumors. Patients with a higher Ki-67 index were younger (p < 0.001) and more often diagnosed with genetic syndromes (p = 0.02); they had higher GH concentrations (p = 0.007), larger tumors (p = 0.006), and cavernous sinus invasions more frequently (p = 0.022). Conclusions: The pathologic characteristics of somatotroph pituitary tumors are associated with patient’s age, sex, hormonal results, tumor size, and the degree of extrasellar expansion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Endocrinology and Metabolism Research in Poland (Volume II))

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

23 pages, 3645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cushing’s Disease: Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Osilodrostat in a Polish Group of Patients with Persistent Hypercortisolemia in the Experience of a Single Center

by Lukasz Dzialach, Joanna Sobolewska, Wioleta Respondek, Katarzyna Szamotulska and Przemysław Witek

Biomedicines 2023, 11(12), 3227; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11123227 - 6 Dec 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1534

Abstract

Osilodrostat is a potent oral steroidogenesis inhibitor that has emerged as the new medical agent for patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) requiring long-term medical therapy for hypercortisolemia control. Its efficacy and safety have been assessed in clinical trials; however, real-world evidence is still [...] Read more.

Osilodrostat is a potent oral steroidogenesis inhibitor that has emerged as the new medical agent for patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) requiring long-term medical therapy for hypercortisolemia control. Its efficacy and safety have been assessed in clinical trials; however, real-world evidence is still scarce. This study aimed to investigate the long-term treatment (156 weeks) clinical and biochemical effect of osilodrostat in six patients with CD at a single center in Poland, initially participating in the LINC4 study. At week 36, all six patients met the key secondary endpoint of the LINC4 trial, achieving normalization of median urinary free cortisol. Osilodrostat treatment allowed for complete disease control in all patients and none of the patients was excluded due to the lack of treatment effectiveness in 156 weeks of follow-up. All patients demonstrated significant improvement from baseline on most metabolic and cardiovascular parameters, which was most evident at week 36 and sustained throughout the study period. This study supports and strengthens the role of osilodrostat as an effective long-term medical treatment in patients with CD. We also present three patient case histories in detail to highlight the clinical situations that endocrinologists might face during osilodrostat therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Endocrinology and Metabolism Research in Poland (Volume II))

► Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is H19 RNA a Useful Marker of Acromegaly and Its Complications? A Preliminary Study

by Małgorzata Rolla, Aleksandra Jawiarczyk-Przybyłowska, Katarzyna Kolačkov, Agnieszka Zembska and Marek Bolanowski

Biomedicines 2023, 11(4), 1211; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11041211 - 19 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1672

Abstract

Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder caused by somatotroph pituitary adenoma. Besides its typical symptoms, it contributes to the development of cardiovascular, metabolic, and bone comorbidities. H19 RNA is a long non-coding RNA and it is suspected to be involved in tumorigenesis, cancer [...] Read more.

Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder caused by somatotroph pituitary adenoma. Besides its typical symptoms, it contributes to the development of cardiovascular, metabolic, and bone comorbidities. H19 RNA is a long non-coding RNA and it is suspected to be involved in tumorigenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis. H19 RNA is a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and monitoring of neoplasms. Moreover, there might be an association between H19 and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We enrolled 32 acromegaly patients and 25 controls. We investigated whether whole blood H19 RNA expression is associated with the diagnosis of acromegaly. Correlations between H19 and tumour dimension, invasiveness, and biochemical and hormonal parameters were evaluated. We analysed the coincidence of acromegaly comorbidities with H19 RNA expression. In the results, we did not observe a statistically significant difference in H19 RNA expression between acromegaly patients and the controls. There were no correlations between H19 and the adenoma size and infiltration and patients’ biochemical and hormonal statuses. In the acromegaly group, hypertension, goitre, and cholelithiasis were observed more frequently. The diagnosis of acromegaly was a factor contributing to the occurrence of dyslipidaemia, goitre, and cholelithiasis. We found an association between H19 and cholelithiasis in acromegaly patients. To conclude, H19 RNA expression is not a relevant marker for diagnosis and monitoring of acromegaly patients. There is a higher risk of hypertension, goitre, and cholelithiasis related to acromegaly. Cholelithiasis is associated with a higher H19 RNA expression. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Endocrinology and Metabolism Research in Poland (Volume II))

Review

Jump to: Research

16 pages, 1916 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of GLP-1, GIP, MCP-1 and IGFBP-7 Biomarkers in the Development of Metabolic Disorders: A Review and Predictive Analysis in the Context of Diabetes and Obesity

by Malwina Jędrysik, Krzysztof Wyszomirski, Anna Różańska-Walędziak, Emilia Grosicka-Maciąg, Maciej Walędziak and Beata Chełstowska

Biomedicines 2024, 12(1), 159; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines12010159 - 11 Jan 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4120

Abstract

Metabolic illnesses, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, have become worldwide epidemics that have an effect on public health. Clinical investigations and further exploration of these mechanisms could lead to innovative, effective, and personalized treatment strategies for individuals. It is important to screen [...] Read more.

Metabolic illnesses, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, have become worldwide epidemics that have an effect on public health. Clinical investigations and further exploration of these mechanisms could lead to innovative, effective, and personalized treatment strategies for individuals. It is important to screen biomarkers in previous studies to discover what is missing. Glucagon-like peptide-1′s role in insulin secretion and glucose control highlights its diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide’s influence on postprandial satiety and weight management signifies its importance in understanding metabolic processes. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1′s involvement in inflammation and insulin resistance underlines its value as a diagnostic marker. Insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-7’s association with insulin sensitivity and kidney function presents it as a potential target for these diseases’ management. In validating these biomarkers, it will be easier to reflect pathophysiological processes, and clinicians will be able to better assess disease severity, monitor disease progression, and tailor treatment strategies. The purpose of the study was to elucidate the significance of identifying novel biomarkers for type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, which can revolutionize early detection, risk assessment, and personalized treatment strategies. Standard literature searches of PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were conducted in the year 2023 to identify both original RCTs and recent systematic reviews that have explored the importance of identifying novel biomarkers for T2D and obesity. This search produced 1964 results, and then was reduced to randomized controlled trial and systematic reviews, producing 145 results and 44 results, respectively. Researchers have discovered potential associations between type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity and the biomarkers glucagon-like peptide-1, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-7. Understanding the role of those biomarkers in disease pathogenesis offers hope for improving diagnostics, personalized treatment, and prevention strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Endocrinology and Metabolism Research in Poland (Volume II))

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

State-of-the-Art Endocrinology and Metabolism Research in Poland (Volume II)

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI