Biomedicines

Research

17 pages, 5453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Proving the Superiority of Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring over Visualization Alone during Thyroidectomy

by Beata Wojtczak, Dominik Marciniak, Krzysztof Kaliszewski, Krzysztof Sutkowski, Mateusz Głód, Jerzy Rudnicki, Marek Bolanowski and Marcin Barczyński

Biomedicines 2023, 11(3), 880; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030880 - 13 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1382

Abstract

Vocal fold paralysis after thyroid surgery is still a dangerous complication that significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Since the intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) technique has been introduced and standardized, the most frequently asked question is whether its use has significantly reduced the rate [...] Read more.

Vocal fold paralysis after thyroid surgery is still a dangerous complication that significantly reduces patients’ quality of life. Since the intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) technique has been introduced and standardized, the most frequently asked question is whether its use has significantly reduced the rate of RLN injury during thyroid surgery compared to visual identification alone (VA). The aim of this study was to attempt to prove the superiority of IONM over VA of the RLN during thyroid surgery in the prevention of vocal fold paralysis, taking into account risk factors for complications. The medical records of 711 patients (1265 recurrent laryngeal nerves at risk of injury) were analyzed retrospectively: in 257 patients/469 RLNs at risk, thyroid surgery was performed with IONM; in 454 patients/796 RLNs at risk, surgery was performed with VA. The statistical analysis showed that in the group of patients with IONM only one risk factor—the surgeon’s experience—proved statistically significant (OR = 3.27; p = 0.0478) regarding the overall risk of vocal fold palsy. In the group of patients where only visualization was used, 5 of the 12 factors analyzed were statistically significant: retrosternal goiter (OR = 2.23; p = 0.041); total thyroid volume (OR = 2.30; p = 0.0284); clinical diagnosis (OR = 2.5; p = 0.0669); gender (OR = 3.08; p = 0.0054) and risk stratification (OR = 3.30; p = 0.0041). In addition, the cumulative risk, taking into account the simultaneous influence of all 12 factors, was slightly higher in the group of patients in whom only VA was used during the procedure: OR = 1.78. This value was also considerably more statistically significant (p < 0.0001) than that obtained in the group of patients in whom IONM was used: OR = 1.73; p = 0.004. Conclusions: Risk factors for complications in thyroid surgery are not significant for any increase in the rate of vocal fold paralysis as long as surgery is performed with IONM, in contrast to thyroid surgery performed only with VA, thus proving the superiority of IONM over VA for safety. Full article

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

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11 pages, 1297 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Biomarkers (VEGF-R2, VEGF-R3, VCAM-1) and Treatment Duration in Patients with Neuroendocrine Tumors Receiving Therapy with First-Generation Somatostatin Analogues

by Violetta Rosiek, Ksenia Janas and Beata Kos-Kudła

Biomedicines 2023, 11(3), 842; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030842 - 10 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1164

Abstract

Angiogenic factors (AF) promote vascular formation and may thus support neuroendocrine tumour (NET) development. This study aimed to assess AF serum level changes in NET patients treated with prolonged-acting somatostatin analogues (SSAs). The study enrolled 49 healthy volunteers (Group A) and 56 NET [...] Read more.

Angiogenic factors (AF) promote vascular formation and may thus support neuroendocrine tumour (NET) development. This study aimed to assess AF serum level changes in NET patients treated with prolonged-acting somatostatin analogues (SSAs). The study enrolled 49 healthy volunteers (Group A) and 56 NET patients: treatment naïve (Group B) and after-SSA treatment in various periods (months): under 12 (Group C), 13–24 (Group D), 25–36 (Group E), 37–60 (Group F), and over 60 months (Group G). The serum vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 2, 3 (VEGF-R2, VEGF-R3), and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) concentrations were tested using the ELISA. We noted significant differences in the concentrations of VEGF-R2, VEGF-R3, and VCAM-1 depending on the SSA treatment duration (p < 0.001). In the studied AFs, the highest decreasing levels of VEGF-R2 were observed after two years of therapy. However, monitoring VEGF-R2, VEGF-R3, and VCAM-1 during SSA treatment did not allow for the identification of good responders for this kind of therapy. Therefore, these biomarker measurements were not helpful in assessing SSA treatment effectiveness in NET patients. Full article

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

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9 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Metabolic Parameters in Female Triathletes with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in Poland

by Marcin Gierach and Roman Junik

Biomedicines 2023, 11(3), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11030769 - 02 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1056

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is a complex disorder characterized by an increase in body weight. About 15–30% of hypothyroid patients are reported to be overweight. The triathlon is an endurance combination sport that comprises a sequential swim, cycle, and run. Triathletes must withstand high [...] Read more.

Background: Hypothyroidism is a complex disorder characterized by an increase in body weight. About 15–30% of hypothyroid patients are reported to be overweight. The triathlon is an endurance combination sport that comprises a sequential swim, cycle, and run. Triathletes must withstand high training loads with various combinations of intensity and volume. Adequate body structure, the ratio of fat and muscle tissue, and adequate hydration play a huge role. The aim of our study was to show the potential differences in metabolic parameters assessed by medical Body Composition Analyzer before the initiation of treatment with L-thyroxine and after 3 and 6 months of treatment in females who practiced triathlon and who were newly diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Methods: The study group included 32 females practicing triathlon. They were recruited for 10 months from March to December 2021. Analysis of anthropometric measurements was performed using a seca device mBCA 515 medical Body Composition Analyzer. Results: We observed significant differences in FM and VAT before and after L-thyroxine treatment. We also noticed lower BMI levels after treatment, along with significant differences in thyroid function tests (TSH and fT4) carried out during the recruitment period and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Conclusion: Due to their higher daily energy consumption, further research is needed into the treatment of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in athletes who practice triathlon. Frequent bioelectrical impedance analysis of body composition during treatment can be very helpful. Full article

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

11 pages, 285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Specific Alteration of Branched-Chain Amino Acid Profile in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

by Katarzyna Paczkowska, Dominik Rachoń, Andrzej Berg, Jacek Rybka, Katarzyna Kapczyńska, Marek Bolanowski and Jacek Daroszewski

Biomedicines 2023, 11(1), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11010108 - 01 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2755

Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in reproductive age women; it is a complex health issue with numerous comorbidities. Attention has recently been drawn to amino acids as they are molecules essential to maintain homeostasis. The aim of [...] Read more.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in reproductive age women; it is a complex health issue with numerous comorbidities. Attention has recently been drawn to amino acids as they are molecules essential to maintain homeostasis. The aim of the study was to investigate the branch chain amino acid (BCAA) profile in women with PCOS. A total of 326 women, 208 diagnosed with PCOS and 118 healthy controls, participated in the study; all the patients were between 18 and 40 years old. Anthropometrical, biochemical and hormonal parameters were assessed. Gas-liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry was used to investigate BCAA levels. Statistical analysis showed significantly higher plasma levels of BCAAs (540.59 ± 97.23 nmol/mL vs. 501.09 ± 85.33 nmol/mL; p < 0.001) in women with PCOS. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between BCAA and BMI, HOMA-IR, waist circumference and total testosterone levels. In the analysis of individuals with abdominal obesity, there were significant differences between PCOS and controls in BCAA (558.13 ± 100.51 vs. 514.22 ± 79.76 nmol/mL) and the concentrations of all the analyzed amino acids were higher in the PCOS patients. Hyperandrogenemia in PCOS patients was associated with significantly higher leucine, isoleucine and total BCAA levels. The increase of BCAA levels among PCOS patients in comparison to healthy controls might be an early sign of metabolic alteration and a predictive factor for other disturbances. Full article

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

9 pages, 1220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

FT3 to FT4 Conversion Ratio May Be an Independent Prognostic Factor in Pancreatic Cancer Patients

by Alicja Majos, Ewa Sewerynek, Oliwia Grząsiak, Wojciech Ciesielski, Piotr Hogendorf, Jarosław Hołyński, Janusz Strzelczyk and Adam Durczyński

Biomedicines 2023, 11(1), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11010077 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1796

Abstract

Preclinical evidence suggests that T4 can promote tumor growth while T3 can act conversely; therefore, the fT3 and fT4 concentrations should affect overall survival (OS) in cancer patients. The objective of the study was to look for an association between thyroid hormone concentrations [...] Read more.

Preclinical evidence suggests that T4 can promote tumor growth while T3 can act conversely; therefore, the fT3 and fT4 concentrations should affect overall survival (OS) in cancer patients. The objective of the study was to look for an association between thyroid hormone concentrations in peripheral blood and OS in the pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients group. We included, retrospectively, 15 PDAC patients, without thyroid dysfunction under treatment, who underwent radical surgery, with no prior history of anticancer therapy. TSH, fT3, and fT4 concentrations were determined in blood samples taken preoperatively. We found that the fT3/fT4 ratio categorized into two groups (<0.22 vs. ≥0.22) dichotomized the study population into poor and good prognosis subgroups (log-rank p = 0.03; OS medians, respectively: 3 and 14 months), being a statistically significant predictor both in uni- and multivariate Cox regression analysis. We conclude that the importance of fT4 into fT3 conversion means not just its standard metabolic effects as the final products of thyroid gland activity. We hypothesize that it is linked to the progression of pancreatic malignancies, either via thyroid hormone receptors or indirectly, by interaction with cancer cells product. Full article

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

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Graphical abstract

11 pages, 1558 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sorafenib versus Lenvatinib Causes Stronger Oxidative Damage to Membrane Lipids in Noncancerous Tissues of the Thyroid, Liver, and Kidney: Effective Protection by Melatonin and Indole-3-Propionic Acid

by Jan Stępniak, Joanna Krawczyk-Lipiec, Andrzej Lewiński and Małgorzata Karbownik-Lewińska

Biomedicines 2022, 10(11), 2890; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10112890 - 11 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1589

Abstract

Sorafenib and lenvatinib are multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors which are currently approved to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma and radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma. However this treatment is often limited due to common adverse events which may occur via oxidative stress. The [...] Read more.

Sorafenib and lenvatinib are multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors which are currently approved to treat advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma and radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma. However this treatment is often limited due to common adverse events which may occur via oxidative stress. The study aims to compare sorafenib- and lenvatinib-induced oxidative damage to membrane lipids (lipid peroxidation, LPO) in homogenates of porcine noncancerous tissues of the thyroid, the liver, and the kidney and to check if it can be prevented by antioxidants melatonin and indole-3-propionic acid (IPA). Homogenates of individual tissues were incubated in the presence of sorafenib or lenvatinib (1 mM, 100 µM, 10 µM, 1 µM, 100 nM, 10 nM, 1 nM, 100 pM) together with/without melatonin (5.0 mM) or IPA (5.0 mM). The concentration of malondialdehyde + 4-hydroxyalkenals, as the LPO index, was measured spectrophotometrically. The incubation of tissue homogenates with sorafenib resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in LPO (statistically significant for concentrations of 1mM and 100 µM in the thyroid and the liver, and of 1 mM, 100 µM, and 10 µM in the kidney). The incubation of thyroid homogenates with lenvatinib did not change LPO level. In case of the liver and the kidney, lenvatinib increased LPO but only in its highest concentration of 1 mM. Melatonin and IPA reduced completely (to the level of control) sorafenib- and lenvatinib-induced LPO in all examined tissues regardless of the drug concentration. In conclusion, sorafenib comparing to lenvatinib is a stronger damaging agent of membrane lipids in noncancerous tissues of the thyroid, the liver, and the kidney. The antioxidants melatonin and IPA can be considered to be used in co-treatment with sorafenib and lenvatinib to prevent their undesirable toxicity occurring via oxidative stress. Full article

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

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8 pages, 538 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Limited Role of Endogenous Vasopressin/Copeptin in Stimulation of ACTH–Cortisol Secretion during Glucagon Stimulation Test in Humans

by Katarzyna Malicka, Wojciech Horzelski, Andrzej Lewiński and Krzysztof C. Lewandowski

Biomedicines 2022, 10(11), 2857; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10112857 - 08 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1023

Abstract

Copeptin is a stable part of a vasopressin precursor that closely mirrors arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion. It is known that AVP/copeptin is also released in response to nonosmotic stimuli, such as stress evoked during anterior pituitary dynamic testing. In order to examine the [...] Read more.

Copeptin is a stable part of a vasopressin precursor that closely mirrors arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion. It is known that AVP/copeptin is also released in response to nonosmotic stimuli, such as stress evoked during anterior pituitary dynamic testing. In order to examine the role of AVP in challenging the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, we assessed adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, copeptin and growth hormone (GH) during a glucagon stimulation test (GST) in 10 patients with satisfactory initial cortisol concentrations (mean ± SD: 20.34 ± 5.10 µg/dL) and failure to show any further cortisol increment on stimulation. For comparison, we measured copeptin in two subjects during an insulin tolerance test (ITT). During GST, there was an increase in copeptin (p = 0.02, average individual increase of 98%, range 10% to 321%). There was a robust increase in GH (p = 0.002, average increase 3300%), a decline in cortisol (p = 0.02, average decline 21.8%) and a fall in ACTH (p = 0.06). The relative increase in copeptin during ITT (176% and 52.2%) overlapped with increments observed during GST; however, here there was an increase in cortisol (20.45→24.26 µg/dL and 4.23→29.29 µg/dL, respectively). There was a moderate correlation between copeptin and GH concentrations (r = 0.4235, p = 0.0007). These results confirm that AVP is not crucial for ACTH–cortisol stimulation, though it might be an important factor in GH secretion. Full article

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

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12 pages, 781 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Is Restless Legs Syndrome De Facto Thyroid Disease?

by Szymon Suwała, Jakub Rzeszuto, Rafał Glonek, Magdalena Krintus and Roman Junik

Biomedicines 2022, 10(10), 2502; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10102502 - 07 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2877

Abstract

While a primary role in the pathogenesis of restless legs syndrome (RLS) has been attributed to dysfunction of the dopaminergic system and impaired iron metabolism (particularly in the central nervous system), it has been hypothesized that an imbalance between thyroid hormones and dopaminergic [...] Read more.

While a primary role in the pathogenesis of restless legs syndrome (RLS) has been attributed to dysfunction of the dopaminergic system and impaired iron metabolism (particularly in the central nervous system), it has been hypothesized that an imbalance between thyroid hormones and dopaminergic activity may be the starting point for all aspects of RLS. Although this hypothesis was proposed more than a decade ago, it has not yet been verified beyond doubt. The main aim of this study is to compare the prevalence of RLS in a population of patients with the most common thyroid gland diseases with a population of individuals with a healthy thyroid gland. The study included 237 participants divided into smaller groups according to the thyroid disease concerning them. Each participant had a laboratory diagnosis, an ultrasound scan and an assessment of the fulfilment of RLS criteria according to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group (IRLSSG) criteria. The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis. RLS is significantly more common in patients with known thyroid disease; Hashimoto’s disease, among others, manifests a 2.56× higher risk of a positive diagnosis for RLS than the general population. The association of RLS with thyroid disease is notable, although it is difficult to conclude unequivocally that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between the two. Further investigation into a potentially autoimmune cause of restless legs syndrome should be considered. Full article

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

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17 pages, 830 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Metabolic Syndrome Is Associated with Low Diet Quality Assessed by the Healthy Eating Index-2015 (HEI-2015) and Low Concentrations of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

by Klaudia Konikowska, Wojciech Bombała, Andrzej Szuba, Dorota Różańska and Bożena Regulska-Ilow

Biomedicines 2022, 10(10), 2487; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10102487 - 05 Oct 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2044

Abstract

Presenting diet quality of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), using a holistic approach is more useful than investigating dietary individual components, but there is still a small amount of research in this area. The aim of this study assessed the diet quality, as [...] Read more.

Presenting diet quality of patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), using a holistic approach is more useful than investigating dietary individual components, but there is still a small amount of research in this area. The aim of this study assessed the diet quality, as measured by the HEI-2015, of MetS patients compared to healthy individuals. The study and control group consisted of 215 patients with MetS and 320 people without MetS, respectively. A nutritional analysis using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate the nutritional habits in the study and control group. Total HEI-2015 scores were significantly lower in MetS subjects than in those in the control group (65.04 ± 9.71 vs. 66.75 ± 8.88) and the quality of women’s diets was better than the quality of men’s diet (66.83 ± 8.99 vs. 64.75 ± 9.57). We also observed that low HDL-c concentration increased the risk of MetS in the general population the most. Across the population, there was a weak positive correlation between HDL-c concentrations and total HEI-2015 scores and a weak negative correlation between mean waist circumference values and total HEI-2015 scores. HDL-c concentrations may be a key factor in the prevention of MetS and appropriate therapeutic management to increase HDL-c levels may be of key importance in patients diagnosed with MetS. Full article

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

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11 pages, 563 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Environmental and Genetic Factors on Bone Quality in Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins

by Elżbieta Tabor, Małgorzata Bach, Aleksandra Werner, Bogna Drozdzowska and Wojciech Pluskiewicz

Biomedicines 2022, 10(10), 2360; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10102360 - 22 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1136

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to assess the genetic and environmental influences on bone properties. One hundred thirty-two pairs of twins (99/33 monozygotic/dizygotic) underwent anthropometric measurements and phalangeal quantitative ultrasound (DBM Sonic 1200, Igea, Italy) measuring the amplitude speed of sound (AD-SoS, [...] Read more.

The purpose of the research was to assess the genetic and environmental influences on bone properties. One hundred thirty-two pairs of twins (99/33 monozygotic/dizygotic) underwent anthropometric measurements and phalangeal quantitative ultrasound (DBM Sonic 1200, Igea, Italy) measuring the amplitude speed of sound (AD-SoS, m/s). The mean age was 16.78 ± 12.35 years for monozygotic twins and 14.30 ± 8 years for dizygotic. Interpair and intrapair correlations between twins were calculated. In the groups of monozygotic and dizygotic twins, Ad-SoS correlated significantly with age (r = 0.56–0.73, p < 0.05), weight (r = 0.73–0.78, p < 0.05), and height (r = 0.80–0.81, p < 0.05). The strongest intrapair correlation (r = 0.99–0.998) was noted in monozygotic females for Ad-SoS, weight, and height. There was a statistically significant correlation between the intrapair difference of Ad-SoS and age but only in the groups of monozygotic and dizygotic females (r = 0.281, r² = 0.079, and p = 0.028; r = 0.544, r² = 0.296, and p = 0.01, respectively). After age adjustment, it was estimated that 28.62% of Ad-SoS in women and 13.2% of Ad-SoS in men was explained by genetic influence, leading to the conclusion that Ad-SoS changed with age, weight, and height. The strongest correlation between pairs of twins was observed in monozygotic twins. The differences in bone values between female twins arose with age, which indicated the role of environmental factors. Full article

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

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17 pages, 859 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Risk Factors for Phonation Disorders after Thyroid Surgery

by Mateusz Głód, Dominik Marciniak, Krzysztof Kaliszewski, Krzysztof Sutkowski, Jerzy Rudnicki, Marek Bolanowski and Beata Wojtczak

Biomedicines 2022, 10(9), 2280; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10092280 - 14 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1457

Abstract

Phonation disorders after thyroidectomy are among the most common complications and occur as a result of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. The multivariate analysis of risk factors for phonation disorders after thyroidectomy was assessed. A group of 830 patients with 1500 RLNs at [...] Read more.

Phonation disorders after thyroidectomy are among the most common complications and occur as a result of recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury. The multivariate analysis of risk factors for phonation disorders after thyroidectomy was assessed. A group of 830 patients with 1500 RLNs at risk of injury during thyroidectomy were analyzed retrospectively. The impact of the method of RLN identification, age, sex, BMI, kind of thyroid surgery, pathology, surgeon’s experience and thyroid volume on vocal cord paralysis was analyzed. We found that the retrosternal goiter and the volume above 100 mL were the most important risk factors for both transient and permanent paralysis. Thyroid cancer had a statistically significant impact on the increase in permanent paralysis, while this indication had practically no impact on transient paralysis. Among patients over 65 years with obesity, the probability of transient complications approximately doubled, with no effect on the permanent paralysis. Men were approximately 1.7 times more likely to develop any type of phonation disorder. Secondary operations more than doubled the risk of transient and permanent vocal cord paralysis. Thyroidectomy with only visual RLN identification was associated with a risk of both transient and permanent vocal cord paralysis almost two times higher, compared to neuromonitoring. Full article

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

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10 pages, 1158 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Clinical Usefulness of Non-Invasive Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease Risk Assessment Methods in Patients with Full-Blown Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Relation to the MRI Examination with the Ideal IQ Sequence

by Łukasz Blukacz, Artur Nowak, Mariusz Wójtowicz, Angelika Krawczyk, Grzegorz Franik, Paweł Madej, Dagmara Pluta, Karolina Kowalczyk and Michał Żorniak

Biomedicines 2022, 10(9), 2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10092193 - 05 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1309

Abstract

The coexistence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and liver steatosis has been studied for years. The gold standards for the diagnosis of liver steatosis are liver biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which are invasive and expensive methods. The main aim of this [...] Read more.

The coexistence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and liver steatosis has been studied for years. The gold standards for the diagnosis of liver steatosis are liver biopsy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which are invasive and expensive methods. The main aim of this study is to check the usefulness of lipid accumulation product (LAP) and free androgen index (FAI) in the diagnosis of liver steatosis. The Ideal IQ MRI was performed in 49 women with PCOS phenotype A to assess the degree of liver steatosis, which was expressed with the proton density fat fraction (PDFF). Anthropometric examination and laboratory tests were performed, and the LAP and FAI were calculated. The correlation between MRI results and LAP, FAI, and one of the FAI components, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), was checked using statistical tests. There is a statistically significant correlation between PDFF and LAP and also between PDFF and FAI. LAP = 70.25 and FAI = 5.05 were established as cut-offs to diagnose liver steatosis. The SHBG is not a statistically significant parameter to predict liver steatosis. The study showed that especially LAP, but also FAI, can be used to predict liver steatosis with high specificity and sensitivity. Full article

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

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13 pages, 3028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cortisol as an Independent Predictor of Unfavorable Outcomes in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

by Renata Świątkowska-Stodulska, Agata Berlińska and Ewelina Puchalska-Reglińska

Biomedicines 2022, 10(7), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10071527 - 28 Jun 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1590

Abstract

Most cases of COVID-19 are non-severe, but some patients require urgent hospital care. In the past, it has been established that adrenal hyperactivity predicts poorer prognosis in severely ill patients. We wanted to verify if cortisol levels can be tied to clinical outcomes [...] Read more.

Most cases of COVID-19 are non-severe, but some patients require urgent hospital care. In the past, it has been established that adrenal hyperactivity predicts poorer prognosis in severely ill patients. We wanted to verify if cortisol levels can be tied to clinical outcomes and the degree of inflammation in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. We recruited 180 adult patients with PCR-confirmed COVID-19. The group was divided into smaller subgroups based on the glucocorticoid treatment status; the subgroups were evaluated in three separate time points. The assessment involved hormonal function (cortisol, ACTH), inflammatory markers, and occurrence of the pre-selected endpoints (death, hospitalization ≥10 days, non-invasive ventilation or high-flow oxygenation, mechanical ventilation, vasopressors). In the evaluated group, 121 patients showed signs of abnormal adrenal function. There was a clear correlation between cortisol and IL-6 concentrations in all three time points regardless of glucocorticoid treatment. A total of 71.1% of patients displaying abnormal cortisol production met the preselected endpoints. Our analysis showed that a cutoff cortisol concentration prognosing endpoint occurrence could be set at 15.45 μg/dL for patients not treated with glucocorticoids. Cortisol concentration can be seen as an independent prognostic factor for unfavorable outcomes in selected adults hospitalized with COVID-19. Full article

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

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

13 pages, 631 KiB

Open AccessReview

Treatment of Diabetes and Osteoporosis—A Reciprocal Risk?

by Agnieszka Zawada, Alicja Ewa Ratajczak, Anna Maria Rychter, Aleksandra Szymczak-Tomczak, Agnieszka Dobrowolska and Iwona Krela-Kaźmierczak

Biomedicines 2022, 10(9), 2191; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10092191 - 05 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2404

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic and systematic disorder that requires individualized therapy. The disease leads to various consequences, resulting in the destruction of tissues and organs. The aforementioned outcomes also include bone mineral disorders, caused by medications as well as diet therapy and [...] Read more.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic and systematic disorder that requires individualized therapy. The disease leads to various consequences, resulting in the destruction of tissues and organs. The aforementioned outcomes also include bone mineral disorders, caused by medications as well as diet therapy and physical activity. Some drugs may have a beneficial effect on both bone mineral density and the risk of fractures. Nevertheless, the impact of other medications remains unknown. Focusing on pharmacotherapy in diabetes may prevent bone mineral disorders and influence both the treatment and quality of life in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. On the other hand, anti-osteoporosis drugs, such as antiresorptive or anabolic drugs, as well as drugs with a mixed mechanism of action, may affect carbohydrate metabolism, particularly in patients with diabetes. Therefore, the treatment of diabetes as well as osteoporosis prevention are vital for this group of patients. Full article

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

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Other

Jump to: Research, Review

10 pages, 1520 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Newly Diagnosed Monostotic Paget’s Disease of Bone during Living Kidney Donor Candidate Evaluation

by Diana Jędrzejuk, Paweł Poznański, Paweł Szewczyk, Oktawia Mazanowska, Marek Bolanowski, Magdalena Krajewska and Dorota Kamińska

Biomedicines 2023, 11(2), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11020401 - 29 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1514

Abstract

The popularity of living-donor organ donation has increased recently as an alternative to deceased-organ donation due to the growing need for organs and a shortage of deceased-donor organs. This procedure requires an in-depth health assessment of candidates, who must be in excellent physical [...] Read more.

The popularity of living-donor organ donation has increased recently as an alternative to deceased-organ donation due to the growing need for organs and a shortage of deceased-donor organs. This procedure requires an in-depth health assessment of candidates, who must be in excellent physical and mental health. We present a potential living-kidney donor withdrawn from donation due to a newly diagnosed Paget’s disease of bone (PDB). The patient underwent computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scintigraphy, and bone densitometry with trabecular bone score (TBS) assessment. The sole lumbar vertebra affected by PDB was investigated comprehensively, non-invasively, quantitatively, and qualitatively. Full article

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

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State-of-the-Art Endocrinology and Metabolism Research in Poland

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