ESPE Abstracts

Introduction: The envelope protein of Human Endogenous Retrovirus type W (HERV-W-Env) has been shown to be associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D) pathogenesis in adults patients. This protein is expressed in pancreas of T1D patients and it seems to correlate with macrophage infiltrations. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that HERV-W-Env inhibits insulin secretion and promotes hyperglycemia. Furthermore, HERV could be implicated in other auto-immune disorders. The ...

Background: Many children with short stature (defined as height SDS <−2S.D.) have no identified cause for their growth impairment and are classified as either small for gestational age or idiopathic short stature depending on birth size. Whole exome sequencing (WES) is a useful tool to identify new genetic diagnoses in this group. Here we describe a recurrent NDUFB3 mutation in children with intra-uterine growth retardation, short stature and ...

Genomic imprinting in mammals is controlled by DNA methylation. This essential epigenetic phenomenon mediates the mono-allelic expression of about hundred autosomal protein-coding genes and hundreds of regulatory non-coding RNAs, such that these become expressed from one of the two parental alleles only. Although the first imprinted genes were discovered less than thirty years ago, given their key roles in fetal development, homeostasis and brain functions, these exceptional g...

Introduction: Anti-obesity drugs with increased efficacy and safety are urgently being sought. Peptide YY3–36 (PYY3–36) is an attractive drug target due to its anorectic effect and decreased circulation concentration, without drug resistance, in obese individuals. Its short half-life and required method of delivery are limiting factors in its clinical application. Transport and uptake mechanisms, including blood-brain barrier passage, of vitamin B12 (B12) is highly e...

Background: Prader orchidometry has been the standard method for evaluating testicular size. As this technique is subjective and tends to overestimate the testicular volume, ultrasound has been proposed as a more reliable method.Objective: To evaluate the intra- and inter-observer agreement of ultrasound measurements of testicular volume and comparison with Prader orchidometry.Materials and methods: Length, width and depth of the r...

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6q24 methylation defects are the most common cause of Transient Neonatal Diabetes Mellitus (TNDM). The clinical picture is one of impaired insulin secretion, small for gestational age and diabetes mellitus aged <6 months. This case illustrates the fluctuation between both hyper- and hypoglycaemia that can been seen in 6q24 methylation defects. A term, small for gestational age baby boy was noted to have hypoglycaemia (BSL 1.8 mmol/l) at 1.5 h of life which resolved with or...

Thyroid hormone is crucial for metabolism and development. Cellular thyroid hormone homeostasis requires adequate function of (i) thyroid hormone transporter proteins, (ii) deiodinating enzymes and (iii) nuclear receptors. Thyroid hormone transporters are crucial for cellular uptake of T3 and T4. Over the last years, a number of thyroid hormone transporters have been identified and their physiological relevance has been established. The most well-studied example is MCT8 defici...

The third child to Burmese parents is born at term in good condition in a suburban hospital. The baby was breast fed from birth and had a normal physical examination without dysmorphic features or palpable liver edge. The parents have had two previous live male births at term, that developed severe jaundice and seizure in the first 24 hours of life; both passed away on day 3 of life. Due to concerns of possible metabolic condition, the baby was commenced on prophylactic photot...