ESPE Abstracts

Zinc (Zn) is a crucial trace mineral that regulates the expression and activation of biological molecules such as transcription factors, enzymes, adapters, channels, and growth factors, along with their receptors. Bioinformatics analysis of the human genome discloses that Zn may bind ~ 10% of all of the proteins found in the human organism. This remarkable finding highlights the physiological significance of Zn in molecules involved in cellular processes and thereby i...

Introduction: Recent studies have revealed the presence of zinc and the expression of zinc transporter (ZnT) family members in most endocrine cell types. It was demonstrated that ZnT family plays an important role in the synthesis and secretion of many hormones. Moreover, recently ZnT8 was described as a newly islet autoantigen in type 1 diabetes.Materials and methods: We studied the expression of ZnT8 transporter in thyroid tissues from patients with im...

Background: We previously reported the first human mutation in mini-chromosome maintenance homologue 4 (MCM4) in a cohort of patients with adrenal failure, immunodeficiency and chromosomal fragility.Objective and Hypotheses: To report the full endocrine phenotype of 14 patients with MCM4 mutations.Method: Patients case notes were examined and investigations performed to fully assess adrenal function, pubertal development, gonadal f...

Background: We present a boy with classical adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and constantly increased 17-OH-progesterone (17-OH-P) values despite multiple dose adjustments of hydrocortisone up to 18 mg/m2 body surface and addition of fludrocortisone. After puberty, therapy was changed from hydrocortisone to prednisone without improvement of the 17-OH-P values. Non-compliance was suspected as cause of the inadequately controlled CAH. Alternatively, an atypical steroid metab...

Introduction: Pituitary gigantism is caused by a somatotroph pituitary tumor that occurs before epiphyseal closure and is associated with increased morbidity due to the systemic effects of chronic hormonal excess. It is an extremely rare disease, with an estimated incidence of 8 per million person-years. Therapeutic modalities for pituitary gigantism are the same as those for acromegaly and include surgery, medication and radiation. Medical treatment plays an ...

Background: One of the main concerns in patients with growth disorders is to achieve optimal adherence to growth hormone (GH) treatment. For this it is important to identify patients with low adherence to treatment and to evaluate actions to improve it.The Merck Patient Support Program (PSP) carried out educational actions aimed at patients with low adherence and their parents, to raise their awareness of the importance of good adherence...

Introduction: We report a case of a 15 year old male with metabolic syndrome due to primary hyperparathyroidism.Case report: A 15 year old male was admitted in our department for the evaluation and management of obesity. His medical history revealed a progressive weight gain in the last 3 years in an emotional familial context. Clinical features: Obesity: Z-score of +2.32 DS, a height of 1.80 m and a weight of 108 kg, with a BMI of 33.3...

Background: Autoimmune thyroid disease can be sometimes associated with autoimmune thrombocytopenia and decreased renal function.Case report: A 17-year-old female patient was referred to our endocrine department for evaluation of hypothyroidism (TSH=150 mcIU/ml, FT3=0 pg/ml, FT4<0.1 ng/dl) presenting severe fatigability and myalgia. From her medical history we mention that she was diagnosed with thrombocytopenia 1 year ago (85.000/mm...

Background: Endocrine disruptors (ED) can alter endocrine function. ED have become a part of everyday life and are found among phytoestrogens, active ingredients in pharmaceuticals, and additives or contaminants in food, personal care products, cosmetics, plastics and textiles.Objective: To describe cases of children with signs of early puberty who are exposed to ED.Method: Observational study of patients affected of premature pube...

Introduction: A transgender individual’s voice may contribute to the negative psychosocial outcomes. Some studies have shown that an incongruence between one’s voice and internal gender identity can be a potential source of ongoing psychological distress and could impact on their social interactions, employment outcomes, and invite verbal or physical harassment. This study was aimed to examine whether early puberal blockage (PB) impacts on self per...