ESPE Abstracts

Background: The phases of human growth are associated with gene expression (GE) changes1, raising the possibility that rhythmic patterns of GE occur throughout childhood.Objective: In this study, we have assessed time-series patterns of GE profiles associated with age to characterise oscillations.Methods: GE analysis was conducted on cells of lymphoid origin from normal individuals through childhood (n=87, 43 ma...

Background: GH response is influenced by genetic polymorphisms, including the rs1024531 polymorphism (A/G) in the promoter region of GRB10, a negative regulator of signaling through the IGF1 receptor. Allele A is associated with borderline lower baseline IGF1 SDS and 1.5-fold higher response to GH compared to allele G in children with GHD (P=0.0006).Objective: To test functional impact of the rs1024531 polymorphism in an in vitro</e...

Background: Congenital thyroid dysgenesis usually occurs sporadically and may even be discordant in monozygotic twins. However, when caused by inactivating mutations in the TSH receptor (TSHR) it can be inherited recessively, typically resulting in thyroid gland hypoplasia. We present a new familial case of thyroid dysgenesis with two siblings of consanguineous parents. The daughter was identified in neonatal screening with severely elevated TSH and thyroid agenesis on ultraso...

Background: Poor temperature regulation in Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) suggests dysautonomia probably secondary to hypothalamic dysfunction. Autonomic nervous system (ANS) has control over orexigenic ghrelin.Objective and hypotheses: We aim to assess ANS function in PWS and its association with acyl ghrelin.Method: We recruited 16 genetically-confirmed children with PWS and 16 controls. Exclusion criteria were diabetes mellitu...

Introduction: Genetic markers associated with the response to recombinant human GH (r-hGH) have been identified in Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) and Turner Syndrome (TS) children in the PREDICT long-term follow-up (LTFU) prospective study (NCT00699855).1 A validation (VAL) study (NCT01419249) was conducted to confirm association.Methods/design: Inclusion criteria for GHD and TS children were identical in the LTFU and VAL studies (GHD defined...

Background: Low birth weight, unfavourable intrauterine conditions, and post-natal catch-up growth are associated with a subsequent impact on growth and pubertal development. Start of puberty is genetically determined but might be altered due to environmental influences.Objective and hypotheses: In a longitudinal study we observed genetically identical twins with intra-twin birth-weight (bw) differences from birth until puberty.Met...

Background: Low birth weight, unfavourable intrauterine conditions, and post-natal catch-up growth are associated with a subsequent impact on growth, pubertal development, and metabolic disturbances later in life. Although the start of puberty is genetically determined it might be altered due to environmental influences.Objectives: In a longitudinal study (birth to final height) we observed growth and pubertal development of genetically identical twins b...

Introduction: Noonan syndrome (NS) and Turner syndrome (TS) are distinct genetic disorders with similarities in phenotype, including short stature. The NordiNet® IOS and the ANSWER Program® are observational studies evaluating effectiveness and safety of GH treatment in real-world practice.Methods: The study population included children with NS or TS with puberty recordings, enrolled in NordiNet® IOS or ANS...

Background: Pituitary gigantism is a rare condition that occurs due to excessive GH secretion during childhood, usually associated with a pituitary adenoma. We describe a case that required the full spectrum of standard therapeutic options available.Case report: A 15-year-old boy presented with a 3-year history of intractable occipital headaches and being psychologically distressed by his tall stature (203 cm). He had mild clinical features of GH excess....

Background: The hypothalamic leptin–melanocortin signalling pathway is a critical regulator of human appetite and weight regulation. Monogenetic defects in the POMC gene, the MSH ligand generating PC1 gene and the MSH receptor gene MC4R lead to severe early onset and leptin-resistant obesity. In PWS, where the function of genes such as MAGEL2 are impaired, the Magel2-/- mouse model revealed decreased POMC neuronal functioning as one c...