ESPE Abstracts

Three patients from two unrelated families in Malta; one consanguineous (siblings: Patient 1, male and Patient 2, female) and one non-consanguineous (Patient 3, male), manifested hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with delayed puberty, intellectual disability, scoliosis, and ataxia with cerebellar hypoplasia on MRI. GnRH tests revealed low peak LH and FSH concentrations in the patients: Patient 1; LH 2.3 IU/L, FSH 4.4 IU/L (14.3y), Patient 2; LH 3.6 IU/L, FSH 6.4 IU/L (12.5y), Pati...

Background: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have been suggested to slow down estrogen-dependent skeletal maturation in pubertal boys with short stature. In the literature, few studies evaluate the efficacy and safety of AIs in boys with growth hormone deficiency (GHD). Objective: To evaluate the auxologic effects and short-term laboratory profiles of combined AI and rhGH therapy in adolescent males with GHD.Subjects and Methods:</stro...

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules and play an important role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression and thereby influence important cellular functions. In adipocytes, miRNAs regulate key processes such as differentiation, inflammation, metabolism, and adipokine secretion. Recently, we found that miR-27a is upregulated under proinflammatory conditions in human adipocytes. Thus, our goal was to better understand the function of miR-27a in a...

We report the case of a 19 years old male patient suffering from a multisystem disease involving of the skeleton, connective tissue, immune system, brain and endocrine system due to compound-heterozygote mutations in the NBAS (Neuroblastoma amplified sequence) gene (c.5741G>A [p.(Arg1914His)]; c.6565_6566insT [p.(Glu2189Valfs*7)]), detected using whole-exome-sequencing. He has an immunodeficiency including decreased CD4+T-cells, B-cells and NK-cells with expanded ...

Background: Functional studies on uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) are important to identify potential pharmacological targets which interfere with energy metabolism. However, current cell models of human origin are scarce due to limited tissue availability. In this study, we generated human preadipocytes and adipocytes with an overexpression of UCP1 and studied the metabolic function of these cells.Methods: Human Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome (SGBS) cells w...

Background: Upon excessive expansion, adipose tissue is infiltrated by macrophages and shows increased production of inflammatory cytokines. This chronic low grade inflammation of adipose tissue is involved in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. A supplementation with resveratrol can reverse the metabolic disturbances of human obesity, in part by mimicking the effects of caloric restriction.Objective and Hypotheses: We hypothesized that the beneficia...

Background: The anogenital distance (AGD) is defined as the distance from the anus to genital tubercle. AGD is an established method for sex determination of pups in rodents, and in animal studies, AGD is strongly affected by androgen exposure during fetal life. In accordance, human studies have reported reduced postnatal AGD following prenatal exposure to anti-androgenic agents, suggesting AGD to be a sensitive postnatal read out of in utero exposure...

Background: Leptin is produced by adipocytes and regulates central hunger and satiety sensation. While the central leptin effects are well understood, little is known about the regulation of peripheral leptin production. Clinical data demonstrate that leptin levels are rapidly declining upon fasting, suggesting that leptin secretion is acutely regulated by nutrient availability. Although it has been previously shown that leptin secretion is under control by gl...

Introduction: Boys born small for gestational age (SGA) often have undermasculinized genitalia. Little is known about the pubertal development and gonadal function on a longer-term in this specific group of males.Aims: To determine the (pubertal) development and long-term urological and endocrine outcome of undermasculinized boys born SGA compared to undervirilized boys born appropriate for gestational age (AGA).<p c...

Introduction: Pediatric obesity is a global public health problem that is associated with severe cardiometabolic consequences. Weight management interventions focusing on lifestyles have shown some promising results, but attrition rates are often high and reasons for dropout are poorly understood.Objectives: We aimed toestimate the prevalence, and identify the determinants of attrition among pediatric participants in the first year of a 2-year lifestyle ...