ESPE Abstracts

Background: Prader Willi syndrome (PWS) results from the loss of paternally imprinted genes on chromosome 15q11–15 and is characterized by neonatal hypotonia, short stature, hypogonadism, aggressive food-seeking behavior, hyperphagia, and obesity with difficult in losing weight only with nutritional approach.Objective and hypotheses: We report our experience on sleeve gastrectomy in PWS and obese subjects during 12 months of follow-...

Background: Mild TSH elevations are frequently observed in obese patients, in the absence of any detectable thyroid disease.Aims and objective: To evaluate possible causes for the raised TSH levels and to verify possible biochemical and clinical consequences of this condition.Methods: We evaluated 779 (325 males/454 females) obese children, chronological age 14.38±2.56 (range 5.25 to 18.50), height SDS 0.27±1.04 (range &#...

Background: Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) has a relative hypoinsulinemia and a lower insulin resistance than non-PWS subjects. Mostly on the basis of such higher insulin sensitivity, PWS subjects have been hypothesized to be at lower risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Objective and hypotheses: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed the presence and the severity of NAFLD in a group of PWS children compared to matched pairs.<p cla...

We present the case of a 11-years-old girl who came to our attention for a first critical episode lasting a few minutes, with spontaneous resolution, described as a generalized clonic tonic crisis, which occurred in full well-being. An electroencephalogram (EEG) was performed which showed focal epileptiform anomalies in the right temporal center that spread evoked by hyperpnea and eye closure and an EEG after sleep deprivation that showed an accentuation of the anomalies in ph...

Cystic Fibrosis (CF), is due to CF-transmembrane-conductance-regulator (CFTR) loss-of-function. Significant heterogeneity exists between patients, suggesting potential epigenetic regulation, and comorbidities develop with time. MiRNAs are non-coding RNAs that act as epigenetic regulators. Although many studies have focused on the role for miRNAs in regulating CFTR gene expression, little attention has been given to how CFTR influences their expression and how this affects grow...

Background: Low bone mineral density (BMD) has been found in up to 50% of adolescents and adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). High fracture risk has been described in adult PWS patients. However, the mechanism/s of low BMD in PWS have not been clarified. These patients also display high BMI-SDS that prompted us to evaluate the levels of LIGHTTNFSF14, a cytokine involved in pathological bone remodeling and obesity.Objecti...

Background: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by hyperphagia and abnormal behaviours towards food for both of which no approved treatment is available. Elevated plasma acylated ghrelin (AG) documented at all ages in PWS suggest that the ghrelin system may contribute to the pathophysiology of hyperphagia. Administration of unacylated ghrelin and 8-amino acid analog AZP-531 prevents AG-induced food consumption in animals and improves glucose co...

Background: Children born small for gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk of coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes in adulthood, due to reprogramming of endocrine and metabolic functions. Dysregulation of specific miRNAs in response to genetic and environmental factors contribute to aberrant gene expression patterns underlying metabolic dysfunction.Objective and hypotheses: We aimed to identify miRNAs associated with increased risk of obesity ...

Introduction: Previous reports support the hypothesis of an age dependent derangement of the hypothalamus–pituitary axis occurring in PWS subjects. In this context, transition years represent an important phase of growth process when somatic development reaches its completion. In the general population, GH deficiency (GHD) during the transition phase is associated with deterioration of body composition, metabolic alterations and reduced bone mineral density. PWS subjects ...

Background: Low bone mineral density (BMD) is found in up to 50% of adolescents and adults with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). High fracture risk has been described in adult PWS patients. This bone fragility could be due to inadequate gonadal hormones levels during pubertal development, and to relative growth hormone insufficiency during childhood and adolescence. However, the mechanism/s of low BMD in PWS have not been clarified.Objective and hypotheses: ...