ESPE Abstracts

Background: α-klotho is a transmembrane protein which can be cleaved and act as a circulating hormone. Since low α-klotho levels were found in organic GH deficiency (GHD) and high levels in acromegaly, an interaction between α-klotho, GH and linear growth has been suggested.Objective and hypotheses: We investigated the role of α-klotho protein as a reliable marker of GH secretion in short children and the factors influencing its secre...

Background: Decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk have consistently been observed in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). The influence of T1DM on BMD seems to depend on gender or patient’s age and to occur early after T1DM diagnosis. The mechanisms of decreased BMD in T1DM patients are still unknown.Objective and hypotheses: To investigate the serum levels of dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), a Wnt signaling inhibitor which decreases bone ...

Background: Over the years special screening procedures for preterm and twin babies (re-screening at 2–4 weeks of life) have been adopted by many screening laboratories worldwide. However, no extensive studies have been performed to verify how many co-twins with negative test at first screening (3–5 days) become positive at re-screening, and the utility of a long-term follow-up also in co-twin with negative test at screening and re-screening.Ob...

Introduction: Genetic factors play an important role in determining individual susceptibility to weight gain and obesity. In the last few years, several genetic variants have been identified as monogenic forms of obesity. Among them, Leptin (LEP) and its receptor on hypothalamic neurons (LEPR) are key players in the regulation of body weight, food intake and energy homeostasis. Pathogenic variants in the LEPR gene cause severe childhood-onset obesity with an a...

Background: Aluetta® Smartdot™ (Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany) is first of its kind digitally connected smart injection pen device for recombinant-human growth hormone (r-hGH) administration. Aluetta® pen with Smartdot™ knob attachment integrated with Growzen™ digital ecosystem enables healthcare professionals (HCPs) to remotely monitor adherence and achieve optimal clinical outcomes for patients....

Introduction: Mutations in hepatocyte nuclear factor 1Β (HNF1B) gene (chromosome 17q12), lead to monogenic diabetes (HNF1B-MODY or MODY5, OMIM 137920) accompanied by multisystem disorders. HNF1B gene encodes HNF1B protein, a member of the homeodomain-containing superfamily of transcription factors, expressed early in embryogenesis, contributing significantly to organogenesis and the function of many systems (kidneys, liver, panc...

Background: Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and play a significant role in cardiovascular homeostasis. However, the association between thyrotropin (TSH), thyroid hormones and cardiometabolic risk factors has not been elucidated in euthyroid children and adolescents with overweight and obesity.Aim: Τo evaluate the relation of TSH and thyroid hormones with cardiometabolic parameters in euthyroid obese, overweight...

Introduction: Germline mutations in Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) gene (chromosome 10q23) lead to PTEN Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome (PHTS), which includes Cowden syndrome. PTEN encodes a tumor suppressor protein that is a negative regulator of PI3K – Akt signaling pathway, taking part in multiple biological processes, including cellular cycle and regulation of metabolism.Materials and Methods:...

Background: Endocrine disorders associated with tall stature in childhood are frequently evaluated by Pediatric Endocrinologists. The most common non-endocrine genetic cause of tall stature, Marfan syndrome, is a rare autosomal dominant genetic condition of the connective tissue, which presents with specific dysmorphic features, including thin physique, long extremities and normal growth rate. Little is known regarding the association of Marfan syndrome with o...

Background: Maturity onset Diabetes of the young (MODY) is a rare form of diabetes with specific features that distinguish it from diabetes mellitus type 1 (DM1) or type 2 (Dm2). Research studies suggest that 5% of subjects diagnosed with diabetes before the age of 45 years have MODY, with 80% of them having been incorrectly diagnosed as having DM1 or Dm2. Genetic testing my enable correct diagnosis and treatment, optimize glycemic contro...