ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUC)

Background. Secreting different adipocytokines, adipose tissue plays an important role in health and disease. Upon omega-3 consumption, changes in the secretion of adipose tissue and its effects on glycemic profile are a controversial subject at the present time. Objectives. We evaluated the effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) alone and in combination with vitamin E on adiponectin and serum glycemic indices in type II Diabetes patients. Design. This double-blind clinical trial divided all patients randomly into four balanced permuted blocks of EPA, Vitamin E, EPA and vitamin E and placebo (Corn oil). Subjects and Methods. 127 patients with type II diabetes living in Kashan in 2008, 35-50 years old, and 25≤BMI ≤30 were enrolled. ELISA, Glucose Oxidase, spectrophotometry, and Radioimmunoassay methods were used for measurement of serum adiponectin, Fasting Blood Glucose (FBG), HbA1C, and Insulin, respectively. Results. Serum adiponectin increased significantly after EPA consumption in EPA and EPA+E groups. Moreover, FBG, HbA1c, serum insulin and Homeostasis Model HOMA-IR decreased significantly after EPA consumption in the two previously mentioned groups. Conclusions. This study showed that EPA supplementation affects the secretion of adipose tissue, improves the FBS as well as HbA1c values and significantly decreases fasting serum insulin and insulin resistance.

Objective. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is involved in the potential pathogenic mechanisms linking thyroid autoimmunity with immune restoration. The objective is to emphasize the emergence of autoimmune thyroid disease in a HIV patient long period after restoration of immune competence, unlinked to the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) occurring shortly after HAART initiation. We report a case of acute autoimmune thyroiditis with thyrotoxicosis in a patient with stage C3 HIV infection, who had been under HAART for more than 7 years. From the beginning there was a good immune response to the regimen, due to a good adherence and compliance (over 90%). Nine months after HAART initiation the viral load was undetectable (under 34 copies/μL) and the CD4 count reached 645 cells/mm3 (within normal range) after one year of treatment. Eight years after HAART initiation, based on clinical and laboratory findings, autoimmune thyroiditis was diagnosed. At this time immune competence with a normal CD4 count and a CD4/CD8 ratio over 1 was achieved. The chronic inflammation status of an HIV infection is the reason that autoimmunity appears outside the IRIS period. Treatment was initiated with antithyroid drugs. Thyroid function should be monitored periodically in HIV patients undergoing HAART. Future observations must be made for HIV related thyroid disorders using new classifications and studies with a larger number of patients.

The underlying mechanisms for endocrine disturbances in patients with kidney alterations are complex. Aim. To provide better longitudinal follow-up of children, especially to check their progress through puberty. Material and methods. A prospective study was conducted at the “Louis Turcanu” Emergency Hospital for Children in Timisoara, Romania during 01.01.2022- 31.12.2024. The study population included ten pediatric patients with end stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis. Data were collected from the electronic medical records and included demographic information and relevant laboratory parameters, which reflect the patients’ anemia status, inflammation, mineral metabolism and other endocrine abnormalities. Results. Erythropoietin doses ranged from 87 to 176 units/kg once a week at the beginning of our study, higher than guidelines recommendations. Most patients presented with hemoglobin levels below the normal range which slightly increased over the 3 years period. Vitamin D levels ranged from 8.1 to 55.8 ng/mL. These resulted in a poor control of the mineral bone disease associated with kidney failure. Conclusions. The loss of kidney function is associated with an impaired control of phosphor-calcium balance, and anemia, growth and pubertal delay in children. This study highlights the need for individualized treatment plans and a multidisciplinary approach in pediatric patients with ESRD.