ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUC)

Background. Although thyroid nodules are a common finding in the general population, determining the clinically important nodules is essential. We investigated thyroid nodules or cysts by thyroid ultrasonography (US) in patients with β-thalassemia major (β-TM) and intermedia (β- TI). We also report a β-TI patient who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer six months before our screening. Methods. In this cross-sectional study, 178 patients with β-thalassemias referred to the Thalassemia Clinic in a tertiary hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences were investigated, from January to June 2016, by US. Results. Thyroid nodules or cysts were detected in 11 patients [total: 6.17 %; 8 patients with β-TM (8.2%) and 3 patients with β-TI (3.7%)]. All nodules were < 1 cm in diameter and were not suspicious of malignancy. All patients, after 1 year of thyroid US follow-up, did not show any significant change in favor of malignancy. Conclusion. Based on our results, the frequency of thyroid nodules was similar to what was reported in the general population. However, a long-term follow-up of these patients is recommended because of the potential carcinogenic effects of iron and hepatitis C infection (HCV). To achieve more precise information, collaborative multicenter studies should be considered.

Intracranial germ cell tumors (GCTs) include two categories: germinoma and non germinoma. The pineal gland and suprasellar are the most common site of involvement. The patient is a 14-year-old boy who presented with paralysis of upward gaze, polyuria, polydipsia and diplopia. Examination of vertical eye movements was impaired. Puberty then progressed to stage 3 of Marshall - Tanner and had stopped. In laboratory studies, the patient had anterior hypopituitarism and diabetes insipidus (DI). In pituitary and hypothalamic MRIs, a mass-like enlargement of the pituitary stalk and pineal region was seen, but due to the small size of the lesions, stereotactic biopsy was not possible. During this time, the patient developed recurrent attacks of hydrocephalus. Serum and CSF β-subunit of Human chorionic gonadotropin levels were negative. Treatment was not started because different lesions could cause disease in this area. After one year, a biopsy was performed and the germ cell tumor was diagnosed. Chemotherapy was started and after treatment the vision disorder and diplopia disappeared, but DI and pituitary dysfunction remained. Treatment of intracranial germinoma is multidisciplinary. GCTs are very sensitive to radiation therapy. They are treated with combination of chemotherapy, radiotherapy, surgery, endocrine therapy and have a good prognosis.

Gastrointestinal complaints are common among diabetic patients. The gastrointestinal tract contains melatonin. The binding sites of melatonin have been identified in all GIT tissues. Melatonin can modify activities of the gut and liver. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of melatonin against gastric motility and secretary responses in Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Methods. Streptozotocin was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose of 60 mg/kg for diabetes induction. One week after inducing diabetes, Melatonin (5, 10, 20 mg/ kg/day, IP.) was injected for 14 days. Gastric acid and mucus were measured in all animals by chemical methods. Gastric motility was investigated by powerlab system. Results. Streptozotocin induced a significant increase in blood glucose levels (p<0.001) and significant decrease in gastric acid, mucus, motility and body weight in diabetic groups. Treatment of diabetic rats with melatonin significantly reduced blood glucose (p<0.001) and increased gastric mucus (p<0.001) and motility (p<0.01 and p<0.05 in groups 4 and 5 respectively) with no effect on body weight and gastric acid concentration. Conclusion. These data suggested that melatonin treatment has a therapeutic effect on diabetic gastrointestinal disturbances by reduction of serum glucose and increasing gastric motility and gastric mucus levels, but no effect on gastric acid and body weight.

Objective. Few studies are available on the temporal sequence and effect of ethnicity,\r\nsocioeconomic status and environment on pubertal changes leading to sexual maturation in\r\nboys; therefore, we describe normative values for developmental changes in physical and\r\nendocrine characteristics at onset and during progression of the pubertal process in a cohort\r\nof Pakistani boys.\r\nDesign. This cross-sectional study involved 234 healthy, 8-18 years old, school-based boys.\r\nMethods. Body weight, height, appearance of pubic hair patterns and testicular volume\r\n(TV) along with serum FSH, LH, testosterone and GH levels were measured.\r\nResults. Pubarche was first recorded at a mean age of 11.3 years [Tanner stage 2]. TV of\r\n3 ml and the first significant increase in mean serum FSH and LH levels were detected at 10\r\nyears of age. The mean percent increase in TV/year was maximal from 12-14 years, coinciding\r\nwith rising testosterone levels. The levels of gonadotropins increased more than 2-fold between\r\n12-14 years. Whereas, LH continued to increase in postpubertal boys and FSH levels plateaued\r\nat 15 years. GH concentrations were shown to be maximal at 12-13 years and declined\r\nthereafter to prepubertal values. However, BW and height were significantly correlated with\r\nage; yet no significant correlation was seen between body mass index (BMI) and age.\r\nConclusion. The present data among boys indicates an earlier transition to the Tanner stage\r\n2 and an increase in TV, resulting in a slightly more extended period of pubertal development, as\r\ncompared to European and American children pointing to ethnic, social and economic differences.