ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUC)

Context. Anethum graveolens L. is used in the treatment of numerous diseases. But there is limited data about the Anethum graveolens efficiency in thyroid tissue. Objective. The aim of this study is to assess the functional and histopathological changes in thyroid tissues from rats treated with Anethum graveolens L. extract. Design. This is an experimental animal study and duration of the study was 30 days. Subjects and Methods. Twenty-eight female Wistar Albino rats were divided into four equal groups. A gavage of Anethum graveolens L. extract at 0, 50, 150 and 300 mg/kg/day doses were given to the rats with 1 mL 0.9% NaCl, respectively, for 30 days. Blood was taken at day 0, 15 and 30. fT3, fT4, TSH values and antioxidant efficiency were observed. Also the thyroidectomy tissue was assessed histopathologically. Results. There is no difference observed in the fT3, fT4 and TSH values of groups 1, 2 and 3 at day 1, 15 and 30 (p>0.05); however, in group 4, TSH value decreased on days 15 and 30 when compared to day 1 and the other groups (p<0.05). Also the hypertrophy and thyroid follicular cell hyperplasia were significantly increased in group 4 (p<0.05). There is no difference in antioxidant efficiency in any of the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion. Anethum graveolens L. extract is effective on both the function and the histology of thyroid tissue but it has no effect on antioxidant status.

Context. In HIV+ patients, several factors related to patient and antiretroviral therapy (ART) could determine early onset of bone mineral density (BMD) disturbances. Objective. Evaluation of bone quality according to gender in patients from the HIV Romanian cohort. Design. A cross-sectional study in “Prof. Dr. Matei Balș” National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest between 2016-2018. Subject and Methods. We collected data regarding HIV infection, ART history, viral hepatitis co-infections and we calculated patients body mass index (BMI). CD4 cell count, HIV viral load (VL), vitamin-D levels were determined. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were used to evaluate BMD. Results. We enrolled 97 patients with the median age of 26 years. According to the DXA T-scores, 10 males and 8 females had osteopenia and 4 males and 4 females had osteoporosis. According to Z-scores 2 males and 1 female had osteoporosis. Hip DXA T-scores revealed osteopenia in 6 males and 9 females, whereas T and Z-scores showed osteoporosis in 2 males and 3 females. Lumbar spine (LS) T-score diagnosed osteopenia in 9 males and 6 females, while T and Z-scores revealed osteoporosis in 3 males and females. In males, low T-scores were associated with decreased BMI; low LS DXA Z-scores with low vitamin-D levels; low T and Z-scores and LS-BMD with high VL. Conclusions. Evaluating bone quality in patients with a long history of HIV infection, multiple factors should be taken into account.

Context and objective. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced under oxidative stress is important for osteoclastogenesis. As a major member of the metallothionein (MT) family, metallothionein2 (MT2) can scavenge ROS in osteoblasts. However, the role of MT2 in osteoclastogenesis and ROS production in osteoclast precursors (OCPs) is unknown. Material and methods. In this study, we first investigated MT2 expression level in osteoporotic model mice. Next, we explored the roles of MT2 in osteoclastic differentiation and ROS production in OCPs. Ultimately, via rescue assays based on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the significance of ROS in MT-2-regulated osteoclastic differentiation was further elucidated. Results. Compared with sham operated (Sham) mice, ovariectomized (OVX) mice displayed bone marrow primary OCPs (Ly6C+CD11b-) having higher ROS levels and lower MT2 expression. MT2 overexpression inhibited the formation of mature osteoclasts, while MT2 knockdown was contrary. Moreover, MT2 overexpression inhibited ROS production in OCPs, while MT2 knockdown exhibited the opposite effects. Notably, the inhibitory effect of MT2 overexpression on osteoclastogenesis and ROS production was blocked by the addition of H2O2. Conclusion. MT2 inhibits osteoclastogenesis through repressing ROS production in OCPs, which indicates that the strategy of upregulating MT2 in OCPs may be applied to the clinical treatment of osteoclastic bone loss.

Introduction. Insulin resistance or dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells represents one of the important worldwide endocrine disease challenges. In fact, vascular endothelial dysfunction (VED) is involved in the pathogenesis of one of the most significant causes of diabetes-induced morbidity; diabetic nephropathy (DN). Asymmetric dimethyl arginine (ADMA) is one among other incriminating mechanisms of VED. The aim of this study was to assess whether ADMA modulation could be achieved by taurine or rosiglitazone, and whether they could improve tubulo-interstitial ischemia and subsequent renal damage in experimental DN in rats. Material and methods. 40 male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into 4 groups: normal saline-injected control, diabetic control induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (45 mg/kg), and two diabetic groups daily treated orally with rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg) and taurine (500 mg/kg) respectively, for 12 weeks after STZ injection. Results. Both rosiglitazone and taurine treatments significantly decreased fasting blood glucose, renal functions (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, albuminuria), and renal oxidant potential (Malondialdehyde), as well as, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). They also significantly improved renal antioxidant capacity (reduced glutathione) and histopathological changes. Furthermore, taurine significantly diminished serum ADMA, while rosiglitazone showed no significant effect. Conclusion. The present study suggests that the treatment with rosiglitazone or taurine can reduce the progression of renal damage in streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats by different mechanisms. However, reducing ADMA could be a potential therapeutic target.

Aim. Posttransplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a metabolic complication that usually occurs after liver transplantation (LT) due to immunosuppression. In this study, our aim was to identify PTDM incidence after LT in our center and the potential risk factors. Materials and Methods. In this study, 238 adult LT patients were evaluated in terms of PTDM development. Results. Of 238 patients included in the study, 170 (71.4%) were male, 68 (28.6%) were female and the mean age was 43.5± 13.7 years. Of all patients, PTDM developed in 24 (10.1%). Transient-Hyperglycemia (t-HG) was detected in 31 (13%) patients. PTDM and t-HG patients had a greater body weight than non-PTDM patients (BMI kg/ m2 : 27.6± 5.3, 25.8± 4.3and 23.9± 3.3, respectively p<0.001 p= 0.028). PTDM and t-HG patients mean age was higher than non-PTDM patients (51.5± 9.68, 48.2± 11.1 and 41.5± 14 years, respectively, p= 0.002 p= 0.023). In the univariate analysis, the only independent risk factor for PTDM was age (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.31-2.97). Conclusion. Age is the most important risk factor for PTDM development after LT. PTDM was found more common in the patient group with greater body weight. Patients with older age and greater body weight should be examined more carefully for PTDM before LT.

Autoimmune diseases are a heterogeneous group that involves almost any tissue and organ, a patient could frequently present more than one autoimmune disease. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases in polyglandular autoimmune syndrome. Aim of the study is to evaluate a phenotype of diabetic patients with autoimmune diseases. There is a retrospective study; we analyzed type 1 diabetes inpatients from our department in late 4 years based on clinical records. We state that type 1 diabetes mellitus diagnosis is established based on insulin treatment at onset or less than 1 year from onset. We analyzed the presence of the following autoimmune diseases: Graves&#8217; disease, Hashimoto thyroiditis, autoimmune hypothyroidism, Addison&#8217;s disease, vitiligo, psoriasis, systemic lupus erythematosus, pernicious anemia. We recorded 151 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus: 91 (60.3%) women. Mean age was 38.4?15.8 years, mean span of type 1 DM was 12 years, mean age at the onset of DM was 26.5 years, and mean BMI was 23.4 kg /m2. Patients were insulin treated with 2 doses of insulin 11.3%, 3 doses of insulin 41.6%, 4 doses of insulin 45%, and insulin pump 2%. 41 patients (27.2%) associated other autoimmune diseases, most frequently being chronic thyroiditis. Type 1 DM preceded autoimmune disease in 60%. Patients that associated autoimmune disease have mean age at the onset of type 1 DM 29.1 years. Mean glycated hemoglobin among patients with autoimmune diseases was 10.1% vs. 9.9% among patients without autoimmune diseases (NS); mean insulin needs were respectively 0.78 u/kgc vs. 0.72 u/kgc (NS). In conclusion, type 1 DM is frequently associated with other autoimmune diseases, patients being mainly women. The most frequent association is Graves&#8217; disease. In over 50% of cases type 1 DM precedes autoimmune disease with several years. Even though more than half of patients were treated with multiple doses of insulin, glycated hemoglobin was high, slightly higher among patients with autoimmune diseases but the differences were not statistically significant.

Today therapeutic options for obesity include miniinvasive methods. The authors present the results of a prospective study regarding a lot of 224 obese patients treated between January 2003 ? January 2005 with laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB) (n=184) and endogastric balloon (n=40). The medium body mass index (BMI) of admission for LAGB was 46.08 kg/m2 (extremes between 36 ? 71 kg/m2), 42 patients being super obese (BMI over 50 kg/m2). There were no conversions to open techniques. Postoperative evaluations were at 1, 6 and 12 months. Medium BMI was 39.1 kg/m2 (115 patients) at six months after surgery and 38.78 kg/m2 (59 patients) at one year after surgery. Comorbidities were remitted at 72% of patients at 6 months postsurgery. The patients treated with endogastric balloon endoscopically introduced (40 cases) were followed 6 months, after that they were extracted (26 cases). The medium BMI of admission was 33 kg/m2 (extremes between 21 ? 43 kg/m2) and at 6 months the medium BMI was 26.8 kg/m2. Although we do not benefit of a long time follow-up, the favorable initial results allow us to state that miniinvasive techniques deserve an important place in the efforts of struggling against obesity and its consequences.

Background. Although androgen deficiency in men is associated with obesity, whether the deficiency is a consequence of the syndrome is still unclear. Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the association between low levels of sex hormones and development of the metabolic syndrome. Subjects and Methods. A total of 836 men, aged ≥ 20 years, participants of the Tehran Lipid Glucose Study, were assessed at baseline and after 6.5 years follow-up, based on both ATP III and IDF criteria for occurrence of metabolic syndrome. The association between serum total and free testosterone index and SHBG and metabolic syndrome was investigated using logistic regression models. Results. After 6.5 years of follow-up, the metabolic syndrome developed in 131 and 207 men based on ATP III and IDF criteria respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed an inverse relationship for total testosterone in the lower tertile concentration, and serum triglycerides, according to both criteria mentioned (OR = 1.6; 95%CI 1.02-2.5). According to ATP III criteria, adjustment of waist circumference eliminated most of the correlations between total testosterone and metabolic syndrome (OR=1.34, 95% CI (0.8-2.3), while SHBG and free testosterone index were not significantly associated with the syndrome. According to IDF criteria, statistical adjustment of waist circumference eliminated most of the correlations between total testosterone and metabolic syndrome [(OR=1.45, 95% CI (0.9-2.3)], and adjustment with triglycerides eliminated all correlations between SHBG and metabolic syndrome (OR=1.5, 95% CI (0.9-2.5). Conclusions. Androgen deficiency may be related to poorly controlled serum triglycerides and increased waist circumference.

Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible protective effects of MT against gastric oxidative stress and dyslipidemia in streptozotocin (STZ) - induced diabetic rats. Methods. Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups: control, diabetic, MT 5 mg/kg+ STZ, MT 10 mg/kg+ STZ and MT 20 mg/kg+ STZ. STZ (60 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally (ip) injected as a single dose for diabetes induction. One week after STZ administration, MT was injected daily as ip for 14 days. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol and glutathione, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were measured in gastric tissue. Serum concentrations of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were also determined. Results. Serum glucose significantly increased in diabetic group compared to control group. STZ induced a significant decrease in gastric tissue levels of total thiol, glutathione, catalase and SOD activities and a significant increase in MDA concentration. In diabetic rats, serum TG, LDL and TC were significantly higher and HDL was significantly lower than in the control group. Treatment of diabetic rats with MT caused a significant increase in gastric total thiol content and glutathione concentration as well as SOD and catalase activities. Gastric MDA concentration and serum LDL, TG and TC were significantly lower in MTtreated groups when compared with diabetic group. Conclusion. These data suggested that MT has a therapeutic effect on gastric oxidative damage and dyslipidemia induced by diabetes that possibly may be due to its antioxidant effects.

Background and aim. The goals of bariatric surgery are to improve the quality of life by lowering body mass index (BMI) but also to treat obesity comorbidities. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) on metabolic parameters. Methods. 85 obese patients treated by bariatric surgery LSG procedure were included in the study. Basal, 6 and 12 months after surgery serum glucose levels and lipid fractions were measured. Metabolic syndrome criteria according to IDF 2006 were evaluated at baseline and after bariatric surgery. Results. Our group included 61.2 % female patients, the mean age was 40.2 ±10.2 years and the metabolic syndrome criteria at baseline were confirmed in 69.4% of the study group. At twelve months after the intervention, the mean excess weight loss (%EWL) was 72%, with age and BMI subgroups variations. We found significant improvements of serum concentrations for triglycerides (P-value = 0.001, decreased by 30%), HDL-cholesterol (P-value = 0.017, increased by 26%), total cholesterol (P-value = 0.043, decreased by 12%) and glucose (P-value = 0.007, decreased by 12%). Conclusions. The positive effect of bariatric surgery was confirmed for lipid fractions and fasting glucose levels, also the metabolic syndrome prevalence was significantly reduced, all these changes contribute to lower cardiovascular risk together with significant weight loss.