ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUC)

Abstract Context. Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis (AIPD) is a rare, cyclical dermatosis, with variable clinical presentation, occurring exclusively or being aggravated during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, when levels of progesterone rise. Its pathogenesis is still unclear. AIPD is thought to occur as an autoimmune reaction to endogenous possibly modified progesterone, but it could also be triggered by exogenous progesterone exposure. AIPD is a diagnosis of exclusion. Usually there is no or limited response to oral H1 antihistamines and a partial response to steroids. Ovulation inhibitors represent the specific treatment. Case report. We report a case of AIPD in an 18-year-old nulliparous patient with no medical history of allergic diseases and no exposure to oral contraceptive pills. AIPD was suspected based on the clinical picture (recurrent cyclical eczematous eruption on the face and abdominal area) and confirmed by positive intradermal test and positive progesterone challenge. This diagnosis was supported by the result of the skin biopsy, which also helped to exclude other dermatoses with premenstrual aggravation. The rash responded satisfactorily to treatment with a combination of oral contraceptives, levonorgestrel and estrione, which is currently considered first line therapy. Conclusions. This case is of particular interest due to the lack of previous pregnancy or exposure to progesteron therapy. Recurrent, cyclical eruptions in fertile women should raise the suspicion of AIPD. If early recognized, the patient may benefit from non-invasive treatment that improves significantly the quality of life.

Introduction. The polyglandular autoimmune syndrome (PAS) type III is a rare condition defined as the coexistence of autoimmune thyroid disorder with other endocrine autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes, without adrenal dysfunction. PAS may associate with other non-endocrine autoimmune diseases, overlapping with the multiple autoimmune syndromes (MAS). We present a case of PAS III/ MAS type 3, including autoimmune thyroiditis, autoimmune diabetes, vitiligo, lupus erythematosus, associated with adult-onset atopic dermatitis, a combination not reported previously. Case report. A 40 years old woman, registered as nurse working in dialysis unit, previously diagnosed with vitiligo, euthyroid autoimmune thyroiditis and disseminated granuloma annulare, with personal and familial history of atopic disorders, presented in our clinic for disseminated eczematous and lichenoid cutaneous rashes. She was tested positive for antinuclear, anti-double stranded DNA and anti-histone antibodies, with inflammatory syndrome and marginal lymphopenia and she was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Subsequently, moderate hyperglycemia, positive anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies and low C-peptide level prompted the diagnosis of autoimmune diabetes. Recurrent flexural eczematous rashes, with negative epicutaneous tests but positive specific IgE tests for common allergens fulfilled the clinical criteria for the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. The clinical, immunological and glycemic status were controlled with low doses of oral prednisone (<0.5 mg/kg), methotrexate (10mg/week), antimalarials, metformin, emollients and photoprotection. After changing her workplace, the immunosuppressive treatment could be discontinued, and the patient maintained normal immunological and biochemical profile at 6 months follow-up. This case brings a unique perspective on the evolution, associations spectrum and the management challenges of endocrine polyautoimmunity associated with atopic diathesis.

Context. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis irregularities have been described both in bipolar disorder and suicidal behaviour, but few studies have examined the relationship between suicidal behaviours and cortisol levels in bipolar disorder. Objective. We compared HPA axis activity in bipolar I (BPD I) individuals with and without suicidal ideation and behaviour through multiple measurement of serum and salivary cortisol. Design. Cross-sectional, observational study. Subjects and Methods. 75 BPD I patients were assigned into 3 groups (no history of suicidal behaviour, history of suicidal ideation, history of suicide attempt), according to the C-SSRS. Socio-demographical and clinical data was obtained by using MINI 6.0 and a semi-structured questionnaire. Salivary samples were collected using Sarstedt Cortisol Salivette synthetic swab system for two consecutive days at 08:00, 16:00, 23:00 and salivary cortisol concentrations were determined by ELISA technique. A unique 1mg dose of dexamethasone was administered on the first day, at 23:00, after the collection of the saliva sample. Blood was collected on the first day at 8:00 AM and basal morning serum cortisol levels were determined by immunoassay with fluorescence detection. Results. Cortisol parameters in our BPD I sample did not vary significantly in respect to suicidal history. However, patients with a history of suicidal ideation have significantly higher total cortisol outputs than patients with no history of suicidal behaviour in the 18 to 40 age category compared with the above 40 age category. Conclusions. Total cortisol daily output varies significantly in an age-dependent manner in respect to suicidal thoughts in BPD I individuals.

The discovery of the cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in 1990 and 1993, respectively, as well as of the two main endocannabinoids, anandamide in 1992 and 2-arachidonylglycerol in 1995, was an important step in identifying the strongest homeostatic system in the human body, namely the endocannabinoid system. Ever since, research has highlighted the crucial part played by this system in all the reproduction stages: folliculogenesis, spermatogenesis, oogenesis, fecundation, transport of the egg through the fallopian tubes, blastocyte implantation and pregnancy progression, as well as its implications in the physiopathology of the reproductive system: in endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, preeclampsia, endometrial cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovarian cancer. A special attention must be paid to the phytocannabinoids, natural components originating especially from the Cannabis plant inflorescences, whose medical effects are wellestablished nowadays with also acting on the receptors of the endocannabinoid system. The most recent research mainly focuses on the reproductive dysfunctions and disorders of the reproductive tissues, respectively, through its action upon the endocannabinoid system. Medical cannabis is nowadays legalized in more and more countries all over the world. At the same time, recreational cannabis remains one of the most consumed drugs (in Romania the most consumed one by young adults). Therefore, it is mandatory for specialists in obstetrics and gynecology, endocrinology, public health, hygiene or for general practitioners, to permanently update their information on this subject.

Context. Suicide is a global public health issue. Bipolar disorder (BPD) has the highest suicide risk among individuals suffering from mental disorders. Serotoninergic dysfunctions have been linked to suicidal behaviour and platelet serotonin is recognised as a reliable index for the presynaptic serotonin activity. Objective. Our aim was to assess whether alterations occur in platelet serotonin concentrations in BPD type I in respect to suicide attempters compared with nonattempters. Design. This was a cross-sectional, observational study. Subjects and Methods. Plasma platelet serotonin concentrations were measured using ELISA technique in 71 BPD I patients. The participants were assigned into 3 groups (non-attempters, low lethality and high lethality suicide attempters), according to the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale. Socio-demographical and clinical data was obtained by using MINI 6.0 and a semi-structured questionnaire designed specifically for this research. Results. Our study showed significant lower levels of platelet serotonin in suicide attempters compared with non-attempters (p = 0.030) and in high-lethality attempters compared with low-lethality attempters (p = 0.015). The study recorded a higher number of total lifetime and lifetime depressive episodes for suicide attempters with BPD I. Conclusions. Our results subscribe to the importance of platelet serotonin as a reliable biomarker in suicide risk assessment.