ACTA ENDOCRINOLOGICA (BUC)

Background. Warthin-like papillary thyroid carcinoma (WLPTC) is an uncommon variant of thyroid papillary carcinoma. To date, only 104 cases have been reported in the English literature. Case report. We present a case of WLPTC in a 72-year-old female and we review of the literature on the topic. Clinical evaluation revealed nontoxic multinodular goiter. A total thyroidectomy was performed and pathology examination showed WLPTC, a relatively rare variant of PTC occurring predominantly in older women. It is important to differentiate it from other variants of PTC, particularly from Hürthle cell carcinoma and tall cell carcinoma because the latter two carry a worse prognosis. Conclusion. Treatment, clinical course and prognosis of WLPTC is similar to that of classical PTC.

Context. GLP-1 is a peptide hormone highly conserved among mammals that derives from a tissue specific post-translational processing of the proglucagon gene. It is known to be produced in the intestinal L-cells as a consequence of pro-hormone convertase PC 1/3 cleavage of major proglucagon fragment. It has a role as “incretin” stimulating postprandial insulin synthesis and secretion, somatostatin release and inhibiting glucagon secretion. Recently a role has been assigned in embryological processes and in the differentiation of the pancreatic β-cells. Objective. The aim of this study was to describe GLP-1 distribution in the canine embryo. Methods. Paraffin sections obtained from 6 thirtydays canine embryos collected from two different mothers during hysterectomy were used in the present study. Immunolocalization of GLP-1 and Chromogranin-A was performed by using the peroxidase method. Colocalization studies were also accomplished by immunofluorescence. Results. We detected GLP-1 only in the developing primordial of pancreas where it did colocalize sometimes with Chromogranin-A. Intestinal presence of GLP-1 was not detected. Chromogranin-A was very seldom observed in the developing duodenum. Conclusions. Our results suggest an embryologic role of GLP-1 in pancreas organogenesis. This speculation is further corroborated by the recent literature data on the potential role of the α-cells in stimulating either the generation (embryos) or the re-generation of β-cells together with the GLP-1 ability to modulate different pathways involved in tissue morphogenesis and differentiation.

Objective. Both obesity and periodontal diseases are significant diseases that affect the quality of life. Recent studies have focused on the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease. The aim of this study is to determine the pathophysiological relationship between obesity and periodontal disease by evaluating the clinical periodontal parameters and oxidative status. Subjects and Methods. The study included 80 individuals divided into four groups including 20 individuals in each group as following; periodontally healthy patients with normal weight, (NH), patients with chronic periodontitis and normal weight (NCP), periodontally healthy patients with obesity (OH) and patients with chronic periodontitis and obesity (OCP). Clinical periodontal parameters were recorded, and serum, saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were obtained. Local and systemic levels of total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI) were assessed biochemically. Results. No statistically significant difference was found among the groups regarding TAS, TOS and OSI values in serum and saliva samples (p>0.05). GCF-TAS values in NH group were statistically significantly higher compared with other groups (p<0,05) . GCF TOS values increased in obese groups (OH, OCP) compared with non-obese groups (NH, NCP) (p<0.05). Our results suggest that obesity and chronic periodontitis do not effect oxidant/antioxidant levels in serum and saliva. Conclusions. Many factors such as daily living conditions of the individual, stress and nutritional habits TAS and TOS levels of the individual may affect oxidative stress parameters. However, these factors could not be standardized in the study.

Context. Peripheral nerve lesions are a major complication of diabetes mellitus, the main clinical manifestations of which are numbness and pain involving the limbs. Objective. To determine the correlation between pregabalin treatment and diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Design. An experimental animal study in BALB/c mice. Subjects and Methods. Diabetes models are established by injecting streptozotocin (STZ) into the abdominal cavities of mice. The correlation between the treatment effect, time, and dosage of pregabalin was determined. The effect of a type 1 organic cation transporter (Octn1) in the absorption of pregabalin was evaluated. Results. Pregabalin reduced tactile allodynia in diabetic mice. The best analgesic effect occurred when intestinal absorption was increased. Octn1 mediated pregabalin entry into intestinal epithelial cells, which influenced the absorption of pregabalin with a timedependent fluctuation in the small intestine. Peripheral nerve damage caused by diabetes was dependent on time and dose of pregabalin, which was related to the regular expression of Octn1 in small intestinal epithelium. Conclusions. Peripheral nerve damage caused by diabetes was dependent on time and dosage of pregabalin, which was related to the regular expression of Octn1 in small intestinal epithelium.

Introduction. Vitamin D (VD) levels were correlated with different health conditions, including reproductive disorders in males. Vitamin D action is mediated through vitamin D receptor (VDR), which acts as a transcription factor. VDR gene promoter is embedded in a GC-rich island. The VDR gene has been shown to have several polymorphisms that affect the receptor function. Aim. To examine the relationship between Cdx- 2 polymorphism (rs17883968), the methylation status of VDR’s promoter and serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in male infertility. Patients and Methods. A total of 69 infertile men and 37 age-matched controls were enrolled in this study. Vitamin D level assessments were detected using the electrochemiluminescent method. Cdx-2 VDR polymorphism identification was performed by PCR on DNA samples from blood, followed by restriction. Methylation of VDR gene promoter was assessed by qMS-PCR using bisulfite-treated DNA from fresh sperm. Results. Vitamin D levels was found to be significantly decreased in infertile groups compared the controls (p=0.0279). The GG genotype was found in a higher percentage in controls and the AA genotype was higher in infertile group (p=0.0056). Infertile homozygote (GG) and heterozygote (GA) individuals had significantly higher vitamin D levels than AA homozygote. Methylation is higher in individuals with lower vitamin D levels and AA genotype is characterized by higher methylation values. Conclusion. The results provide new insights of Cdx-2 polymorphism is involved in vitamin D deficiency, highlighting the important role of epigenetic modification of vitamin D receptor and male infertility along with the genetic context.

Objectives. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) occurs in 6-10% of all women in their reproductive age. In women with PCOS, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) often results in an increased risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). In vitro maturation (IVM) of human oocyte is an alternative technique for in vitro fertilization (IVF). The aim of this study was to compare the morphometric analysis and morphology of oocytes after invitro maturation (IVM) between normal women and those suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Material and Methods. Thirty two women of 20 to 35 years of age that were undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation by the ICSI/IVF protocol were chosen for the study. The immature oocytes (n=108) were divided into two groups: the first oocyte group was comprised of 16 normal women (n=54); and the second group included 16 women with PCOS (n=54); then the oocytes were matured in vitro. After 24-48h of incubation, the oocyte maturation rate and morphometric and morphological characteristics were assessed using an inverted microscope, and then the images were compared. Results. There were significant differences in the maturity of oocytes between normal women and those with PCOS after IVM (P<0.05). Moreover, morphometric assessments revealed that there were no significant difference in the total diameter (μm) (zona thickness (ZPT) + perivitelline space width (PVS) + cytoplasm (CD) of oocytes between normal women and those with PCOS (156.3±6.8 and 137.7±9.9), respectively (P>0.05). Evaluation of morphological oocytes showed that morphological abnormalities, including ooplasmic vacuolization and granulation were higher in PCOS women compared to normal women (P<0.05). Conclusion. The increased quality of oocytes after IVM reflected a positive impact of IVM oocytes on normal women as compared to women with PCOS.

Background. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (NDI) is a disease characterized by a defective response to the antidiuretic hormone (ADH) of the renal collecting duct leading to a decline in the ability of the pro-urine concentration. Case presentation. A 23-year-old man presented with an over 20-year history of polyuria concomitant with hydronephrosis. The diagnosis of NDI was established by gene analysis as well as a water-deprivation and vasopressin test. All exons of arginine vasopressin V2 receptor (AVPR2) gene were amplified and sequenced. A novel hemizygous intragenic inframe deletion, cDNA 255th bp to 263th bp in exon 2 of AVPR2, was identified. These relevant translations from the 85th amino acid Asp to 88th amino acid Val were missed and replaced by amino acid Glu. After treating the patient with hydrochlorothiazide, his symptoms improved significantly. Conclusion. The genetic analysis revealed a novel X-linked intragenic inframe deletion, AVPR2 gene cDNA 255th bp to 263th bp, causing NDI.