Gland Function Research Articles

In vivo and in silico approach in revealing the influence of lead (Pb) on thyroid gland function

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of low doses of lead (Pb) on levels of thyroid hormones (T3, T4, FT3, and FT4) and thyroid-related antibodies (anti-Tg and anti-TPO) in the rat model, as well as genes that are related to Pb and thyroid function, relationships between genes, biological processes, molecular processes, and pathways using an in silico approach. Male rats were randomized into seven groups (n = 42), one control group and six groups that received a range of Pb doses: 0.1, 0.5, 1, 3, 7, and 15 mg Pb/kg body weight (b.w.). Dose-response modelling was performed by PROAST software using model averaging method. The Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, GeneMANIA server, and ToppGene Suite portal were used as the main bioinformatic tools in this analysis. The results of our study have shown that low Pb doses induced elevation of thyroid hormones (T4, FT4, and TSH) in rats after subacute exposure, while had no impact on T3, FT3, anti-TPO, and anti-Tg, indicating hyperthyroidism. Dose-dependent effects were increases in T4 and FT4, with the lowest benchmark dose derived for FT4 levels. In silico toxicogenomic data analysis showed that the main molecular pathways/process related to Pb-induced hyperthyroidism are connected with 14 genes involved in antioxidant defense and Se-dependent processes. The results presented here may be useful in further investigation of the health impacts of low-level Pb exposure on thyroid function and endocrine disruption effects.

Comparison of Efficacy of Warm Compresses Versus Loteprednol-Tobramycin Combination Therapy in the Management of Posterior Blepharitis

Objectives: to compare the efficacy of warm compresses to add-on therapy with Loteprednol-Tobramycin in patients withposterior Blepharitis.
 Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Jun 2020 to Jul 2021.
 Methodology: Pre-diagnosed posterior blepharitis patients using warm compresses (Group-A) and add-on antibiotic steroid therapy (Group-B) were included in the study. A detailed history and ophthalmic examination evaluated tear breakup time, tear film height, intra-ocular pressure measurement, meibomian gland function, structure, and meibum appearance. In addition, the patient's symptoms were noted through the ocular surface disease index questionnaire. 
 Results: The study sample had seventy-one males (56%) and 55 females (43.6%) with mean age of 35.33±12.24 years. The clinical parameters in the two groups were almost alike at enrollment. There was a significant improvement in the clinical parameters in both groups. With slightly better improvement among Group-B (using Loteprednol-Tobramycin), Only two individuals did not report an increase in IOP at six weeks of treatment in Group-B. (p=0.53).
 Conclusion: Lid hygiene with warm compresses is an effective alternative with no side effects, provided if appropriately practised; however, add-on therapies may further improve MGD and Blepharitis.Keywords: Blepharitis, Meibomian gland dysfunction, Warm compresses.

Management of hypothyroidism in general practice- A review of guidelines Binod Dangal

Introduction:Hypothyroidism is a common complex chronic disease and levothyroxine is considered as a standard of care in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Untreated hypothyroidism leads to devastating complications. Careful and titrated management is necessary to have optimal functioning of thyroid glands to control overall metabolism. Diagnosis: Routine evaluation with Thyroid Function Test (TFT) is recommended to diagnose Hypothyroidism, Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibody testing is done to identify autoimmune etiology and the routine need of ultrasound is determined by findings in clinical examination. Treatment: Levothyroxine is standard of treatment for hypothyroidism. Regular follow up with Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and titrated dose of levothyroxine is recommended.

Association Between Maternal Thyroid Function in Early Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Previous studies on the relationship between thyroid gland function and the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have reported different results, leading to the need for a cohort study design with a large sample size. We aimed to investigate the relationship between thyroid function in early pregnancy and GDM. This was a prospective cohort study based on the China Birth Cohort Study (CBCS), from February 2018 to December 2020. The study took place at a tertiary maternal and child health hospital. A total of 36 256 pregnant women were successfully recruited based on the CBCS. The main outcome measure was GDM. This study consisted of 26 742 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria, of whom 3985 (14.90%) were diagnosed with GDM, and the women with GDM were older than their healthy counterparts (33.26 ± 4.01 vs 31.51 ± 3.76 years, P < .001). After removing potential influencing variables, we found that increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.030, 95% CI 1.007, 1.054, P = .012) and subclinical hypothyroidism (aOR 1.211, 95% CI 1.010, 1.451, P = .039), but not free thyroxine or thyroid peroxidase antibody, were associated with the occurrence of GDM. Further analysis indicated a nonlinear relationship between TSH and GDM (P < .05): when TSH ≤ 1.24 mIU/L, the occurrence of GDM was elevated with increasing TSH, but when TSH > 1.24 mIU/L, this trend was not obvious. High TSH might be associated with increased risk of GDM.

Postoperative Oral Iodine-131 Combined with Nutritional Management for the Management of Thyroid Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Iodine nutrition plays a central role in the normal physiological function of the thyroid gland, and it is a major factor in thyroid hormone synthesis. A meta-analysis was used to measure the efficacy of oral iodine-131 combined with nutritional management in thyroid cancer patients after surgery. Computer searches were conducted on various databases, with the search time limited to January 2011 to December 2021, and the literature retrieved was limited to randomized controlled trials. Data extraction and quality evaluation were performed for the included literature, and meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.3 software. A total of 9 literatures were obtained, all in English, with a sample size of 10,219 cases, containing 6,845 cases in the study group (oral iodine-131 + nutritional management) together with 3,374 cases in the control group (oral iodine-131 alone). The study group received oral administration of iodine-131 and nutritional management (low-iodine diet). The outcomes of the meta-analysis revealed that the clinical symptoms of thyroid cancer patients were improved after oral administration of iodine-131 after surgery. No statistical differences could be observed in the incidence of adverse reactions, recurrence rate, or metastasis rate of outcome indicators. To sum up, oral administration of iodine-131 combined with nutritional management has certain clinical effects in patients with thyroid cancer after surgery, but due to the limited literature included and low data quality, the conclusions of this study still need to be further verified.

β-Hydroxybutyrate affects cell physiological parameters, inflammatory markers and hormone receptor expression in bovine endometrial gland cells in vitro

IntroductionAfter calving, dairy cows are commonly affected by negative energy balance (NEB), indicated by high β-Hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) blood levels. These are associated with subfertility frequently related to uterine inflammation. Since this could compromise functionality of endometrial glands that are essential for proper embryo implantation in sheep, we investigated effects of BHBA on bovine endometrial gland cells (BEGC) in vitro. Material and methodsBEGC were stimulated with different concentrations of BHBA over different periods. Cell metabolism and motility were examined by MTT-assay and Live-cell-imaging. The mRNA expression of the receptors for estrogen (ESR1, ESR2), progesterone (PR) and IFNτ (IFNAR1, IFNAR2), and the inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6 was determined by RT-qPCR. Protein expression for PR and ESR1 was analyzed by semiquantitative Western Blot. ResultsBEGC metabolism was significantly decreased after stimulation with 1.2, 1.8 and 2.4 mM BHBA over 24 and 36 h. Cell motility was significantly reduced by 1.8 and 2.4 mM BHBA already after 11 h. After 24 h stimulation, the ESR1 mRNA expression was significantly increased in BEGC stimulated with 0.6 mM BHBA. PR and TNFα mRNA expressions were increased in cells stimulated with 2.4 mM BHBA. Protein expression of ESR1 and PR was not altered. DiscussionTreatment with BHBA leads to restriction of BEGC metabolism and motility, and increased expression of TNFα, ESR1 and PR in vitro. This could explain how increased BHBA blood levels might compromise functionality of uterine glands in vivo and thus could contribute to compromised reproductive success of cows suffering from NEB.

Localized Heat Treatment for Meibomian Gland Dysfunction: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis of Efficacy over Time.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) can produce a myriad of symptoms. The effective treatment of MGD can reduce the burden of this condition. Although several studies have indicated that TearCare (Sight Sciences, Menlo Park, CA) is an effective treatment for MGD, no studies currently provide information regarding the duration of efficacy. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the duration of efficacy of symptom relief and improvement of signs (as measured by gland function) for a treatment consisting of controlled heating of the meibomian glands using SmartLids (Sight Sciences) combined with manual expression of the liquefied meibum by a physician. This study involved retrospective analysis of data gathered from a single-center ophthalmology/optometry practice. Symptoms were assessed using the Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) questionnaire, and the signs were assessed using the meibomian gland expression (MGE) scores before and at several time points (8 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months). Further analysis evaluating the efficacy in subgroups based on age, race, and sex was performed. There were 78 patients included in this study. The mean baseline SPEED score decreased from 14 to 7.9 at 8 weeks. The mean SPEED scores at 6 and 12 months were maintained at 7.7 and 7.9, respectively, and at 18 months went to 8.9. At baseline, the mean MGE was 4.9 in the right eye and 4.8 in the left eye. In both eyes, the mean MGE increased to 9.0 in both eyes at 8 weeks. At 6 months, the mean MGE score was maintained at 8.6 in the right and 8.2 in the left and remained consistent at 12 months with 7.8 in the right and 7.8 in the left. At 18 months, the MGE score went to 6.8 in the right eye and 7.0 in the left eye. A single TearCare treatment effectively reduced both the symptoms and signs of MGD and maintained its effects for 12 months.

Spectrum of Thyroid Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease in Benin City, Nigeria.

There is an indication of abrupt rise in chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Nigeria and thyroid function involvement has not been sufficiently evaluated. This study determined thyroid gland function among subjects with CKD in Benin City, Nigeria. A total of 184 randomized CKD patients attending specialist clinic and 80 healthy control subjects were recruited for this study. A well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data on socio-demography. Blood specimens were collected and used for the determination of thyroid function parameters; thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), free triiodothyronine (fT3), thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine (fT4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Abs), thyroid globulin antibody (Tg-Abs) and Deiodinase enzyme Type 1 (D1). SPINA GD and SPINA GT were calculated using Michaelis-Menten model. The CKD was classified into stages using Modification of Drug in Renal Disease (MDRD) formula. Thyroid dysfunctions observed were clinical hyperthyroidism 1 (0.54%), non-thyroidal illness 78 (42.4%), clinical hypothyroidism 11 (6.0%), sub-clinical hyperthyroidism 3 (1.60%), and sub-clinical hypothyroidism 11 (6.0%), while euthyroid were 80 (43.5%). SPINA GD of CKD patients (33.85 ± 10.94) was not significantly different when compared with controls (24.85 ± 1.57), whereas, SPINA GT was significantly higher (p < 0.01) among CKD patients (3.74 ± 0.31) than controls (2.68 ± 0.11). Autoimmune thyroid disease demonstrated by positive Tg-Abs and TPO-Abs were observed among approximately 7.9% of CKD patients. Serum TPO-Abs concentration increased with CKD progression. Thyroid dysfunction is involved in the pathogenesis of CKD patients. The etiologies are multifactorial and immunological mechanisms of autoimmune thyroid disease may be a contributing factor.

Evaluation of dry eye and meibomian gland function in pregnancy.

To evaluate the signs and symptoms of dry eye in healthy pregnant women and investigate the effect of pregnancy on meibomian gland loss using non-contact meibography. Healthy pregnant women and age-matched healthy non-pregnant women were included in the study. Subjective symptoms were assessed using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). The first and average non-invasive break-up times (first-NIBUT and avg-NIBUT, respectively) were determined, and the Schirmer test was applied. Non-contact meibography was performed. The study included a total of 62 women, 30 pregnant (study group) and 32 non-pregnant (control group). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of OSDI score and the Schirmer test (p > 0.05). The mean first-NIBUT and avg-NIBUT values of the study group (13.1 ± 5.3 and 13.7 ± 4.5s) were significantly lower than the control group (16.0 ± 2.4 and 16.4 ± 1.5s) (p: 0.015 and p: 0.040, respectively). The mean meibomian gland losses in the upper and lower eyelids were significantly higher in the study group (16.9 ± 8.2% and 11.6 ± 10.2%) compared to the control group (9.7 ± 6.2% and 5.6 ± 4.7%) (p < 0.001 and p: 0.011, respectively). It is considered that loss of the meibomian glands may occur during pregnancy, and this may predispose pregnant women to evaporative dry eye. Although dry eye does not cause significant ocular surface symptoms in pregnancy, NIBUT and non-contact meibography can be considered as effective diagnostic methods for the detection of dry eye in pregnant women.

Transplantation of porcine adrenal spheroids for the treatment of adrenal insufficiency.

Primary adrenal insufficiency is a life-threatening disorder, which requires lifelong hormone replacement therapy. Transplantation of xenogeneic adrenal cells is a potential alternative approach for the treatment of adrenal insufficiency. For a successful outcome of this replacement therapy, transplanted cells should provide adequate hormone secretion and respond to adrenal physiological stimuli. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of primary porcine adrenal spheroids capable of replacing the function of adrenal glands in vivo. Cells within the spheroids morphologically resembled adult adrenocortical cells and synthesized and secreted adrenal steroid hormones in a regulated manner. Moreover, the embedding of the spheroids in alginate led to the formation of cellular elongations of steroidogenic cells migrating centripetally towards the inner part of the slab, similar to zona Fasciculata cells in the intact organ. Finally, transplantation of adrenal spheroids in adrenalectomized SCID mice reversed the adrenal insufficiency phenotype, which significantly improved animals' survival. Overall, such adrenal models could be employed for disease modeling and drug testing, and represent the first step toward potential clinical trials in the future.

Estrogens and endocrine-disrupting chemicals differentially impact the bioenergetic fluxes of mammary epithelial cells in two- and three-dimensional models

Due to its sensitivity to hormonal signaling, the mammary gland is often referred to as a sentinel organ for the study of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), environmental pollutants that can interfere with the estrogen signaling pathway and induce mammary developmental defects. If and how EDCs impact mammary epithelial cell metabolism has not yet been documented. Herein, to study how estrogens and EDCs modulate mammary gland metabolism, we performed bioenergetic flux analyses using mouse mammary epithelial organoids compared to cells grown in monolayer culture. Several EDCs were tested, including bisphenol A (BPA), its close derivative BPS, a new BPA replacement copolyester called TritanTM, and the herbicide glyphosate. We report that estrogens reprogrammed mammary epithelial cell metabolism differently when grown in two- and three-dimensional models. Specific EDCs were also demonstrated to alter bioenergetic fluxes, thus identifying a new potential adverse effect of these molecules. Notably, organoids were more sensitive to low EDC concentrations, highlighting them as a key model for screening the impact of various environmental pollutants. Mechanistically, transcriptomic analyses revealed that EDCs interfered with the regulation of estrogen target genes and the expression of metabolic genes in organoids. Furthermore, co-treatment with the anti-estrogen fulvestrant blocked these metabolic impacts of EDCs, suggesting that, at least partially, they act through modulation of the estrogen receptor activity. Finally, we demonstrate that mammary organoids can be used for long-term studies on EDC exposure to study alterations in organogenesis/morphogenesis and that past pregnancies can modulate the sensitivity of mammary epithelial organoids to specific EDCs. Overall, this study demonstrates that estrogens and EDCs modulate mammary epithelial cell metabolism in monolayer and organoid cultures. A better understanding of the metabolic impacts of EDCs will allow a better appreciation of their adverse effects on mammary gland development and function.

Protocol for a parallel assignment prospective, randomised, comparative trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intense pulsed light (IPL) combined with 3% diquafosol (DQS) ophthalmic solution in dry eye syndrome

IntroductionEvaporative dry eye (EDE) is common and can lead to ocular pain, decreased visual quality and reduced quality of life. Intense pulsed light (IPL) and 3% diquafosol ophthalmic solution have...

Novel treatment of chalazion using light-guided-tip intense pulsed light

We assessed the effectiveness of light-guided-tip intense pulsed light (IPL) with meibomian gland expression (MGX) in chalazion treatment. Ninety-five eyes with chalazion received a light-guided-tip IPL-MGX treatment (IPL-MGX group), and another 95 eyes with chalazion received incision with curettage treatment (Control group). Prior to IPL or incision, as well as 1 month after the final treatment, data were gathered pertaining to the lesion location and size, hyperemia, lesions regression or recurrence, and a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. The total size of the chalazia in the IPL-MGX group was significantly reduced after the final treatment, with an average resolution rate of 70.5%, which is comparable to excision surgery. A significant decrease in chalazion recurrence rate was apparent after treatment in the IPL-MGX group compared with control. Moreover, the IPL-MGX demonstrated significant advancements throughout noninvasive tear film breakup time (NIBUT) as well as meibum grade in comparison to baseline and those in the the Control group. The use of IPL-MGX was found to be an efficient therapy for reducing the size and recurring frequency of chalazia, as well as for improving the meibomian gland function. It may be considered as a first-line treatment for cases of primary or recurrent chalazia with inflammation.

Marginal Zone B (MZB) Cells: Comparison of the Initial Identification of Immune Activity Leading to Dacryoadenitis and Sialadenitis in Experimental Sjögren's Syndrome.

Although multiple mouse strains have been advanced as models for Sjögren's syndrome (SS), which is a human systemic autoimmune disease characterized primarily as the loss of lacrimal and salivary gland functions, the C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 recombinant inbred (RI) mouse derived from the NOD/ShiLtJ line is considered one of the more appropriate models exhibiting virtually all the characteristics of the human disease. This mouse model, as well as other mouse models of SS, have shown that B lymphocytes are essential for the onset and development of observed clinical manifestations. Recently, studies carried out in the C57BL/6.IL14α transgenic mouse have provided clear evidence that the marginal zone B (MZB) cell population is directly involved in the early pathological events initiating the development of the clinical SS disease, as well as late-stage lymphomagenesis resulting in B-cell lymphomas. Since MZB cells are difficult to study in vivo and in vitro, we carried out a series of ex vivo investigations that utilize temporal global RNA transcriptomic analyses to profile differentially expressed genes exhibiting temporal upregulation during the initial onset and subsequent development of pathophysiological events within the lacrimal and salivary gland tissues per se or associated with the leukocyte cell migrations into these glands. The initial transcriptomic analyses revealed that while the upregulated gene expression profiles obtained from lacrimal and salivary glands overlap, multiple genetic differences exist between the defined activated pathways. In the current study, we present a concept suggesting that the initial pathological events differ between the two glands, yet the subsequent upregulated TLR4/TLR3 signal transduction pathway that activates the type-1 interferon signature appears to be identical in the two glands and indicates an autoimmune response against dsRNA, possibly a virus. Here, we attempt to put these findings into perspective and determine how they can impact the design of future therapeutic protocols.

Lithium-induced parathyroid disease; an updated mini-review

Lithium is a medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder and other psychiatric conditions. However, long-term use of lithium can lead to parathyroid dysfunction, known as lithium-induced parathyroid disease. The exact mechanism underlying lithium-induced parathyroid disease is not fully understood. Still, it is believed that lithium interferes with the normal function of the parathyroid gland by inhibiting the synthesis and secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and impairing the sensitivity of the parathyroid gland to calcium. The management of lithium-induced parathyroid disease depends on the type and severity of parathyroid dysfunction. In patients with hypoparathyroidism, treatment involves the replacement of calcium and vitamin D supplements. In severe cases, intravenous calcium may be necessary. In patients with hyperparathyroidism, treatment consists in discontinuing lithium therapy and monitoring serum calcium and PTH levels. In situations where hyperparathyroidism persists, or complications like kidney stones or osteoporosis arise, surgery may become necessary.

Protective Effect of Electroacupuncture on Chemotherapy-Induced Salivary Gland Hypofunction in a Mouse Model.

Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can impair salivary gland (SG) function, which causes xerostomia and exacerbate other side effects of chemotherapy and oral infection, reducing patients' quality of life. This animal study aimed to assess the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) as a means of preventing xerostomia induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). A xerostomia mouse model was induced via four tail vein injections of 5-FU (80 mg/kg/dose). EA was performed at LI4 and LI11 for 7 days. The pilocarpine-stimulated salivary flow rate (SFR) and salivary glands weight (SGW) were recorded. Salivary immunoglobulin A (SIgA) and lysozyme were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). SG was collected for hematoxylin and eosin staining to measure acini number and acinar cell size. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and aquaporin 5 (AQP5) mRNA expressions in SG were quantified via RT-qPCR. 5-FU caused significant decreases in SFR, SGW, SIgA, lysozyme, AQP5 expression, and acini number, while TNF-α and IL-1β expressions and acinar cell size were significantly increased. EA treatment can prevent 5-FU damage to the salivary gland, while pilocarpine treatment can only elevate SFR and AQP5 expression. These findings provide significant evidence to support the use of EA as an alternative treatment for chemotherapy-induced salivary gland hypofunction and xerostomia.

Serial Changes in Parotid Gland Volume and Symptoms After Radiation Therapy in Oropharyngeal Cancer.

Objective: To evaluate the serial changes in the volume of the parotid gland and clinical symptoms after a course of radiation therapy (RT) in patients with oropharyngeal cancer. Methods: A total of 33 patients who were diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer and had been treated with RT or concurrent chemoradiation therapy were evaluated. Parotid gland volumes were measured serially by head and neck computed tomography with contrast-enhanced images before RT, and 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after RT. Patients also filled out EORTC (European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer) QLQ-C30 questionnaires on the quality of life (QOL) at the same time. This questionnaire included questions about salivary gland function: dry mouth, sticky saliva, and taste disorder. Higher scores on EORTC questionnaire translates to worse QOL. Results: All patients received more than 60 Gy irradiation in total. The mean volume of parotid gland decreased from 23.30 mL before RT to 15.80 mL, 15.93 mL, and 16.67 mL after 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years, respectively (P < 0.001 between pre-RT and all other 3 periods). The scores on the QOL questionnaire were higher (worsened QOL) at all 3 times after radiation than in the pre-RT period. The mean score of QOL increased from pre-RT to 2 years post-RT: "dry mouth" from 1.65 to 2.70, "sticky saliva" from 1.19 to 2.00, and "taste disorder" from 1.12 to 1.94. All 3 of these parameters were correlated with the volume of the parotid gland (P < 0.005 each). Conclusions: The volume of the parotid gland decreases significantly after RT for oropharyngeal cancer and does not recover significantly for at least 2 years. There was a significant correlation between decreased parotid volume and a lower QOL involving salivation.

Methionine metabolism and endocrine function of the pituitary gland in patients with suprasellar germinoma.

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between methionine (MET) metabolism and endocrine function of the pituitary gland in patients with suprasellar region tumor. Twenty patients with intracranial germinoma were included in this study. Initial staging and all surveillance MET PET/CT scans and comparable serum levels of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to tumor location, with tumors in the suprasellar region (condition) or not (control). MET uptake of the pituitary gland (i.e., SUVR [standardized uptake value ratio]) and levels of FSH, LH, TSH were compared in the condition and control groups and in the before and after treatment phases of each group. The SUVR in the control group was like that found in normal pituitary glands in previous studies, whereas the SUVR of the untreated condition group was high and that of treated condition group was low with significance compared to the control group. Serum levels of pituitary hormones in before and after treatment condition groups were significantly lower than those in the control group. The FSH and LH levels of curatively treated patients in the control group were positively correlated with SUVR with respective ß values of 3.71 and 0.98 (p < .001). The TSH level of the treated condition group was negatively correlated with SUVR (ß = -1.02, p < .001). This study is the first known investigation to examine the association between MET metabolism and endocrine function of the pituitary gland, and it confirmed that MET metabolism reflects endocrine function. A future study validating the result of correlation analysis is warranted.

Compression syndrome in giant euthyroid goiter

Given the widespread iodine deficiency, diffuse and diffuse nodular euthyroid goiter is an urgent problem. A large goiter needs to be highlighted both from the perspective of possible complications for the patient, including a decrease in the quality of life and compression syndrome, as well as from the perspective of the complexity of surgical treatment, given the technical complexity of the operation and the high probability of intraoperative and postoperative complications. The article describes a clinical case of a patient admitted to the endocrinology department with a diagnosis of diffuse nodular goiter of the 2nd degree for examination with complaints of a huge deforming formation of the neck contours, difficulty breathing when walking and during sleep. It is known from the anamnesis that the patient has been observed for about 10 years by an endocrinologist with nodular goiter. The patient was repeatedly offered surgical treatment, which he categorically refused. In the Department of endocrinology, the patient underwent a comprehensive examination to assess the condition and function of the thyroid gland, as well as to identify possible complications.

Obstruction of the Tear Drainage Altered Lacrimal Gland Structure and Function.

Orbital glands and drainage conduits are two distinct entities that constitute the lacrimal apparatus system, the malfunction of which leads to a range of ocular surface disorders. Despite the close functional relationship, how the two parts interact under pathophysiological conditions has not been directly tested. The study aims to investigate the lacrimal gland (LG) structural and functional changes upon the drainage system obstruction, thus, testing their function link. Dacryocystectomy was performed in C57BL/6 mice to create a surgical model for tear duct (TD) obstruction (STDOB). Prickle1 mutant line with congenital nasolacrimal duct dysplasia serves as a genetic model for TD obstruction (GTDOB). Alterations of the LG and the ocular surface in tear duct obstruction mice were examined. STDOB and GTDOB mice showed similar ocular surface phenotypes, including epiphora, corneal epithelial defects, and conjunctival goblet cell abnormalities. At the molecular and cellular levels, aberrant secretory vesicle fusion of the LG acinar cells was observed with altered expression and localization of Rab3d, Vamp8, and Snap23, which function in membrane fusion. LG secretion was also altered in that lactoferrin, lipocalin2, and lysozyme expression were increased in both LG and tears. Furthermore, STDOB and GTDOB mice exhibited similar LG transcription profiles. Physical obstruction of tear drainage in STDOB or GTDOB mice leads to LG dysfunction, suggesting a long-distance interaction between the tear drainage conduits and the LG. We propose that various components of the lacrimal apparatus should be considered an integral unit in diagnosing and treating ocular surface diseases.