{"title":"Growth hormone therapy in adults: rationales, results, and perspectives.","authors":"M Riedel, G Brabant, K Rieger, A von zur Mühlen","doi":"10.1055/s-0029-1211292","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1211292","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review outlines the present knowledge of the rationales, clinical aspects, and perspectives of a therapy with recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in adults. In patients with hypopituitarism the effects of rhGH replacement have been extensively studied. Recent clinical trials show that rhGH treatment improves most alterations of body composition and psychological performance, but many of the metabolic actions of GH remain equivocal. Although side effects after short-term administration are usually mild, the risks of severe long-term adverse effects are still uncertain. A supplementation with rhGH is also suggestive in advanced age and obesity, but the clinical results are controversial so far. The anabolic actions of rhGH were exploited in several recent trials including patients who were severely ill, malnourished, on chronic haemodialysis, or on total parenteral nutrition. Although nitrogen-sparing effects of GH have been demonstrated in most cases, the data do not indicate a clinical benefit in terms of reduced mortality, improved outcome, or accelerated recovery. Therefore, recommendations for the use of rhGH do not have any rationale in these patients yet. The efficacy of rhGH in the treatment of reproductive or immunological disorders remains elusive and needs further investigation. In conclusion, the application of rhGH is still an experimental therapy which should be performed under close observation in well-controlled clinical studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12104,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and clinical endocrinology","volume":"102 4","pages":"273-83"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1055/s-0029-1211292","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"18812572","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Aspects of placental estrogen synthesis in the pig.","authors":"J W Knight","doi":"10.1055/s-0029-1211279","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1211279","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Conceptus estrogen synthesis in the pig begins with the d 11 blastocyst and continues throughout pregnancy. Estrogens have been implicated as regulators of numerous in utero events related to conceptus survival and development. Studies conducted in our laboratory indicate that progesterone (P4) production by the porcine placenta increases steadily throughout gestation. Estrone (E1) production is triphasic with peaks between d 14-18, around d 30, and a sustained increase from d 70 until parturition. Addition of pregnenolone (P5) augments in vitro P4 and E1 production by both the placenta and the endometrium. Both estrogen concentrations and the ratio between conjugated and free estrogens change drastically during gestation. Evidence from our laboratory suggests that enhanced and prolonged sulfatase activity by d 90 of gestation, coupled with an increase in sulfatase activity-not a change in aromatase activity-contributes to the rise in free estrogens as parturition approaches. We assessed the relative importance of ovarian versus placental production of P4 as a mediator of prenatal survival, conceptus development, and steroidogenesis by the placenta and endometrium. Among other findings, exogenous administration of the non-aromatizable progestagen medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) to ovariectomized (OVX) gilts between either d 20-30 or d 60-70 of gestation did not adversely affect concepts survival or development, in vivo estrogen measurements, or in vitro placental steroidogenesis. We also demonstrated that pregnancy may also be maintained during d 20-30 and d 60-70 in OVX gilts administered large quantities of P5 exogenously, presumably due to placental P4 production. Recent studies have examined variables of region of the placenta and intrauterine position on conceptus development, and placental and endometrial steroidogenesis under normal and crowded intrauterine conditions. Results indicated 1) a differential release of P4 and E1 by different regions of the placenta at certain days of gestation, 2) no compensatory increase in steroidogenic activity of the pig placenta when total placental mass was reduced, and 3) a less pronounced effect of intrauterine position on steroidogenic activity in the pig compared with other litter-bearing species.</p>","PeriodicalId":12104,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and clinical endocrinology","volume":"102 3","pages":"175-84"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1055/s-0029-1211279","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"18990485","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The horse feto-placental unit.","authors":"E Möstl","doi":"10.1055/s-0029-1211277","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1211277","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the pregnant mare two different groups of oestrogens are produced by the placenta. The precursor of \"classical\" oestrogens (oestrone, oestradiol-17 beta and oestradiol-17 alpha) is dehydroepiandrosterone which originates from the fetal gonads. The ring B unsaturated oestrogens (equilin and equilenin and their derivatives) derive from farnesyl pyrophosphate by a pathway not involving cholesterol.</p>","PeriodicalId":12104,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and clinical endocrinology","volume":"102 3","pages":"166-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1055/s-0029-1211277","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"18989965","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Pituitary function tests: comparison of ACTH and 11-deoxy-cortisol responses in the metyrapone test and with the insulin hypoglycemia test.","authors":"H Steiner, V Bähr, P Exner, P W Oelkers","doi":"10.1055/s-0029-1211262","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1211262","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To compare the sensitivity of ACTH and 11-deoxy-cortisol (comp. S) responses in the short metyrapone test and the latter with the insulin hypoglycemia test.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Retrospective evaluation of 115 short metyrapone tests and comparison of 18 pairs of metyrapone and insulin tests. 20 healthy controls and 95 patients with confirmed pituitary disease were studied. All hormones were measured by sensitive radioimmunoassays.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In patients with pituitary disease not requiring hydrocortisone substitution (n = 70), the ACTH response in the metyrapone test was subnormal in 47 cases (< 33 pmol/L), the comp. S response (< 200 nmol/L) in 21 cases only. Comparison of the relationship between ACTH and comp. S with an ACTH-cortisol dose-response curve obtained in normal subjects shows that subnormal ACTH responses after metyrapone in the range between 13 and 33 pmol/L still generate normal comp. S responses. The results of the metyrapone test correlated significantly with those of the insulin test.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Measuring plasma ACTH in the scope of the metyrapone test makes the test more sensitive to detect secondary adrenal insufficiency than with steroid measurements alone. Results of the metyrapone test correlate significantly with the cortisol response to insulin hypoglycemia.</p>","PeriodicalId":12104,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and clinical endocrinology","volume":"102 1","pages":"33-8"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1055/s-0029-1211262","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"18999679","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A Schmidt, R Einspanier, W Amselgruber, F Sinowatz, D Schams
{"title":"Expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the bovine oviduct during the oestrous cycle.","authors":"A Schmidt, R Einspanier, W Amselgruber, F Sinowatz, D Schams","doi":"10.1055/s-0029-1211305","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1211305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Growth factors are known to take part in the regulation of reproduction. Here we present evidence for the expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the bovine oviduct. Two IGF-1 specific mRNA-transcripts of 1.5 and 4.4 kb were detected during the whole oestrous cycle, and showed increased expression after ovulation. Complete homology to the known IGF-1 sequence was achieved by specific RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) amplification followed by dideoxysequencing of this 210 bp fragment. IGF-1 protein was localized in the secretory cells of the oviduct epithelium using immunohistochemical techniques. We suggest possible effects of IGF-1 during ovulation either on the oviductal cells or on the early embryo.</p>","PeriodicalId":12104,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and clinical endocrinology","volume":"102 5","pages":"364-9"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1055/s-0029-1211305","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"18867042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Thyroid hormone deiodination in target tissues--a regulatory role for the trace element selenium?","authors":"J Köhrle","doi":"10.1055/s-0029-1211267","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1211267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The three isozymes catalyzing deiodination of thyroid hormones and iodothyronines derived thereof exert a major role in tissue- and development-specific expression of thyroid hormone action in target tissues by activating the prohormone T4 to thyromimetically active T3 or by inactivating the prohormone T4 or active T3 in non-target tissues at inappropriate time points. These three isozymes, in cooperation with the enzymes responsible for non-deiodinative degradation of iodothyronines, thus act as \"guardians of the gate\" to nuclear thyroid hormone receptors and other cellular target sites for thyroid hormone action. Strict and distinct hormonal, nutritional and nerval regulation of expression of the deiodinase isozymes warrants a closely coordinated control of thyroid hormone action, which directs growth, differentiation, and basal metabolic functions in the developing and the adult organism both in the periphery and in the central nervous system. The integrative action of this essential homeostatic and dynamic ancient hormone system in higher vertebrates is under the influence of two essential trace elements, iodine and selenium, which both are inadequately available for man and life stock in great parts of the world. As soon as, and only if, iodine supplementation is achieved, attempts to establish adequate selenium supply for thyroid hormone synthesis, activation, metabolism and action should be made, but not the other way around. In this review, the physiological, biochemical and pharmacological properties of the three deiodinase isozymes are discussed in detail, with special attention to the role of selenium in regulation of type I 5'-deiodinase expression. The contribution of each deiodinase izozyme to the activation and inactivation of thyroid hormones in specific tissues is reviewed.</p>","PeriodicalId":12104,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and clinical endocrinology","volume":"102 2","pages":"63-89"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1055/s-0029-1211267","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"19050584","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
V Hesse, G Jahreis, H Schambach, H Vogel, C Vilser, H J Seewald, A Börner, A Deichl
{"title":"Insulin-like growth factor I correlations to changes of the hormonal status in puberty and age.","authors":"V Hesse, G Jahreis, H Schambach, H Vogel, C Vilser, H J Seewald, A Börner, A Deichl","doi":"10.1055/s-0029-1211294","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1211294","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>IGF-I is considered to be one of the most important growth factors during puberty. Information concerning its correlation to thyroid hormones (T3, T4), adrenal and sex steroids is limited to puberty and the elderly. The presented study included 455 subjects (among them 259 children) ranging in age from newborn to 100 years. Serum IGF-I concentrations increase from childhood to the end of puberty (2 years earlier in girls). There are close positive correlations between IGF-I concentrations and age, height and weight and between IGF-I and estradiol or testosterone concentration in girls and boys respectively, and the DHEA-S level in boys during puberty. Correlations also exist with T3, aldosterone and 17 OH-progesterone in boys and girls in the pubertal stages I-V and with T4 in stages I-IV. Compared to 20-30 year-old subjects IGF-I concentrations amounted to 59% after 60 years, 43% in men and 54% in women after 70 years and 29% after 90 years. It is suggested that increasing adrenal DHEA-S concentrations stimulate IGF-I synthesis and by means of gonadal steroidogenesis, increase the pubertal GH secretion and the further pubertal IGF-I increase. The low IGF-I concentrations in patients > 60 years reflect the more catabolic metabolism of the elderly.</p>","PeriodicalId":12104,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and clinical endocrinology","volume":"102 4","pages":"289-98"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1055/s-0029-1211294","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"18812574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Insulin-induced hypoglycemia stimulates gluconeogenesis from 14C-lactate independently of glucagon and adrenaline releases in rats.","authors":"O Mokuda, Y Sakamoto","doi":"10.1055/s-0029-1211303","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1211303","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Correlation between blood glucose, glucagon and adrenaline levels and gluconeogenesis was studied during the recovery from insulin-induced hypoglycemia in rats. Rats, overnight fasted, were intravenously injected with 40 microCi/kg of [U-14C]-lactate and 1 U/kg of porcine insulin under an anesthesia with pentobarbital sodium. Blood samples were drawn via the peripheral vein at 0, 5, 10 and 20 min. Plasma insulin level was 617 +/- 115 microU/ml at 5 min. Plasma glucose level was significantly decreased at 5 min (2.7 +/- 0.3 mM at 5 min v.s. 4.3 +/- 0.2 mM at 0 min, P < 0.01). Plasma glucagon and adrenaline did not significantly respond at 5 min, and then rised. Specific radioactivity of plasma [1-14C]-glucose was significantly higher at 5 and 10 min in the insulin-injected rat than the saline-injected rat (204 +/- 34 v.s. 130 +/- 14 d.p.m./mumol at 5 min, P < 0.01; 275 +/- 32 v.s. 186 +/- 16 d.p.m./mumol at 10 minm P < 0.01). These results suggest that lowering of blood glucose level stimulates gluconeogenesis independently of the release of counter-regulatory hormones in insulin-induced hypoglycemia.</p>","PeriodicalId":12104,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and clinical endocrinology","volume":"102 4","pages":"351-4"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1055/s-0029-1211303","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"18815604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Immune intervention in type I diabetes mellitus--current clinical and experimental approaches.","authors":"H Kolb","doi":"10.1055/s-0029-1211291","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0029-1211291","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Experiments with animal models have proven that intervention protocols avoiding immunosuppressants can effectively prevent immune-mediated diabetes. These new approaches aim at either supporting the defence of islet cells against inflammatory attack or at modulating the type of the immune response to beta cells towards a more benign quality. Another approach is to reduce the exposure to putative diabetogenic dietary factors during infancy. All of the three strategies are presently tried in clinical studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12104,"journal":{"name":"Experimental and clinical endocrinology","volume":"102 4","pages":"269-72"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1994-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1055/s-0029-1211291","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"18812571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}