ESPE Yearbook of Paediatric Endocrinology

To read the full abstract: Obesity 2018;26(4):776-781Here, Twig et al. shed light on an important, but not well investigated facet of the complex, multi-organ system chronic disease simply termed ‘obesity’. Using the large statistical power of this impressive, nation-wide database, the authors demonstrate high hazard ratios for obesity-related kidney mortality in a relatively young cohort...

To read the full abstract: Lancet 2017;390:510-520It is well recognized that reproductive traits have major relevance to reproductive ‘fitness’ and are therefore among the most highly targeted by natural selection. Evolutionary theory argues that investment in reproduction requires trade-offs in other traits, which are likely to be disadvantageous for other vital functions, an...

Brief summary: This study further explores the sex differences in autoimmune regulation and the control of normal inflammatory responses, and also helps us understand why there are sex differences in the aetiology of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It demonstrates the changes that occur in cisgender pubertal development on the T regulatory cell (Treg), B cell and monocyte population, and using samples from transgender adolescents undergoing GnRH...

Brief summary: Genome-wide small hairpin RNA screening revealed a specialized role for the protein phospholipase D6 (PLD6) located at and highly expressed in the outer mitochondrial membrane of cells in steroidogenic organs. Here PLD6 promotes the entrance of LDL/LDLR complex into the mitochondria where LDL-carried cholesterol is released for steroid hormone biosynthesis.Thereby the mitochondrial redox-sensitive CISD2 protein was found to support the trafficking of the LDL/LDL...

Brief Summary: This study uses a combination of proteomics and murine transgenics to identify the role of Kisspeptin signalling in astrocytes and how it impacts the reproductive axis.Kisspeptin, a neuropeptide, is essential for regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which controls reproduction by acting on GnRH neurons. While most studies have focused on GnRH neurons as the primary mediators of kisspeptin signalling and function, this ...

Brief Summary:This study used single-cell RNA-seq and murine transgenic models combined with elegant cell lineage tracing to characterise the gene expression profiles and trajectories of pituitary thyrotropes. It identifies a novel population of pituitary thyrotropes that co-express Nr5a1 (Sf1) and Pouf1 (Pit1) and a novel developmental trajectory for a subpopulation of Nr5a1-derived thyrotropes.Classical studies on pituitary cell lineages and cell diffe...

Brief Summary: This comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis provides crucial insights into the prevalence and diagnostic challenges of central diabetes insipidus (CDI), vasopressin deficiency (AVP-D), following transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) for pituitary tumours.Despite advances in pituitary surgery techniques, posterior pituitary dysfunction remains a common and challenging complication in immediate post-operative management (1). AVP-D is the ...

Brief Summary: This case series describes the effect of recombinant human IGF-1 (rhIGF-1) administration on growth of three siblings with STAT5B homozygous recessive mutations.The peripheral effects of GH are primarily mediated by IGF-I through the activation of the GH receptor (GHR)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-5B signaling. Patients carrying STAT5B mutations have severe postnatal growth failure and IGF-I deficiency a...

Brief Summary: This study examined the potential benefits of Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker traditionally used to treat hypertension, in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). It shows that Verapamil can prevent the decline of Insulin-like Growth Factor I (IGF-I) levels, which are crucial for β-cell survival and insulin production. Moreover, Verapamil reduced the expression of IGF-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), enhancing IGF-I signaling and protecting β-cells from apoptosis. Henc...

Brief Summary: This brief and concise Consensus statement by the French Society of Endocrinology (SFE) and French Society of Pediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology (SFEDP), describes a systematic review and provides recommendations for the use of genetic screening in Cushing’s syndrome (CS).Comment: The etiology of CS may involve both germline genetic alterations (detectable in leukocyte DNA) and somatic mutations (present only in tumor DNA). Two...