Journal of endocrinological investigation
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J. Endocrinol. Invest. · Jul 2015
ReviewMechanistic approach to the pathophysiology of target organ damage in hypertension from studies in a human model with characteristics opposite to hypertension: Bartter's and Gitelman's syndromes.
Extensive studies using Bartter's/Gitelman's syndrome patients have provided insights into the angiotensin II (Ang II) signaling pathways involved in the regulation of vascular tone and cardiovascular-renal remodeling. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is activated in these syndromes, however, patients do not develop hypertension and cardiovascular remodeling and clinically manifest conditions opposite to hypertension. The short- and the long-term signaling of Ang II remains an important matter of investigation to shed light on mechanisms responsible for the pathophysiology of hypertension and its long-term complications. The long-term signaling of Ang II is involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular-renal remodeling and inflammatory responses in which the balance between RhoA/Rho kinase pathway and NO system plays a crucial role. ⋯ The information obtained from these studies can clarify, confirm or be used to extend the biochemical mechanisms responsible for the pathophysiology of hypertension and its long-term complications and could offer further chances to identify additional potential significant targets of therapy.
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J. Endocrinol. Invest. · Nov 2014
ReviewAn update on the medical treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism.
Medical treatment of Graves' hyperthyroidism is based on the use of thionamides; namely, methimazole and propylthiouracil. In the past, methimazole was preferred by European endocrinologists, whereas propylthiouracil was the first choice for the majority of their North American colleagues. ⋯ Other possible medical treatments, include iodine and compounds containing iodine, perchlorate, lithium (as an adjuvant in patients undergoing radioiodine therapy), β-adrenergic antagonists, glucocorticoids, and some new molecules still under investigation. Management of Graves' hyperthyroidism using thionamides as well as the other available medical treatments is here reviewed in detail, with a special mention of situations such as pregnancy and lactation, as well as neonatal and fetal thyrotoxicosis.
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J. Endocrinol. Invest. · Aug 2014
ReviewExtrathyroidal manifestations of Graves' disease: a 2014 update.
Graves' orbitopathy (GO), thyroid dermopathy (also called pretibial myxedema) and acropachy are the extrathyroidal manifestations of Graves' disease. They occur in 25, 1.5, and 0.3 % of Graves' patients, respectively. Thus, GO is the main and most common extrathyroidal manifestation. Dermopathy is usually present if the patient is also affected with GO. The very rare acropachy occurs only in patients who also have dermopathy. GO and dermopathy have an autoimmune origin and are probably triggered by autoimmunity to the TSH receptor and, likely, the IGF-1 receptor. Both GO and dermopathy may be mild to severe. ⋯ Novel treatments are presently being investigated for GO, and particular attention is paid to the use of rituximab. It is unknown whether novel treatments for GO might be useful for the other extrathyroidal manifestations. Future novel therapies shown to be beneficial for GO in randomized studies may be empirically used for dermopathy and acropachy.
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J. Endocrinol. Invest. · Mar 2014
ReviewThe effect of zoledronic acid on the fracture risk in men with osteoporosis.
Prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized studies on osteoporosis treatment with bisphosphonates in men are rare. This review focuses on a recent trial and compares the results with other studies. ⋯ Comparative clinical studies are recommended, where the benefits of different bisphosphonates are compared to each other under the same experimental conditions.