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Aboregela AM. Approaches based on natural products and miRNAs in pituitary adenomas: unveiling therapeutic intervention. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03347-6. [PMID: 39102032 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03347-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are tumors originating in the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain. They are the most common type of pituitary tumor, affecting approximately 1 in 10 people over their lifetime. Common symptoms include headaches, vision problems, hormonal imbalances, and weight changes. Treatment options depend on the type and size of the adenoma and may consist of medication, surgery, radiation therapy, or a combination. PAs are typically benign and slow-growing, but they can cause significant health issues if left untreated. Proper diagnosis and management by an experienced multidisciplinary team is important for achieving the best outcomes. Natural compounds like celastrol, curcumin, quercetin, apigenin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and genistein have shown the ability to inhibit cell growth, promote cell death, and suppress hormone activity in pituitary tumor cells, suggesting their potential as alternative or complementary treatments for PAs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a kind of tiny RNA molecules that do not code for proteins and have a vital function in controlling gene expression. These 21-23 nucleotide-long molecules regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences in mRNA molecules, leading to mRNA degradation. miRNAs participate in a wide range of biological activities, including apoptosis, metastasis, differentiation, and proliferation. The research indicates that miRNAs play a crucial role in the pathogenesis, therapeutic approaches, diagnosis, and prognosis of PAs. This review article will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current understanding of the efficacy of naturally derived anti-cancer agents in the treatment of PAs. Furthermore, the study provides a comprehensive assessment of the miRNAs in PAs, their role in the development of PAs, and their potential application in the treatment of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Mohamed Aboregela
- Anatomy Department, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, P.O Box 551, Bisha, 61922, Saudi Arabia.
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2
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Detomas M, Deutschbein T, Altieri B. Medical Therapy of Endogenous Cushing's Syndrome with Steroidogenesis Inhibitors: Treatment Rationale, Available Drugs, and Therapeutic Effects. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2024. [PMID: 38688315 DOI: 10.1055/a-2317-0801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Endogenous Cushing's syndrome (CS) is a rare disease characterized by a glucocorticoid excess. If inadequately treated, hypercortisolism can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Surgical removal of the underlying tumor is the first-line treatment but is sometimes not feasible or even contraindicated. Additionally, in cases with severe CS, rapid control of hypercortisolism may be required. In these scenarios, steroidogenesis inhibitors represent a therapeutic alternative to surgery. Over the last years, the knowledge of the broad therapeutic effects of steroidogenesis inhibitors per se and the number of available drugs have increased. However, large comparative studies are still lacking. Accordingly, the decision on which drug to be used in a certain patient or clinical setting may be difficult. This review aims to summarize the main characteristics of steroidogenesis inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Detomas
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Timo Deutschbein
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Medicover Oldenburg MVZ, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Wu W, Xia C, Gan L, Liao S, Yan Y. Etomidate-induced hypokalemia in electronic cigarette users: two case reports and literature review. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1321610. [PMID: 38872965 PMCID: PMC11169611 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1321610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypokalemia is a common clinical condition that can lead to muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, malignant arrhythmias, and even death. This report describes two cases of severe hypokalemia resulting from the use of electronic cigarettes containing etomidate, both accompanied by varying degrees of adrenal hyperplasia. In both cases, the patients were admitted to the hospital with lower limb weakness and difficulty walking. Relevant examinations revealed low blood potassium, low cortisol, high adrenocorticotropic hormone, low renin, and low aldosterone levels in the patients, with Case 2 also having significant hypertension. In both cases, adrenal CT scans showed thickening of the adrenal glands. After the delivery of potassium supplementation in both cases, blood potassium levels gradually returned to normal and muscle strength gradually improved. The case reports are followed by a review of the literature on etomidate and its related mechanisms of action with discussion of its association with hypokalemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchang Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiaogan Hospital Affiliated with Wuhan University of Science and Technology, The Central Hospital of Xiaogan, Xiaogan, Hubei, China
- Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Can Xia
- Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lulu Gan
- Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shibo Liao
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiaogan Hospital Affiliated with Wuhan University of Science and Technology, The Central Hospital of Xiaogan, Xiaogan, Hubei, China
| | - Yimin Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, Xiaogan Hospital Affiliated with Wuhan University of Science and Technology, The Central Hospital of Xiaogan, Xiaogan, Hubei, China
- Medical College, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Ragnarsson O, Juhlin CC, Torpy DJ, Falhammar H. A clinical perspective on ectopic Cushing's syndrome. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:347-360. [PMID: 38143211 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Cushing's syndrome (CS) refers to the clinical features of prolonged pathological glucocorticoid excess. About 10-20% of individuals with CS have ectopic CS (ECS), that is, an adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-producing tumour outside the pituitary gland. ACTH-secreting neuroendocrine neoplasia (NENs) can arise from many organs, although bronchial NEN, small cell lung cancer (SCLC), pancreatic NEN, thymic NEN, medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), and pheochromocytoma are the most common. Patients with ECS frequently present with severe hypercortisolism. The risk of life-threatening complications is high in severe cases, unless the hypercortisolism is effectively treated. A good outcome in ECS requires a methodical approach, incorporating prompt diagnosis, tumour localization, control of cortisol excess, and resection of the primary tumour when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Ragnarsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, SE-413 90 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David J Torpy
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Gadelha M, Gatto F, Wildemberg LE, Fleseriu M. Cushing's syndrome. Lancet 2023; 402:2237-2252. [PMID: 37984386 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(23)01961-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Endogenous Cushing's syndrome results from excess glucocorticoid secretion, which leads to a myriad of clinical manifestations, comorbidities, and increased mortality despite treatment. Molecular mechanisms and genetic alterations associated with different causes of Cushing's syndrome have been described in the last decade. Imaging modalities and biochemical testing have evolved; however, both the diagnosis and management of Cushing's syndrome remain challenging. Surgery is the preferred treatment for all causes, but medical therapy has markedly advanced, with new drug options becoming available. Nevertheless, several comorbidities remain even after patient remission, which can affect quality of life. Accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment are essential for mitigating chronic complications of excess glucocorticoids and improving patient quality of life. In this Seminar, we aim to update several important aspects of diagnosis, complications, and treatment of endogenous Cushing's syndrome of all causes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mônica Gadelha
- Endocrine Unit and Neuroendocrinology Research Center, Medical School and Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Neuroendocrine Unit, Secretaria Estadual de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Secretaria Estadual de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Instituto Estadual do Cérebro Paulo Niemeyer, Secretaria Estadual de Saúde, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| | - Federico Gatto
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Maria Fleseriu
- Pituitary Center, Medicine and Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Martino M, Aboud N, Lucchetti B, Salvio G, Arnaldi G. An evaluation of pharmacological options for Cushing's disease: what are the state-of-the-art options? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2023; 24:557-576. [PMID: 36927238 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2023.2192349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Untreated Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Cortisol normalization is a key goal to treatment. Pituitary surgery remains the first-line approach for Cushing's disease, but sometimes it is impracticable, unsuccessful, or complicated by recurrence. Medical therapy has been historically considered a palliative. However, in the latest years, interest on this topic has grown due to both the availability of new drugs and the reevaluation of the old, commonly used drugs in clinical practice. AREAS COVERED In this article, we will discuss the current options and future directions of medical therapy for CS, aiming at fitting best patients' features. An extensive literature search regarding already approved and investigational principles was conducted (PubMed, ClinicalTrials.gov. Available drugs include inhibitors of ACTH secretion, steroidogenesis inhibitors, and glucocorticoid receptor antagonists; drugs acting at different levels can be also combined in uncontrolled patients. EXPERT OPINION Since there is still no standardized pharmacological approach and the superiority of one drug over another has not been established yet in the absence of comparative studies, each time clinicians' choices should be patient-tailored. Age, gender, tumor features, severity of hypercortisolism, comorbidities/complications, rapidity of action, side effects, drug-drug interactions, contraindications, availability, patients' preferences, and costs should be all considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Martino
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO). Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona, Italy
| | - Nairus Aboud
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO). Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona, Italy
| | - Beatrice Lucchetti
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO). Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Salvio
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO). Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona, Italy
| | - Giorgio Arnaldi
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences (DISCLIMO). Polytechnic University of Marche Ancona, Italy
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Zhang Y, Lin X, Liu F, Shou S, Jin H. Neutrophilia with subclinical Cushing's disease: A case report and literature review. Open Life Sci 2023; 18:20220540. [PMID: 36742456 PMCID: PMC9883691 DOI: 10.1515/biol-2022-0540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The increase in the level of neutrophils following subclinical Cushing's disease is an uncommon clinical phenomenon that is characterized by insignificant biochemical or clinical evidence of hypercortisolism. In this study, we reported a 37-year-old female patient who presented with palpitations and fatigue, and showed increased neutrophils that were unaffected by anti-infection therapy. The patient was suspected of having a urinary tract infection because of occasionally with urinary frequency, urgency, increased procalcitonin, leukocytosis, and an increased proportion of neutrophils. The ineffectiveness of anti-infection therapy ruled out the possibility of urinary tract infection. Further examination of the bone marrow excluded the possibility of blood disease. However, the levels of blood cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) increased, and a magnetic resonance imaging examination revealed lesions in the sphenoidal sinus and sella area of the sphenoidal bone, which confirmed the relationship between increased glucocorticoids and increased neutrophils. This was further confirmed by follow-up surgery and pathological examination, which revealed silent corticotropin adenomas, which are characterized by the lack of biochemical or clinical evidence of hypercortisolism with positive immunostaining for ACTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxi Lin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Songtao Shou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
| | - Heng Jin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, P.R. China
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Gilis-Januszewska A, Bogusławska A, Rzepka E, Ziaja W, Hubalewska-Dydejczyk A. Individualized medical treatment options in Cushing disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1060884. [PMID: 36531477 PMCID: PMC9755355 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1060884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Cushing disease (CD) is caused by a pituitary tumor which oversecretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). It is a serious endocrine disease associated with increased mortality and impaired quality of life. The management of CD remains challenging. Although transsphenoidal surgery is the treatment of choice in most cases, in approximately half of CD patients, second or third-line treatment options are needed. Currently, new medical therapies are available which target adrenal steroidogenesis, pituitary somatostatin and dopamine receptors, and glucocorticoid receptors. Selection of which medication to use should be individualized and is determined by many factors including severity of the disease, possible side effects, patients preferences and local availability. The aim of this article is to describe currently available medical therapy to help clinicians individualize the treatment options in the context of recently updated Pituitary Society recommendations.
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Pitsava G, Maria AG, Faucz FR. Disorders of the adrenal cortex: Genetic and molecular aspects. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:931389. [PMID: 36105398 PMCID: PMC9465606 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.931389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids and adrenal androgens which are essential for life, supporting balance, immune response and sexual maturation. Adrenocortical tumors and hyperplasias are a heterogenous group of adrenal disorders and they can be either sporadic or familial. Adrenocortical cancer is a rare and aggressive malignancy, and it is associated with poor prognosis. With the advance of next-generation sequencing technologies and improvement of genomic data analysis over the past decade, various genetic defects, either from germline or somatic origin, have been unraveled, improving diagnosis and treatment of numerous genetic disorders, including adrenocortical diseases. This review gives an overview of disorders associated with the adrenal cortex, the genetic factors of these disorders and their molecular implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pitsava
- Division of Intramural Research, Division of Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, United States
| | - Andrea G. Maria
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, United States
| | - Fabio R. Faucz
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, United States
- Molecular Genomics Core (MGC), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Fabio R. Faucz,
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