The pathogenesis of insulin resistance is a complex and still intensively studied issue. Endocrine and paracrine activity of the adipose tissue together with mi- tochondrial dysfunction are the most discussed potential factors included in the development of insulin resistance. In the first part of our study we examined the involvement of the adipose tissue and its secretory products in the etiopathogenesis of insulin resistance in patients with Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly and simple obesity. We focused on three important regulators of metabolic homeostasis - fibroblast growth factors 21 and 19 (FGF-21 and FGF-19) and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (FABP-4). We found significantly elevated circulating levels of FGF-21 and FABP-4 ac- companying insulin resistance in both patients with simple obesity and patients with obesity connected to Cushing's syndrome, as compared to healthy controls. The concentrations of both substances were comparable between hypercortisolic and obese patients. This finding together with the absence of correlation be- tween the levels of FGF-21 resp. FABP-4 and cortisol suggest that the reason for elevation of their concentrations is obesity and its metabolic consequences themselves rather then the effect of hypercortisolism on FGF-21 and FABP-4 production. We found no...

INTRODUÇÃO: Os adenomas hipofisários são neoplasias benignas que representam cerca de 15% das neoplasias intracranianas. Em sua maioria ocorre de forma esporádica. Estudos moleculares desses adenomas identificaram anormalidades genéticas que podem ter um papel na sua tumorigênese. Dentre alguns desses genes foram descritos os oncogenes GNAS e PTTG e os genes supressores tumorais AIP, CDKN1B e MEG3. OBJETIVO: realizar estudo molecular dos genes associados a tumorigênese através da pesquisa de mutações nos genes GNAS, AIP e CDKN1B e o estudo de expressão gênica de CDKN1B, PTTG e MEG3 em adenomas aparentemente esporádicos, correlacionando com os dados clínicos e laboratoriais, em pacientes acompanhados no serviço de Endocrinologia do HCFMUSP. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Compreendeu 96 adenomas hipofisários aparentemente esporádicos: 41 somatotropinomas, 27 corticotropinomas, 21 adenomas clinicamente não funcionantes (ACNF) e 7 prolactinomas. Foi realizada avaliação restrospectiva dos dados clínicos e laboratoriais ao diagnóstico. Após a análise histológica por hematoxilinaeosina, foi realizada análise imunohistoquímica das proteínas Ki-67 e p53 e molecular do DNA genômico e RNA, extraídos do tecido tumoral. Análise mutacional das regiões codificantes de AIP e CDKN1B e dos hotspots de GNAS nos éxons 8 e 9 foi realizada através de amplificação por PCR e sequenciamento automático. A quantificação relativa do RNAm de CDKN1B, MEG3 e PTTG foi avaliada pelo método de 2-??Ct por PCR em tempo real. RESULTADOS: Presença de mutações somáticas no gene GNAS (gsp+) em 14,5% dos adenomas. Não houve diferenças significativas clínicas e laboratoriais entre os adenomas gsp+ e gsp-. Variantes com potencial patogênico não foram identificadas nos genes AIP e CDKN1B. A análise imunohistoquímica do Ki-67 apresentou média de 1,32% (0,9-4,5) e do p53 média de 1,04 (1,0-1,8). O gene CDKN1B apresentou expressão média de ,12 ± 0,74 (0,1-3,1), com expressão mais baixa nos corticotropinomas. O gene PTTG apresentou expressão média de 2,49 ± 3,10 (0,2-19,0), com maior expressão nos corticotropinomas. O gene MEG3 apresentou expressão média de 0,95 ± 1,38 (0,0-8,8), com valores mais baixos nos ACNF. Três padrões de cluster nos níveis de expressão de RNAm dos genes CDKN1B, PTTG e MEG3 foram identificados: cluster A = CDKN1B >= 1,85/ PTTG >= 1,25/ MEG3 >= 0,65 foi observado em 100% dos corticotropinomas; cluster B= CDKN1B >= 0,95/ PTTG >= 2,25/ MEG3 >= 0,65 observado apenas nos somatotropinomas (32%) e o cluster C= CDKN1B >= 0,95/ PTTG >= 1,25/ MEG3 >= 0,05 observado na maioria dos ACNF (73%). CONCLUSÕES: A maioria dos adenomas apresentaram índices de Ki-67 menor do que 3%. Em conformidade com este achado, a imunohistoquímica para p53 não se mostrou estatisticamente significativa. A mutação ativadora na proteína Gs? (gsp+) foi a mutação mais frequente em adenomas hipofisários esporádicos, principalmente em somatotropinomas. Não foram identificadas variantes com potencial patogênico nos genes AIP e CDKN1B, portanto, parece ser um evento raro em adenomas esporádicos. A expressão gênica aumentada do gene PTTG foi identificada principalmente nos corticotropinomas. No entanto, ela não foi preditiva de subtipo de adenoma. A expressão gênica do CDKN1B estava diminuída na maioria dos corticotropinomas e normal na maioria dos somatotropinomas e ACNF. A expressão gênica do MEG3 estava diminuída na maioria dos adenomas ACNF e corticotropinomas e normal na maioria dos somatotropinomas. Na análise de cluster hierárquico, foram identificados três padrões de expressão gênica que se correlacionaram com subtipo de adenoma hipofisário / BACKGROUND: Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors that account for about 15% of intracranial tumors. Mostly occurs sporadically. Molecular studies of these adenomas identified genetic abnormalities that may have a role in tumorigenesis. Some of these genes have been described as the oncogenes GNAS and PTTG and tumor suppressor genes AIP, CDKN1B and MEG3. OBJECTIVE: perform a molecular study of genes related in tumorigenesis to evaluate presence of mutations in GNAS, AIP and CDKN1B genes and gene expression analysis of CDKN1B, PTTG and MEG3 genes in apparently sporadic adenomas, correlating with the clinical and laboratory data from patients treated at the Endocrinology service of HCFMUSP.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 96 apparently sporadic adenomas was included: 41 somatotropinomas, 27 corticotropinomas, 21 clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) and seven prolactinomas. Retrospective evaluation of clinical and laboratory data from diagnosis. After histological analysis by hematoxylin-eosin staining, it was performed immunohistochemical analysis of Ki -67 and p53 proteins and molecular analysis of genomic DNA and RNA extracted from tumor tissue. Mutational analysis of coding regions of AIP and CDKN1B and hotspots exons 8 and 9 of GNAS was performed by PCR and automatic sequencing. Relative quantification of mRNA CDKN1B, MEG3 and PTTG was evaluated by 2-??Ct method using Real Time PCR. RESULTS: Presence of somatic mutations on GNAS gene (gsp+) in 14,5% of pituitary adenomas. There were no clinical and laboratorial differences between gsp+ and gsp- somatotropinomas. Variants with pathogenic potencial were not identified in AIP and CDKN1B genes. Imunohistochemical analysis showed mean of 1,32% (0,9-4,5) for Ki-67 and mean of 1,04% (1,0-1,8) for p53. Gene expression of CDKN1B presented a mean of 1,12 ± 0,74 (0,1-3,1) with lower expression in corticotropinomas. Gene expression of PTTG presented a mean of 2,49 ± 3,10 (0,2-19,0) with higher expression in corticotropinomas. Gene expression of MEG3 presented a mean of 0,95 ± 1,38 (0,0-8,8) with lower expression in NFPA. Three cluster patterns in the levels of mRNA expression of genes CDKN1B, PTTG and MEG3 were identified: cluster A = CDKN1B >= 1,85/ PTTG >= 1,25/ MEG3 >= 0,65 observed in 100% of corticotropinomas; cluster B= CDKN1B >= 0,95/ PTTG >= 2,25/ MEG3 >= 0,65 observed only in somatotropinomas (32%) and cluster C= CDKN1B >= 0,95/ PTTG >= 1,25/ MEG3 >= 0,05 observed in most of NFPA (73%). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the adenomas showed Ki -67 index lower than 3%. In accordance with this finding, immunohistochemistry for p53 was not statistically significant. The activating mutation in the Gs? protein (gsp+) was the most common mutation in sporadic pituitary adenomas, particularly in somatotropinomas. Variants with pathogenic potential have not been identified in the AIP and CDKN1B gene therefore seems to be a rare event in sporadic adenomas. Increased gene expression of PTTG was primarily identified in corticotropinomas. However, it was not predictive of adenoma subtype. The gene expression of CDKN1B was decreased in most corticotropinomas and normal in most somatotropinomas and NFPA. The gene expression of MEG3 was decreased in most of NFPA and corticotropinomas, and normal in most somatotropinomas. In hierarchical cluster analysis was identified three patterns of gene expression that correlated with pituitary adenoma subtype

A síndrome de Noonan (SN), caracterizada por baixa estatura, aspectos dismórficos e cardiopatia congênita, foi associada ao gene PTPN11. Estudamos o PTPN11 em pacientes com SN, pais de portadores de mutação e crianças com baixa estatura idiopática (BEI) que apresentam estigmas sugestivos da SN, sem critérios suficientes para o diagnóstico. Encontramos mutações missense em heterozigoze no PTPN11 em 42,3% dos pacientes com SN. Não identificamos alterações nos pais de portadores de mutação no PTPN11 com fenótipo normal tampouco em crianças com BEI. A única diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos com e sem mutação foi a resposta em longo prazo ao hGH, melhor no grupo sem mutação / Noonan syndrome (NS), characterized by short stature, dysmorphic facial and thoracic features and congenital heart disease, was associated to PTPN11 gene. We studied the PTPN11 in patients with NS, parents of mutation-positive NS patients and idiopathic short stature children with signs related to NS without fulfilling the diagnostic criteria. We found missense mutations in 42.3% of the NS group. Parents of NS mutation-positive patients did not present mutations, nor did children with short stature. The only statistically significant difference between groups with and without mutations was response to long term use of hGH, better on the mutation-negative group

Sabe-se que o hipotireoidismo (Hipo) resulta em supressão do eixo hormônio de crescimento (GH)/ insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) e em atraso no desenvolvimento esquelético. Em um estudo anterior, vimos que o tratamento de ratas jovens Hipo com GC-1, um análogo da triiodotironina (T3) seletivo pela isoforma <font face=\"symbol\">b de receptor de hormônio tireoideano (TR<font face=\"symbol\">b), não teve efeito sobre o IGF-I sérico ou sobre a expressão protéica de IGF-I nas lâminas epifisiais, mas parcialmente reverteu alterações esqueléticas decorrentes do Hipo, o que sugere que: (i) o desenvolvimento esquelético requer ações do T3 mediadas pelo TR<font face=\"symbol\">a1 e TR<font face=\"symbol\">b1 (isoformas de TR expressas no osso); ou (ii) requer interações entre o eixo GH/IGF-I e o hormônio tireoideano. Neste estudo, investigamos essas hipóteses tratando ratas recém desmamadas Hipo com T3 ou GC-1 em associação ou não com o GH por 4 semanas. Os nossos achados mostram que o T3 e GH interagem para promover o desenvolvimento ósseo, mas que uma série de efeitos do T3 nesse processo independe do eixo GH/IGF-I e são mediadas pelo TR<font face=\"symbol\">a e/ou TR<font face=\"symbol\">b. / Thyroid hormone (TH) has important effects on bone development and metabolism. It is known that triiodotyronine (T3) has indirect actions in the skeleton through its influence on the production and secretion of growth hormone (GH)/ insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) and/or other factors. On the other hand, direct actions of T3 on bone are recognized but not yet clear. Most of T3 action is mediaded by its nuclear receptors (TRs). TR<font face=\"symbol\">a1, TR<font face=\"symbol\">b1 e TR<font face=\"symbol\">b2 bind T3, while TR<font face=\"symbol\">a2 does not bind T3 and acts as an antagonist of genic transcription of TR<font face=\"symbol\">a1 and TR<font face=\"symbol\">b1. All these receptors, except TR<font face=\"symbol\">b2, are expressed in chondrocytes of growth plate, osteoblasts and osteoclastos. However, the functional roles of each TR isoformas in the bone development are incompletely understood. A few years, it is development GC-1, a synthetic analog of T3 which is selectivwe for TR<font face=\"symbol\">b1 over TR<font face=\"symbol\">a1. In recent study, we showed that treatment of hypothyroid young rats with T3 revert the IGF-I deficiency and skeleton defects caused by hypothyroidism. Since GC-1 treatment does not effects on serum levels of IGF-I or protein expression of IGF-I in the growth plate, but revert some bone alterations induced by T3 deficiency. Considering the selectivity of GC-1 for TR<font face=\"symbol\">b, these findings suggest that T3 has effects on bone development that are mediated by TR<font face=\"symbol\">b and independent of GH/IGF-I axis. On the other hand, the inability of GC-1 in completely revert the alterations of bone development suggests that the normal skeleton development require (i) T3 actions mediated by TR<font face=\"symbol\">a1 and TR<font face=\"symbol\">b1, or (ii) synergic or additive actions between GH/IGF-I axis and thyroid hormone. To investigate these hypotheses, 21 day-old hypothyroid female rats were treated with T3 or GC-1 in association or not with GH for 4 weeks. Our findings show that T3 interacts with GH to promote body growth, differentiation of growth plate hypertrofic chondrocytes, intramembranous ossification of cranial bone, and increased of bone resistance and other biomechanics parameters that contribute to the best bone quality. On the other hand, ours results suggest strongly that TH acts in bone mass acquisition, in organization of growth plate chondrocytes and endocondral ossification mainly independent of GH/IGF-I axis and via TR<font face=\"symbol\">a and/or TR<font face=\"symbol\">b.

A deficiência de hormônio de crescimento (DGH) é a deficiência mais comum entre os hormônios pituitários. A terapia utilizada atualmente consiste de injeções diárias de hormônio de crescimento humano recombinante (r-hGH), entretanto esta terapia apresenta alguns inconvenientes, como a necessidade de frequentes injeções de r-hGH durante um longo período de vida, dependendo da severidade da deficiência, e o alto custo do hormônio, em razão dos dispendiosos processos de purificação. Uma alternativa ao tratamento padrão seria aquele no qual fossem evitados estes tipos de inconvenientes e o processo de liberação da proteína fosse sustentável, por um longo período e promovesse níveis normais e sustentáveis do fator de crescimento semelhante à insulina I (IGF-I), o principal mediador dos efeitos do GH. Uma alternativa é a terapia gênica in vivo, baseada na administração de DNA plasmidial em diversos órgãos/tecidos, seguida de eletroporação. É considerada uma metodologia bastante promissora e que tem sido alvo de vários estudos para diversos tipos de deficiências sistêmicas. Neste trabalho foram realizadas diversas administrações de um plasmídeo contendo o gene do hormônio de crescimento humano, nos músculos quadríceps exposto ou tibial anterior sem exposição, seguidas de eletroporação, em camundongos anões e imunodeficientes (lit/scid) com 40-80 dias de idade, na tentativa de obter uma correção fenotípica do nanismo, mediante a avaliação de parâmetros de crescimento. A administração deste plasmídeo no músculo tibial anterior, em camundongos com a idade inicial de 40 dias, foi capaz de proporcionar uma normalização dos níveis de mIGF-I, quando comparados aos dos camundongos não-deficientes de GH. Além disso, foram obtidos valores de catch-up dos parâmetros de crescimento longitudinal de 36-77%. Visando uma maior eficiência na expressão de GH, foram construídos plasmídeos parentais, e a partir destes, foram produzidos minicírculos de DNA com os promotores do CMV e Ubiquitina C e com os cDNAs de hGH e mGH. Estes minicírculos de DNA foram transfectados em células HEK 293 e foram até 2 vezes mais eficientes em relação aos plasmídeos convencionais com o promotor do CMV. Estes dados são bastantes promissores e abrem caminho para ensaios mais eficientes, utilizando este tipo de protocolo de terapia gênica para a DGH, visando uma normalização de todos os parâmetros de crescimento. / The human growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is the most common deficiency related to pituitary hormones. The current therapy is based on daily injections of recombinant human growth hormone (r-hGH). This therapy, however, presents some disadvantages, as the need for frequent injections of r-hGH during a long life time, depending on the deficiency severity and the high cost of this hormone, due to the expensive purification processes. An alternative to the standard treatment should be to avoid these inconveniences via a sustainable hormone release, acting for a long time and providing normal and sustainable levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I). A possible alternative is in vivo gene therapy, based on the administration of plasmid DNA in several organs/tissues, followed by electroporation. This methodology is considered very promising and has been the target of many different studies for several types of systemic deficiencies. In the present work several administrations of a plasmid containing the human growth hormone gene were carried out, in the exposed quadriceps or non-exposed tibialis cranialis muscle, followed by electroporation, using immunodeficient dwarf mice 40-80 days old. The goal was to obtain a phenotypic correction of dwarfism, through the evaluation of different growth parameters. The administration of this plasmid, in the tibialis cranialis muscle of 40 day old mice, was able to provide a normalization of mIGF-I levels, when compared to non GHD mice. Furthermore, catch-up increases of longitudinal growth parameters of 36-77% were obtained. Aiming a high efficiency on GH expression, parental plasmids were constructed and from these DNA minicircles were generated with CMV and Ubiquitin C promoter and hGH or mGH cDNA sequences. These DNA minicircles were transfected into HEK 293 cells and were even 2 times moren efficient than conventional plasmids with CMV promoter. This data are very promising and pave the way for more efficient assays utilizing this type of gene therapy protocol for GHD, aiming at a normalization of all growth parameters.

A acromegalia é doença insidiosa e desfigurante caracterizada por um crescimento desproporcional dos ossos das mãos, pés e do crânio devido à exposição crônica a altos níveis de hormônio de crescimento (GH) e de seu efetor insuline growth factor 1 (IGF-1). Trata-se de uma doença rara, com incidência estimada de 3-4 casos por milhão, com prevalência de aproximadamente 50 casos por milhão de pessoas. A principal causa da acromegalia é a presença de um tumor hipofisário secretor de GH (somatotropinoma). Caso o somatotropinoma ocorra durante a infância ou adolescência, antes do fechamento das epífises dos ossos longos, a criança crescerá longitudinalmente de forma descontrolada, caracterizando a forma clínica gigantismo. Na grande maioria dos casos a acromegalia se apresenta na forma esporádica, entretanto casos familiais da doença podem ocorrer associados à Neoplasia Endócrina Múltipla tipo 1 (NEM-1), ao complexo de Carney (CNC) e à acromegalia familial isolada (IFS). Os genes responsáveis pela NEM-1 (MEN1) e CNC (PRKAR1A) foram clonados há mais 10 anos, entretanto etiologia molecular da IFS permaneceu desconhecida até recentemente. Vierimaa et al. (2006) combinaram estudos de ligação por análise de polimorfismos e estudos de expressão gênica e identificaram mutações no gene AIP em famílias com acromegalia não-NEM-1 e não-CNC; além de perda de heterozigose (LOH) nos somatotropinomas dos pacientes com mutação AIP. No presente estudo, investigamos o gene AIP em três famílias brasileiras com IFS e em seus tumores (hipofisários e não-hipofisários). Descrevemos uma nova mutação AIP (Y268X) em uma família brasileira com IFS, confirmando o papel desse novo gene na predisposição a tumores hipofisários. A partir de dados gerados em uma extensa revisão da literatura, sugerimos que os tumores hipofisários familiais isolados são doenças multigênicas que possuiriam um gene principal, mas que sofreriam influência de outros genes/loci ainda pouco caracterizados. Assim, investigamos também o envolvimento de diversos genes/loci candidatos (SSTR2, SSTR5, CDKN1B, AHR, PRKAR1A, PTTG, PROP1, MEG3, RB1 e 2p16) como possíveis moduladores do fenótipo na IFS. Nossos dados sugerem que além da mutação AIP, há necessidade da co-segregação de marcadores localizados em regiões com potencial oncogênico para o desenvolvimento da doença hipofisária. Também apresentamos nesta Tese as primeiras análises de tumores nãohipofisários em pacientes com mutação AIP e encontramos evidências do possível envolvimento de AIP na tumorigênese de um carcinoma funcionante do córtex adrenal de paciente com IFS. / Acromegaly is a rare disfigurating and insidious disease characterized by enlargement of hands, feet and skull bones due to excess of growth hormone (GH) secreted by a pituitary tumor (somatotropinoma). The majority of the cases with acromegaly is sporadic, however it may occur in association with inherited disorders as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), Carney complex (CNC) and Isolated Familial Somatotropinoma (IFS). The genes associated with MEN1 syndrome (MEN1) and CNC (PRKAR1A) have been described more than a decade ago, however until very recently the molecular etiology of IFS remained unknown. Using a combined strategy of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and gene expression analysis, Vierimaa et al. (2006) described mutations in the AIP gene occurring in families with acromegaly not associated with MEN1 and CNC. In the current study, we investigated three Brazilian families with IFS and were able to describe two germline mutations in the AIP gene, confirming the role of this new gene in the predisposition to familial somatotropinoma. We revised the literature of genetic studies of isolated pituitary adenoma syndromes, which indicated a genetic heterogeneity as well as possible multigenic inheritance for these diseases. Thus, we investigated the role of several genes/loci (SSTR2, SSTR5, CDKN1B, AHR, PRKAR1A, PTTG, PROP1, MEG3, RB1 and 2p16) selected as potentially acting as phenotypic modulators in IFS. Our data indicate that AIP-mutated patients are prone to pituitary disease, however it is necessary the co-segregation of markers located at oncogenic regions to the development of the pituitary tumors and manifestation of the disease. Herein, we also present the first somatic analysis of non-pituitary tumors of AIP-mutated patients. A potential role of AIP, which is implicated in the cAMP pathway, could not be excluded in the development of an adrenocortical carcinoma.

The metabolic hormones ghrelin, growth hormone, and insulin-like growth factor I are influenced by developmental age, sex, and nutritional status in domestic and free-ranging species. However the role these hormones play has not previously been explored in sub-tropical/ tropical mammals. Furthermore, the seasonality of species with less dynamic environmental cues, such as the West Indian manatee, have not been studied. The West Indian manatee is and endangered species distributed in the southeastern United States and throughout the Caribbean basin, and its nutritional physiology is influenced by environmental factors. Understanding the hormone response to nutritional status in this species and its seasonality will enhance our knowledge of the links between season, nutrition, and life history. The purpose of this research is to understand the biology and seasonal patterns of metabolic hormones in free-ranging manatees which will allow us to assess the nutritional status of wild populations. The research objectives include validation assays to accurately quantify hormone concentrations in manatees. Hormones were quantified in manatee serum using heterologous radioimmunoassay. Hormones were then evaluated between summer, fall, and winter and compared to body composition. Developmental patterns were also assessed. Lastly, hormones were examined between Florida and Antillean manatee populations. Manatees exhibited differences in GH, IGF-I, and body composition demonstrating seasonality similar to other species. Manatees exhibited differences between age classes suggesting decreased growth rate as the animals age. Differences were detected between populations. This research suggests that ghrelin, GH, and IGF-I can be used to indicate nutritional status and detect seasonality and developmental age in the manatee. This could prove to be a valuable tool in rehabilitation facilities and during captures and health assessments to provide better veterinary care and further improve overall health and body condition to better manage the survival of the species.

The present research has the objective to determinate the seric PCR concentrations in the monogenic isolated deficiency of the growth hormone (DIGH), test the hypothesis that DIGH is associated to the exacerbation of the inflammatory profile, identify the PCR elevation predictors, and evaluate the existence of an association between PCR and premature atherosclerosis. The growth hormone (GH) has as its main function the post-natal longitudinal growth; it interferes in the bone apposition, muscle mass growth, opposes to the action of insulin in the carbohydrates and lipids metabolism, and, in the cardiovascular system, helps the vascular and myocardial remodeling. IGF-I, GH primary mediator, plays a fundamental role in the growth regulation, cellular apoptosis and differentiation. The GH/IGF-I axis acts in the resistance to insulin and phenotypical expression of cardiovascular risk factors, associated to metabolic syndrome. IGF-I avoids the endothelial dysfunction, causes the increase of sensitivity to insulin, and avoids post-prandial dyslipidemia, besides presenting anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. The decrease of IGF-I is associated to premature atherosclerosis and high cardiovascular risk. IGF-I role is controversial and its increase is related to the premature atherosclerosis in carotids. The deficiency of GH is associated to the increase of cardiovascular and brain vascular mortality. The inflammation plays an essential role in the atherosclerosis physiopathology from its initial phase up to atherotrombotic events in acute coronary syndromes. C - reactive protein, acute phase reagent of the inflammation, is produced by the liver, due mainly to the interleukin-6 stimulus. As a predictor and a mediator of atherosclerosis, among all circulating inflammatory markers, it is the most stable, the most studied and the one which presented the most constant relationship to future cardiovascular risk in various clinical situations, including asymptomatic individuals. In Itabaininha, Sergipe state we described a population with DIGH, with extremely low levels of IGF-I, high LDL-c and systolic arterial pressure and central obesity, a cluster of risk factors, highly susceptible to atherosclerosis ideal to this research. From this population, eighteen individuals were studied, eight male and ten female, with an average age of 45, compared to a control group composed of twenty individuals of the same region. After the clinical and metabolic characteristics were analyzed, the most relevant results were: PCR showed a meaningful difference between the groups (4,9 mg/l (4,7) vs 1,4 mg/l (2,2)); and IGF-I extremely low (1,0 ng/ml (1,0) vs 164,0 ng/ml (135,0)). The group predicts that PCR is independent from the other metabolic variables (R² = 0, 42), and that IGF-I is the main responsible for the increase of PCR in the DIGH. No association between PCR and the intimatemedia thickness of the carotids could be observed. Conclusion: it was demonstrated that the DIGH present high levels of PCR when compared to the control group; the variable group predicts this variation and IGF-I is the main responsible for the PCR variability. High PCR is not associated to premature atherosclerosis in this high risk differentiated group. / Esta pesquisa demonstra de forma original o grau de inflamação relacionado à deficiência isolada monogênica do hormônio de crescimento (DIGH) através da determinação das concentrações plasmáticas da proteína C reativa (PCR), testa a hipótese de a DIGH estar associada à exacerbação do perfil inflamatório, identifica os preditores da elevação da PCR e avalia a associação de inflamação com aterosclerose precoce. O hormônio de crescimento (GH) tem como função principal, o crescimento longitudinal pós-natal; interfere na aposição óssea, crescimento da massa muscular, opõe-se à ação da insulina no metabolismo dos carboidratos e lipídios e, no aparelho cardiovascular, atua no remodelamento miocárdico e vascular. A sua deficiência está associada ao aumento de mortalidade por doenças cardio e cérebro vasculares. O IGF-I, mediador primário do GH, desempenha papel fundamental na regulação do crescimento, diferenciação e apoptose celular. O eixo GH/IGF-I interfere quanto à resistência à insulina e na expressão fenotípica dos fatores de risco cardiovasculares, associados à síndrome metabólica. O IGF-I evita a disfunção endotelial, promove o aumento da sensibilidade à insulina previne a dislipidemia pós-prandial, além de possuir atividade anti-inflamatória e antiapoptótica. A diminuição do IGF-I está associada à aterosclerose prematura e elevado risco cardiovascular. O papel do IGF-I é controverso e o seu aumento está associado ao aparecimento precoce de aterosclerose em carótidas. A inflamação exerce papel fundamental na fisiopatologia da aterosclerose. A PCR, reagente de fase aguda da inflamação é produzida pelo fígado, em decorrência principalmente do estímulo da interleucina-6. Entre os marcadores inflamatórios circulantes, é a mais estável, a mais estudada e a que apresentou relação mais constante com o risco cardiovascular futuro em diversas situações clínicas, incluindo indivíduos assintomáticos; A PCR é considerada preditora e mediadora da aterosclerose. Em Itabaianinha, Sergipe, foi descrita uma população com DIGH, níveis extremamente baixos de IGF-I, LDL e pressão arterial sistólica elevados, obesidade central, portanto, uma população com múltiplos fatores de risco, altamente susceptível à aterosclerose. Este estudo inseriu 18 indivíduos DIGH, oito do sexo masculino e dez do feminino, idade média de 45 anos, e 20 controles (CO) da mesma região. Analisadas as características clínicas e metabólicas, o grupo DIGH apresentou PCR de (4,9 mg/l (4,7) vs controles (CO) 1,4 mg/l (2,2) com importante diferença significativa (p<0,0001); o IGF-I dos DIGH foi extremamente baixo, 1,0 ng/ml (1,0) vs 164,0 ng/ml (135,0) dos CO, p< 0,0001. O grupo é que prediz ser a PCR independente das outras variáveis metabólicas (R2 = 0,42) e o IGF- I é o principal responsável pelo aumento da PCR nos DIGH. Não houve nenhuma relação de associação entre a PCR e a espessura média-íntima das carótidas do DIGH. Conclusão: ficou demonstrado que os DIGH apresentam níveis muito elevados de PCR que denota um perfil inflamatório exacerbado; o grupo é que prediz esta variação e, o IGF-I é o principal responsável pelo variabilidade da PCR. A PCR elevada na DIGH não está associada à aterosclerose precoce.

Les données de la littérature concernant la tolérance à long terme du traitement par hormone de croissance (GH) recombinante sont très réduites. L’objectif du travail rapporté dans cette thèse porte sur l’analyse de la morbidité chez 6874 patients de l’étude SAGhE traités en France dans le cadre d’un déficit idiopathique en GH ou d’une petite taille constitutionnelle, avec les 3 axes de travail suivants : Risque neurovasculaire : Utilisant des données de référence issues de 2 registres de population, nous avons montré une augmentation du risque d’accident vasculaire cérébral (SIR à 3.5 ou 4.4 selon le registre considéré), et plus particulièrement d’hémorragies sous-arachnoïdiennes (SIR 5.7 ou 6.3). Risque de diabète : Utilisant les prescriptions d’antidiabétiques fournies par le SNIIRAM au sein de notre cohorte, nous n’avons pas mis en évidence d’augmentation de la prévalence du diabète traité (SPR 1.0). Risque de cancer : En comparaison au registre de référence du réseau FRANCIM, il n’y a pas de différence significative dans le risque de survenue d’un cancer (SIR 0.7). En revanche, le risque de développer une tumeur osseuse est 3.5 fois plus élevé chez les sujets exposés à l’hormone de croissance dans l’enfance. Les évènements ont été identifiés à partir de trois sources : a) RNIPP et CépiDC pour la connaissance du statut vital et les causes de décès si le sujet est décédé, b) Questionnaire de santé envoyé aux sujets non décédés, c) Données SNIIRAM à partir d’une extraction spécifique basée sur les identifiants des sujets de notre cohorte, permettant d’obtenir les codes CIM-10 des déclarations d’Affection Longue Durée, les codages PMSI entre 2008 et 2010 correspondant aux hospitalisations, et les prescriptions d’antidiabétiques. / The literature is scarce regarding the long term effect of synthetic growth hormone (GH) treatment. The objective of this thesis was to analyse the morbidity of 6874 patients from the French SAGhE study treated by GH for short stature, focusing on three themes: Neurovascular risk: Using two population-based registries, we showed an increase in the risk of stroke (SIR 3.5 to 4.4 according the registry used), more specifically for the subarachnoid hemorrhage (SIR 5.7 or 6.3). Risk of diabetes : Using the antidiabetic drugs deliveries obtained from the French national health insurance database, no difference in the risk of treated diabetes was found (SPR 1.0). Risk of cancer : Compared with the French population-based registries of cancer, no significant difference in the risk of cancer was found (SIR 0.7), but the excess risk for bone tumor is 3.5 . Events were identified from three sources : a) Information on vital status collected from the Répertoire National d’Identification des Personnes Physiques and cause of death as indicated on death certificate, b) Health questionnaire sent to all living patients, c) Data extracted from the French national health insurance information, including the French hospital discharge database, also called Programme de Médicalisation des Systèmes d’Information from 2008 to December 2010, long-lasting affection statements, and antidiabetics drugs deliveries.

Determining the genetic cause of short stature as a way to understand the pathophysiological mechanisms affecting human growth Abstract Short stature is one of the most common disorders followed-up by a paediatric endocrinologist. Pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to growth disorders are complex, however, the exact cause is mostly unknown. Our study is the first to evaluate the aetiopathogenesis of familial short stature (FSS). Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques, we aimed to describe the monogenic aetiology of growth impairment in a group of FSS families, and therefore to elucidate mechanisms leading to this specific growth disorder. In selected genetic diagnoses, we additionally aimed to describe the phenotype including GH treatment response. Within Motol University Hospital centre for GH therapy, we formed a group of 98 FSS families with clear height definition in ≤-2 SD in both the child height before GH therapy and in his shorter parent. Using NGS, the FSS aetiology was elucidated in 40/98 (41%) families; 32/40 had a genetic growth plate disorder. Within the cohort, three genetically homogeneous subgroups of families were described (collagenopathies - 10/98 [10.2%] families, SHOX deficiency - 6/98 [6.1%] families, and C type natriuretic peptide receptor disorder - 4/98 [4.1%] families)....