Endocrinology and Metabolism

Original Articles

Hypothalamus and pituitary gland
Genetic Landscape and Clinical Manifestations of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 in a Korean Cohort: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis: Boram Kim, Seung Hun Lee, Chang Ho Ahn, Han Na Jang, Sung Im Cho, Jee-Soo Lee, Yu-Mi Lee, Su-Jin Kim, Tae-Yon Sung, Kyu Eun Lee, Woochang Lee, Jung-Min Koh, Moon-Woo Seong, Jung Hee Kim; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):956-964. Published online November 18, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2008; Funded: Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by tumors in multiple endocrine organs, caused by variants in the MEN1 gene. This study analyzed the clinical and genetic features of MEN1 in a Korean cohort, identifying prevalent manifestations and genetic variants, including novel variants.
Methods
This multicenter retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 117 MEN1 patients treated at three tertiary centers in Korea between January 2012 and September 2022. Patient demographics, tumor manifestations, outcomes, and MEN1 genetic testing results were collected. Variants were classified using American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) and French Oncogenetics Network of Neuroendocrine Tumors propositions (TENGEN) guidelines.
Results
A total of 117 patients were enrolled, including 55 familial cases, with a mean age at diagnosis of 37.4±15.3 years. Primary hyperparathyroidism was identified as the most common presentation (84.6%). The prevalence of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumor and pituitary neuroendocrine tumor (PitNET) was 77.8% (n=91) and 56.4% (n=66), respectively. Genetic testing revealed 61 distinct MEN1 variants in 101 patients, with 18 being novel. Four variants were reclassified according to the TENGEN guidelines. Patients with truncating variants (n=72) exhibited a higher prevalence of PitNETs compared to those with non-truncating variants (n=25) (59.7% vs. 36.0%, P=0.040).
Conclusion
The association between truncating variants and an increased prevalence of PitNETs in MEN1 underscores the importance of genetic characterization in guiding the clinical management of this disease. Our study sheds light on the clinical and genetic characteristics of MEN1 among the Korean population.

Calcium & bone metabolism
Association of Delayed Denosumab Dosing with Increased Risk of Fractures: A Population-Based Retrospective Study: Kyoung Min Kim, Seol A Jang, Nam Ki Hong, Chul Sik Kim, Yumie Rhee, Seok Won Park, Steven R. Cummings, Gi Hyeon Seo; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):946-955. Published online November 20, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2047; Funded: Yonsei University College of Medicine

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub

Background
Inhibitory effects of denosumab on bone remodeling are reversible and disappear once treatment is discontinued. Herein, we examined whether and to what extent delayed denosumab administration is also associated with fracture risk using nation-wide data.
Methods
The study cohort included women aged 45 to 89 years who were started on denosumab for osteoporosis between October 2017 and December 2019 using data from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment service. Participants were stratified according to the time of their subsequent denosumab administration from the last denosumab administration, including those with within 30 days early dosing (ED30), within the planned time of 180–210 days (referent), within 30–90 days of delayed dosing (DD90), within 90–180 days of delayed dosing (DD180), and longer than 181 days of delayed dosing (DD181+). The primary outcome was the incidence of all clinical fractures.
Results
A total of 149,199 participants included and 2,323 all clinical fractures (including 1,223 vertebral fractures) occurred. The incidence of all fractures was significantly higher in the DD90 compared to reference group (hazard ratio [HR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1 to 1.4). The risk of all fracture was even higher in the longer delayed DD180 group (HR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.6 to 2.3) and DD181+ group (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5 to 2.2). Increased risks of fractures with delayed dosing were consistently observed for vertebral fractures.
Conclusion
Delayed denosumab dosing, even by 1 to 3 months, was significantly associated with increased fracture risk. Maintaining the correct dosing schedule should be emphasized when starting denosumab.

Citations

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Medication related osteonecrosis (MRONJ) in the management of CTIBL in breast and prostate cancer patients. Joint report by SIPMO AND SIOMMMS
Francesco Bertoldo, Cristina Eller-Vainicher, Vittorio Fusco, Rodolfo Mauceri, Jessica Pepe, Alberto Bedogni, Andrea Palermo, Umberto Romeo, Giuseppe Guglielmi, Giuseppina Campisi
Journal of Bone Oncology.2025; 50: 100656. CrossRef

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Alterations in Adipose Tissue and Adipokines in Heterozygous APE1/Ref-1 Deficient Mice: Eun-Ok Lee, Hao Jin, Sungmin Kim, Hee Kyoung Joo, Yu Ran Lee, Soo Yeon An, Shuyu Piao, Kwon Ho Lee, Byeong Hwa Jeon; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):932-945. Published online November 20, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2061; Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Education

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
The role of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) in adipose tissue remains poorly understood. This study investigates adipose tissue dysfunction in heterozygous APE1/Ref-1 deficiency (APE1/Ref-1^+/-) mice, focusing on changes in adipocyte physiology, oxidative stress, adipokine regulation, and adipose tissue distribution.
Methods
APE1/Ref-1 mRNA and protein levels in white adipose tissue (WAT) were measured in APE1/Ref-1^+/- mice, compared to their wild-type (APE1/Ref-1+/+) controls. Oxidative stress was assessed by evaluating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were conducted to observe adipocyte size and macrophage infiltration of WAT. Adipokine expression was measured, and micro-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to quantify abdominal fat volumes.
Results
APE1/Ref-1^+/- mice exhibited significant reductions in APE1/Ref-1 mRNA and protein levels in WAT and liver tissue. These mice also showed elevated ROS levels, suggesting a regulatory role for APE1/Ref-1 in oxidative stress in WAT and liver. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed hypertrophic adipocytes and macrophage infiltration in WAT, while Oil Red O staining demonstrated enhanced ectopic fat deposition in the liver of APE1/Ref-1^+/- mice. These mice also displayed altered adipokine expression, with decreased adiponectin and increased leptin levels in the WAT, along with corresponding alterations in plasma levels. Despite no significant changes in overall body weight, microMRI assessments demonstrated a significant increase in visceral and subcutaneous abdominal fat volumes in APE1/Ref-1^+/- mice.
Conclusion
APE1/Ref-1 is crucial in adipokine regulation and mitigating oxidative stress. These findings suggest its involvement in adipose tissue dysfunction, highlighting its potential impact on abdominal fat distribution and its implications for obesity and oxidative stress-related conditions.

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Comparison of Population Attributable Fractions of Cancer Incidence and Mortality Linked to Excess Body Weight in Korea from 2015 to 2030: Youjin Hong, Jihye An, Jeehi Jung, Hyeon Sook Lee, Soseul Sung, Sungji Moon, Inah Kim, Jung Eun Lee, Aesun Shin, Sun Ha Jee, Sun-Seog Kweon, Min-Ho Shin, Sangmin Park, Seung-Ho Ryu, Sun Young Yang, Seung Ho Choi, Jeongseon Kim, Sang-Wook Yi, Yoon-Jung Choi, Sangjun Lee, Woojin Lim, Kyungsik Kim, Sohee Park, Jeong-Soo Im, Hong Gwan Seo, Kwang-Pil Ko, Sue K. Park; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):921-931. Published online November 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2071; Funded: Korean Foundation for Cancer Research

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
The increasing rate of excess body weight (EBW) in the global population has led to growing health concerns, including cancer-related EBW. We aimed to estimate the population attributable fraction (PAF) of cancer incidence and deaths linked to EBW in Korean individuals from 2015 to 2030 and to compare its value with various body mass index cutoffs.
Methods
Levin’s formula was used to calculate the PAF; the prevalence rates were computed using the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data, while the relative risks of specific cancers related to EBW were estimated based on the results of Korean cohort studies. To account for the 15-year latency period when estimating the PAF in 2020, the prevalence rates from 2015 and attributable cases or deaths from 2020 were used.
Results
The PAF attributed to EBW was similar for both cancer incidence and deaths using either the World Health Organization (WHO) Asian-Pacific region standard or a modified Asian standard, with the WHO standard yielding the lowest values. In the Korean population, the PAFs of EBW for cancer incidence were 2.96% in men and 3.61% in women, while those for cancer deaths were 0.67% in men and 3.06% in women in 2020. Additionally, PAFs showed a gradual increase in both sexes until 2030.
Conclusion
The EBW continues to have a significant impact on cancer incidence and deaths in Korea. Effective prevention strategies targeting the reduction of this modifiable risk factor can substantially decrease the cancer burden.

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Irisin Attenuates Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis in Bile Duct Ligation Mice Model and Improves Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Thuy Linh Lai, So Young Park, Giang Nguyen, Phuc Thi Minh Pham, Seon Mee Kang, Jeana Hong, Jae-Ho Lee, Seung-Soon Im, Dae-Hee Choi, Eun-Hee Cho; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):908-920. Published online November 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1984; Funded: Kangwon National University Hospital, National Research Foundation of Korea

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background
Liver fibrosis is a common outcome of chronic liver disease and is primarily driven by hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Irisin, a myokine released during physical exercise, is beneficial for metabolic disorders and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study aimed to explore the effects of irisin on liver fibrosis in HSCs, a bile duct ligation (BDL) mouse model, and the associated mitochondrial dysfunction.
Methods
In vitro experiments utilized LX-2 cells, a human HSC line, stimulated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a major regulator of HSC fibrosis, with or without irisin. Mitochondrial function was assessed using mitochondrial fission markers, transmission electron microscopy, mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. In vivo, liver fibrosis was induced in mice via BDL, followed by daily intraperitoneal injections of irisin (100 μg/kg/day) for 10 days.
Results
In vitro, irisin mitigated HSC activation and reduced reactive oxygen species associated with the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Irisin restored TGF-β1-induced increases in fission markers (Fis1, p-DRP1) and reversed the decreased expression of TFAM and SIRT3. Additionally, irisin restored mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production lowered by TGF-β1 treatment. In vivo, irisin ameliorated the elevated liver-to-body weight ratio induced by BDL and alleviated liver fibrosis, as evidenced by Masson’s trichrome staining. Irisin also improved mitochondrial dysfunction induced by BDL surgery.
Conclusion
Irisin effectively attenuated HSC activation, ameliorated liver fibrosis in BDL mice, and improved associated mitochondrial dysfunction. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of irisin for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Thyroid
Distinct Impacts of Clinicopathological and Mutational Profiles on Long-Term Survival and Recurrence in Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Moon Young Oh, Kyong Yeun Jung, Hoonsung Choi, Young Jun Chai, Sun Wook Cho, Su-jin Kim, Kyu Eun Lee, Eun-Jae Chung, Do Joon Park, Young Joo Park, Han-Kwang Yang; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):877-890. Published online November 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2027; Funded: Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Education

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) has a poorer prognosis than differentiated thyroid cancers; however, comprehensive data on the long-term outcomes of MTC remain scarce. This study investigated the extended clinical outcomes of MTC and aimed to identify prognostic factors.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with MTC between 1980 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Their clinical characteristics, longterm clinical outcomes, and prognostic factors for recurrence and mortality were analyzed.
Results
The study included 226 patients (144 women, 82 men). The disease-specific survival (DSS) rates for all MTC patients at 5-, 10-, 20-, and 30-year intervals were 92.7%, 89.4%, 74.3%, and 68.1%, respectively. The recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 71.1%, 56.1%, 40.2%, and 32.1% at these intervals. DSS was comparable between the groups from 1980–2009 and 2010–2020 (P=0.995); however, the 1980–2009 group had significantly lower RFS rates (P=0.031). The 2010–2020 group exhibited greater extents of surgical and lymph node dissection (P=0.003) and smaller tumors (P=0.003). Multivariate analysis identified extrathyroidal extension as the strongest prognostic factor for both RFS and DSS. Age >55 years and tumor size of ≥2 cm were also significant prognostic factors for DSS, while hereditary disease and lymph node metastasis were significant for RFS. Survival analysis after propensity-score matching of rearranged during transfection (RET)-negative and non-screened RET-positive groups showed comparable DSS but longer RFS in the RET-negative group.
Conclusion
Extrathyroidal extension was identified as the strongest prognostic factor for RFS and DSS. Older age and larger tumor size were associated with decreased DSS, while RET mutation and lymph node metastasis significantly impacted RFS.

Thyroid
Prevalence of Subclinical Hypothyroidism in a Non-Diabetic Young Female Population and Its Impact on Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Risk: Nawoda Hewage, Udaya Wijesekara, Rasika Perera; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):864-876. Published online November 5, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2015; Funded: University of Sri Jayewardenepura

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background
We evaluated the influence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) on insulin resistance (IR), cardiometabolic risk, and obesity in childbearing-age women without diabetes.
Methods
This cross-sectional investigation included 282 women, aged 18 to 35 years, from rural and suburban Sri Lanka. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, including IR and lipid/thyroid profiles, were recorded. Data were compared between SCH and euthyroidism (EU) for controls (normal weight) and cases (overweight/obese).
Results
The overall rates of SCH, EU, IR, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) were 40.42%, 59.57%, 73.40%, and 24.46%, respectively. Both controls and cases included individuals with SCH; overall, 168 participants (59.57%) had EU, while 114 (40.42%) exhibited SCH. IR was significantly associated with SCH in both weight groups (P<0.05). Among those with SCH, the odds ratios (ORs) for IR were >2 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45 to 3.87) in controls and >6 (95% CI, 3.52 to 8.41) in cases. Similarly, the ORs for MetS were >1 (95% CI, 0.38 to 4.16) in controls and >11 (95% CI, 8.73 to 15.01) in cases. Dyslipidemia and hypertriglyceridemia were significantly more prevalent in the SCH group (P<0.05). Women with SCH exhibited higher mean values for all obesity indices compared to their EU counterparts, surpassing normal thresholds (P<0.05). Among obesity measures, visceral adiposity index (VAI) demonstrated the highest area under the curve and sensitivity for assessing SCH and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
Conclusion
SCH must be identified and managed in young women to help prevent diabetes and cardiometabolic disorders. VAI may aid in precisely detecting SCH and CVD.

Review Articles

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Brown Fat and Metabolic Health: The Diverse Functions of Dietary Components: Zachary Brown, Takeshi Yoneshiro; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):839-846. Published online November 20, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2121; Funded: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Japan Science and Technology Agency, Naito Foundation

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Brown and beige adipocytes utilize a variety of substrates for cold-induced thermogenesis, contributing to the clearance of metabolites in circulation and, consequently, metabolic health. Food-derived compounds that exhibit agonistic activity at temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channels may serve as cold mimics to elicit thermogenesis and substrate utilization in brown adipose tissue (BAT). In addition to fatty acids and glucose, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are essential amino acids obtained from foods, are actively catabolized in BAT through mitochondrial BCAA carrier (MBC). The relative contribution of BCAAs to fueling the tricarboxylic acid cycle as a substrate (i.e., anaplerosis) is estimated to be relatively small, yet BCAA catabolism in BAT exerts a critical role in systemic insulin sensitivity. The nature of this apparent tension remained unclear until the recent discovery that active BCAA catabolism in BAT through MBC is critical for the synthesis of metabolites such as glutathione, which is delivered to the liver to improve hepatic insulin sensitivity through redox homeostasis. Novel mechanistic insights into the control of BAT function and systemic metabolism reveal the therapeutic potential of food-derived compounds for improving metabolic flexibility and insulin sensitivity.

Hypothalamus and pituitary gland
Elucidating Clinical Queries for Tailored Therapy in Patients with Prolactinoma: Min-Ho Lee, Jae Won Hong, Kyungwon Kim, Cheol Ryong Ku, Eun Jig Lee; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(6):819-826. Published online October 14, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2057; Funded: Yonsei University College of Medicine

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Prolactinomas are the most prevalent type of pituitary neuroendocrine adenomas, primarily affecting women of reproductive age. Unlike other pituitary tumors, the first-line management has traditionally been pharmacological rather than surgical. This preference is due to the effectiveness of dopamine agonists (DAs), which typically reduce tumor size and normalize prolactin levels in most patients. However, this does not imply that there is no room for improvement; the duration of treatment and medication side effects often lead to compliance issues among patients. Recent advances in surgical techniques and molecular biology have paved the way for the development of precision medicine, allowing for more flexible and personalized treatment strategies for prolactinomas. This review aims to enhance clinical decision-making and patient care for endocrinologists by focusing on several key factors: predictive markers of DA sensitivity, clinical characteristics and suitability for transsphenoidal adenomectomy as a potential first-line treatment, factors determining the successful withdrawal of DAs after prolonged use, safety concerns during pre/post-pregnancy and breastfeeding, and determinants of tumor aggressiveness. Through tailored therapy—a patient-focused, multidisciplinary approach— we aim to improve the management of prolactinoma patients.

Brief Report

Diabetes, obesity and metabolism
Impact of Diabetes on COVID-19 Susceptibility: A Nationwide Propensity Score Matching Study: Han Na Jang, Sun Joon Moon, Jin Hyung Jung, Kyung-Do Han, Eun-Jung Rhee, Won-Young Lee; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(5):813-818. Published online August 28, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2014; Funded: Korean Endocrinology Society

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Prior research has highlighted poor clinical outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-infected patients with diabetes; however, susceptibility to COVID-19 infection in patients with diabetes has not been extensively studied. Participants aged ≥30 years who underwent COVID-19 testing from December 2019 to April 2020 were analyzed using the National Health Insurance Service data in South Korea. In a cohort comprising 29,433 1:1 propensity score-matched participants, COVID-19 positivity was significantly higher in participants with diabetes than in those without diabetes (512 [3.5%] vs. 395 [2.7%], P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis indicated that diabetes significantly increased the risk of COVID-19 test positivity (odds ratio, 1.307; 95% confidence interval, 1.144 to 1.493; P<0.001). Patients with diabetes exhibited heightened COVID-19 infection rates compared to individuals without diabetes, and diabetes increased the susceptibility to COVID-19, reinforcing the need for heightened preventive measures, particularly considering the poor clinical outcomes in this group.

Original Articles

Adrenal gland
The Modified S-GRAS Scoring System for Prognosis in Korean with Adrenocortical Carcinoma: Sun Kyung Baek, Seung Hun Lee, Seung Shin Park, Chang Ho Ahn, Sung Hye Kong, Won Woong Kim, Yu-Mi Lee, Su Jin Kim, Dong Eun Song, Tae-Yon Sung, Kyu Eun Lee, Jung Hee Kim, Kyeong Cheon Jung, Jung-Min Koh; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(5):803-812. Published online September 25, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2086; Funded: Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Ministry of Health and Welfare

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs) are rare tumors with aggressive but varied prognosis. Stage, Grade, Resection status, Age, Symptoms (S-GRAS) score, based on clinical and pathological factors, was found to best stratify the prognosis of European ACC patients. This study assessed the prognostic performance of modified S-GRAS (mS-GRAS) scores including modified grade (mG) by integrating mitotic counts into the Ki67 index (original grade), in Korean ACC patients.
Methods
Patients who underwent surgery for ACC between January 1996 and December 2022 at three medical centers in Korea were retrospectively analyzed. mS-GRAS scores were calculated based on tumor stage, mG (Ki67 index or mitotic counts), resection status, age, and symptoms. Patients were divided into four groups (0–1, 2–3, 4–5, and 6–9 points) based on total mS-GRAS score. The associations of each variable and mS-GRAS score with recurrence and survival were evaluated using Cox regression analysis, Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), and the Kaplan–Meier method.
Results
Data on mS-GRAS components were available for 114 of the 153 patients who underwent surgery for ACC. These 114 patients had recurrence and death rates of 61.4% and 48.2%, respectively. mS-GRAS score was a significantly better predictor of recurrence (C-index=0.829) and death (C-index=0.747) than each component (P<0.05), except for resection status. mS-GRAS scores correlated with shorter progression-free survival (P=8.34E-24) and overall survival (P=2.72E-13).
Conclusion
mS-GRAS scores showed better prognostic performance than tumor stage and grade in Asian patients who underwent surgery for ACC.

Adrenal gland
Subunit-Specific Developmental Roles of PI3K in SF1-Expressing Cells: My Khanh Q. Huynh, Sang Hee Lyoo, Dong Joo Yang, Yun-Hee Choi, Ki Woo Kim; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(5):793-802. Published online August 30, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1999; Funded: Yonsei University College of Dentistry

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Abstract PDF PubReader ePub: Background
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) regulates cellular development and energy homeostasis. However, the roles of its subunits in organ development remain largely unknown.
Methods
We explored the roles of PI3K catalytic subunits in steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1)-expressing cells through knockout (KO) of the p110α and p110β subunits.
Results
We examined mice with a double KO of p110α and p110β in SF1-expressing cells (p110αβ KO^SF1). Although these animals exhibited no significant changes in the development of the ventromedial hypothalamus, we noted pronounced hypotrophy in the adrenal cortex, testis, and ovary. Additionally, corticosterone and aldosterone levels were significantly reduced. The absence of these subunits also resulted in decreased body weight and survival rate, along with impaired glucose homeostasis, in p110αβ KO^SF1 mice.
Conclusion
The data demonstrate the specific roles of PI3K catalytic subunits in the development and function of SF1-expressing organs.

Thyroid
Small Multi-Gene DNA Panel Can Aid in Reducing the Surgical Resection Rate and Predicting the Malignancy Risk of Thyroid Nodules: Moon Young Oh, Hye-Mi Choi, Jinsun Jang, Heejun Son, Seung Shin Park, Minchul Song, Yoo Hyung Kim, Sun Wook Cho, Young Jun Chai, Woosung Chung, Young Joo Park; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(5):777-792. Published online October 14, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.2034; Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science, Ministry of Education, Seoul National University Hospital, Ministry of SMEs and Startups

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
We explored the utility of a small multi-gene DNA panel for assessing molecular profiles of thyroid nodules and influencing clinical decisions by comparing outcomes between tested and untested nodules.
Methods
Between April 2022 and May 2023, we prospectively performed fine-needle aspiration (FNA) with gene testing via DNA panel of 11 genes (BRAF, RAS [NRAS, HRAS, KRAS], EZH1, DICER1, EIF1AX, PTEN, TP53, PIK3CA, TERT promoter) in 278 consecutive nodules (panel group). Propensity score-matching (1:1) was performed with 475 nodules that consecutively underwent FNA without gene testing between January 2021 and December 2021 (control group).
Results
In the panel group, positive call rate for mutations was 41.7% (BRAF 16.2%, RAS 12.6%, others 11.5%, double mutation 1.4%) for all nodules, and 40.0% (BRAF 4.3%, RAS 19.1%, others 15.7%, double mutation 0.9%) for indeterminate nodules. Benign call rate was 69.8% for all nodules, and 75.7% for indeterminate nodules. In four nodules, additional TP53 (in addition to BRAF or EZH1) or PIK3CA (in addition to BRAF or TERT) mutations were co-detected. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 80.0%, 53.3%, 88.1%, 38.1% for all nodules, and 78.6%, 45.5%, 64.7%, 62.5% for indeterminate nodules, respectively. Panel group exhibited lower surgical resection rates than the control group for all nodules (27.0% vs. 52.5%, P<0.001), and indeterminate nodules (23.5% vs. 68.2%, P<0.001). Malignancy risk was significantly different between the panel and control groups (81.5% vs. 63.9%, P=0.008) for all nodules.
Conclusion
Our panel aids in managing thyroid nodules by providing information on malignancy risk based on mutations, potentially reducing unnecessary surgery in benign nodules or patients with less aggressive malignancies.

Thyroid
In Vitro Investigation of HIF-1α as a Therapeutic Target for Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy: Jeongmin Lee, Jinsoo Lee, Hansang Baek, Dong-Jun Lim, Seong-Beom Lee, Jung-Min Lee, Sang-Ah Jang, Moo Il Kang, Suk-Woo Yang, Min-Hee Kim; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(5):767-776. Published online October 16, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1952; Funded: National Research Foundation of Korea, Ministry of Science and ICT

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) involves tissue expansion and inflammation, potentially causing a hypoxic microenvironment. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is crucial in fibrosis and adipogenesis, which are observed in TAO progression. We investigated the effects of hypoxia on orbital fibroblasts (OFs) in TAO, focusing on the role of HIF-1α in TAO progression.
Methods
OFs were isolated from TAO and non-TAO patients (as controls). In addition to HIF-1α, adipogenic differentiation markers including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (CEBP) were measured by Western blot, and phenotype changes were evaluated by Oil Red O staining under both normoxia and hypoxia. To elucidate the effect of HIF-1α inhibition, protein expression changes after HIF-1α inhibitor treatment were evaluated under normoxia and hypoxia.
Results
TAO OFs exhibited significantly higher HIF-1α expression than non-TAO OFs, and the difference was more distinct under hypoxia than under normoxia. Oil Red O staining showed that adipogenic differentiation of TAO OFs was prominent under hypoxia. Hypoxic conditions increased the expression of adipogenic markers, namely PPARγ and CEBP, as well as HIF-1α in TAO OFs. Interleukin 6 levels also increased in response to hypoxia. The effect of hypoxia on adipogenesis was reduced at the protein level after HIF-1α inhibitor treatment, and this inhibitory effect was sustained even with IGF-1 stimulation in addition to hypoxia.
Conclusion
Hypoxia induces tissue remodeling in TAO by stimulating adipogenesis through HIF-1α activation. These data could provide insights into new treatment strategies and the mechanisms of adipose tissue remodeling in TAO.

Thyroid
Comparison of Thyroid Size-Specific Radioiodine Dose and New Modified Dose Calculation in the Treatment of Graves’ Disease: Alisara Wongsuttilert, Ruchirek Thamcharoen, Yoswanich Maiprasert, Sathapakorn Siriwong; Endocrinol Metab. 2024;39(5):758-766. Published online October 14, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3803/EnM.2024.1950; Funded: Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital

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Abstract PDF Supplementary Material PubReader ePub: Background
Previous studies of fixed-dose radioiodine therapy (RIT) for Graves’ disease (GD) have utilized a variety of techniques and reported differing success rates. This study sought to compare the efficacy of RIT using two fixed-dose protocols and to estimate the optimal radioiodine (RAI) activity for the treatment of GD.
Methods
This retrospective trial enrolled 658 patients with GD who received RIT between January 2014 and December 2021. Participants were divided into two groups: protocol 1, which utilized a thyroid size-specific RAI dose, and protocol 2, which employed a modified dose calculation approach. The primary outcome assessed was the presence of euthyroidism or hypothyroidism at the 6-month follow-up. The success rates of RIT were compared between the two protocols.
Results
The RIT success rate was marginally lower for protocol 2 than for protocol 1 (63.6% vs. 67.2%); however, the risk of treatment failure did not differ considerably between the groups (relative risk, 1.1089; 95% confidence interval, 0.8937 to 1.3758; P=0.3477). The median RAI activity associated with protocol 2 was lower than that for protocol 1 (10.7 mCi vs. 15.0 mCi, P=0.0079), and the frequency of hypothyroidism was significantly lower in the protocol 2 group (39.0% vs. 48.9%, P=0.0117).
Conclusion
The success rate of the modified dose calculation protocol was comparable to that of the thyroid size-specific RAI dose protocol. The former approach reduced RAI activity and the incidence of hypothyroidism following RIT without compromising the success rate.

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