Influence of CAG Repeat Polymorphism on the Targets of Testosterone Action.

In the last decade, ample evidence has demonstrated the growing importance of androgen receptor (AR) CAG repeat polymorphism in andrology. This genetic parameter is able to condition the peripheral effects of testosterone and therefore to influence male sexual function and fertility, cardiovascular risk, body composition, bone metabolism, the risk of prostate and testicular cancer, the psychiatric status, and the onset of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we extensively discuss the literature data and identify a role for AR CAG repeat polymorphism in conditioning the systemic testosterone effects.

Inflammation as a Link between Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome.

The metabolic syndrome is a complex of clinical features leading to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus in both sexes. Visceral obesity and insulin resistance are considered the main features determining the negative cardiovascular profile in metabolic syndrome. The aim of this paper is to highlight the central role of obesity in the development of a chronic low-grade inflammatory state that leads to insulin resistance, endothelial and microvascular dysfunctions.

Use of the desmopressin test in the differential diagnosis of pseudo-Cushing state from Cushing's disease.

Context: The desmopressin (DDAVP) test has been proposed to discriminate Cushing's disease (CD) from pseudo-Cushing states (PC); however, current information on its value is scarce and contradictory.

Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the ability of the DDAVP test in distinguishing between these conditions, with emphasis on subjects with mild hypercortisolism.

Design And Setting: We conducted a retrospective/prospective study at the Division of Endocrinology, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.

Human corticotropin releasing hormone test performance in the differential diagnosis between Cushing's disease and pseudo-Cushing state is enhanced by combined ACTH and cortisol analysis.

Objective: Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) test does not reliably distinguish Cushing's disease (CD) from normality or pseudo-Cushing state (PC). We assessed whether this could be achieved with a novel approach while preserving the ability of the test to distinguish CD from ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS). Design Retrospective/prospective study.