The influence of estradiole and tibolone administration on leptin levels in women with surgically induced menopause.

Background: Several studies suggest that changes in estrogens and androgens during menopause play a role in the regulation of leptin production. Some authors present hypothesis that sex hormone replacement therapy can modulate leptin levels but up to date evidence shows that the influence of endogenous estrogens, androgens levels and sex hormone therapy on leptin concentration remains uncertain.

Aim: To evaluate the influence of surgically induced menopause on serum leptin levels and the influence of different types of hormonal therapy on serum leptin concentrations.

Use of glycogen phosphorylase BB measurement with POCT in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndromes. A comparison with the ELISA method.

Background: Glycogen Phosphorylase BB (GPBB) is considered an early and specific marker of myocardial necrosis and ischemia. A POCT kit GPBB for diagnostic use has recently been approved.

Aim: an evaluation of the correspondence of qualitative POCT GBPP measurements with ELISA test results.

Free plasma metanephrines as a screening test for pheochromocytoma in low-risk patients.

Objectives: Detection of free plasma metanephrines seems to be the most exact method for biochemical diagnosis of pheochromocytoma, but their diagnostic efficacy in the common low-risk clinical settings is debated.

Methods: A cross-sectional multicentre study including 1260 subjects assessed the diagnostic efficacy of free plasma metanephrine and normetanephrine in low-risk patients screened for resistant or markedly accelerated hypertension, paroxysmal hypertension, 'flushes' and, in a small proportion, for adrenal incidentaloma or genetic predisposition to pheochromocytoma.

Results: Pheochromocytoma was identified and verified by histology in 25 subjects (2%), with the diagnosis not confirmed by long-term follow-up or use of imaging techniques in the remaining 1235 individuals.