Effect of glucocorticoids on bone density.

Glucocorticoid therapy is the most common cause of secondary iatrogenic osteoporosis. The bone loss occurs predominantly due to a decrease in bone formation, although increased bone resorption also occurs. Glucocorticoids induce osteoblast apoptosis and increase osteoclast survival and activity.

Cardiomyopathy in association with selenium deficiency: a case report.

A 46-year-old man developed "dilated cardiomyopathy" probably caused by selenium deficiency while on total parenteral nutrition (TPN). This development emphasizes the role of considering selenium deficiency as a reversible cause of unexplained cardiomyopathy in impaired nutritional state.