Table of contents
May 2006 Volume 2 No 5
Editorial
Viewpoints
Are there pancreatic progenitor cells from which new islets form after birth?
240Although pancreatic islet transplantation can restore normal 
-cell function to patients with diabetes, success is limited by tissue availability. An alternative strategy is to stimulate development of the patients' own cells; however, the postnatal origin of new cells remains controversial. This Viewpoint proposes that progenitor cells could exist in the pancreatic ducts.
-cell proliferation is the major source of new pancreatic cells
242New insulin-producing cells are produced throughout adult life and could potentially be exploited in regenerative therapies for diabetes. Although pancreatic progenitor cell differentiation has been proposed to drive de novo -cell generation, this Viewpoint argues that new cells arise from the proliferation of pre-existing cells.
Research Highlights
Progesterone reduces risk of preterm birth—but outcome data are lacking
244Insulin-increasing diabetes therapies raise risk of death from cancer
244Glucose mediates cognitive dysfunction in type 2 diabetes
245Intensive insulin therapy reduces morbidity in the medical ICU
246Effects of long-term somatostatin analog treatment in boys of a tall stature
246Temozolomide and thalidomide effective in treating metastatic neuroendocrine tumors
247Absorption of inhaled insulin is higher in smokers than in nonsmokers
247Proinsulin as a predictor of development of type 2 diabetes in obese children
247Subclinical hyperthyroidism is not associated with adverse outcomes in pregnancy
248Bile acids regulate energy homeostasis via a thyroid-hormone-signaling pathway
248Denosumab improves low BMD in postmenopausal women
249Practice Points
Is paroxetine an effective treatment for hot flashes?
250Is a single infusion of zoledronic acid superior to risedronate for the treatment of Paget's disease?
252Is initial combination therapy effective in the treatment of type 2 diabetes?
254How effective is prophylactic thyroidectomy in asymptomatic multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A?
256Reviews
Use of growth hormone in children
260Biosynthetic human growth hormone (GH) is now used to treat GH deficiency and promote growth in conditions such as Turner syndrome, intrauterine growth restriction, chronic renal failure and idiopathic short stature. The net effect in these conditions is less than in GH deficiency. Vigilance for long-term complications of GH use is essential.
doi:10.1038/ncpendmet0169 | Full Text | PDF (169K)
Diabetic neuropathies: clinical manifestations and current treatment options
269This article describes the different conditions that embrace the diagnosis of diabetic neuropathies—the Cinderella complication of diabetes. Distinction between the proximal and distal large and small fiber, focal mononeuritides and entrapments is essential since each has a unique presentation and requires specific therapeutic intervention for a successful outcome.
doi:10.1038/ncpendmet0142 | Full Text | PDF (467K)
Mechanisms of Disease: the adrenocorticotropin receptor and disease
282Genetic disorders of ACTH action lead to rare syndromes of glucocorticoid deficiency. Many common disorders are accompanied by disturbance of the pituitary-adrenal axis, which may contribute to their morbidity. This Review describes the evidence that in some circumstances—septic shock and depressive illness—disturbed ACTH responsiveness may contribute to the disease.
doi:10.1038/ncpendmet0165 | Full Text | PDF (215K)
Case Study
A case of parathyroid carcinoma with hypercalcemia responsive to cinacalcet therapy
291doi:10.1038/ncpendmet0189 | Full Text | PDF (342K)
