Table of contents
June 2007 Volume 3 No 6
Editorial
Viewpoints
Ovulation induction in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
438Anovulatory infertility is a major problem associated with polycystic ovary syndrome; however, several treatment options are now available to induce ovulation in affected individuals. The pros and cons of these medications, which include clomifene citrate, follicle-stimulating hormone, insulin-sensitizing agents, and aromatase inhibitors, are discussed in this Viewpoint.
Is metformin the treatment of choice for anovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome?
440The insulin-sensitizing agent metformin has been heralded as a novel therapy for women with polycystic ovary syndrome-associated anovulatory infertility. The author of this Viewpoint reviews the evidence from clinical trials and asks whether metformin will become the first-line therapy for ovulation induction in polycystic ovary syndrome.
Research Highlights
Rosiglitazone might improve 
-cell function in patients with type 2 diabetes
442Health risks and management of children born small for gestational age
442Hyperglycemia increases overall cancer risk in women but not in men
442Reducing television viewing time might help to prevent diabetes
443New genetic risk factors identified for type 2 diabetes
443Garlic and garlic supplements do not reduce moderate hypercholesterolemia
444New algorithm to predict cardiovascular risk in women
444Clomifene gives the best live-birth rates in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
445Exercise plus calcium supplementation leads to optimal bone development
445Somatostatin analog treatment improves cardiac parameters in patients with acromegaly
445Radiation-induced GH neurosecretory dysfunction might not be a real entity
446Abnormal vitamin D metabolism may contribute to bone loss after renal transplant
446Reducing the gap between best practice and usual care of fragility fractures
447Practice Points
Can dehydroepiandrosterone or testosterone replacement effectively treat the symptoms of aging?
448Does addition of sitagliptin to metformin monotherapy improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?
450Is clinical inertia a common barrier to patient care in type 2 diabetes mellitus?
452Growth hormone and thyroid function—interaction and inhibition
454Reviews
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: from pathogenesis to patient care
458This Review details the epidemiological, mechanistic, clinical, biological and pathological features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease—the liver manifestation of the metabolic syndrome that can progress to end-stage liver disease, and the commonest liver disease in Western countries. The article also describes the treatment options, which include dietary modification and exercise.
doi:10.1038/ncpendmet0505 | Full Text | PDF (333K)
Therapy Insight: management of Graves' disease during pregnancy
470This Review details the complex problems that Graves' disease can cause for both mother and fetus. The authors describe physiological aspects of maternal thyroid function and the effects on fetal thyroid development. They then discuss the diagnostic testing and therapy of Graves' disease, and review the ramifications of treatment for the fetus.
doi:10.1038/ncpendmet0508 | Full Text | PDF (315K)
Mechanisms of Disease: glucocorticoids, their placental metabolism and fetal 'programming' of adult pathophysiology
479This Review describes effects of maternal factors such as diet and glucocorticoid levels on disease development later in the child's life. In particular, the barrier function of placental 11
-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in controlling fetal glucocorticoid exposure, and mechanisms that affect glucocorticoid receptor promoter usage and gene methylation are discussed.
doi:10.1038/ncpendmet0515 | Full Text | PDF (306K)
Case Study
Diabetes insipidus as a complication after pituitary surgery
489Postoperative diabetes insipidus usually occurs transiently, owing to temporary compromise of arginine vasopressin secretion. Sometimes, however, a triphasic pattern occurs: initial diabetes insipidus is followed by a period of inappropriate antidiuresis that finally culminates in chronic diabetes insipidus. The authors discuss the pathophysiology of this process and the importance of adjusting treatment according to the pattern of the disease.
doi:10.1038/ncpendmet0513 | Full Text | PDF (308K)
