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A large Danish study overturns the concept that postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy increases the risk of experiencing cardiovascular events. Indeed, the study shows that such therapy decreases the risk of myocardial infarction by ∼50% and mortality by ∼40%. So what is the truth?
Low circulating levels of vitamin D metabolites were found to be associated with development of microalbuminuria in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus from the DCCT/EDIC study. Could interventions aimed at improving vitamin D levels be a new option for the prevention of diabetic kidney disease?
A variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and coeliac disease, are recognized risk factors for osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures. A recent study suggests that individuals with irritable bowel syndrome might also be at increased risk of osteoporosis and osteoporosis-related fractures.
The weight of evidence indicates that bisphenol A (BPA), a widespread endocrine disruptor, might be an important risk factor for obesity and metabolic disorders. An epidemiological study shows an association between urinary BPA levels and increased body mass in children and adolescents.
A joint task force of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American Thyroid Association has produced updated clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of hypothyroidism in adults. The new guidelines include 52 evidence-based best practice recommendations to help clinicians provide optimal care for patients with hypothyroidism.
The worldwide increase in obesity has been driven by global trade liberalization, economic growth and rapid urbanization. Owing to the scope and complexity of the obesity epidemic, prevention strategies and policies across multiple levels are needed in order to have a measurable effect. Although many putative causes of the obesity epidemic exist, in this Review the effect of globalization on global trends in obesity prevalence is discussed and population-based interventions from several countries are reviewed. The authors make broad policy recommendations for obesity and chronic disease prevention at the global population level.
The diagnosis and monitoring of osteoporosis have been improved by the development of new methods for undertaking skeletal assessment. A number of imaging methods exist and all have advantages and disadvantages. In this Review, the use of different quantitative skeletal assessment tools and techniques for imaging bone structure are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are examined and the feasibility of using these techniques in both clinical and research settings is considered.
Osteocalcin is a vitamin-K-dependent bone matrix protein that has been linked to glucose metabolism in mice. This finding presents a new paradigm for understanding the role of the skeleton and energy metabolism. This Review highlights the unique species-specific features of osteocalcin and the evidence for its role in energy metabolism in humans.
Advances in understanding of B-lymphocyte maturation and immune tolerance are yielding new insight into the influence of gonadal steroids on the humoral immune system. Kovacs and colleagues examine how oestrogens and androgens directly and indirectly modulate B-lymphocyte development and function, focusing on B lymphopoiesis, elimination of autoreactive B-cell clones, and generation of high-affinity, class-switched, immunoglobulin-producing B cells.
