Volume 9 Issue 9, September 2013

A recent observational study from the UK has reported lower IQ and poorer school performance in children born to iodine-deficient mothers than in children whose mothers were iodine-sufficient. These findings add to growing evidence that even mild-to-moderate maternal iodine deficiency impairs the cognitive development of the child.

Adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) regulate glucose and lipid metabolism in similar ways and are both critically involved in the antidiabetic effects of thiazolidinedione drugs. Studies in mice now shed light on how adiponectin and FGF21 are functionally linked, which has intriguing implications for the therapeutic potential of these hormones.

The sodium–iodide symporter mediates iodide uptake, but its activity is reduced by the overexpression of pituitary tumour-transforming gene 1 protein-binding factor (PBF) in thyroid tumours. A recent study shows that inhibiting PBF phosphorylation enhances radioiodine uptake in thyroid cancer models.

High consumption of red meat is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the causality of the association is difficult to prove. Nevertheless, the findings of a large study of changes in red meat consumption add important evidence, consistent with causality of this association.

Differentiated thyroid cancer is known to have a good prognosis and usually has a slow progression. A recent study questions the need for using the established radioiodine therapy for remnant ablation after total thyroidectomy. However, initial radioiodine therapy reduces the rate of relapse and is an excellent diagnostic tool that improves follow-up.

Measuring circulating levels of microRNAs is a promising strategy for identifying people at risk of developing diabetes mellitus; however, several obstacles still need to be overcome before this strategy can be used in clinical practice. This Review summarizes the weaknesses of current biomarkers and discusses the potential use of microRNAs as novel biomarkers.

Sobacchi and colleagues discuss the clinical presentation and diagnosis of autosomal recessive osteopetrosis, a rare genetic condition characterized by increased bone mass. With a specific focus on genes linked to the disease and their function in osteoclasts, the authors describe current and potential treatments using molecular data from patients to aid diagnosis and improve clinical outcomes.

Alice Kong and her colleagues discuss how globalization and migration has changed diabetes profiles, focusing particularly on how lessons learnt in the East can be translated into clinical practice in the West.

Understanding of the crosstalk between testis and bone could contribute to defining an improved clinical approach to the biochemical diagnosis and therapeutic management of hypogonadism and male osteoporosis. This Review focuses on the Leydig cells, which also contribute to bone health in a testosterone-independent manner by production of insulin-like 3 and the 25-hydroxylation of vitamin D.

A successful pancreas transplant can prevent, halt or reverse the development or progression of secondary complications of diabetes mellitus. This Review provides an overview of the different approaches to pancreas transplantation, and the clinical outcomes, benefits and risks of these procedures. The article includes updated findings from the International Pancreas Transplant Registry.