Parathyroid glands articles from across Nature Portfolio

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is a common endocrine disorder characterized by hypercalcaemia and elevated or inappropriately normal serum levels of parathyroid hormone. Here, Walker and Silverberg review the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of PHPT, focusing on recent advances in the field.

Differential diagnosis between pseudohypoparathyroidism and related disorders of disrupted G_sα–cAMP signalling is a challenge for endocrinologists due to shared clinical and molecular characteristics. Here, Giovanna Mantovani and colleagues discuss both the current understanding and future challenges for the clinical and molecular diagnosis, classification and treatment of pseudohypoparathyroidism and related disorders.

Parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone-related peptide receptor (PTHR1) is a family B G-protein-coupled receptor and is involved in the regulation of skeletal development, bone turnover and mineral ion homeostasis. This Review discusses fundamental aspects of ligand-binding and signalling mechanisms at PTHR1, highlighting the relationship between ligand structural modification and variation in PTHR1 signalling responses. The action of these signalling mechanisms in disease states in which PTHR1 function has an important role are also discussed.

Researchers have assessed the ability of the calcium mimetic cinacalcet to reduce the levels of serum calcium in patients with intractable primary hyperparathyroidism and serum calcium levels >3.1 mmol/l. Can clinicians finally control hypercalcemia in patients with intractable primary hyperparathyroidism?