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Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with a poor quality of life and considerable health-care costs and can be difficult to control. The recent results from the HARMONY 3 and HARMONY 6 trials suggest that albiglutide is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Approximately one-third of follicular thyroid carcinomas containPAX8–PPARG gene fusions, which result in the production of an oncogenic Pax 8–PPAR-γ fusion protein (PPFP). Here, Raman and Koenig describe the structure and function of PAX8 and PPARGand their protein products. They discuss possible mechanisms underlying the oncogenic action of PPFP and highlight the potential of PPFP as a diagnostic marker in thyroid nodule evaluation and as a therapeutic target.
A new study has found eight single nucleotide polymorphisms in sex hormone-binding globulin that functionally affect its affinity for androgens or estrogens and other biochemical properties. This finding adds to growing concern about the 'one size fits all' approach in formulas to calculate free or bioavailable concentrations of estradiol and testosterone.
A new report provides compelling evidence of the high prevalence of overweight and obesity throughout the world. The prevalence has increased since 1980, but at different rates across ages, times and locations. Studies exploring the causes of these differences could aid development of effective prevention strategies.
Antiangiogenic therapies that target VEGF signalling are often used in combination with chemotherapeutic agents to treat a variety of cancers. In this Review, the author discusses the paradox of the beneficial and detrimental consequences of systemic administration of anti-VEGF drugs on endocrine organs in preclinical models and in clinical trials.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women. This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology, aetiology, diagnosis, and management of the most common presenting features of PCOS, including hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularity and infertility. Management of cardiometabolic risk, an important concern in these patients, is also discussed.
The diagnosis of disorders of sex development (DSDs) in individuals and the subsequent management of patients and their families requires a multidisciplinary approach. In this Review, Olaf Hiort and colleagues discuss the latest developments in diagnostic procedures for identifying DSDs and strategies for managing patients, including the creation of centres of expertise.