Tag: Endocrine

Introduction

The endocrine system consists of many organs such as glands, that include the thyroid, adrenal, parathyroid, pituitary, thymus, hypothalamus, pancreas, and pineal. Hormones, which are chemical messengers secreted by these glands, are responsible for the coordination of different organ systems of the body. Endocrine diseases are caused by either insufficient or excessive secretion of hormones. The pituitary gland, a tiny organ on the underside of the brain, secretes the hormones like growth hormone (GH) and somatotropin, which control bone and muscle growth as well as height. Acromegaly, which alters the body’s appearance, results from GH hypersecretion.

What is Acromegaly?

Acromegaly is a rare hormonal condition brought on by the pituitary gland’s ongoing hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH). The increased GH secretion in adults causes the hands, feet, and face to have larger bones. It results in enlarging of the hands, feet, and face.

What are the Causes of Acromegaly?

When the pituitary gland secretes too much GH into the blood, the liver is signalled to generate an additional hormone called insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). It controls how bones and other tissues grow. Acromegaly results from the IGF-1 being triggered by greater levels of GH. Acromegaly in adults has been linked to tumours such as non-pituitary and pituitary tumours.

Pituitary tumours: It is an adenoma of the pituitary gland, a non-cancerous tumour. It secretes an excessive amount of the GH hormone, which results in acromegaly symptoms. This tumour grows slowly and takes a while to become apparent. The tumour pressing on nearby brain regions may cause headaches and vision loss.

Non-pituitary tumour: It is a tumour that has grown in the pancreas, lungs or other parts of the chest. This is an uncommon tumour instance. While this tumour occasionally secretes growth hormone (GH), more frequently it releases growth hormone-releasing hormone (GH-RH), which causes the pituitary gland to release excessive amounts of GH.

Acromegaly Symptoms

Acromegaly can cause a variety of symptoms, but the most prevalent ones are swollen hands and feet. The symptoms can include the following and are recognizable.

• Enlarged facial characteristics include the face bone, nose, lips, and tongue.
• Excessive sweating and odour from the skin
• Very thick, greasy, and coarse skin
• Aching joints
• Headaches
• Distorted vision
• Expansion of skin tags
• Deep voice
• Fatigue and weakened muscles 
• The separation between teeth
• Gaining weight 
• Hands and feet tingle and have no feeling
• Abnormal female hair growth
• Unreliable menstrual cycles 
• The effects of abnormal thyroid hormones on skin, hair, and weight
• Male erectile dysfunction

Facts About Acromegaly

• Acromegaly is a term for growth hormones and tumour-related enlargement. 
• It is typically brought on by a benign tumour called a pituitary adenoma, which is found on the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. 
• It is not a genetic illness and only affects people in their middle years. 
• Children who experience an increase in GH exhibit gigantism.
• Acromegaly is a dangerous illness that can cause blindness in its victims. 
• The remedy is accessible and capable of averting serious consequences.
• Acromegaly is an uncommon illness that affects a very small number of people worldwide.

Acromegaly Diagnosis

Acromegaly is difficult to diagnose because the early signs are not always present. The results of the imaging and blood testing show that the person has acromegaly.

Blood tests: 

IGF test: The blood level of GH often varies throughout a person’s lifespan. IGF levels are more consistent throughout the day than GH levels, even though GH and IGF-1 are closely related hormones. To determine the level of IGF hormone in the blood, a blood test is used.

Oral glucose tolerance test: Using this test, you may see how your growth hormone levels respond to changes in blood sugar. Several time intervals can pass after consuming the glucose solution before the blood is drawn. Drinking sugar typically lowers GH levels, but if someone has acromegaly, GH levels won’t drop.

Imaging tests:

The imaging tests are used to pinpoint the tumour’s site and track its expansion. Two imaging exams exist: 

• MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging): To determine the location and size of the pituitary tumour, an MRI scan is used. To obtain an in-depth image of the inside organs and tissues, radio waves and magnets are employed. 
• Computerized tomography (CT): If an MRI scan is not possible, a computerized tomography (CT) scan is performed to get images of the inside organs and tissues.

Treatments

Acromegaly-related long-term consequences can be avoided by the patient with certain treatments. Some of these remedies include 

• Surgery: The location and size of the tumour affect the course of treatment. Only surgery is required if the tumour is to be eliminated. However, if only a portion of the tumour is removed after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment are still required. 
• Chemotherapy: Drugs and injections are used to control hormone levels and treat symptoms that help the body return to normal.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is used to treat acromegaly when medicine and surgery are ineffective. Through sophisticated equipment, it allows the radiation beams to reach the target tumour’s location. Although it can lower the level of growth hormone, the full effects don’t appear for several years.

Summary

Acromegaly is a rare hormonal condition brought on by the pituitary gland’s ongoing hypersecretion of growth hormone (GH). Acromegaly results from IGF-1 being triggered by higher levels of GH. Acromegaly can cause a variety of symptoms, but the most prevalent ones are swollen hands and feet. It is not a genetic illness and only affects people in their middle years. Drugs and injections are used to control hormone levels and treat symptoms that help the body return to normal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How is Gigantism related to Acromegaly?
Ans. Acromegaly and gigantism are both GH (growth hormone) diseases. Hormonal issues result from the pituitary gland’s excessive GH production. However, their signs and symptoms vary.

2. What is the Glucose Tolerance Test Conducted in Acromegaly?
Ans. Using this test, you may see how your growth hormone levels respond to changes in blood sugar. Several time intervals can pass after consuming the glucose solution before the blood is drawn. Drinking sugar typically lowers GH levels, but if someone has acromegaly, GH levels won’t drop.

3. Who gets Acromegaly and how Frequent is it?
Ans. Acromegaly is a rare genetic condition. It is a rare condition that can occur in middle-aged people if they produce too much GH.

4. What is Pituitary Adenoma?
Ans. A pituitary adenoma is an adenoma of the pituitary gland, a non-cancerous tumour. It secretes an excessive amount of the GH hormone, which results in acromegaly symptoms. This tumour grows slowly and takes a while to become apparent.

Introduction

The human body contains a variety of endocrine glands that secrete various hormones, each with a unique function. To maintain the body’s normal physiological state, each hormone must be present in sufficient amounts. Any variation in an endocrine gland’s hormone release obviously affects the body’s natural state of health. One adrenal gland is located above each kidney in a pair. Blood pressure, stress reactions, and body metabolism are all influenced by the adrenal hormones. Adrenal insufficiency is the term used to explain when the body produces less of these hormones than is necessary.

What is the Adrenal gland?

Adrenal glands are the triangular-shaped, small-sized glands lying on the top of each kidney. For this reason, they are also called the suprarenal glands. A cross-section of the adrenal gland shows two layers where the outer layer is called the cortex, and the inner layer is called the medulla.

The largest portion of the gland is the outer adrenal cortex. Zones glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis make up its structure. At the center of the triangle, gland is the inner adrenal medulla. The cortex and medulla of the gland are shielded by an exterior capsule to maintain their endocrine activity.

For more help, you can Refer to Lesson 10 – Adolsence in life in Science Class 8 Lesson. Checkout the video for a better understanding

Hormones secreted

The cortex and medulla produce separate endocrine secretions. Different hormones with various roles are secreted by the adrenal cortex’s various zones.

Adrenal cortical hormones: Three distinct hormones are secreted by the adrenal cortex from its three layers.

1. Glucocorticoids: The zona fasciculata layer of the adrenal cortex secretes the main glucocorticoid hormone, cortisol. It is the body’s own natural steroid and is released in response to stress. The hormone cortisol regulates the body’s blood pressure, metabolism, and sleep-wake cycle. The body can better handle stress and emergency situations thanks to it as well. By encouraging its creation, cortisol also keeps the body’s levels of glucose stable.
2. Mineralocorticoids: The main mineralocorticoid released by the zona glomerulosa is aldosterone. Aldosterone’s primary job is to keep the body’s electrolyte and water balance in check. It works by telling the kidneys to remove potassium from the body and reabsorb sodium into the bloodstream.
3. Adrenal Androgens: The androgens secreted by the zona reticularis include testosterone and DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), which are known as adrenal androgens. Male hormones called adrenal androgens are weak. Although females also release testosterone, the majority of it is a precursor that is transformed into estrogens in the ovaries.

Hormones of the adrenal medulla:

• Catecholamines are a broad term for adrenal medullary hormones. They contribute to the physiological effects of stress. The catecholamines are dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline). 
• The stress-related blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, pupil dilation, and pale discoloration are brought on by the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine. They are known as the flight and fear hormones for this reason.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is secreted by the pituitary gland, regulates the release of androgens and glucocorticoids from the adrenal glands. The hypothalamic secretions corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), antidiuretic hormone (ADH), and vasopressin regulate the pituitary’s release of ACTH.

Diseases related to insufficiency

The release of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and androgens can be impaired by damage to the cortical tissue or any malfunction. The condition is known as adrenal insufficiency. There could be a number of causes for this condition.

1. Primary adrenal insufficiency:

• It is also known as autoimmune adrenalitis or Addison’s disease. It happens as a result of disease in the cortical region of the adrenal glands. 
• It is characterised by diminished adrenal gland function. 
• It develops as a result of autoantibodies targeting the adrenocortical enzymes causing the self-destruction of adrenal tissues. 
• Other reasons include malignancies, infections with syphilis or tuberculosis, and adrenal haemorrhage.

2. Secondary adrenal insufficiency:

• It happens when the pituitary gland does not secrete enough ACTH to support adequate levels of adrenal hormone output. 
• Traumatic brain damage and panhypopituitarism cause this disease.

3. Tertiary adrenal insufficiency:

• This results from the hypothalamus’s insufficient secretion of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). 
• Patients who undergo particular operations to treat Cushing’s syndrome have also reported experiencing it.

Compared to the other two kinds, primary adrenal insufficiency is more common. The medulla is largely unaffected, whereas the cortex is impaired. As a result, the production of aldosterone and cortisol decreases in those with this illness.

Symptoms:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Joint pains
• Hyperpigmentation
• Weight loss
• Salt cravings
• Low blood pressure and hypotension
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased body hair in women
• Decreased libido
• Low blood glucose 

The participants are examined for preexisting hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, and hypoglycemia as soon as symptoms appear. Adrenal insufficiency is established with blood tests, including those for ACTH, cortisol, renin, and aldosterone, and is then successfully treated. Hormone replacement therapy is a significant component of treatment.

Summary

Adrenal glands are the triangular-shaped, small-sized glands lying on the top of each kidney. The largest portion of the gland is the outer adrenal cortex. Catecholamines are a broad term for adrenal medullary hormones. They contribute to the physiological effects of stress. Primary adrenal insufficiency is also known as autoimmune adrenalitis or Addison’s disease. It happens as a result of disease in the cortical region of the adrenal glands.

FAQ’s

1. Define autoantibodies?
   Ans. Autoantibodies are proteins synthesised by one’s own immune system owing to the destruction of one’s self-tissues and organs. Due to autoantibodies produced by Addison’s disease, the adrenal cortex is destroyed, leading to impaired hormonal secretion and dysfunction.

2. Is adrenal insufficiency potentially fatal?
   Ans. With the right care and safety measures, someone with adrenal insufficiency can lead a normal life. Untreated conditions including high potassium, low sodium, and low sugar levels in the body linked to low blood pressure can have fatal consequences.

3. What do you mean by steroid hormones?
   Ans. Steroid hormones are all hormones that are biochemically steroid-like. Since lipids constitute the foundation of these macromolecules, they are called fat-soluble hormones and naturally come from cholesterol. The two groups of steroid hormones are corticosteroids and sex steroids, which are both secreted by the adrenal cortex and the gonads, respectively.

4. Write a note on catecholamines?
   Ans. Catecholamines are natural amines with neurotransmitter properties. Chemically, they are benzene rings with hydroxyl amine groups. Stress manifestation functions are carried out by the catecholamines the adrenal medulla secretes.

5. What is the function of hypothalamus?
   Ans. The brain region with endocrine functions is called the hypothalamus. It secretes hormones that regulate the pituitary’s release of a variety of hormones that regulate a range of bodily functions.