Acromegaly

Article Abstract:

Acromegaly is a condition marked by bony deformation, increasing distortion and coarsening of facial features, and soft-tissue changes, particularly of the hands and feet. It results from an overproduction and release of a pituitary growth hormone, somatotropin. The body hair becomes increasingly more coarse, and patients complain of profuse sweating and excessive body odor. The mandible often increases in size and the voice becomes deeper because of changes to the size of the larynx (voice box). All of these changes are brought about by increased production of human growth hormone, nearly always as a consequence of a tumor in the pituitary gland. The etiology and pathophysiology of acromegaly are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed on the means of control and integration which exists between the hypothalamus, an important brain regulator area, and the (anterior) pituitary. The nature of clinical presentation is similarly reviewed. Acromegaly occurs equally between both sexes and the estimated rate of occurrence is estimated at 3 to 4 cases per every million in the population. The average age at onset is 40 years for men and 45 for women. The disease is often associated with other problems; approximately 46 percent of all sufferers are also found to have polyps (small tumors that are sometimes malignant) of the colon. Patients with acromegaly also experience increased size of the tongue (macroglossia), headache, visual impairment, loss of menstrual cycle, impotence, diabetes, various forms of arthritis, elevated blood pressure and heart diseases. Modes of therapy are discussed, including reduction of pituitary lesion by radiation therapy, surgery, and medical management. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Abnormalities, Somatotropin, Endocrine gland diseases, Endocrine diseases

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Understanding hepatitis B virus infection

Article Abstract:

Research on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules that are associated with various infections may help scientists develop more effective vaccines. Many people who are exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV) are never able to clear the infection. Persistent HBV infection increases their risk of developing chronic liver disease, including liver cancer. They can also transmit the infection to other people. Studies have shown that people who have an active immune response to the initial exposure are able to clear the virus. An impaired response can lead to chronic infection. A 1995 study found that children and adults in western Gambia who were able to clear HBV infection were more likely to have a MHC class II gene called DRB1*1302 than those who were chronically infected. Researchers have also found that people in this community who have the MHC class I gene called HLA-B53 are protected from severe malaria.

Health aspects, Editorial, Physiological aspects, Major histocompatibility complex, Hepatitis B

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Acromegaly caused by secretion of growth hormone by a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Article Abstract:

Doctors report the second known case of a patient with acromegaly caused by cancer in a part of the body other than the pituitary or hypothalamus. Acromegaly is an enlargement of the hands, feet, face, and internal organs caused by excessive blood levels of growth hormone. The 57-year-old woman in this case had lymphoma, which is a cancer of white blood cells.

Complications and side effects, Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

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