Turner Syndrome

Researchers at Aarhus University release new data on hormone replacement therapy

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"Treatment with female hormone replacement therapy (HRT) reduces liver enzymes. To study quantitative liver functions in TS in detail with and without HRT. Randomized crossover study with active treatment (HRT in TS and P-pill in controls) or no treatment. Women with TS (n=8, age 29.7 ±5.6 (mean ±s.d.) years), verified by karyotype, and age-matched controls (C; n=8, age 27.3 ±4.9 years). We determined liver enzymes in blood, used the galactose elimination capacity to assess hepatocyte cytosol activity, plasma clearance of indocyanine green to assess excretory function, antipyrine clearance to estimate microsomal activity, and the functional hepatic nitrogen clearance (FHNC) to assess mitochondrial-cytosolic metabolic capacity for conversion of amino-nitrogen. Liver enzymes were elevated in untreated TS and reduced by HRT. The hepatic capacities for conversion of galactose, indocyanine green, and antipyrine were normal and did not change by HRT. The FHNC was marginally reduced (untreated TS vs C: 19.4 ±5.4 vs 25.2 ±7.3 L/h, p=0.1). FHNC changed slightly with HRT in TS (19.4 ±5.4 vs 24.4 ±10.2 L/h, p=0.2). The elevations of liver enzymes in untreated TS are readily suppressed by HRT," wrote C.H. Gravholt and colleagues, Aarhus University.

The researchers concluded: "Quantitative liver functions in TS are comparable to controls and are not affected by HRT."

Gravholt and colleagues published their study in European Journal of Endocrinology (Quantitative liver functions in Turner syndrome with and without hormone replacement therapy. European Journal of Endocrinology, 2007;156(6):679-86).

For additional information, contact C.H. Gravholt, Aarhus University Hospital, Medical Dept. of M (Endocrinology and Diabetes), Aarhus Sygehus, Norrebrogade, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark.

The publisher's contact information for the European Journal of Endocrinology is: Bio Scientifica Ltd., Euro House, 22 Apex Court Woodlands, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4JT, England.

Keywords: Denmark, Aarhus, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Genetics, Hepatology, Histology, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Hormones, Liver Function, Turner Syndrome.

This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.