October 2004
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IN THIS ISSUE

What's New in Obesity Research? [RETURN TO TOP]

Coming this month in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCE&M):
Embargoed until 6:00 a.m. ET on October 5

Gene Variant Linked to Childhood Obesity

In the study "An Insertional Polymorphism of the Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) Gene is Associated with Fasting Insulin Levels in Childhood Obesity," investigators examine 380 obese Italian children and adolescents (185 girls, 195 boys) and postulate the link between type 2 diabetes and obesity. The study highlights the connection between a particular genetic variant (POMC) and the regulation of glucose metabolism in obese children and adolescents, and suggests a link to the development of obesity in late adolescence and adulthood.

Infertility: Alternative Options Offer New Hope for Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

In their study, "Metformin Administration Versus Laparoscopic Ovarian Diathermy in Clomiphene Citrate-Resistant Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): A Prospective Parallel Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial," authors examine alternative treatment options for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - the most common hormonal disorder in reproductive-age women. PCOS causes infertility, irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, increased risk for diabetes and obesity, and excessive hair growth, among other health problems. The study population was characterized as women with PCOS who have not been responsive to treatment with clomiphene citrate (CC), the recommended first line therapy. Researchers compared the effectiveness of second-line treatments - laparoscopic ovarian diathermy (a surgical treatment) and metformin treatment (a pharmaceutical treatment), both of which have been found to promote normal ovarian function in women for whom weight loss and fertility treatments have not been successful. The data offers new hope and reveals an effective option - administration of metformin -for overweight infertile women with PCOS who have had no luck with standard treatment.

Obese on the Inside? Identifying Metabolically Obese but Normal Weight Women

Metabolic syndrome is one of the fastest growing concerns among both doctors and patients and is characterized by a cluster of health problems including obesity, high blood pressure, abnormal lipid levels and high blood sugar. In their study, "Metabolic and Behavioral Characteristics of Metabolically Obese but Normal Weight (MONW)," investigators identify a unique population of young women with normal body mass index (the women were not obese), but who present signs of metabolic syndrome. Through the study, investigators were able to identify key metabolic and behavioral factors that distinguish MONW women from young women with a normal, healthy metabolic profile and put MONW women at risk for developing metabolic syndrome. Could identification of these factors help endocrinologists recognize women with unhealthy metabolic profiles even before they show weight gain?

Coming this month in the Endocrinology:

What Effect Does Increased Hunger Hormone Have on Diabetics?

Ghrelin is a gut-brain peptide that signals hunger. In the study titled "Effect of Uncontrolled Diabetes on Plasma Ghrelin Concentrations and Ghrelin-Induced Feeding," researchers examined a population of diabetic rats and compared their eating habits with those of nondiabetic controls, in attempt to investigate the basic mechanisms underlying the relationships between uncontrolled diabetes, food intake and plasma ghrelin concentrations. The investigators' findings support the idea that increased ghrelin activity contributes to excessive eating. What impact will this finding have on clinical research?

See these studies and more in upcoming issues of JCE&M and Endocrinology from The Endocrine Society. To interview an author or to obtain a copy of the studies discussed above, contact The Endocrine Society at media@endo-society.org



Profiles: The Patient/Clinician Connection [RETURN TO TOP]

A Look at Childhood Overweight with Dr. Henry Anhalt, St. Barnabas Medical Center, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Livingston, NJ

Approximately three years ago, nine-year-old Donna Marie Bloomquest began to gain weight unexplainably. Not an overeater nor one to be sedentary, Donna Marie's body was suddenly changing for no apparent reason. She was embarrassed, confused and fearful that she had done something wrong to cause this change. Within one year, she had gained an astonishing 20 pounds. Her mother, Christine, became very concerned about Donna Marie's weight gain, turning to her daughter's pediatrician for answers. Unfortunately, Donna Marie's pediatrician did not diagnose her condition as characteristic of metabolic syndrome and the youngster's weight continued to climb. A referral from a friend resulted in both mother and daughter visiting with a specialist - an endocrinologist named Dr. Henry Anhalt. That referral led to diagnosis, treatment and a whole new way of life for Donna Marie and her mother.

To read more of Donna Marie's story, go to http://www.obesityinamerica.org/profiles.html

To schedule an interview with Ms. Donna Marie Bloomquest, her mother Christine, Dr. Henry Anhalt or any of The Endocrine Society's experts, contact The Endocrine Society at media@endo-society.org



Expert Resources [RETURN TO TOP]

Dr. Francine Kaufman, M.D.

Francine Kaufman, M.D., and active member of The Endocrine Society, is a renowned pediatric endocrinologist who currently serves in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. As a clinician and researcher board-certified in pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology by the American Board of Pediatrics, Dr. Kaufman has a unique perspective on preventing, assessing and treating overweight in children. She can also discuss the prevalence of childhood obesity, related medical complications and new developments in research.

To schedule an interview with Dr. Kaufman, please contact The Endocrine Society at media@endo-society.org



New Research on Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women [RETURN TO TOP]

On Thursday, October 14, new research on obesity and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women will be released at the American Medial Association's 23rd Annual Science Writer's Conference in Washington, DC. The new research will also be published in the November issue of JCE&M. To obtain a copy of the study, contact The Endocrine Society at media@endo-society.org For more information about the science writer's conference, visit http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/13058.html

Other Happenings/Events [RETURN TO TOP]

The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association (PCOSA) will hold its 7th Annual International Conference, "Life Stages of PCOS," October 7-10, in Rye Brook, NY. The Endocrine Society will host an educational booth at the conference. For more information on PCOSA, visit www.pcosupport.org.

Fast Facts [RETURN TO TOP]

fastfacts icon

The majority of endocrinologists (64 percent) indicate that more than half of their obese patients suffer complications resulting from obesity.

Did you know that nearly two-thirds of endocrinologists believe that the terms "overweight," "obese," and "morbidly obese" are not consistently defined*? Consistency in defining this condition could lead to more consistency in combating it.

If you have any questions about this issue of The Endocrine Edge or The Endocrine Society, please contact Marisa Lavine at 301-941-0255 or via e-mail at mlavine@endo-society.org or media@endo-society.org.

*The Endocrine Society conducted an online survey of its membership through its Web site between January 26 and February 16, 2004. The survey yielded a response from 250 endocrinologists. The confidence level of the survey is 95 percent.