September 2004
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WELCOME! to the first edition of The Endocrine Edge, a monthly update from The Endocrine Society, the largest and most active professional organization of endocrinologists in the world. As the nation continues to look for ways to control this growing epidemic, endocrine researchers are leading the way to a better understanding of obesity and related health conditions, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Clinical endocrinologists are also working to control the devastating health affects of severe obesity. The Endocrine Edge provides you - members of the media- with a sneak peak at data, analysis and information on obesity and other endocrine-related conditions, including:

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

Examining the "Fad" Diet

In their study "Diet, Insulin Resistance, and Obesity: Zoning in on Data for Atkins Dieters Living in South Beach," authors Cristina Lara-Castro and W. Thomas Garvey examine the recent frenzy toward low-carb/high-fat diets, together with the scientific data to support these diets. Focusing on the popular Atkins, Zone and South Beach diets, the authors reviewed studies assessing the effects of low- versus high-carbohydrate diets on insulin resistance and weight loss. The researchers also considered the important effects of the diet on insulin resistance, since this increases a person's risk of developing diabetes and heart disease.

Do Black Women Get Hungrier More Quickly?

In the study, "Postprandial Ghrelin is Elevated in Black Compared to White Women," researchers examines the variance in Ghrelin levels between black and white women two hours after a meal. Ghrelin is a gut-brain peptide that signals hunger. Ghrelin increases dramatically before a meal and is suppressed for about three hours after a meal. The study findings suggest a possible genetic influence that might impact post-randial Ghrelin suppression and play a role in the increased prevalence of obesity and related cardiovascular diseases in one race of women vs. another.

See below for a Fast Fact related to this new study.

Ovary Syndrome May Increase Risk of Vascular Disease

In the study titled "Early Impairment of Endothelial Structure and Function in Young, Normal-Weight Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)," study authors evaluated the presence of early vascular damage in young, normal-weight women with PCOS. They found that PCOS impairs women's vascular health, namely endothelial structure and function, regardless of whether the women are otherwise healthy.

Also in the September JCE&M: A Special Feature that looks at the prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity.

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

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 Polycystic Ovary Syndrome with Dr. Kathryn Martin, Massachusetts General Hospital

At 5'6" and 135 lbs., Leslie Sutton, 41, doesn't look like someone with an obesity problem. But Leslie's current healthy weight and positive attitude are the result of hard work and a 12-year partnership with her endocrinologist, Dr. Kathryn Martin. Leslie has polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS. PCOS is a hormone disorder characterized by irregular menstrual periods, a high level of androgens, or "male" hormones, and the presence on ultrasound of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. Women with PCOS are often obese, may have unusual or excessive hair growth (also known as hirsutism), and are at increased risk for insulin resistance, diabetes and fertility problems.

For Leslie, the problems began with her first period. "I was 12 or 13 when I got my first period and my whole body just went wacky," she says. "I was gaining weight. I had horrible acne and was growing this hair and getting really depressed. It was awful." Unfortunately for Leslie, her condition began at a time when little was known about PCOS. Without answers, Leslie spent the next decade struggling with her weight and spiraling self-esteem. By the time she graduated from college and married, she was desperate for help - and help is what Dr. Martin provided.

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



Expert Resources [RETURN TO TOP]

Dr. Kathryn Martin

Dr. Martin, an active member of The Endocrine Society and a reproductive endocrinologist, is co-director of the Reproductive Endocrine Associates at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor in medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. Well versed on the topic of obesity/overweight and reproductive function, Dr. Martin's most recent research interests have included menstrual cycle disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) - leading causes of infertility.

To schedule an interview with Ms. Leslie Sutton, Dr. Kathryn Martin or any of The Endocrine Society's experts, please contact The Endocrine Society at media@endo-society.org



Fast Facts [RETURN TO TOP]

fastfacts icon

Did you know that 31 percent of African Americans are obese compared to 20 percent of Caucasians, while, at the same time, more than two-thirds of endocrinologists report that less than 25 percent of their referrals are actually African American?

Obesity affects more than 64 percent of the adult population in the United States and the numbers are on the rise. In fact, a recent survey of The Endocrine Society's membership revealed that 79 percent believe obesity is the nation's most serious health problem when compared with heart disease, smoking, diabetes, cancer and HIV/AIDS*.

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.