Loss of bone mineral density due to osteoporosis is the main cause of fragility fractures and leads to dropped quality of life and increased mortality. Disturbance of balance between bone formation and bone resorption is dangerous, can cause loss of bone mass and disruption of it’s architecture. Correct development, achievement of peak bone mass and normal functioning of human skeleton depend on different factors. The pivotal role in bone metabolism play thyroid hormones. Both excess as well as deficiency of fT4 and fT3 can be potentially deleterious for bone tissue. The aim of this study is to review the current literature concerning the role of thyroid hormones on bone metabolism.

Pasireotide, a novel multireceptor-targeted somatostatin receptor ligand (SRL) is characterized by a higher affinity to somatostatin receptor type 5 than type 2, unlike first-generation SRLs. Because of the broader binding profile, pasireotide has been suggested to have a greater clinical efficacy in acromegaly than first-generation SRLs and to be efficacious in Cushing’s disease. The consequence of this binding profile is the increased blood glucose level in some patients. This results from the inhibition of both insulin secretion and the incretin effect and only a modest suppression of glucagon. A monthly intramuscular formulation of long-acting release pasireotide has been approved for both acromegaly and Cushing’s disease treatment. This review presents data on the efficacy and safety of pasireotide treatment mostly in patients with acromegaly and Cushing’s disease. Moreover, other possible therapeutic applications of pasireotide are mentioned.

Background: Despite growing interest in itch, data regarding itch in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) are still limited, and mostly based on outdated studies. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of itch in the adult population with DM2 and explore potential underlying causes. Methods: The study group consisted of 109 adult patients with DM2. Standardized questionnaires were completed in order to assess the itch intensity [Numerical Rating Scale (three days, 24hours) (NRS)] and the Four-item Itch Questionnaire (4IIQ) and to assess the psychological impact of itch [ItchyQoL, Six-Item Stigmatization Scale (6-ISS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)]. Skin dryness was evaluated clinically and by non-invasive assessment of epidermis moisturizing. Neuropathy was assessed using the clinical Katzenwadel neuropathy scale. Results: Itch occurred in 35.8% of adult patients with DM2, with NRS_max three days 6.31 ± 2.16 and 8.1 ± 3.5 points in 4IIQ. Itchy patients have had significantly higher FPG levels compared with the non-itchy population (p = 0.01). Patients with itch had a significantly higher possibility of neuropathy compared with non-itchy subjects (p < 0.01). Skin xerosis was significantly more advanced in patients with itch compared to those without (p < 0.01). The mean ItchyQol score was assessed as 41.2 ± 13.4 points, indicating mild life quality impairment and correlated positively with itch intensity. Itchy subjects had significantly higher scores in both anxiety and depression dimensions of HADS (in each p < 0.01). Conclusions: We suggest that the primary cause of itch is prolonged poor diabetes control with altered glucose and insulin levels, subsequently causing skin dryness and neuropathy in long-lasting DM2.

Acromegaly is a rare disease caused by excessive production of growth hormone (GH), typically by a pituitary tumour. The diagnosis is usually delayed, and patients frequently develop various complications that cause premature mortality. In patients with hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, and arthropathies that are not age-specific, attention should be paid to signs of acromegaly. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) assay should be used as a screening test whenever acromegaly is suspected. Further diagnostic investigations and treatment should be carried out at specialist centres. First-line treatment involves selective excision of pituitary adenoma using transsphenoidal access. Patients with chances of cure with surgical removal of the pituitary tumour should be referred to centres that have experience in this type of procedure, following pharmacological preparation. Other patients, as well as patients after failed neurosurgical treatment, should first receive chronic treatment with first-generation somatostatin analogues. For second-line treatment, pasireotide, pegvisomant, cabergoline, or combinations thereof should be considered. In every case, acromegaly sequelae require life-long monitoring and active treatment. Current recommendations, being an updated version of the recommendations published in Endokrynologia Polska in 2014, which take into account the Polish situation, should prove useful in the management of patients with acromegaly. Acromegaly is a rare disease caused by excessive production of growth hormone (GH), typically by a pituitary tumour. The diagnosis is usually delayed, and patients frequently develop various complications that cause premature mortality. In patients with hypertension, heart failure, diabetes, and arthropathies that are not age-specific, attention should be paid to signs of acromegaly. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) assay should be used as a screening test whenever acromegaly is suspected. Further diagnostic investigations and treatment should be carried out at specialist centres. First-line treatment involves selective excision of pituitary adenoma using transsphenoidal access. Patients with chances of cure with surgical removal of the pituitary tumour should be referred to centres that have experience in this type of procedure, following pharmacological preparation. Other patients, as well as patients after failed neurosurgical treatment, should first receive chronic treatment with first-generation somatostatin analogues. For second-line treatment, pasireotide, pegvisomant, cabergoline, or combinations thereof should be considered. In every case, acromegaly sequelae require life-long monitoring and active treatment. Current recommendations, being an updated version of the recommendations published in Endokrynologia Polska in 2014, which take into account the Polish situation, should prove useful in the management of patients with acromegaly.

Osteoporosis and sarcopenia lead to increased mortality, but their early diagnosis allows preventive measures and treatment to be implemented. The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) method enables the assessment of both bone mineral density (BMD) and bone quality based on the trabecular bone score (TBS), the Bone Strain Index (BSI), hip structure analysis (HSA), and comprehensive hip axis length (HAL). The main complications of osteoporosis are fractures, and a BMD value or T-score together with TBS can be also applied in fracture risk calculation using the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX). In recent years, the interest in sarcopenia has increased. There are many methods for assessing the quality, quantity and function of muscles. Total body DXA provides information not only about the BMD of the whole skeleton or the amount of lean tissue (identified as fat-free mass), but also about the amount and distribution of adipose tissue. Some parameters obtained from DXA measurements related to muscle and/or fat mass are used in the assessment of osteosarcopenia. The following article presents a wide range of possibilities for the use of the DXA method in the diagnosis of osteosarcopenia because DXA is a useful technique for the diagnosis of bone density and body composition together.