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The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPPT) courses on bone metabolism in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). A retrospective analysis of 45 patients with moderate-to-severe active GO who received 1 or 2 courses of MPPT was performed. Of these, 16 patients underwent 2 courses of treatment. Bone metabolic markers and the density of the lumbar spine (L1-4), femoral neck and total hip were measured using a dual-energy X-ray bone density instrument, and the differences in bone metabolism prior to and after treatment were determined for each group and compared. The results indicated that serum I collagen N-terminal peptide (P1NP) and serum β-collagen crosslinked C-terminal peptide (CTX) were markedly decreased after the first pulse of treatment. In those patients who received a second course of MPPT, CTX levels were significantly decreased, but P1NP was not significantly different from the baseline value. CTX and P1NP levels remained unchanged between the first and second course of MPPT; similarly, there were no changes from baseline in 25(OH) vitamin D3 and bone mineral density after the first and second course of MPPT. However, the level of 25(OH) vitamin D3 was significantly elevated after the second course compared with the first course. In conclusion, the side effects of MPPT on bone metabolism were marginal and a second course of MPPT did not worsen bone metabolism. These MPPT regimens may therefore be considered to be a safe and effective treatment option for patients with moderate-to-severe active GO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association between serum uric acid (SUA) level and sexual dysfunction in patients with diabetes is not well characterized. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) causes metabolic disorders, including abnormal serum uric acid (SUA) levels. In this study, we enrolled 205 male patients with T2DM and investigated the relationship between sex hormone levels and SUA. Patients were divided into four groups based on SUA quartiles. On the other hand, based on the total testosterone (TT) level, patients were divided into three groups; SUA and other laboratory indices were determined. Increase in SUA level was significantly associated with decreased levels of TT, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, sex hormone-binding globulin, and increased levels of dehydroepiandrosterone, age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, glycated hemoglobin, serum creatinine, and HOMA-IR levels. SUA, waist circumference, BMI, and HOMA-IR showed a negative correlation with TT level, while age showed a positive correlation with TT level. SUA and body mass index were found to be risk factors for gonadal dysfunction. Therefore, we conclude that hypogonadism of male patients with T2DM is related to SUA level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]