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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]

Objective: To determine the effect of testosterone on serum glucose,lipid,uric acid and insulin metabolism in male patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus., Methods: A total of 205 male patients with type 2 diabetes participated in this study. They were divided into two groups: those with normal testosterone (TT) (TT≥12 nmol/L, n =135) and those with low TT (TT<12 nmol/L, n =70). Their body mass,waist circumference (WC),body mass index (BMI),blood glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), serum uric acid (SUA),insulin,testosterone,luteinizing hormone (LH),follicle stimulating hormone (FSH),estradiol (E2),and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured. The insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) of the participants was calculated using a homeostasis model. Sex hormone levels were compared across the four groups divided by HOMA-IR and SUA in quartiles., Results: The participants with low TT had higher age,SUA,BMI,WC,and HOMA-IR ( P <0.05). TT and SHBG decreased with increased HOMA-IR index ( P <0.05). TT,LH,FSH and SHBG decreased with increased SUA ( P <0.05). The logistic regression model showed that SUA and BMI were predictors of hypogonadism., Conclusion: Male patients with type 2 diabetes who are prone to hypogonadism, are possibly related to increased SUA and obesity., (Copyright© by Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Science Edition).)