Surgical Management of a Collision Tumor: The Association of Intracranial Meningioma and Macroadenoma

Background: The simultaneous presence of a pituitary adenoma and a meningioma is a rare and underreported condition. The randomly encountered cases need to be reported to further allow our understanding of this collision tumors that are still not understood nor fully described. Patients and Method: We report a case of coexisting nonfunctioning pituitary adenoma and a left temporal lobe meningioma revealed by a 1-year history of progressive vision loss and occasional headaches in a 56-year-old woman. Her clinical condition worsened in the last 5 months with ptosis, cavernous sinus syndrome, and ophthalmoplegia of the right eye without papilledema. There was an improvement in the visual symptoms after subtotal resection of both lesions through a right frontotemporal craniotomy. Histology confirmed a collision tumor. The patient was referred for adjuvant treatment with gamma knife radiosurgery. He was doing well and back to his usual duties 6 months later. Conclusion: A gross total or subtotal resection with adjuvant therapy is the gold standard for the surgical management of collision tumors for a favorable patient outcome.

Radiotherapy in Non-Functioning Pituitary Macroadenoma： Mansoura Experience

OBJECTIVE The current retrospective study aims to evaluate the management of non-functioning the assessment of experience on pituitary macroadenoma through clinical, biochemical, radiological features, and treatment outcome of patients, and to identify prognostic factors affecting progression-free survival （PFS）. METHODS Data of 55 patients macroadenoma presented to the with non-functioning pituitary Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine department between 1998 and 2009 were investigated. RESULTS The most common symptom was visual disturbance （38.2%） followed by headache （27.3%）. The presence of male predominance was observed （1.4：1）. Ten patients received radio-therapy （RT） only. Extrasellar extension was the more common treatment. The overall response rate was 72.8% with completed response at 16.4%. Memory and intellectual sequelae were the most common late complications of treatment （14%）. The ten-year PFS was at 84.6%. PFS was found to be significantly better with higher dose of RT （up to 54 Gy）, treatment by both surgery and RT, absence of visual field defect, and tumor localized to sella, whereas it was not significantly affected by age and sex. CONCLUSION The data confirmed that the prevalence of mass effect and hypopituitarism in patients with non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma is elevated. Conventional external RT up to 54 Gy is safe and effective in controlling non-functioning pituitary macro- adenoma with tolerable and acceptable morbidity.

Extra-pseudocapsular Transnasal Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Macroadenoma:Technique Note and Evaluation of Endocrine Function

Objective In this study,we investigated the surgical technique and endocrine assessment of pituitary function of patients with macroadenoma treated by extra-pseudocapsular transnasal transsphenoidal surgery(ETTS).Methods Clinical data of 144 patients with pituitary macroadenomas in the same surgical group at the Department of Neurosurgery,Tongji Hospital,Tongji Medical College,Huazhong University of Science and Technology were retrospectively analyzed from January 2019 to June 2021.Based on the results of the endocrinological evaluation and MRI examinations before and after surgery,the fluctuation of pituitary function and the extent of resection were analyzed.Multiple Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors affecting postoperative tumor residual.Results Among the 144 patients with pituitary macroadenomas,72(50.0%)were female and 72(50.0%)were male,the median age was 50 years,26(18.1%)had invasiveness grade 0,46(31.9%)had grade I,57(39.6%)had grade II,and 15(10.4%)had grade III according to Lu’s classification method.Based on observation during surgery,37 cases(25.7%)had no pseudocapsule,54 cases(37.5%)had incomplete pseudocapsule,and 53 cases(36.8%)had intact pseudocapsule.In addition,91(63.2%)patients had total resection,39(27.1%)had subtotal resection,and 14(9.7%)had partial resection.As for anterior pituitary function,13 of 19 hypothyroid patients had recovery after surgery,with a remission rate of 68.4%.Eighteen of the 26 decreased cortisol patients got back to normal,with a remission rate of 69.2%.A total of 27 of 51 patients with hypogonadism improved,with a remission rate of 52.9%.Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that gender,tumor size,and invasiveness were predictors of postoperative residual in patients(P<0.05).Conclusion The results showed that ETTS is an effective treatment modality for restoring the function of pituitary gland of the patients with macroadenomas.Tumor size and invasiveness are predictors of the extent of surgical resection and postoperative residual of macroadenomas.

Spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and pituitary hyperplasia mimicking macroadenoma associated with primary hypothyroidism

We report an unusual case of spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and pituitary hyperplasia mimicking macroadenoma in an adult,non-pregnant woman.Her condition was triggered by unrecognized primary hypothyroidism,which regressed after thyroid hormone replacement therapy.This case highlights the need for clinicians and radiologists to familiarize themselves with the clinical and imaging features detected in case of these complications of primary hypothyroidism,which are not well known in the medical and radiological profession.Such improved knowledge will help avoid delays in diagnosis,progression to lifethreatening complications,and unnecessary surgery.

Factors influencing improvement of visual field after trans-sphenoidal resection of pituitary macroadenomas:a retrospective cohort study

AIM: To investigate the influencing factors of visual field improvement after trans-sphenoidal resection of pituitary macroadenomas. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 201 patients (366 eyes) with visual field defect induced by pituitary macroadenomas. All of them were treated with trans-sphenoidal surgery. Ophthalmologic evaluation, best -corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and visual field examination were performed before and 3mo after surgery. BCVA, visual field defect index mean deviation (MD), duration of symptoms, age, sex, and volume of tumors were compared. Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Ki-67 of tumor tissue were detected by immunohistochemical technique. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 44.23 +/- 1.29y. Ninety -three patients were female and 108 were male. The mean tumor volume was 14.36 +/- 6.23 cm(3). The mean duration of preoperative symptoms was 11.50 +/- 0.88mo. Mean preoperative MD was -17.50 +/- 0.82 dB. Mean Preoperative visual acuity was 0.64 +/- 0.04. Postoperative visual field improved in 270 (73.77%) eyes, unchanged in 96 (26.23%) eyes. Multivariate logistic regression displayed that the factors independently influencing visual field improvement were young age (OR=1.71, 95%CI: 1.325-2.387, P=0.013), low preoperative MD absolute value (OR=1.277, 95%CI: 1.205-1.355, P<0.001), small volume of tumor (OR=1.458, 95%CI: 1.060-4.289, P<0.001), low expression of VEGF in tumor tissue (OR=1.554, 95%CI: 1.089-2.457, P=0.022), and low expression of Ki-67 in tumor tissue (OR=1.552, 95%CI: 1.161-2.847, P=0.026). CONCLUSION: After pituitary macroadenomas trans sphenoidal resection, the independent influencing factors of the visual fields recovery were low preoperative MD absolute value, young age, small volume of tumor, and expression levels of VEGF/Ki-67.

A Rare Case of Non-Functioning Pituitary Macroadenoma (NFMA)

NFMAs are benign tumors that do not produce any biologically active hormones and exceed 10 mm (0.39 in) in size. Although NFMAs are benign in origin, mass effects may lead to serious clinical symptoms such as visual impairments, chronic headache, and pituitary insufficiency. The authors describe a 51-year-old woman who had a NFMA (35 × 24 × 25 mm). The vision was reduced to 7/10 in the both eyes. A transnasal transsphenoidal surgery was performed and the tumor was successfully resected. Postoperatively, the patient had visual (9/10) and headache improvement. This case highlights a rare presentation of non-functioning pituitary macroadenoma.

Visual Disorders Outcome after Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-Sphenoidal Surgery of Pituitary Macroadenomas

Objective: Describe the outcome of visual disorders after endonasal transsphenoidal (EET) surgery of pituitary macroadenomas with preoperative chiasmal compression. Patients and Methods: From 2009 to 2013, 225 patients underwent EET surgery for sellar tumor. Among them, 168 suffered from visual disorders induced by chiasmatic compression, of which 88 met the inclusion criteria for this study. Average duration of follow up was 1.8 yrs ± 0.4 yrs. All patients had sellar MRI before surgery and yearly postoperatively, visual acuity (VA) and/or visual field (VF) measurements before, 3 months after surgery and yearly postoperatively. Results: All tumors were macroadenomas with a mean preoperative MRI-estimated volume of 10.0 {plus minus} 9.07 cm3. Preoperative VA was impaired with an average of 0.43 ± 0.13 LogMAR (left eye) and 0.36 ± 0.14 LogMAR (right eye) and VF was disturbed in 99% ± 2% of the cases with the most frequent disorder being bitemporal hemianopsia (38 patients). Post-operatively, the mean residual MRI-estimated tumor volume was 3.15 ± 3.71 cm3. Mean tumor volume reduction was 62% ± 9% (p < 0.001). Optic chiasmal compression resolved in 72% ± 10% of the cases. Visual function improved in 86% ± 7% of cases (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Endoscopic endonasal management of pituitary gland neoplasms is effective to reduce tumor volume. This technique achieved significant visual improvement in the majority of cases presenting with chiasmal compression syndrome.

Pituitary macroadenoma apoplexy as a rare complication of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor in chronic lymphoid leukaemia

Background Pituitary apoplexy is a neurosurgical emergency and is a known yet rare complication of pituitary macroadenoma.Patients typically present with visual field defects,headache and altered sensorium.There are multiple risk factors for this complication and a thorough drug history is essential to exclude iatrogenic causes of disease.We present an extremely rare case of newly diagnosed pituitary insufficiency unveiled by ibrutinib therapy(a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor).Furthermore,after initial withdrawal of ibrutinib because of the erroneous diagnosis of Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion(SIADH),its re-administration led to the development of classical pituitary apoplexy 4 months after treatment was restarted.Case presentation A male patient in his 60s with a background of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia(CLL)on ibrutinib and venetoclax presents with acute confusion and deranged electrolytes.He is found to be hyponatraemic and is diagnosed with Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion(SIADH)and treated with fluid restriction.He represents again 3 weeks later with hyponatraemia and further investigations reveal pituitary insufficiency and macroadenoma.He was restarted on ibrutinib and venetoclax at the time of discharge.Four months later,he presents with sudden retro-orbital headache associated with vomiting.Clinical findings include cranial nerve III,IV and XI palsy.Humphrey’s visual field examination revealed a left visual field index(VFI)of only 1%while the right was 64%with temporal hemianopia.Both pupils were mid-dilated and poorly reactive to light.MRI pituitary with contrast showed features of pituitary apoplexy and optic nerve compression.He was urgently referred to the neurosurgical team and underwent an emergency trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy with circumferential excision of the macroadenoma.Post-operative recovery was uneventful with marked improvement in vision bilaterally.The patient was restarted on ibrutinib and venetoclax 2 weeks post-operatively.Approximately 1 year post-treatment,he remains in radiological,clinical and biochemical remission from CLL and all medications have been withdrawn.Conclusions This is a unique and rare case of pituitary macroadenoma apoplexy following the commencement of ibrutinib for CLL.Central nervous system haemorrhage is a rare side effect of ibrutinib due to its platelet dysfunction effects.A thorough assessment is required to assess the risks and benefits of using ibrutinib in patients with pituitary macroadenoma to avoid serious complications.

Pituitary metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma

Pituitary tumor is a common neuroendocrine tumor,but there are also rare clinical metastases at this site,which are generally transferred from extrabellar tumors.Although the clinical incidence is low,the prognosis is poor.The purpose of this editorial is to discuss further the relevant knowledge of pituitary metas-tases and remind clinicians to prevent missed diagnosis and improve the prog-nosis of these patients.

miR-200b-3p accelerates progression of pituitary adenomas by negatively regulating expression of RECK

MicroRNA(miR)-200b-3p has been associated with many tumors,but its involvement in pituitary adenoma is unclear.This study investigated the molecular mechanism underlying miR-200b-3p regulation in pituitary adenomas to provide a theoretical basis for treatment.Bioinformatics was used to analyze pituitary adenoma-related genes and screen new targets related to RECK and miRNA.As well,the relationship between miR-200b-3p and RECK protein was verified using a double-luciferase reporter gene assay.The expression of miR-200b-3p in clinical samples was analyzed by in situ hybridization.Transfection of the miR-200b-3p inhibitor and small interfering-RECK(si-RECK)was verified by qPCR.GH3 cell viability and proliferation were detected using CCK8 and EdU assays.Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and western blotting.Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect cell migration and invasion.The effects of miR-200b-3p and RECK on GH3 cells were verified using salvage experiments.miR-200b-3p was highly expressed in pituitary tumor tissue.Inhibitors of miR-200b-3p inhibited cell proliferation promoted cell apoptosis,inhibited invasion and migration,and inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinases.Interestingly,miR-200b-3p negatively regulated RECK.The expression of RECK in pituitary adenoma tissues was lower than that in neighboring tissues.Si-RECK rescued the function of miR-200b-3p inhibitors in the above cellular behaviors,and miR-200b-3p accelerated the development of pituitary adenoma by negatively regulating RECK expression.In summary,this study investigated the molecular mechanism by which miR-200b-3p regulates the progression of pituitary adenoma through the negative regulation of RECK.The findings provide a new target for the treatment of pituitary adenoma.

Pituitary metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Pituitary gland metastasis is an unusual event,and pituitary metastasis from lung adenocarcinoma is extremely rare and associated with poor prognosis.To date,approximately 15 cases have been reported.CASE SUMMARY Here,we present the case of a 64-year-old woman with pituitary metastasis derived from lung adenocarcinoma,which was difficult to distinguish from other sellar tumors.The patient presented to the neurosurgery clinic with blurred vision and intermittent headache.During hospitalization,brain computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a pituitary macroadenoma.Chest CT revealed irregular nodules in the basal segment of the lower lobe of the left lung,which were likely lung cancer.Positron emission tomography-CT revealed a carbohydrate metabolism tumor in the lungs and sellar region,which was considered malignant.Postoperative pathological examination of the sellar tumor revealed lung adenocarcinoma.CONCLUSION Excision of pituitary metastases combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy should be a priority treatment for patients with pituitary metastasis.

Pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy induces spermatogenesis in pituitary stalk interruption syndrome:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome(PSIS)is a rare anatomical defect of the pituitary gland falling under the spectrum of holoprosencephaly phenotypes.It is characterized by a deficiency in anterior pituitary hormones,such as growth hormone,gonadotropins,and thyroid hormones.Due to the syndrome's rarity and nonspecific manifestations,there is a lack of standardized treatment strategies.Consequently,early diagnosis through imaging and on-time intervention are crucial for improving patients’outcomes.CASE SUMMARY A 30-year-old man presented with absent secondary sexual characteristics and azoospermia.Laboratory evaluation revealed a deficiency in gonadotropins,while thyroid function was mostly within normal ranges.Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland showed pituitary stalk agenesis,hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary,and ectopic posterior pituitary,leading to the diagnosis of PSIS.Initially,the patient underwent 6 mo of gonadotropin therapy without significant changes in hormone levels and secondary sexual characteristics.Pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy was then administered,resulting in the detection of sperm in the semen analysis within 3 mo.After 6 mo,routine semen tests showed normal semen quality.The couple faced challenges in conceiving due to abstinence and underwent three cycles of artificial insemination,which was unsuccessful.They also attempted in vitro fertilization,but unfortunately,the woman experienced a miscarriage 10 wk after the embryo transfer.CONCLUSION Early detection,accurate diagnosis,and timely treatment are crucial in improving the quality of life and fertility of PSIS patients.

Clinical application of reserved gastric tube in neuroendoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary tumor

BACKGROUND The neuroendoscopic approach has the advantages of a clear operative field,convenient tumor removal,and less damage,and is the development direction of modern neurosurgery.At present,transnasal surgery for sphenoidal pituitary tumor is widely used.But it has been found in clinical practice that some patients with this type of surgery may experience post-operative nausea and vomiting and other discomforts.AIM To explore the effect of reserved gastric tube application in the neuroendoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors.METHODS A total of 60 patients who underwent pituitary adenoma resection via the endoscopic endonasal approach were selected and randomly divided into the experimental and control groups,with 30 in each group.Experimental group:After anesthesia,a gastric tube was placed through the mouth under direct vision using a visual laryngoscope,and the fluid accumulated in the oropharynx was suctioned intermittently with low negative pressure throughout the whole process after nasal disinfection,during the operation,and when the patient recovered from anesthesia.Control group:Given the routine intraoperative care,no gastric tube was left.The number of cases of nausea/vomiting/aspiration within 24 h post-operation was counted and compared between the two groups;the scores of pharyngalgia after waking up,6 h post-operation,and 24 h postoperation.The frequency of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection were compared.The hospitalization days of the two groups were statistically compared.RESULTS The times of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the experimental group were lower than that in the control group,and the difference in the incidence of nausea was statistically significant(P<0.05).After the patient woke up,the scores of sore throat 6 h after the operation and 24 h after operation were lower than those in the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The number of cases of postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and intracranial infection was higher than that of the control group,but there was no statistically significant difference from the control group(P>0.05).The hospitalization days of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Reserving a gastric tube in the endoscopic endonasal resection of pituitary tumors,combined with intraoperative and postoperative gastrointestinal decompression,can effectively reduce the incidence of nausea,reduce the number of vomiting and aspiration in patients,and reduce the complications of sore throat The incidence rate shortened the hospitalization days of the patients.

Spontaneous remission of pituitary macroadenomas in women:report of two cases

Spontaneous regression of pituitary macroadenomas is rare. It is generally thought that absorption of the necrotic tissue after pituitary apoplexy may cause the spontaneous healing of the tumor. However, such cases are often accompanied by hypopituitarism, which sould be treated with hormone replacement therapy. Here we report two cases of spontaneous remission of pituitary macroadenomas in women, who had complete tumor disappearance with preserved pituitary function.

Simultaneous rectal neuroendocrine tumors and pituitary adenoma:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Neuroendocrine tumors(NET)are rare heterogeneous tumors that arise from neuroendocrine cells throughout the body.Acromegaly,a rare and slowly progressive disorder,usually results from a growth hormone(GH)-secreting pituitary adenoma.CASE SUMMARY We herein describe a 38-year-old patient who was initially diagnosed with diabetes.During colonoscopy,two bulges were identified and subsequently removed through endoscopic submucosal dissection.Following the surgical intervention,the excised tissue samples were examined and confirmed to be grade 2 NET.^(18)F-ALF-NOTATATE positron emission tomography-computed tomography(PET/CT)and 68Ga-DOTANOC PET/CT revealed metastases in the peri-intestinal lymph nodes,prompting laparoscopic low anterior resection with total mesorectal excision.The patient later returned to the hospital because of hyperglycemia and was found to have facial changes,namely a larger nose,thicker lips,and mandibular prognathism.Laboratory tests and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)suggested a GH-secreting pituitary adenoma.The pituitary adenoma shrunk after treatment with octreotide and was neuroendoscopically resected via a trans-sphenoidal approach.Whole-exome sequencing analysis revealed no genetic abnormalities.The patient recovered well with no evidence of recurrence during follow-up.CONCLUSION ^(18)F-ALF-NOTATE PET/CT and MRI with pathological analysis can effectively diagnose rare cases of pituitary adenomas complicated with rectal NET.

Morphological comparison and gonadotropins cell localization of mature female turbot and mouse pituitary

Reproduction is subtlety regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad(HPG)axis in vertebrates.Pituitary gland is the center of the HPG axis,while pituitary gonadotropins follicle stimulating hormone(FSH)and luteinizing hormone(LH)were identified the key elements of the HPG axis in teleost and mammal.Morphology,cell lines,and gonadotropins cell localization of female turbot and mouse pituitary were determined at mature stage to illustrate the anatomical difference and cell characteristics in this study.Results show that turbot pituitary is chicken heart-shaped,dorsoventral,located on the ventral surface of the diencephalon.The mouse pituitary is oval,located in the pituitary fossa of the sella turcica at the skull base.Two well-distinguished areas adenohypophysis(AH)and neurohypophysis(NH)in pituitary were identified in turbot and mouse.Turbot AH comprised the rostral pars distalis(RPD),proximal pars distalis(PPD),and pars intermedia(PI).NH was not pronounced and with finger-like protrusions into PPD.However,mouse AH only comprised the pars distalis(PD)and PI.NH distribution was semicircular.Three main types of cells(acidophilic,basophilic,and chromophobic cells)were distributed in the mouse PD region,whereas appeared in the turbot PPD,RPD,and PI.Moreover,the percentage of mouse chromophobic and basophilic cells was higher and lower than that of turbot,respectively.The diameter of the aforementioned three cells in the mouse was significantly higher than turbot.fshβ-and lhβ-immunoreactive signals were identified in turbot-distinct pituitary cells that primarily occupied the peripheral and central regions of AH.However,mouse fsh-and lh-immunoreactive cells were expressed in the same cells and present in the PD.These results demonstrate the significantly difference of pituitary morphology,cell lines and gonadotropins(fshβand lhβ)location in female turbot and mouse.These differences help for fully understand the evolution and endocrinological functions of pituitary.

Surgical management of pituitary adenoma during pregnancy

BACKGROUND Although conservative treatment is typically recommended for pregnant patients with pituitary adenoma(PA),surgical treatment is occasionally necessary for those with acute symptoms.Currently,surgical interventions utilized among these patients is poorly studied.AIM To evaluate the surgical indications,timing,perioperative precautions and postoperative complications of PAs during pregnancy and to provide comprehensive guidance.METHODS Six patients with PAs who underwent surgical treatment during pregnancy at Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1990 and June 2021 were recruited for this study.Another 35 pregnant patients who were profiled in the literature were included in our analysis.RESULTS The 41 enrolled patients had acute symptoms including visual field defects,severe headaches or vision loss that required emergency pituitary surgeries.PA apoplexies were found in 23 patients.The majority of patients(55.9%)underwent surgery in the second trimester of pregnancy.A multidisciplinary team was involved in patient care from the preoperative period through the postpartum period.With the exception of 1 patient who underwent an induced abortion and 1 fetus that died due to a nuchal cord,39 patients delivered successfully.Among them,37 fetuses were healthy until the most recent follow-up.CONCLUSION PA surgery during pregnancy is effective and safe during the second and third trimesters.Pregnant patients requiring emergency PA surgery require multidisciplinary evaluation and healthcare management.

Pituitary apoplexy secondary to dengue fever-induced-thrombocytopenia:A case report and review of literature

Rationale:Pituitary apoplexy(PA)is a rare endocrine emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and management.Dengue fever-induced-thrombocytopenia may rarely predispose to PA.Patient’s Concern:A 58-year-old male patient having known pituitary macroadenoma presented to the emergency department with fever,a sudden onset severe headache,and altered sensorium.Diagnosis:Pituitary apoplexy caused by dengue fever-induced-thrombocytopenia.Interventions:Conservative management with fluids,mannitol,dexamethasone and symptomatic treatment.Outcomes:The patient responded well to the treatment and was discharged uneventfully.Lessons:Although dengue hemorrhagic fever is a rare cause of pituitary apoplexy,it should be considered if a patient presents with headache and altered sensorium,and prompt initiation of treatment is crucial to prevent fatality and neuro-ophthalmic deficits.

Cold exposure alters proteomic profiles of the hypothalamus and pituitary in female rats

Objective:Studies have shown that both short-term and long-term cold exposures disturb the biological process.The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of intermittent cold exposure on proteomic profiles in the hypothalamus and pituitary of female Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats.Materials and methods:The rats were exposed to-10°C in a cabin for 4 h per day,and the treatment lasted for 14 days.The comparative label-free LC-MS/MS analysis was performed to investigate the changes of proteomic profiles in the hypothalamus and pituitary.ELISA analysis was used to validate the expression of differential proteins.Results:22 differential proteins in the hypothalamus and 75 differential proteins in the pituitary were identified by the label-free proteomic analysis.Gene ontology annotation and enrichment analysis indicated that cold exposure disrupted protein phosphorylation,filopodium assembly,intracellular protein transport,peripheral nervous system neuron axonogenesis,spinal cord development,Golgi organization,positive regulation of pseudopodium assembly,and cell-cell adhesion.Three proteins(Cdc42,Ptprs,and Setd7)were down-regulated in the cold exposure group.Conclusion:The results indicate that intermittent cold exposure alters the proteomic profiles of hypothalamus and pituitary in female rats.

Advances in the mechanism of action of metformin in pituitary tumors

Pituitary tumors are common intracranial tumors,but when faced with drugresistant or aggressive tumors,existing medical measures may not provide good control,leading to progression and deterioration.Metformin,a traditional hypoglycemic drug,has recently been discovered to have multiple functions including antitumor effects.There have been studies on the mechanism of metformin for the treatment of pituitary tumors,but it is uncertain whether it will provide new adjuvant or alternative therapies for the treatment of these tumors.We analyzed the potential mechanisms of action of metformin with respect to the inhibition of pituitary tumor growth and hormone secretion by reviewing the available literature.