Expression of Angiotensin Ⅱ Receptors in Aldosterone-producing Adenoma of the Adrenal Gland and Their Clinical Significance

The expression of angiotensin Ⅱ type 1 receptor (AT1R) and angiotensin Ⅱ type 2 receptor (AT2R) in aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) of the adrenal gland was detected, and their relationship with clinical indexes of APA was analyzed. The mRNA expression of AT1R and AT2R in 50 cases of APA and tissues adjacent to tumors and 12 cases of normal adrenal tissues was detected by using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of AT1R and AT2R proteins in paraffin-embedded slices of tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of AT1R in adenoma, tissues adjacent to tumor, and normal tissues of the adrenal gland showed no significant differences. The expression of AT2R in APA tissue was lower than that in normal adrenal gland tissues (P<0.05). Correlation analysis of the mRNA expression level of AT2R and clinical data from patients demonstrated that AT2R expression was negatively related to plasma aldosterone concentration (PAC) (r=-0.467, P<0.05), but positively related with plasma renin activity (PRA) (r=0.604, P<0.05). It is concluded that down-regulation of the AT2R expression is possibly related with the tumorigenesis of APA.

Establishment of rat model of combined kidney-adrenal gland allotransplantation

Objective： To establish a rat model of combined kidney-adrenal gland and allotransplantation, and to explore the immunoprotecive effect of the transplanted adrenal gland on the transplanted kidney in the combined transplantation. Methods. SD rats 160 served as donors and recipients. The combined kidney-adrenal gland allotransplantation was performed. Infusion was conducted and prepared at prime position ,and the kidney and adrenal gland were at the left side. Direct vascular anastomosis and operation of connecting ureter attached part of bladder with the bladder were conducted. The kidney pedicle of the right side was ligated. Results： A stable and mature rat model of combined transplantation was established. The warm ischemia time was 30 seconds, and the cold ischemia time was 90-120min.The average time was 100 min. The operation time was 150 min. The survival time of the recipients was 21 days. The successful rate of the operation was 75%. Conclusion： The model of the combined kidney-adrenal gland allotransplantation can be established with higher successful rate. The model can be used to explore that transplanted adrenal gland may have immunoprotecive effect on the transplanted kidney in the combined transplantation.

Ultrasonographic Changes of Adrenal Glands Size under Trilostane Therapy, Their Correlation with Clinical Signs and Endocrine Tests and Possibility of Introducing Ultrasound as Additional Monitoring Modality of Cushing’s Syndrome

A prospective study of 15 dogs with diagnosed Cushing’s syndrome was made to find a correlation between adrenal size enlargement, clinical signs and results of an ACTH stimulation test. To our knowledge, no study was made trying to correlate changes in adrenal size, response to therapy and ACTH stimulation test results. Ultrasonographic evaluation and an endocrine test (ACTH stimulation test/“pre pill”) were performed in each dog two weeks after initiating the therapy, two to four weeks after changing the dosage of trilostane and ideally 10 weeks after establishing the right dosage of trilostane (two owners showed up later on date due pandemic of COVID-19). The results indicate that there is correlation between adrenal size enlargement and response to trilostane therapy. In this study, all dogs that had increase in adrenal gland size of more than 7% showed as well clinical improvement of HAC (hyperadrenocorticism) signs under trilostane therapy. Further, possible multicentric, studies should be performed to verify assumed correlation between adrenal size enlargement and positive response to trilostane therapy.

Human-like adrenal features in Chinese tree shrews revealed by multi-omics analysis of adrenal cell populations and steroid synthesis

The Chinese tree shrew(Tupaia belangeri chinensis)has emerged as a promising model for investigating adrenal steroid synthesis,but it is unclear whether the same cells produce steroid hormones and whether their production is regulated in the same way as in humans.Here,we comprehensively mapped the cell types and pathways of steroid metabolism in the adrenal gland of Chinese tree shrews using single-cell RNA sequencing,spatial transcriptome analysis,mass spectrometry,and immunohistochemistry.We compared the transcriptomes of various adrenal cell types across tree shrews,humans,macaques,and mice.Results showed that tree shrew adrenal glands expressed many of the same key enzymes for steroid synthesis as humans,including CYP11B2,CYP11B1,CYB5A,and CHGA.Biochemical analysis confirmed the production of aldosterone,cortisol,and dehydroepiandrosterone but not dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the tree shrew adrenal glands.Furthermore,genes in adrenal cell types in tree shrews were correlated with genetic risk factors for polycystic ovary syndrome,primary aldosteronism,hypertension,and related disorders in humans based on genome-wide association studies.Overall,this study suggests that the adrenal glands of Chinese tree shrews may consist of closely related cell populations with functional similarity to those of the human adrenal gland.Our comprehensive results(publicly available at http://gxmujyzmolab.cn:16245/scAGMap/)should facilitate the advancement of this animal model for the investigation of adrenal gland disorders.

A giant cystic adenomatoid tumor of the adrenal gland： a case report

Adenomatoid tumors are the most commonly located .in male and female genital tracts, but they are rarely found in extragenital locations, especially in adrenal glands. These tumors are considered as benign neoplasms of mesothelial derivation, and pathologically show glandular tubules lined by epitheloid cells with intervening trabeculae with a characteristic mixture of adenoidal, angiomatoid, cystic and solid patterns, in addition to focal calcifications and signet-ring like cells frequently.2 Because of the lack of radiological specificity,

Alveolar echinococcosis of the adrenal gland： brief review of two cases

Background Alveolar echinococcosis located in the adrenal gland can be considered a rare and aggressive infestation that radiologically and macroscopically mimics a malignant neoplasm. Its pathogenesis is poorly understood. This paper describes its clinical and radiological aspects and discusses its proper management. Methods The records of two patients with adrenal gland alveolar echinococcosis who were diagnosed and treated in our center in 2009 were evaluated. Results Neither patient showed any signs of recurrence following radical surgical treatment and postoperative oral anthelmintic therapy. Conclusion Radical surgery can be a feasible, effective management option that results in a good prospective outcome.

Experimental Study on Effect of Tonifying Kidney Herbs on Pituitary, Ovary, and Adrenal Gland in Androgen Sterilized Rats

Objective: To observe the effect of tonifying Kidney herbs (TKH) on pituitary gland, ovary, and adrenal gland of androgen sterilized rats (ASR).Methods: ASR model was established by injecting testosterone propionate subcutaneously to Sprague-Dawley (SD) female rats of 9 days age. Morphological and endocrinological change of pituitary gland, ovary and adrenal gland in rats of 100–107 days old before and after feeding TKH extract were observed by light and electron microscope, cell cultures, immunohistochemical studies, and radioimmunoassay.Results: In the ASR groups, there were intracytoplasmic lipid drops, crinophagy, vacuole, and autophagy in pituitary gland, anovulation in ovary, and hyperplasia of reticular zone in adrenal gland. At the same time, serum follicular stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone decreased (P < 0.05-0.005) and serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone levels increased significantly (P < 0.01-0.001). These morphologiacl and endocrinological changes were all returned to normal range after the TKH treatment.

Primary adrenal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with normal adrenal cortex function:A case report

BACKGROUND Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,which accounts for about approximately 30%to 40%of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas,is the most common type and is a class of aggressive B-cell lymphomas.However,diffuse large B-cell lymphomas primary to the adrenal gland are rare.CASE SUMMARY A 73-year-old man was admitted with abdominal pain and fatigue.After admission,enhanced adrenal computed tomography indicated irregular masses on both adrenal glands,with the larger one on the left side,approximately 8.0 cm×4.3 cm in size.The boundary was irregular,and surrounding tissues were compressed.No obvious enhancement was observed in the arterial phase.Resection of the left adrenal gland was performed.Pathological diagnosis revealed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.After surgery,the patient received RCHOP immunochemotherapy.During the fourth immunochemotherapy,patient condition deteriorated,and he eventually died of respiratory failure.CONCLUSION R-CHOP is the conventional immunochemotherapy for primary adrenal diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.Surgery is mainly used to diagnose the disease.Hence,the ideal treatment plan remains to be confirmed.

Spontaneous rupture of adrenal myelolipoma as a cause of acute flank pain:A case report

BACKGROUND Adrenal myelolipoma is a rare,benign,non-functioning mass that occurs in the adrenal gland.It is composed of an admixture of hematopoietic elements and mature adipose tissue,similar to bone marrow.Even at large sizes,adrenal myelolipomas are usually asymptomatic and often incidentally found by ultrasonography or computed tomography(CT)scan.This paper describes an unusual case of adrenal myelolipoma presenting as flank pain.CASE SUMMARY A 50-year-old male with severe right flank pain underwent a CT scan revealing a huge mass extending into the suprarenal space.The mass showed a fat component with retroperitoneal hemorrhage.The tumor was treated laparoscopically,and pathologic examination revealed features of myelolipoma originating from the adrenal gland.CONCLUSION Adrenal myelolipomas are generally asymptomatic and can be treated conservatively.However,rupture and hemorrhage of the tumor can cause symptoms requiring surgical removal.

Scavenger receptor BI: A multi-purpose player in cholesterol and steroid metabolism

Scavenger receptor class B type Ⅰ (SR-BI) is an important member of the scavenger receptor family of integral membrane glycoproteins. This review highlights studies in SR-BI knockout mice, which concern the role of SR-BI in cholesterol and steroid metabolism. SR-BI in hepatocytes is the sole molecule involved in selective uptake of cholesteryl esters from high-density lipoprotein (HDL). SR-BI plays a physiological role in binding and uptake of native apolipoprotein B (apoB)-containing lipoproteins by hepatocytes, which identif ies SR-BI as a multipurpose player in lipid uptake from the blood circulation into hepatocytes in mice. In adrenocortical cells, SR-BI mediates the selective uptake of HDL-cholesteryl esters, which is eff iciently coupled to the synthesis of glucocorticoids (i.e. corticosterone). SR-BI knockout mice suffer from adrenal glucocorticoid insuff iciency, which suggests that functional SR-BI protein is necessary for optimal adrenal steroidogenesis in mice. SR-BI in macrophages plays a dual role in cholesterol metabolism as it is able to take up cholesterol associated with HDL and apoBcontaining lipoproteins and can possibly facilitate cholesterol efflux to HDL. Absence of SR-BI is associated with thrombocytopenia and altered thrombosis susceptibility, which suggests a novel role for SR-BI in regulating platelet number and function in mice. Transgenic expression of cholesteryl ester transfer protein in humanized SR-BI knockout mice normalizes hepatic delivery of HDL-cholesteryl esters. However, other pathologies associated with SR-BI def iciency, i.e. increased atherosclerosis susceptibility, adrenal glucocorticoid insuffi ciency, and impaired platelet function are not normalized, which suggests an important role for SR-BI in cholesterol and steroid metabolism in man. In conclusion, generation of SR-BI knockout mice has signif icantly contributed to our knowledge of the physiological role of SR-BI. Studies using these mice have identif ied SR-BI as a multi-purpose player in cholesterol and steroid metabolism because it has distinct roles in reverse cholesterol transport, adrenal steroidogenesis, and platelet function.

Hepatic mucormycosis mimicking hilar cholangiocarcinoma:A case report and literature review

Mucormycosis is a rare but invasive opportunistic fungal infection associated with a high mortality rate,and normally occurs in immunocompromised patients. In this report,we describe an immunocompetent patient suffering from hepatic mucormycosis secondary to adrenal mucormycosis,which masquerades as hilar cholangiocarcinoma. After surgical procedure and treatment with amphotericin B and itraconazole,the patient recovered well and had a 2-year infection-free survival. To our knowledge,this special clinical manifestation of hepatic infection as well as adrenal mucormycosis has not been reported to date. Mean-while,this is the first case of an immunocompetent patient with both adrenal and hepatic mucormycosis who has been treated successfully.

Proteomic analysis of effects of Chinese herbs to calm the liver and suppress hyperactive yang in a rat migraine model

BACKGROUND： The expression of ubiquitin and energy-associated protein can provoke migraines. Studies have suggested that expression is closely linked to ＂hyperactivity of liver-yang theory＂ in Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM）, as well as the function of periphery sympathetic nerve medulla. OBJECTIVE： To observe proteomic changes in a rat migraine model with regard to hyperactivity of liver-yang when treated with Chinese herbs to calm the liver and suppress hyperactive yang compound. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： A randomized controlled study. This study was performed at the laboratory of Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Institute of Human Reproduction and Stem Cell Engineering and Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics of Ministry of Health, Xiangya Hospital Affiliated to Central South University between September 2006 and July 2007. MATERIALS： Thirty, male, healthy, Sprague-Dawley rats, aged eight weeks, were included in the final analysis. Aconite, to calm the liver and suppress hyperactive yang compound, was provided by the Dispensary of Traditional Chinese medicine, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. A physiological electronic stimulator, type SDQ-1, was provided by Bengbu Practical Institute of Technology. The left trigeminal ganglion was localized and stimulated for 10 minutes, and the rats were orally administered an aconite concoction to establish a rat migraine model with hyperactivity of liver-yang. METHODS： Rats were randomly divided into a normal control group, model group, and TCM treatment group, with 10 rats in each group. The TCM treatment group was orally treated to calm the liver and suppress the hyperactive yang compound once a day for 28 days. In contrast, the model group and normal group were orally administered the same amount of distilled water once a day for 28 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The total proteins from adrenal glands of the three groups were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis （2-DE）, and 2-DE images were analyzed by PDQuest 7.0 software. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry （MALDI-TOF-MS） was used to obtain peptide mass fingerprints of the differential proteins. Databases were searched to identify the proteins, RESULTS： A total of 30 rats were included in the final analysis. Reproducible 2-DE patterns from rat adrenal gland of the three groups were obtained. Compared with the normal group, nine proteins were down-regulated and five proteins were up-regulated in the model group; however, these expressions returned to normal, or near normal levels, in the TCM treatment group. A total of eight differentially expressed proteins were identified： glycogen phosphorylase, ATP synthase D chain, isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase, ubiquitin, Annexin-3, Annexin-A1, Peroxirdoxin-II, and heat shock protein-27. CONCLUSION： Liver calming and suppression of the hyperactive yang compound may up-regulate expression of proteins related to energy metabolism and the ubiquitin system. Compounds that are used to treat migraines may contribute to protein functions in the peripheral sympathetic nervous system.

Retroperitoneal tumor finally diagnosed as a bronchogenic cyst:A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Retroperitoneal bronchogenic cyst(RBC)is an extremely rare developmental abnormality.Most are benign tumors but malignant transformation is possible.Because of their anatomical position,RBCs are easily misdiagnosed as adrenal or pancreatic solid tumors on radiological evaluation.Here,we report a case of RBC,review the literature,and summarize some important features.CASE SUMMARY A 49-year-old woman was incidentally found to have a retroperitoneal tumor during a physical examination.Enhanced computed tomography and laboratory evaluations,including routine blood examination,blood biochemistry,24-h urine 17 ketones,17 hydroxyls,adrenocortical hormone,serum potassium concentration,serum amylase,lipase,and epithelial tumor markers,revealed a moderate density,54 mm×40 mm mass with a clear boundary near the left adrenal gland.The were no abnormalities in the blood and urine values.Because the patient had a history of hypertension and the location of the mass was adjacent to the adrenal gland,it was initially diagnosed as a left adrenal tumor and was resected by retroperitoneal laparoscopy.However,the pathological examination after surgery confirmed it to be a bronchogenic cyst.CONCLUSION Retroperitoneal laparoscopic surgery can be prioritized for symptomatic RBC patients.Conservative treatment is feasible for selected patients.

A Rare Tumor in a Rare Location: Ganglioneuroma

Ganglioneuroma is a rare benign tumor Neuronagliomas of the adrenal gland are a rare pathology. Therefore, this case will be of interest to urologists, surgeons, oncologists, and pathologists. Located in the adrenal gland (20%), along the sympathetic chain, and particularly in the posterior mediastinum (40%) and the retroperitoneum (30%). Ganglioneuroma poses a positive diagnostic and therapeutic problem. We report the case of a patient aged 48 admitted for pain in the right hypochondrium. He had no significant past medical or surgical history. On a physical examination, there were no noticeable findings except for mild tenderness and a mass on palpation. He underwent abdominal CT, which showed a relatively homogenous right adrenal tumor measuring. Endocrine work-up including urine catecholamine and cortisol levels was normal. Due to the tumor size and with consideration of the differential diagnosis of a malignant lesion, we elected to operate on the patient. Right adrenalectomy was performed, with no related complications. The final histopathologic report revealed adrenal ganglioneuroma. Although benign, the ganglioneuroma can present malignant aspects, in particular, CT scans and biological that can mislead the clinician, so histology remains the examination of choice for making the diagnosis.

Role of adrenalectomy in recurrent Cushing＇s disease

Background Cushing＇s disease is a pituitary-dependent type of Cushing＇s syndrome. Treatment consists of pituitary surgery or radiotherapy, but the recurrence rate at 10 years is as high as 40%. Adrenalectomy is considered an effective treatment to refractory Cushing＇s disease. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy of laparoscopic adrenalectomy and open adrenalectomy in Cushing＇s disease, focusing on reversing the sequelae of hypercortisolism and improving patients＇ quality of life. Methods Forty-three patients （29 women, 14 men） with recurrent Cushing＇s disease after transsphenoidal operation underwent laparoscopic （n=32） or open （n=11） adrenalectomy from 2000 to 2008. Surgical results were evaluated for all the 43 patients. Patients completed a follow-up survey, including the short-form 36-item （SF-36） health survey. Results All the 43 patients achieved clinical reversal of hypercortisolism after adrenalectomy. Time to symptom resolution varied from a few weeks to up to 3 years. Most physical changes had resolved by a mean of 8 months after surgery. These conditions were not significantly different between the laparoscopy and open groups. Median length of hospital stay was shorter in the laparoscopy group （4 vs. 9 days; P 〈0.001）. Median follow-up was 48.5 months. Of the 34 （79%） patients available for follow-up, 22 （65%） had adrenocorticotropic hormone levels 〉200 ng/ml and 6 （27%） had clinical Nelson syndrome. Four patients died by 75 months after surgery. Using SF-36, 30 （88%） patients reported they felt their health status was good to excellent compared with 1 year before adrenalectomy; however, they showed significantly lower scores in all the 8 SF-36 parameters compared with the general population. No significant difference emerged in SF-36 scores between the laparoscopy and open groups. Conclusions Adrenalectomy showed high survival and clinical benefits in recurrent Cushing＇s disease patients. Despite patient-reported improvement in health after adrenalectomy, patients continue to experience poor health status compared with the general population.

The Effect of Hormones of the Hypothalamic-pituitary-target Gland Axes in a Kidney-Yang Deficiency Syndrome Model

Kidney-yang deficiency syndrome(KYDS)is a diagnostic pattern in the traditional Chinese medicine.Studies have shown that KYDS is related to the functional disorder of hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-target gland axes.The standard procedure used to mimic KYDS is the injection of a high dose of exogenous glucocorticoid(hydrocortisone and corticosterone).Such a model showed symptoms such as exhaustion,body twists,cold limbs,lying crowded together,decreased rectal temperature,sexual dysfunction,decreased reaction speed,reduced spontaneous activity,hair loss,loss of appetite,and weight loss.Moreover,the model manifested an imbalance in mutual control among the hormones of the pituitary-target gland axes,including adrenocorticotrophic hormone,CORT,CRH,thyroid-stimulating hormone,triiodothyronine,thyroxine,T,E2,follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,and 17-OHCS.

Adenomatoid tumor of the suprarenal region with high plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone： a case report

Adenomatoid tumors （ATs） are benign neoplasms that most commonly occur in the genital tracts of both male and females. Extragenital ATs are rare and have been reported in the pleura, heart, omentum, the mesentery of the small intestine, pancreas, mediastinal lymph nodes and peri-umbilical skin. 1,2 AT of the adrenal gland is typically an asymptomatic neoplasm with benign behavior, which has been recently recognized as a diagnostic challenge, as it is both rare and can present in such a manner as to suggest a wide range of differential diagnoses. 1,3-8 Here we report a very large AT of the left adrenal gland, which at present appears to be the largest tumor of this type that has ever been reported. It may be the first case of AT associated with a high level of plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone （ACTH）.