Through The Art Of Makeup, People With Rare Pituitary Disorders Now Have Unique Resources To Help Address Common Physical And Emotional Changes

Posted on March 24, 2014 by MaryO

Did you know that applying contour powder on certain areas of your face, like the outer rim of the jaw, along the hairline or along the hollows of the cheek, can help make enlarged features less noticeable? Seems like a basic makeup tip, right? Well, to a person with a pituitary disorder that dramatically changes one’s facial features, this type of information may make a major difference – not only physically, but also psychologically.

This is why Novartis has teamed up with Kevyn Aucoin Beauty (KAB) to bring The Highlights Project to those living with acromegaly and Cushing’s disease. The program offers a variety of virtual tools such as makeup suggestions from professional artists and video demonstrations. These resources address common concerns expressed by patients while also educating about these rare, but serious pituitary disorders.

Kevyn Aucoin, founder of KAB and famed Hollywood makeup legend, was diagnosed with acromegaly in 2001 at the age of 40 and passed away less than 12 months later. Aucoin believed in the transformative nature of makeup and saw it as a reflection of both inner and outer beauty. In this spirit, The Highlights Project features a series of makeup tutorials, tips and inspirations designed to help enhance the self-image of pituitary patients. The program also includes the perspective of a psychotherapist who specializes in helping patients with acromegaly and Cushing’s disease.

Like so many other people with acromegaly and Cushing’s disease, Kevyn went undiagnosed for years and faced both emotional and physical challenges as a result of his condition. “Through Kevyn Aucoin Beauty’s partnership with Novartis on The Highlights Project, we hope that we can inspire others living with these pituitary disorders to see their own beauty and view makeup as Kevyn did, not as a mask, but as a tool for discovery,” said Desiree Tordecilla, Executive Vice President, Kevyn Aucoin Beauty.

Acromegaly and Cushing’s disease are pituitary disorders caused by the presence of a noncancerous tumor on the pituitary gland. The symptoms often include highly visual physical changes in the body. For people with acromegaly, enlarged facial features, jaw and brow protrusions, thickening of the skin and skin tags are common. People with Cushing’s disease frequently experience uncontrollable weight gain, facial fullness and redness, a buffalo hump, acne and oily skin. Beyond the external physical changes, these conditions often also cause serious health complications such as cardiovascular issues, fatigue, muscle weakness and cognitive changes. Those living with uncontrolled acromegaly and Cushing’s disease are also at an increased risk of death. Due to the rare nature of these diseases, receiving an accurate diagnosis can be difficult and may take several years – therefore, education and awareness is critical.

The Highlights Project aims to provide support and help those with acromegaly and Cushing’s disease manage the physical manifestations and psychosocial challenges often associated with these conditions.

“As someone who was self-conscious about how unfeminine my facial features appeared, I was amazed by the impact the simple makeup tricks I picked up from The Highlights Project had on my self-esteem,” said Shannon Goodson, who was diagnosed with acromegaly in 2008. “Staying positive, educating yourself about the condition and monitoring hormone levels to ensure the disease is under control are the first steps to empowering yourself and understanding that you are so much more than your diagnosis.”

The mission of The Highlights Project is to help put a face to the challenges those with acromegaly and Cushing’s disease may encounter and serve as a vessel for learning. Novartis is committed to helping to transform the care of rare pituitary conditions and bringing meaningful solutions to patients. To help support acromegaly and Cushing’s disease patients, and learn more about The Highlights Project, visit TheHighlightsProject.com. For more information about these diseases, visit AcromegalyInfo.com and CushingsDisease.com.
Read more from Journal Sentinel: http://www.jsonline.com/sponsoredarticles/health-wellness/through-the-art-of-makeup-people-with-rare-pituitary-disorders-now-have-unique-resources-to-help-address-common-physical-and-emotional-changes8087390808-251841151.html#ixzz2wtDUV9iF

 

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Mutations in PKA catalytic subunit associated with Cushing’s syndrome

Posted on March 18, 2014 by MaryO

1. Somatic mutations resulting in constitutive activation of PRKACA, which encodes the catalytic subunit of protein kinase A, were found in 37% of patients with Cushing’s syndrome due to an adrenal adenoma. 

2. Germline duplications of PRKACA were detected in patients with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia and overt Cushing’s syndrome. 

Study Rundown: This study found that 37% of patients with overt Cushing’s syndrome due to an adrenal adenoma have a somatic mutation in PRKACA, which encodes the catalytic subunit of cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA), present in their tumor cells. The most commonly identified variant, Leu206Arg, results in impaired interaction between the catalytic and regulatory subunits of PKA, thereby causing constitutive activation of PKA. Additionally, a subset of patients with cortisol-producing bilateral adrenal hyperplasia harbored germline duplications of PRKACA.

This is the first study to identify an association between genetic alterations of the catalytic subunit of PKA and Cushing’s syndrome. It is significant that 37% of patients with overt Cushing’s syndrome were found to have tumors with PRKACA mutations; previous research had revealed only very rare mutations. Of note, this study did not find PRKACA mutations in any patients with subclinical Cushing’s syndrome or inactive adenomas. This suggests that Cushing’s syndrome and subclinical Cushing’s are distinct entities. Patients involved in this study were recruited from only three centers; the frequency of PRKACA mutations in Cushing’s syndrome may be different in other study populations. Further research will be needed to identify biochemical causes of overt Cushing’s syndrome in patients without PRKACA mutations.

Relevant Reading: Abnormalities of cAMP signaling are present in adrenocortical lesions associated with ACTH-independent Cushing’s syndrome despite the absence of mutations in known genes

In-Depth: In this study, exome sequencing of tumor specimens from 10 patients with unilateral cortisol-producing adenomas and overt Cushing’s syndrome was performed. Eight of 10 adenomas had somatic mutations in PRKACA; 7 of these patients had the same mutation (p.Leu206Arg). Subsequently, PRKACA was sequenced in 129 additional patients with adrenal adenomas. Patients were classified as having overt Cushing’s syndrome (at least three abnormal biochemical tests or catabolic features plus two abnormal tests), subclinical Cushing’s (at least one abnormal biochemical test without catabolic signs) or as having an inactive adenoma. The Leu206Arg variant was identified in tumor tissue of 14/129 patients and all 14 had overt Cushing’s syndrome. Overall, 37% (22/59) of patients with overt Cushing’s syndrome due to an adenoma had a PRKACA mutation; in contrast, PRKACA mutations were not found in any patients with subclinical Cushing’s or an inactive adenoma. Of 35 patients with overt Cushing’s syndrome due to cortisol-secreting bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, 5 patients had copy-number gains of a region on chromosome 19p that contains PRKACA.

Analysis of holoenzyme structure revealed that the Leu206Arg mutation is located in the active-site cleft of the catalytic subunit of PKA. To evaluate the functional consequences of this mutation, cells were transfected with either nonmutant or variant C-alpha, which encodes the catalytic subunit of PKA. Investigators determined that the mutation causes constitutive activation of the catalytic subunit by impairing interaction with the regulatory subunit of PKA.

From http://www.2minutemedicine.com/mutations-in-pka-catalytic-subunit-associated-with-cushings-syndrome/

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Genetic variations associated with hyperplasias, adenomas of adrenal cortex

Posted on February 27, 2014 by MaryO

Beuschlein F. N Engl J Med. 2014;doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1310359.

Genetic variations of the catalytic subunit of cyclic protein kinase A, or PKA, were linked to the development of bilateral adrenal hyperplasias and unilateral cortisol-producing adrenal adenomas. These effects may activate corticotropin-independent Cushing’s syndrome, according to data published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

“The current study suggests that more than one-third of cortisol-producing adenomas associated with overt Cushing’s syndrome have unique somatic mutations in PRKACA (which encodes the main catalytic subunit of PKA), resulting in constitutive PKA activation,” Felix Beuschlein, MD, of the University of Munich, and colleagues wrote.

The researchers performed an exome sequencing of tumor-tissue specimens from 10 patients with cortisol-producing adrenal adenomas and evaluated their recurrent mutations in candidate genes in 171 additional patients with adrenocortical tumors, according to data.

Somatic mutations in PRKACA were discovered in eight of 10 adenomas. These somatic mutations also were identified in 22 of 59 unilateral adenomas (37%) from patients with overt Cushing’s syndrome; mutations were not detectable in 40 patients with subclinical hypercortisolism or in 82 patients with other adrenal tumors, according to data.

Five of the 35 patients with cortisol-producing hyperplasias appeared to be carriers of the germline duplication of the genomic region on chromosome 19 that includes PRKACA, researchers wrote.

In vitro study data indicated that PKA catalytic subunit genetic mutations impaired inhibition by the PKA regulatory subunit, and cells from patients with germline chromosomal gains appeared to increase the protein levels of the subunit.

“Because PRKACA mediates most of the effects of inactivating PRKAR1A mutations and because mutations of PRKAR1 are associated with a variety of tumors in humans and mice, we would speculate that somatic PRKACA defects might also play a role in other forms of endocrine and nonendocrine tumors,” researchers wrote.

Disclosure: Beuschlein reports financial ties with the European Community, HRA Pharma, Novartis, Viropharma, and Wilhelm-Sander Stiftung.

From http://www.healio.com/endocrinology/adrenal/news/online/%7B22954d9a-0fc9-4e80-b80a-d74bbdfea1a9%7D/genetic-variations-associated-with-hyperplasias-adenomas-of-adrenal-cortex

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Suspected case of Cushing’s Syndrome with history of taking medicines prescribed by registered Chinese medicine practitioner

Posted on February 19, 2014 by MaryO

The Department of Health (DH) today (February 18) alerted clients who have consulted a registered Chinese medicine practitioner (CMP) Mr Chan Kong-kin (CMP Chan), practising at G/F, No.25, Leung Tin Village in Tuen Mun, should consult health-care professionals for advice if they have been supplied with medicines suspected to be Western medicines.

The appeal followed the DH’s investigation into two public complaints. The first complaint involved a 23-year-old woman who consulted CMP Chan for management of eczema. She was given a type of green pills, two types of yellow pills and a type of red-yellow capsules for treatment of her disease for about one year.

She developed round face and increased facial hair which are features compatible with Cushing’s syndrome and steroid overdose can cause the syndrome. The patient was admitted to a public hospital on February 5 for investigation and was discharged on February 7.

The second complaint involved a 24-year-old woman who was recommended by the first complainant to consult CMP Chan for management of allergic rhinitis and eczema. She was given similar medicines as those for the first complainant for three days.

Her condition was stable.

Today, chemical analysis by the Government Laboratory on the patients’ drug samples showed that Western medicine Dexamethasone was detected in the red-yellow capsule.

Dexamethasone is a potent steroid. Taking dexamethasone for a long time, especially when in substantial dosage, can cause side effects such as moon face, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, muscle atrophy, peptic ulcer and even osteoporosis.

DH has set up a hotline 2125 1133 for public enquiries related to the medicines prescribed by the CMP.

It will operate from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday.

“Preliminary investigation by the DH revealed that pills and capsules were found in the CMP’s premises and all have been seized for further investigation,” the spokesman said.

“In December 31, 2012, the DH announced that CMP Chan was found in possession of Part I poisons and unregistered pharmaceutical products in the same clinic which also involved medicines with steroid. The DH subsequently took enforcement action and the relevant legal proceeding is in progress.

The case has also been referred to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for follow-up action,” the spokesman added

“On completion of our investigation, the DH will seek advice from the Department of Justice regarding possible contravention of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138) for the illegal sale or possession of Part I poisons. According to the Ordinance, the maximum penalty for each offence is a fine of $100,000 and two years’ imprisonment. Besides, the DH will also refer this case to the Chinese Medicine Council of Hong Kong for possible disciplinary action”, the spokesman remarked.

People who have been supplied with medicines by the concerned CMP and are in doubt should consult health-care professionals as soon as possible.

They should submit the medicines to the Chinese Medicine Division of DH at 16/F, AIA Kowloon Tower, Landmark East, 100 How Ming Street, Kwun Tong, during office hours for disposal.

Source: HKSAR Government

From http://7thspace.com/headlines/453015/suspected_case_of_cushings_syndrome_with_history_of_taking_medicines_prescribed_by_registered_chinese_medicine_practitioner.html

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Polycystic ovarian syndrome and Cushing’s syndrome: A persistent diagnostic quandary

Posted on February 10, 2014 by MaryO
European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 02/10/2014  Clinical Article

Brzana J, et al. – This study aims to retrospectively review institutional records of female patients of reproductive age with Cushing’s disease (CD) and determine if and how many had been previously diagnosed as having solely PCOS. To determine whether clinical patterns might be useful in identifying appropriate candidates for hypercortisolism screening in women suspected of PCOS. Prolonged exposure to hypercortisolism has been linked with increased mortality and morbidity. Tests for hypercortisolism in all the PCOS cases authors report led to an appropriate CD diagnosis. Future research should focus on when and which (if not all) women with suspected PCOS should be tested for hypercortisolism.

Methods

  • The study included 50 patients with pathologically proven CD at Oregon Health & Science University, Northwest Pituitary Center between 2006 and 2011.
  • Physical, clinical, and biochemical features for hypercortisolism were compared.

Results

  • Of 50 patients with pathologically proven CD, 26 were women of reproductive age.
  • Of these, half had previously been diagnosed with and treated initially solely for PCOS.
  • Hirsutism and menstrual abnormalities were more common in the group with an initial PCOS diagnosis than in the group with an initial CD diagnosis.

From http://www.mdlinx.com/endocrinology/newsl-article.cfm/5055779/ZZ4747461521296427210947/?news_id=2364&newsdt=021014&subspec_id=1509&utm_source=Focus-On&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_content=Top-New-Article&utm_campaign=article-section

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