Asian Journal of Research and Reports in Endocrinology

Exploring Dyslipidaemia, Oxidative Stress, and Reproductive Endocrine Disruption in Tartrazine and Carmoisine Azo Dyes-Exposed Rats: A Systematic Review

Elekima, Ibioku, Zebedee, Loveday Udu, Chuku, Iminabo Diana — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: This study is a systematic review focusing on the effects of tartrazine and carmoisine azo dyes on lipid, oxidative stress, and reproductive endocrine disruptions in rats.

Method: We systematically reviewed studies published between 1972 and 2026 using keywords and short phrases from Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Global Health, and BIOSIS. No restrictions were placed on language or study type.

Results: The studies revealed that 54%, 28%, and 18% of the papers reviewed were done on tartrazine, carmoisine, and mixtures of tartrazine and carmoisine. It was also indicated that 31%, 30%, and 39% of the studies were on lipids, endocrine disruption, and oxidative stress, respectively. Meanwhile 61%, 40%, 31% were on acute, sub-acute, and chronic studies. Exposure duration of less than or up to 30 days had the highest proportion of studies, indicating 35% and 26% for ADI and high dosage exposures, respectively. The period of exposure ranged from 48 hours to 200 days, while the dose of exposure ranged between 2mg/kg and 22.5g/kg.

Conclusion: The review showed that tartrazine, carmoisine, or their mixtures are not associated with reproductive endocrine disruption at ADI doses within 30 days of exposure. However, allergic reactions were revealed. Moreover, it was revealed that at ADI above 60 days, dyslipidaemia, depletion of antioxidant enzymes, and lipid peroxidation were observed, particularly in studies where doses higher than ADI were used between 21 and 200 days. Therefore, this study revealed the urgent need for the enforcement of laws and regulations regarding the use of these dyes as prescribed in food and drinks, as well as an effective educational campaign against the use, abuse, and excessive consumption of these azo dyes.

Bilateral Pheochromocytoma in an Adolescent Girl with Von Hippel–Lindau Syndrome: A Case Report

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pheochromocytoma is a rare cause of secondary hypertension in children and adolescents. We report a case of a 15-year-old girl who presented with recurrent adrenergic spells and severe hypertension, subsequently diagnosed with bilateral pheochromocytoma associated with Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) syndrome. This case underscores the importance of early clinical recognition, comprehensive biochemical and imaging assessment, genetic confirmation, and meticulous perioperative management of this rare genetic syndrome.

Stroke with a Hidden Tumor: Retroperitoneal Paraganglioma Presenting as Catecholamine-induced Cerebrovascular Accident

Purushothaman, Devaprasath Jeyasekaran, Rakesh Chandru, Joel Franklin — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors arising from extra-adrenal chromaffin tissue of the autonomic nervous system. Functioning paragangliomas may secrete catecholamines, leading to hypertensive crises and serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications.

Case Presentation: We report a 46-year-old female with no prior medical history who presented with sudden-onset headache, palpitations, and unilateral sensory disturbance. Neuroimaging revealed an acute cerebrovascular accident. Persistent accelerated hypertension prompted endocrine evaluation, which demonstrated markedly elevated catecholamine metabolites. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed a 3 cm retroperitoneal mass compressing the inferior vena cava, consistent with a functioning paraganglioma. Following adequate preoperative alpha blockade, the tumor was excised without complication. Postoperatively, the patient remained normotensive with complete resolution of symptoms.

Conclusion: Catecholamine-secreting paragangliomas represent a rare but important secondary cause of stroke in relatively young and middle-aged patients. Early recognition, biochemical evaluation, and multidisciplinary management are crucial to prevent recurrent cerebrovascular events and ensure favourable outcomes.

The Role of Sexual Hormones and Their Receptors in Cancer: Mechanisms, Epidemiology, and Clinical Translation

Saheed Ayodeji Adekola — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: The relationship between hormones and cancer development constitutes one of the most clinically consequential intersections in modern oncology. Sex hormones, mainly oestrogen, progesterone, and androgens, play a significant role in the onset, development, and advancement of various prevalent cancers, such as breast, endometrial, prostate, and ovarian cancers.

Aims: This mini-review provides a comprehensive and mechanistically organized synthesis of the dual, and context-dependent roles of steroid hormones in cancer biology. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for advancing precision oncology, improving targeted therapeutic interventions, and guiding future translational research. By integrating molecular insights with clinical and epidemiological evidence, this work positions itself as a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians seeking to better understand hormone-driven carcinogenesis.

Study Design: Narrative mini-review of published peer-reviewed literature.

Methods: A review of existing literature was performed utilizing the PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Key search terms included: hormones, cancer, carcinogenesis, oestrogen receptor, androgen receptor, hormone replacement therapy, molecular mechanisms, chemoprevention, and precision oncology. Priority was given to meta-analyses, large prospective cohort studies, landmark randomised controlled trials, and high-impact mechanistic studies published between 1941 and 2024.

Results: Hormones drive carcinogenesis through genomic receptor activation, direct genotoxic effects via oestrogen-quinone DNA adducts, and epigenetic reprogramming. Epidemiological evidence consistently supports cumulative lifetime oestrogen exposure as the main determinant of breast and endometrial cancer risk. In prostate cancer, androgen receptor signalling is indispensable for disease initiation and progression. Emerging evidence implicates the gut microbiome, circadian rhythm disruption, and metabolic dysfunction as modulators of hormonal carcinogenesis. Clinical translation has produced a suite of highly effective interventions, aromatase inhibitors, selective oestrogen receptor modulators and degraders, CDK4/6 inhibitors, and next-generation androgen receptor antagonists that have substantially improved outcomes in hormone-sensitive cancers.

Conclusion: The hormone-cancer axis remains a productive frontier for both basic science and clinical oncology. Advances in liquid biopsy, single-cell genomics, and artificial intelligence are poised to refine our mechanistic understanding and therapeutic precision further, ultimately enabling individualised risk stratification and treatment optimisation in hormone-sensitive malignancies.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Regarding Insulin Use among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

A. Siddharth, Rohith Srinivas, G. K. Preethi, N. Siddarth — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, and it remains a major global public health challenge, with India contributing a substantial share of the overall disease burden. This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding insulin use among patients with diabetes mellitus at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore (January 2025–January 2026). A structured questionnaire evaluating 4 knowledge, 2 attitude, and 3 practice items (maximum score: 9) was administered to 100 patients on insulin therapy. The mean duration of diabetes was 13.44 ± 6.88 years, and insulin use was 55.37 ± 33.84 months. The mean knowledge, attitude, practice, and total KAP scores were 1.45 ± 0.91, 1.01 ± 0.64, 1.35 ± 0.81, and 3.81 ± 1.45, respectively. Only 6% of participants knew correct insulin storage, while safe needle reuse and proper disposal were observed in 37% and 45% of patients, respectively. Significant gaps in knowledge and practices were identified despite moderate attitude scores. These findings highlight the need for structured, repeated, and demonstration-based patient education to improve safe insulin use.

Awareness of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) among Female Undergraduates in Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria

Uka-Kalu, Ezinne Chioma, Elekeh, Rosemary Ichita, Okore, Mary Uche — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age, yet global awareness remains low, particularly among young women. The consequences of insufficient PCOS knowledge among female undergraduates extend beyond delayed diagnosis, encompassing inadequate management and potential reproductive health complications.

Aim: This study assessed the knowledge and perception of PCOS among female undergraduate students at Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria.

Method: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed, involving 400 participants selected using the Taro Yamane formula. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0 with descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The findings revealed that only 44.8% of the respondents had ever heard of PCOS, with significant variations across departments (p = 0.002). While 37% correctly identified PCOS as a hormonal disorder, a substantial 59.5% were unable to define the condition. Awareness of risk factors was generally low, with more than half of the students (56.8%) unable to identify any risk factor. Knowledge of symptoms was similarly poor, as 58.8% could not recognize common clinical signs such as menstrual irregularities, hirsutism, acne, or weight gain. Awareness of PCOS complications—including infertility, metabolic disorders, and mental health issues—was also limited, with 61% reporting no knowledge of associated health outcomes. Academic exposure and healthcare professionals were the most common information sources, although many students reported barriers such as a lack of awareness programs. Knowledge gaps were pronounced in non–health disciplines: Public Health and Optometry students consistently outperformed Management and Mass Communication peers across all knowledge domains, reflecting the critical role of formal curriculum exposure.

Conclusion: Overall, the study highlights a critical knowledge gap regarding PCOS among female undergraduates. These findings underscore the need for targeted health education interventions to improve early recognition, promote timely health-seeking behaviors, and enhance reproductive health outcomes among young women in university settings.

Prevalence and Determinants of Obesity among Secondary School Adolescents in Port Harcourt

Madubuike Goodlyne, Gabriel-Job Nneka — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Obesity represents a major global heath challenge because of the established health risks and substantial increase in its prevalence in children and adults in both developed and developing countries. Paediatric obesity has become a thing of concern in the last few decades in developing nations due to change in lifestyle and food culture from globalization.

Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and determinants of obesity among secondary school adolescents.

Methods: The study employed a descriptive-analytical design and was conducted between May and July 2019. A multi-stage sampling technique was utilised to recruit 224 adolescents aged 10–19 years from six secondary schools within the Port Harcourt Local Government Area, Rivers State. Data collection was performed using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements were obtained using a digital weighing scale for body weight and a stadiometer for height. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using the World Health Organization (WHO) AnthroPlus software and subsequently categorised according to WHO BMI Z-score standards. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS, incorporating both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Statistical significance was determined at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: A total of two hundred and twenty-four (224) secondary school adolescents were recruited for the study. There were 108 (48.2%) males and 116 (51.8%) females. The mean age of the adolescents was 13.73±1.77 year. BMI and BMI Z-scores were statistically significantly higher for females compared to males (22.20 ± 4.83 vs. 20.07 ± 3.35 and 0.70 ± 1.51 vs. 0.28 ± 1.13; p<0.05). Of the 224 adolescents, 140 (62.5%) of them had normal weight while 23 (10.3%) were obese. Obesity was higher among girls (12.9%; 15 /116) compared to the 8(7.4%) of the 108 males (p 0.001). There was a significant relationship between obesity and social class, the type of school the child attends, history of inactivity, eating of junks and family history of obesity. Obesity prevalence was higher (13.5%) among those from upper socioeconomic classes, compared to those from lower social class (2.9%). The relationship was statistically significant. (p-0.02, OR 5.13, CI 1.17-22.55). The prevalence of obesity was significantly higher among participants from private school (15.2%) compared to those attending public school (4.5%). (p 0.007)

Conclusion: Obesity is a common problem among adolescent, with females more affected. The prevalence is significantly determined by both modifiable and genetic factors. There is need to encourage healthy diets and positive life style modification among adolescents.

Pattern of Serum Vitamin A, Zinc, and Magnesium in Patients with Abnormal Thyroid Hormones

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction: Thyroid hormones perform various metabolic functions, including regulating lipids, carbohydrates, protein, electrolytes, and mineral metabolism. Some micronutrients, including zinc and magnesium, have been implicated in the accurate functioning of some enzymes involved in thyroid metabolic function. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of retinol (vitamin A), zinc, and magnesium in adult males and females with abnormal thyroid function. The secondary aim was to determine the correlation between thyroid hormones and vitamin A, zinc, and magnesium in study participants.

Methods: This case-control study involved male and female subjects with abnormal levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). TSH, T3, T4, Vitamin A, zinc, and magnesium were analyzed from the serum of test and control participants. The data was analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics (version 22.0).

Results: This study included 300 male and female participants, divided into three groups: 100 male and female participants with hyperthyroidism, 100 male and female participants with hypothyroidism, and 100 healthy male and female participants (the control group) with normal thyroid hormone levels. Test participants were selected using stratified random sampling technique. The results obtained showed that serum zinc levels in Test subjects with hyperthyroidism (1.19 ± 0.6) were significantly lower than in control (2.27 ± 0.7; p=0.00), but significantly higher than in subjects with hypothyroidism (0.92 ± 0.4; p=0.00). Magnesium levels in Test subjects with hyperthyroidism (1.19±0.38) were significantly lower than in control (2.09±0.36; p=0.00), but significantly higher than in Test subjects with hypothyroidism (1.31±0.22; p=0.00). Vitamin A levels in Test subjects with hyperthyroidism (255.8±70.3) were significantly lower than in control (342.9±57.9; p=in 0.00), but significantly higher than subjects with hypothyroidism (154.2±44.5; p=0.00). Subjects with hypothyroidism had significantly lower vitamin A than in control (p=0.00). There was a negative correlation between thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and serum zinc levels in Test subjects (r=-0.3; p), a negative correlation between thyroid stimulating Hormone (TSH) and serum vitamin A (r= -0.6), and a significant positive correlation between serum zinc levels and serum vitamin A in study subjects (r=0.4).

Conclusion: From our findings, it could be seen that deficiency of Zn Mg and Vitamin A had minimal involvement in hypothyroid and hyperthyroid disorders. Further studies should be carried out with a large sample size to depict the exact roles of these trace elements and vitamins in the disease-causing mechanism of thyroid abnormalities.

Effect of Co-administration of Aqueous Musa acuminata cavendish and Allium sativium Extracts on Streptozotocin - Induced Type 2 Diabetes on Wistar Rat

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigated the effects of Musa acuminata Cavendish and Allium sativum aqueous extracts, both individually and in combination, on streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes in Wistar rat. A total of thirty (30) male Wistar rats were used in this study and were divided into six groups of five (5) rats each viz, A, B, C, D, E and F (where group A =Normal control group, B= diabetic untreated, C= diabetic + treated with Musa acuminata extract, D= Diabetic + with Allium sativum extract, E=Diabetic + with a combination of both extracts, F= Diabetic + treated with glibenclamide. Blood glucose levels, body weight, and histopathological changes in liver tissues were measured and analyzed. Both Musa acuminata and Allium sativum extracts significantly (P<0.05) caused a decrease in the blood glucose levels, compared to group B. Group E exhibited the most efficacy and potency in terms of hypoglycemic effect, suggesting a synergistic interaction. Treated groups also showed improved body weight maintenance and normalized food and water intake patterns. Histopathological analysis revealed reduced damage to pancreatic tissues in the treated groups, especially in the combination group and glibenclamide induced group respectively. The study indicates that the co-administration of Musa acuminata and Allium sativum extracts can be used effectively in the management of patients with hyperglycemia. The observed benefits are likely due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the extracts, as well as their ability to modulate glucose metabolism. The synergistic effects of the combination therapy highlight the potential for developing multi-component herbal treatments for diabetes.

Clinicians’ Perspectives on Fixed-Dose Combinations and Triple Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Survey in India

S. Manjula, M. Krishna Kumar — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Objective: To assess clinicians’ perspectives on the use of fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) and triple therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Indian settings, with a focus on therapeutic preferences and perceived clinical benefits.

Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted between June 2024 and December 2024 among clinicians involved in T2DM management across India. Participants were recruited using a convenience sampling approach based on clinical experience. A 22-item structured questionnaire was used to collect data on treatment practices, preferences, and perceptions regarding FDCs and triple therapy. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and results are presented as frequencies (n) and percentages (%).

Results: A total of 1,817 clinicians participated in the survey. Among them, 1,130 (62.19%) reported that FDCs play an important role in achieving glycemic control, while 1,410 (77.6%) believed that combination therapies improve affordability, adherence, and outcomes. Approximately 1,526 (84.0%) preferred adding a sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) to a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4i) and metformin regimen. The most commonly used triple therapy was metformin + DPP4i + SGLT2i, as reported by 1,254 (69.0%) respondents. Linagliptin was the preferred DPP4i for 1,315 (72.32%) clinicians. Additionally, 1,393 (76.66%) perceived that the dapagliflozin + linagliptin combination offers advantages over dapagliflozin + vildagliptin in terms of glycemic control and organ protection. However, responses reflect clinician perceptions and may be influenced by practice patterns and experience.

Conclusion: The findings indicate a strong clinician preference for FDCs and triple therapy in T2DM management, particularly combinations involving metformin, DPP4i, and SGLT2i. While these therapies are perceived to improve glycemic control, adherence, and organ protection, the results are based on self-reported data and should be interpreted with consideration of potential biases and the observational nature of the study.

Clinician Perspectives on SGLT2 Inhibitor Use in Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Failure: Findings from an Indian Cross-sectional Survey

S. Manjula, M. Krishna Kumar — Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and heart failure (HF) frequently coexist, sharing common risk factors and contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare burden worldwide. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), particularly dapagliflozin, have emerged as important therapeutic agents by providing glycemic control along with proven cardiovascular and renal benefits in patients with T2DM and comorbid HF.

Aim: The present study assesses clinicians’ treatment preferences and their perceptions regarding the glycemic, cardiovascular, and renal benefits of SGLT2 inhibitors, especially dapagliflozin and its fixed-dose combinations, in the management of patients with T2DM and comorbid heart failure.

Objective: To assess clinicians' perspectives on the treatment preferences, and perceived glycemic benefits of sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), particularly dapagliflozin and their fixed-dose combinations (FDC) in the management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and comorbid heart failure (HF).

Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted across India and used a 22-item multiple-response questionnaire booklet named “DELIGHT study” to assess treatment preferences and glycemic benefits of SGLT2i, focusing on dapagliflozin and FDCs. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize responses, and no inferential testing was conducted.

Result: Among 366 clinicians included, nearly half (47.54%) reported that 21–30% of their patients with diabetes had coexisting HF in routine practice. About 52% indicated that the majority of patients with HF were classified as NYHA class II, followed by NYHA class III (25.14%). Over half of clinicians (55.19%) stated that 26–40% of patients required the addition of SGLT2i each month to achieve glycemic targets. The majority (96.72%) of clinicians identified dapagliflozin as the most frequently used SGLT2i for the management of T2DM with HF in clinical practice. Most (68.31%) respondents observed a 5–10 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure with dapagliflozin 10 mg in routine care. About 57% reported perceiving all pleiotropic benefits of SGLT2i beyond glycemic control, including cardiovascular and renal effects. As indicated by 72% of participants, the most commonly prescribed combination is dapagliflozin + sitagliptin. Approximately two-thirds (66.12%) of clinicians preferred the FDC of dapagliflozin + linagliptin across all listed clinical scenarios, including in elderly patients and those with obesity and cardiac or renal complications.

Conclusion: The survey highlights SGLT2i, predominantly dapagliflozin, as being widely used in patients with diabetes and HF, demonstrating meaningful glycemic, blood pressure, and cardio-renal benefits. FDCs are commonly preferred across diverse clinical scenarios, supporting integrated, patient-centered management in routine practice. However, the findings are based on clinicians’ perceptions and descriptive analyses and should be interpreted accordingly.

Metabolic Surgery and T2DM: Post-Surgery Hormone Profile in Glucose Metabolism

S. S. Sreenivas — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Obesity is a critical factor to enhance the risk of T2DM and other comorbidities. Diabesity a metabolic disorder due to obesity and insulin-resistance (IR), is a global health concern.T2DM a condition of chronic decreased insulin sensitivity or insulin resistance (IR) and loss of pancreatic β-cells resulting in poor insulin synthesis. Lipotoxicity delivers negative impact on β-cell function and adiposity cause inflammatory conditions contributing to impair insulin signaling and eventual IR. Metabolic surgery is bariatric surgery to modulate GI hormones to derive glucose homeostasis in T2DM subjects through anatomical alteration. Metabolic surgery exerts its physiological benefits for proper glucose homeostasis and is being exploited to address condition of obesity with T2DM globally. Post metabolic surgery mediated T2DM remission is weight independent indicating role of potential hormone-modulation. Elevated circulation of free fatty acids from adipose tissue in obese patients may lead to β-cells dysfunction. Oral hypoglycemic drugs and insulin treatment are of a limited advantage in diabesity as they tend to increase body weight. This challenge has driven medical fraternity to exploit the bariatric surgery as metabolic surgery in obese patients with T2DM. Metabolic surgeries are either restrictive or gastrointestinal diversion procedures. Adiponectin an adipokine secreted by adipocytes though not a direct gut hormone acts as insulin sensitizer. Gastro-intestinal tract (GIT) hormones like GLP-1, peptide YY, oxyntomodulin, obestatin, ghrelin, and cholecystokinin play crucial role in the energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism. Considering the role of altered hormone profile metabolic surgery has drawn attention in the management of T2DM in obese patients.