AGE RELATED CHANGES IN ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
Adil Jumani-2015M063
1. Describe the effect of aging on the functions of the endocrine pancreas.
Aging of the pancreas is usually divided into two main groups- endocrine and exocrine aging. The endocrine part of the aging mainly includes impairment in the function of beta cells which leads to a decrease in the formation of insulin from proinsulin, also leading to an abnormal secretion of insulin.
These impairments in the beta cells are due to lipid accumulation in the beta cells, decreased number of GLUT 2 transporters and decreased sensitivity to certain hormones like GLP1 and GIP.
In about 12% of the cases, autoimmune antibodies are found against the beta cells.
There is also an increased risk or gallstones and malignancies which only accelerate the aging.
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All these effects lead to an abnormal insulin/glucagon ratio leading to diabetes.
2. List the changes that take place in the functions of the thyroid gland from infancy to old age.
The major change in the function of thyroid gland is manifested by an increase in levels of serum TSH levels and a decrease in levels of T4.
The release of TSH is pulsatile, but the nocturnal release of TSH gets blunted with age.
The levels of T3 reduce too, but stay within the normal limits usually.
Thyroid antibodies are present in almost 25% of the cases which lead to this decrease in function.
3. Define the term subclinical hypothyroidism and differentiate it from overt hypothyroidism.
Subclinical hypothyroidism is characterized by normal levels of T3 and T4, with a slight increase in the TSH levels, usually less than 10 mIU/L.
In overt hypothyroidism, the levels of T3 and/or T4 are below normal with an increase in