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Age-Related Changes In Endocrine System Essay

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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

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