North East and Cumbria Diabetes Research Network: Launch Conference 22 March 2007

The North East and Cumbria Diabetes Research Network
Launch Conference Thursday 22^nd March 2007

Places are likely to be over-subscribed, so please book early. CPD from the Royal College has been applied for. E-mail bookings (click here to email) can ONLY be accepted if all the information asked for on the booking form is supplied (see website).

Contact:
Dr Leonie Walker
Manager
North East and Cumbria Diabetes Research Network
Clinical Research Facility
4th Floor Leazes Wing
Royal Victoria Infirmary
Queen Victoria Road
Newcastle on Tyne
NE1 4LP
Tel: 0191 282 0081
Fax: 0191 246 4668

Keynote Lecture 22 Feb 2007: Andrea Dunaif, Society for Endocrinology Visiting Professor

Society for Endocrinology Visiting Professor: Andrea Dunaif
Date: Thursday 22^nd February 2007
Venue: Clinical Learning Centre, RVI, Newcastle

09:30 Tea, coffee, OJ & biscuits downstairs
10:00 Dr Richard Quinton: Welcome & Introduction
10:10 Dr Anna Jovanovitch: The 2^nd meal effect: a physiologic means of limiting postprandial hyperglycaemia
10:30 Dr Andy James: 1. A case of acromegaly? 2. A case of acanthosis nigricans?
11:10 Dr B Ravikumar: Prevalence of assay interference in women with high serum testosterone levels
11:30 Dr IM Ibrahim: The Pro12Ala variant of PPARγ2 influences insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects
11:50 Dr Ebaa Al-Ozairi: Investigation & management of severe postmenopausal hyperandrogenism
12:10 Cold buffet downstairs
13:00 Prof A Dunaif: Cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms of insulin resistance in PCOS

Contact: Richard Quinton

Thumbnail biography
Professor Andrea Dunaif, MD
Charles F. Kettering Professor of Medicine
Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Molecular Medicine
NorthWestern University, Chicago, USA

Genetic and molecular basis of Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common cause of both hormonally-related infertility and oligomenorrhea. PCOS is also associated with profound insulin resistance and a ~ 7-fold increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus. PCOS, as well as the insulin resistance associated with it, appear to be genetic defects. Moreover, insulin resistance plays a causal role in the abnormalities of ovarian steroidogenesis as well as the anovulation characteristic of PCOS. There are three major research projects currently ongoing. The approaches range from large-scale family studies through intensive patient-oriented research to animal models and cellular and molecular biology. PCOS is the human disease model. This syndrome is characterized by increased androgen biosynthesis and disordered gonadotropin secretion. It is among the most common endocrine disorders of women, the leading cause of hormonally-related infertility and a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Research Topics
Genetic Analysis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Insulin Action and Secretion in PCOS
Fetal Origins of PCOS

The Genetic Basis of PCOS
This research program focuses on identifying the susceptibility genes for PCOS, performing genotype-phenotype analyses and identifying environmental and genetic factors contributing to PCOS familial phenotypes. Studies include family studies with linkage analysis and detailed analyses of reproductive function and insulin action in women with PCOS and their relatives. The approaches include statistical genetics and in vivo studies of insulin action and secretion, as well as pulsatile gonadotropin secretion. One susceptibility gene region has been identified on chromosome 19p13.2 close to the insulin receptor gene. This research is supported by the NIH-NICHD National Cooperative Program for Infertility Research.

Insulin Action and Secretion in PCOS
These studies are focused on identifying the cellular and molecular mechanisms of defects in insulin action and secretion in PCOS. Approaches include detailed in vivo studies of these parameters utilizing techniques such as the euglycemic glucose clamp, frequently sampled intravenous glucose intolerance test with minimal model analysis and graded glucose infusions. Insulin receptor signal transduction is examined in human skeletal muscle biopsies, as well as in human skeletal muscle and adipocyte cultures. Intrinsic defects in insulin receptor signaling have been identified and the mechanisms of these abnormalities are currently under investigation. These studies are supported by an NIH-NICHD-ORWH Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) on Sex and Gender Factors Affecting Women’s Health.

Fetal Origins of PCOS
These studies examine the impact of prenatal androgen exposure on insulin action in rodent, primate and sheep models. Studies include examination of lipolysis and insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue and the molecular mechanism of fetal programming. These studies are supported by an NIH-NICHD-ORWH Specialized Center of Research (SCOR) on Sex and Gender Factors Affecting Women’s Health.

updated 20th February
updated 21st February

Young Diabetologists Forum Survey

Dear Colleague,

I would like to take this opportunity to once again ask you to complete the online survey for Diabetes SpRs. The web link for this survey is: here (Username & Password: see your email or contact Dr Partha Kar)

So far we have had about 30% of all SpRs in the UK responding and a big thank you to all those who have taken the time to do so (please deactivate your pop-up blocker, as some browsers may otherwise prevent you from accessing the survey).

We have been asked to present this survey at the Annual Professional Conference of Diabetes UK in Glasgow on the 14th March during the “Consultants and SpRs” session (scheduled time 11:50 am).

As you might know, this is so far the only SpR survey which tries to highlight anxieties amongst trainees regarding training, job prospects, changing face of diabetes- and thus the more the numbers, the more powerful the message will be. Thus, apart from asking you to contribute to the survey, I would also encourage attendees of the Conference to be at this session to contribute to the debate.

For the record, this survey is being supported by both Diabetes UK and ABCD.

If you have any difficulties about this or have any questions, please contact me at Dr Partha Kar

Thanking you all in anticipation and hope to meet you all soon!

Regards

Dr Partha Kar (Chair)
On behalf of the YDF Committee

Northern Endocrine and Diabetes CME: 17 Jan 2007

Northern Endocrine and Diabetes CME Winter Meeting 2007
Wednesday, 17th January 2007
Education Centre, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne

0930 Registration

Morning session: Thyroid eye disease and rare pituitary tumours
0945 Practical management of thyroid eye disease: Dr Petros Perros, Freeman Hospital
1020 Discussion
1030 Interactive case discussions: Dr Simon Pearce, Royal Victoria Infirmary
1110 Discussion
1120 Tea break
1130 Gonadotrophinomas, TSHomas and Chordomas: Dr William Kelly, formerly JCUH
1210 Discussion
1230 Lunch

Afternoon session: Future diabetes therapies and diabetic emergencies
1330 Immunotherapy in diabetes: Dr Nicola Leech, Royal Victoria Infirmary
1410 Discussion
1420 Will stem cells provide the cure? Dr Wendy McFarlene, University of Brighton
1500 Discussion
1510 Tea break
1520 Hyperglycaemic emergencies: Dr Jean McLeod, North Tees Hospital
1600 Discussion
1610 Close

Dates for future CME days:
Thursday, 3rd May 2007 – Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead
Monday, 8th October 2007 - James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

Contact: Reena Thomas

Anglo-Danish-Dutch Diabetes Group Meeting: 8 - 11 May 2007

The Anglo-Danish-Dutch Diabetes Group

For those of you who are not familiar with ADDDG, this is a small and friendly meeting for young researchers in the field of Diabetes. The meeting is mainly aimed at clinicians undergoing MD/PhD studies, but abstracts are also invited from those in clinical posts, medical students and non-clinical PhD students/young post-docs. The meeting was initially set up 25 years ago to encourage young researchers who at large international meetings might not have the opportunity to present and discuss their work. As the name suggests, delegates are from the UK, the Netherlands and Denmark, with the meeting rotating between the 3 countries.

Each delegate will give a 20 minute presentation of their work and is encouraged to join in the discussion of the other abstracts. Each country also supplies a "senior discussant" to help the debate along. In addition one afternoon is given over to a social activity!

The 25th annual ADDDG meeting will be held from 8th-11th May 2007, at the Hotel Marienlyst, Denmark. All costs (apart from a £50 registration) are covered by Novo Nordisk and they will also make travel arrangements for UK delegates.

As this year's meeting is the 25th Anniversary, there will be special celebrations with a number of the ex-committee members from the 3 countries attending for the Gala Dinner.

Deadline for submission of abstracts is February 16th 2007. Registration and abstract submission is via the ADDDG website.

Contact details for the UK organizing committee are:
Dr. Katharine Owen or Dr. John Porter or Mr. Peter George (Novo Nordisk)