Lipoproteins
Background Two of the most abundant lipid components in plasma are cholesterol and triglycerides (TG); however, both are virtually insoluble in water. To be transported to various tissues, these lipids…
Evaluation of hypoglycemia
Introduction The body must be protected from hypoglycemia because severe acute hypoglycemia can cause seizures, coma, and even death . On the other hand, chronic hyperglycemia is toxic to blood…
Disorders of the adrenal gland
The adrenal gland produces glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, sex hormones, and catecholamines. Deficiency or excess of any of these hormones results in clinical disease. Aldosterone, a mineralocorticoid that regulates sodium and water…
Endocrine disorders of the reproductive system
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis Reproductive endocrinology includes the hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the adrenal glands. The hormones necessary for proper reproductive function include gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating…
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract can be broadly classified as gastrointestinal NETs (GI-NETs) also referred to as previously and more commonly as carcinoid tumors and pancreatic NETs…
Thyroid disease and laboratory assessment
The thyroid gland The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands in the body and is located immediately below the larynx and anterior to the upper part of…
Maximizing the value of laboratory tests
The primary function of a clinical laboratory is to provide accurate and clinically relevant data for the diagnosis of medical conditions in patients. Laboratory data can also be used to…
Laboratory investigation of disorders of the pituitary gland
Anterior pituitary The anterior pituitary secretes the peptide hormones growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and the glycoprotein hormones thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone…
