Unit 1635: Comprehensive Endocrinology

1. Introduction to Endocrinology

• Definition and scope of endocrinology
• Overview of the endocrine system
  • Comparison with nervous system
• Functions of hormones
  • Chemical messengers
  • Types of hormones (peptides, steroids, amines)
• Physiological processes regulated by hormones
  • Growth and development
  • Metabolism
  • Homeostasis
  • Reproduction

2. Endocrine Glands

2.1 Pituitary Gland

• Anatomy and location
• Anterior vs posterior pituitary
• Hormones secreted (e.g., GH, ACTH, TSH, LH, FSH, ADH, oxytocin)
• Functions and target organs

2.2 Thyroid Gland

• Anatomy and histology
• Hormones produced (T3, T4, calcitonin)
• Role in metabolism and calcium homeostasis

2.3 Adrenal Glands

• Structure: Cortex and medulla
• Hormones from cortex (cortisol, aldosterone, androgens)
• Hormones from medulla (epinephrine, norepinephrine)
• Functions in stress response and electrolyte balance

2.4 Pancreas

• Endocrine vs exocrine functions
• Hormones: insulin, glucagon, somatostatin
• Role in glucose metabolism

2.5 Other Endocrine Organs

• Parathyroid glands
• Pineal gland
• Gonads (ovaries and testes)

3. Hormone Regulation

• Hormone synthesis pathways
• Mechanisms of hormone release
• Transport in the bloodstream
  • Bound vs free hormones
• Feedback loops
  • Negative feedback
  • Positive feedback
• Receptor binding and signal transduction

4. Endocrine Disorders

4.1 Diabetes Mellitus

• Types (Type 1, Type 2, gestational)
• Pathophysiology
• Clinical features and complications

4.2 Thyroid Disorders

• Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
• Goiter, Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis

4.3 Adrenal Disorders

• Addison’s disease
• Cushing’s syndrome

4.4 Other Disorders

• Pituitary adenomas
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Impact on health and quality of life

5. Hormones and Metabolism

• Role of hormones in energy balance
• Regulation of glucose metabolism
  • Insulin and glucagon effects
• Lipid and protein metabolism
• Impact of hormonal imbalances on metabolic syndromes

6. Reproductive Endocrinology

• Hormones involved in reproduction (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone)
• Menstrual cycle regulation
  • Phases and hormonal control
• Fertility and hormonal influences
• Hormonal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause

7. Neuroendocrinology

• Interaction between nervous and endocrine systems
• Hypothalamus-pituitary axis
  • Regulatory hormones
• Stress response mechanisms
  • Role of cortisol and catecholamines
• Influence of neurotransmitters on hormone secretion

8. Endocrine Disruptors

• Definition and examples
• Sources of endocrine disruptors (environmental pollutants, chemicals)
• Mechanisms of action
• Health effects and risks

9. Therapeutic Interventions in Endocrinology

• Pharmacological treatments
  • Hormone replacement therapies
  • Antithyroid drugs, insulin therapy
• Non-pharmacological approaches
  • Lifestyle interventions
• Patient education and compliance
• Emerging therapies and research directions