Endokrynologia Polska 2012, tom 63, nr 5

Stroke is the third commonest cause of death in Western countries, after heart diseases and neoplastic diseases. It is also a leading cause of chronic disability among people over 40 years of age. In Poland, stroke incidence reaches 177.3/100,000 among men and 125/100,000 among women [1]. These numbers are similar to those occurring in other European countries. The two main types of stroke are ischaemic stroke, which accounts for about 80% of all cases, and hemorrhagic stroke, representing about 20% [2].

Cushing’s disease (CD) is the commonest cause of endogenous hypercortisolemia. The disease incidence is estimated at 1–3 cases per 1 million people per year with its peak observed in the 3rd–5th decades of life. The disease affects women 4–8 times more often than men. In the under-10year-old age group, Cushing’s disease is diagnosed sporadically and is the least common cause of hypercortisolemia. After puberty, an increase in the incidence rate is observed [1–4].

Primary arterial hypertension is a common disease, and was for many years perceived to be a disease of civilisation. In 2005 there were about 1.5 million people suffering from arterial hypertension worldwide [1]. The beginning of the disease can be deceptive, quite often with a small number of symptoms, unlike secondary arterial hypertension, which more often includes clinical symptoms characteristic for diseases causing this hypertension [2].

Germ cells tumours are generally rare, but among men aged 15–35 they constitute the commonest tumours. Usually, they are located in the gonads (ovary and testis). Extragonadal localisation is uncommon, i.e. 1–5%, and concerns predominantly the mediastinum, retroperitoneum and pineal.

Breath-hold diving has a very long tradition in certain parts of the world [1]. As a specific sport, it attracts the attention of scientists as well as athletes [2, 3].Breath-hold divers are regularly exposed to extreme physiological and psychological distress. It has been reported that 10% of static apnoea competitors are disqualified from international events after encountering acute medical complications (e.g. complete loss of consciousness) [4].

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is an important public health problem worldwide, and its prevalence is increasing [1, 2]. Patients with MetS are at higher risk for many long-term complications, including micro- and macro-vascular complications [2]. This is particularly relevant in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), who are at even greater cardiovascular risk [3].

Although the age limits are not defined, the term premature or early atherosclerosis is often used to describe atherosclerosis that develops before 40–50 years of age [1–3]. The main known risk factors for the development of early atherosclerosis are diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidaemia, cigarette smoking, and a family history [4–6].

Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP NETs) are a heterogenous group of tumours of diverse morphology, endocrine function, clinical course and response to treatment. The latest WHO histopathological classification published in 2010 divides neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) into well differentiated and poorly differentiated tumours [1].

The neohormone insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) is a major secretors product of the testicular Leydig cells in the foetus and in adult men [1]. INSL3 expression is an early marker of testicular dysgenesis syndrome. In women, it is produced at a low level by the ovarian theca and luteal cells; however, circulating levels of INSL3 increase in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [2].

Thyroid diseases are the commonest endocrine disorders and their prevalence increases with ageing. Thyroid dysfunctions are about twice as frequent in the elderly compared to younger age groups.