Author Archives: Marta Figueiredo PhD

The levels of a small number of microRNAs (miRNAs) — small RNA molecules that regulate the activity of other genes — are significantly different between tumors in the brain’s pituitary gland that cause Cushing’s disease and those not associated with the disease, a study shows. Notably, hsa-miR-124-3p, an miRNA…

A team of researchers in China have identified, for the first time, a tumor cell that produces both adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) — two hormones that promote excess cortisol levels and the development of Cushing’s syndrome. Specifically, this unique cell type was found in a rare…

Scientists have decoded molecular processes of a gene whose defects are implicated in Cushing’s disease and some cancers. Their study found that mutations in the ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) gene prevent a self-suppressing mechanism of the resulting enzyme, leading to its overactivation. Overactivation of this enzyme has been shown…

For years before and after their diagnosis, people with Cushing’s disease use more psychotropic medications — those that affect mood, thoughts, or perception — for mental health problems than their healthy peers, a study in Sweden found. Notably, patients experiencing long-term disease remission still showed higher use of antidepressants…

People with rare disorders have a worse healthcare experience than those affected by chronic diseases, according to the results of an international survey conducted by Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe. Indeed, rare disease patients overall give their healthcare experience a medium-low rating, of 2.5 on a scale of 1 to 5,…

Recorlev (levoketoconazole), Strongbridge Biopharma’s oral investigational therapy, lessens disease symptoms and depression, and improves quality of life among people with endogenous Cushing’s syndrome, according to data from the Phase 3 SONICS trial. Notably, the therapy was found to particularly ease symptoms among female patients. “People with Cushing’s syndrome…

The first wave of COVID-19 in Europe severely disrupted access to care and raised stress and anxiety in people with rare diseases, negatively affecting their health and well-being, according to a survey conducted by Eurordis-Rare Diseases Europe. “People living with rare diseases in Europe have found themselves caught as collateral…

Researchers report a very rare case of Cushing’s disease in a 34-year-old woman caused by a “collision” brain tumor, a tumor simultaneously consisting of a meningioma and a pituitary adenoma. Meningioma, the most common type of brain tumor, arises from the meninges — the protective layers of tissue around…

Using steroid-based creams to treat skin conditions in the genital area may lead to the fast development of medication-related Cushing’s syndrome in adults with HIV on antiretroviral therapy with Norvir (ritonavir), a case report shows. A combination of higher steroid absorption in the genital mucosa…

Dissolving hydrocortisone tablets in water for multiple daily dosing to treat congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in children may result in higher-than-intended dosing and exogenous Cushing’s syndrome — a form of the disease that occurs in those taking steroid hormones — a case report shows. The case highlights…