Gene/Protein Disease Symptom Drug Enzyme Compound
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Query: UMLS:C0016382 (flushing)
 6,387 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

Leuprorelin (leuprolide acetate) is a synthetic analogue of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) [luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH)] which initially stimulates luteinising hormone (LH) and hence testicular androgen release; continuous administration then results in profound suppression of these hormones. Testosterone levels associated with castration are attained within 3 to 4 weeks. A biodegradable subcutaneous or intramuscular depot formulation of leuprorelin 3.75 or 7.5 mg, which releases the drug at a constant rate over 28 days, is available and may be preferred over daily subcutaneous injections. The progression of previously untreated advanced prostatic cancer is delayed in 70 to 90% of men receiving leuprorelin, with median survival of approximately 2 years. The efficacy of leuprorelin is equivalent to that of estrogen therapy, but the tolerability of the GnRH analogue is far better. In contrast to most other studies of GnRH agonists, a slight survival advantage has been reported for combined treatment with leuprorelin and the antiandrogen flutamide. Small noncomparative trials reveal that leuprorelin also causes regression of benign hyperplastic prostate tissue with corresponding relief of obstructive, but not irritative, symptoms although continuous treatment is necessary to maintain remission. Impotence and flushing occur in most leuprorelin recipients but, unlike diethylstilbestrol (stilboestrol), cardiovascular toxicity and gynaecomastia are not significant problems. Symptom flare, usually manifested as bone pain in prostate cancer patients and exacerbation of obstructive symptoms in those with benign prostatic hypertrophy, can occur in 4 to 29% at the beginning of treatment. Leuprorelin treatment is therefore an established effective palliative measure in men with previously untreated advanced prostatic cancer, and may have a role in those with benign hypertrophy who are unfit for surgery.
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PMID:Leuprorelin. A review of its pharmacology and therapeutic use in prostatic disorders. 179 35

We have carried out a prospective survey of 25 cases of male hypogonadism attending one hospital, and a retrospective study of 73 men attending other endocrine clinics in Manchester. In total, 47 had pituitary disorders, 15 isolated gonadotrophin deficiency (including 4 with Kallmann's syndrome), 10 testicular atrophy of unknown cause, 12 testicular damage, 10 with Klinefelter's syndrome, and 4 had miscellaneous disorders. Our survey emphasises the importance of adequate history and examination. Most patients presented with reduced libido, with marital problems in 62% of married men. Less common problems were facial flushing, osteoporosis and gross obesity. Several patients with pituitary disorders were asymptomatic, even in the presence of visual field defects. Klinefelter's syndrome, and testicular atrophy, may present with infertility or gynaecomastia rather than symptoms of androgen deficiency. On examination, the presence of gynaecomastia or obesity were of no help in differential diagnosis, whereas visual field defects clearly indicated a pituitary cause. Measurement of height/span was of little help. The precise diagnosis was usually established with basal plasma LH, FSH, testosterone and prolactin, with karyotype and pituitary radiology, and without more elaborate dynamic hormone tests. Testosterone esters given by intramuscular injection as "Sustanon 250" was the most commonly used replacement therapy. Improved libido usually resulted. Side-effect occurred in 10%, usually as muscle cramps, pain at the injection sites, acne, or excessive sex drive. One tragic case illustrates the potential dangers of androgen replacement therapy in an unrecognised psychopath, and where doubt exists a psychiatric opinion should be sought before starting therapy.
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PMID:Clinical aspects of androgen deficiency in men. 689 Jul 81