Research To Read, Edition 4.
In the fourth edition of Research To Read, let’s read some research papers related to Endocrinology, the medical branch of study for the endocrine system, which produces hormones and chemical messengers that influence various bodily functions.
What is the R2R newsletter all about?
To recap, this newsletter is my 2025 resolution in action: to make reading medical research a consistent habit. Just like any muscle that needs regular exercise, the only way to strengthen this practice is by doing it repeatedly.
That’s the motivation behind Research to Read. It's a way for me to share the research I’m diving into, while also expanding my own knowledge. And I’m inviting my fellow medicos to join me on this journey. We all stand to benefit from staying informed and sharpening our understanding of the latest studies in our field.
So, let’s get into the research, together!
Before you dive in:
This intriguing article Hormones United, makes a case for how the endocrine system works as a democracy (as Karsenty puts it, ‘no organ is an island in our body’) and draws a timeline of discovery of various hormones, the school of thought that motivated it, and the mysteries that remain uncovered to this day https://aeon.co/essays/the-revolutionary-idea-revealing-the-bodys-hormonal-democracy
Here’s my list of research papers to read:
Trending Modalities in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention
Erika L Lundgrin, Betul Hatipoglu, Trending Modalities in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 110, Issue Supplement_2, April 2025, Pages S187–S192 https://doi.org/10.1210/clinem/dgaf040
This paper provides a comprehensive introduction to the various screening modalities, lifestyle interventions, and current and in-development pharmacological interventions for diabetes and pre-diabetes. It also discusses emerging topics such as digital healthcare, the connection with the gut microbiome and the incorporation of tech into CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitoring) for prediabetics, which could potentially increase patient adherence to treatment.
Read it here: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/110/Supplement_2/S187/8042162?searchresult=1#506322834
Endocrine-disrupting chemical, methylparaben, in environmentally relevant exposure promotes hazardous effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis
Azeredo, Damáris Barcelos Cunha, et al. "Endocrine-Disrupting Chemical, Methylparaben, in Environmentally Relevant Exposure Promotes Hazardous Effects on the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Thyroid Axis." Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, vol. 598, 1 Mar. 2025, 112444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mce.2024.112444
Methylparaben- widely used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and food products is taken up by skin absorption or swallowing. But there is limited scientific evidence to date regarding it’s exact effects on endocrine health. This particular study studies the effects of this endocrine-disrupting compound on the hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid using various analysis methods.
Read it here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0303720724003009?via%3Dihub
Mitigating the environmental effects of healthcare: the role of the endocrinologist
Rizan, Chantelle & Rotchell, Jeanette & Eng, Pei & Robaire, Bernard & Ciocan, Corina & Kapoor, Nitin & Kalra, Sanjay & Sherman, Jodi. (2025). Mitigating the environmental effects of healthcare: the role of the endocrinologist. Nature Reviews Endocrinology. 10.1038/s41574-025-01098-9
This paper dives into EDC’s: endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which are chemicals that are found in healthcare industry adjacent products. Goes on to expand on chemicals such as phthalates, bisphosphonates, PFA’s, flame retardants, microplastics and pharmaceuticals with unintended secondary endocrine disruption. And discusses the ways to reduce the environmental effects of endocrine healthcare, improving endocrine sustainability and steps to take in the future.
…and that brings us to the end of the fourth edition of Research to Read!!
I hope you enjoyed it and look forward to reading more research along with me, where I’ll be diving into research rooted in different medical specialities :)
Check out Research to Read, Edition 1, Research to Read Edition 2, Research to Read Edition 3 here
To get updates on future newsletter editions, please subscribe, and if you have any suggestions, write to me at srinivasannanditha@gmail.com
