Research To Read, Edition 5.
In the fifth edition of Research To Read, let’s read some more research papers related to Endocrinology, the medical branch of study for the endocrine system because I’ve developed a deeper interest in the subject and wanted to explore the subject a bit more this month (along with a brand new feature added in!!)
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 edition consists of not just research papers, but also podcast discussions for each of the recommended articles, aiming to provide deep dives for each of them. These audio clips were generated in a discussion format with publicly available sources, using NotebookLM by Google, and are used here for educational and informational purposes only.
My recommendation (and what I found to be effective for myself) would be to listen to the podcast discussion first and then read through the respective paper to get the most out of the material.
Here’s my list of research papers to read:
Autoimmune thyroid disorders
Antonelli A, Ferrari SM, Corrado A, Di Domenicantonio A, Fallahi P. Autoimmune thyroid disorders. Autoimmun Rev.2015 Feb;14(2):174-80 doi:https://10.1016/j.autrev.2014.10.016
This paper is an instructive resource that provides in-depth analysis and explanations of the clinical presentations and risk factors of autoimmune thyroid disorders such as genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, HCV, endogenous factors and it’s association with other diseases.
Read it here: https://arpi.unipi.it/retrieve/handle/11568/653873/456377/Autoimmun%20Rev%202015%20AT.pdf
Podcast discussion:
Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline
Stefan R. Bornstein, Bruno Allolio, Wiebke Arlt et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 101, Issue 2, 1 February 2016, Pages 364–389, https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2015-1710
This study is a useful guide for testing, diagnosis and treatment of primary adrenal insufficiency in various clinical scenarios such as for children, pregnant women and patients presenting with different symptoms.
This paper also details the methods and considerations for the development of evidence-based practice guidelines for PAI, with evidence provided for each recommendation.
Read it here: https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/101/2/364/2810222?login=false
Podcast discussion:
Type 3c (pancreatogenic) diabetes mellitus secondary to chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer
Hart PA, Bellin MD, Andersen DK, et al. Type 3c (pancreatogenic) diabetes mellitus secondary to chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2016;1(3):226-237. doi:10.1016/S2468-1253(16)30106-6
Diabetes due to diseases of the exocrine pancreas is described as pancreatogenic or pancreatogenous diabetes mellitus, or simply as type 3c diabetes. So this paper provides more information on the epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, diseases that increase it’s risk, knowledge gaps and future scope for further reseach.
Read it here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5495015/#S1
Podcast discussion:
Hypophysitis: An Update on the Novel Forms, Diagnosis and Management of Disorders of Pituitary Inflammation
Gubbi S, Hannah-Shmouni F, Verbalis JG, Koch CA. Hypophysitis: An update on the novel forms, diagnosis and management of disorders of pituitary inflammation. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2019;33(6):101371. doi:10.1016/j.beem.2019.101371
A deep dive on hypophysitis, which is a heterogeneous condition that leads to inflammation of the sella and/or suprasellar region and resulting in hormonal deficiencies and/or mass effects, this study is a good read for doctors who seek to learn more about the aetiology, classification, clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
What I additionally liked about this paper was the concise Practice Points and Research Agenda provided at the end.
Read it here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7078033/
Podcast discussion:
Diagnosis and management of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas: a Pituitary Society International Consensus Statement
Petersenn, S., Fleseriu, M., Casanueva, F.F. et al. Diagnosis and management of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas: a Pituitary Society international Consensus Statement. Nat Rev Endocrinol 19, 722–740 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41574-023-00886-5
This paper is the Consensus Statement, which provides information on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, assessment and imaging strategies for prolactinomas.
It also offers evidence-based graded consensus recommendations and key summary points for clinical practice on the diagnosis and management of prolactinomas, which makes for an interesting read, thanks to the additional special scenarios explained.
Read it here: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41574-023-00886-5
Podcast discussion:
…and that brings us to the end of the fifth 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 and Research to Read Edition 4 here.
To get updates on future newsletter editions, please subscribe, and if you have any suggestions, write to me at srinivasannanditha@gmail.com
