• IN GUJARATI (CLICK ON THE ARROW)

I. Endocrine Disorders

Endocrine disorders involve the malfunction of endocrine glands and the hormones they produce.

A. Thyroid Gland

• Hypothyroidism:
  • Caused by a deficiency of iodine in the diet, leading to an enlargement of the thyroid gland, commonly called goitre.
  • During pregnancy, hypothyroidism can cause defective development and maturation of the growing baby, leading to stunted growth (cretinism), mental retardation, low intelligence quotient, abnormal skin, and deaf-mutism.
  • In adult women, it may cause menstrual cycle irregularities.
• Hyperthyroidism:
  • Caused by cancer of the thyroid gland or the development of nodules on the thyroid gland, leading to an abnormally high synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones.
  • Exophthalmic goitre (Graves’ disease) is a form of hyperthyroidism characterized by:
    • Enlargement of the thyroid gland.
    • Protrusion of the eyeballs.
    • Increased basal metabolic rate.
    • Weight loss.

B. Adrenal Gland

• Addison's Disease:
  • Caused by the underproduction of hormones by the adrenal cortex.
  • Leads to alterations in carbohydrate metabolism, causing acute weakness and fatigue.

C. Pancreas

• Diabetes Mellitus:
  • A complex disorder resulting from prolonged hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels).
  • Associated with the loss of glucose through urine and the formation of harmful compounds called ketone bodies.
  • Diabetic patients are often treated with insulin therapy.
• Glucagon:
  • A peptide hormone that plays a crucial role in maintaining normal blood glucose levels.
  • Acts mainly on liver cells (hepatocytes).
  • Stimulates glycogenolysis (breakdown of glycogen to glucose), resulting in increased blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
  • Also stimulates gluconeogenesis (synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources).
  • Reduces cellular glucose uptake and utilization.
  • Therefore, glucagon is a hyperglycemic hormone.
• Insulin:
  • A peptide hormone that plays a major role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis.
  • Acts mainly on hepatocytes and adipocytes (cells of adipose tissue).
  • Enhances cellular glucose uptake and utilization, leading to decreased blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia).
  • Stimulates the conversion of glucose to glycogen (glycogenesis) in target cells.
  • Insulin and glucagon jointly maintain glucose homeostasis in the blood.

D. Pituitary Gland

• Diabetes Insipidus:
  • Results from an impairment affecting the synthesis or release of ADH (Antidiuretic Hormone).
  • Leads to a diminished ability of the kidney to conserve water, resulting in water loss and dehydration.
• Acromegaly:
  • a condition caused by the excessive secretion of growth hormone (GH) in adults, leading to disfigurement, especially of the face and hands/feet, and potentially serious complications if left untreated

II. Cardiovascular Disorders

Cardiovascular disorders affect the heart and blood vessels.

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension):
  • Defined as blood pressure that is higher than normal (120/80 mm Hg).
  • A reading of 140/90 mm Hg or higher on repeated checks indicates hypertension.
  • 120 mm Hg is the systolic pressure (pumping pressure), and 80 mm Hg is the diastolic pressure (resting pressure).
  • High blood pressure can lead to heart diseases and affect vital organs like the brain and kidneys.
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):
  • Also known as atherosclerosis.
  • Affects the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle.
  • Caused by deposits of calcium, fat, cholesterol, and fibrous tissues, which narrow the lumen of the arteries.