Further data corroborating a pituitary contribution to the genesis of the Cyclopean myth

Several theories have been put forward to explain the myth of the Cyclops, encompassing the fields of genetics, teratology, and palaeontology. Endocrinologically, a diagnosis of acromegalic gigantism was proposed by Denko, who based his opinion on his observation of the reconstructed ancient sculptural group “The Blinding of Polyphemus” (Archaeological Museum of Sperlonga, Latina, Italy) [1]. A similar suggestion was offered by Papavramidou and colleagues, who noted characteristics of gigantism and acromegaly in a 650 BC Proto-Attic amphora (Eleusis Archaeological Museum, Greece), hence, much closer to the age during which “The Odyssey” was composed (ca. end of the eighth century BC) [2]. Later, Martino and Macrì further corroborated this interpretation of acromegalic gigantism by stressing the fact that the single eye, rather than being an actual physical trait or deformity, should instead be regarded as a figure of speech: since in acromegaly the expansion of the pituitary gland causes a compression of the optic chiasm with bilateral hemianopia, causing the preservation of only central vision, this could account for the metaphorical description of the Cyclopes as being “one-eyed” [3]. Finally, Markantes and colleagues also supported this latter explanation, although they considered Cyclopean gigantism to be associated with familial isolated pituitary adenoma (FIPA) or X-linked acro-gigantism (X-LAG), which would explain Homer’s reference to a family of Cyclopes [4].