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Manning JT, Fink B, Trivers R. Digit Ratio (2D:4D; Right-Left 2D:4D) and Multiple Phenotypes for Same-Sex Attraction: The BBC Internet Study Revisited. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024; 53:213-222. [PMID: 37847344 PMCID: PMC10794480 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02703-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Same-sex attraction may be linked to low prenatal androgen (in men) and high prenatal androgen (in women). Digit ratio (2D:4D) is thought to be a negative correlate of prenatal androgen and right-left 2D:4D (Dr-l) to reflect lateralized differences in sensitivity to prenatal androgen. Lower 2D:4D has been reported for lesbians compared to heterosexuals, but links to high 2D:4D in gay men are less clear. The largest study thus far (the BBC Internet study) found no significant difference between the 2D:4D of lesbians and heterosexual women but a higher 2D:4D in gay men compared to heterosexual men. Here we consider the possibility that low and high prenatal androgen is associated with same-sex attraction in men (n = 108,779) and women (n = 87,742), resulting in more than two phenotypes. We examined the associations between 2D:4D, Dr-l, and same-sex attraction scores in the BBC Internet study. In contrast to the earlier report, which considered sexual orientation in categories, there were positive linear associations in men (right and left 2D:4D, but not Dr-l) and negative linear associations in women (right 2D:4D and Dr-l, but not left 2D:4D). There were no curvilinear relationships for right and left 2D:4D. However, Dr-l showed a U-shaped association with same-sex attraction in men. Thus, (1) high prenatal androgen may be implicated in female homosexuality, while both low and high prenatal androgen may be implicated in male homosexuality, and (2) large side differences in sensitivity to androgen may be associated with elevated same-sex attraction in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Manning
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise, and Medicine (A-STEM), Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Bernhard Fink
- Biosocial Science Information, Biedermannsdorf, Austria.
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Vienna, Djerassiplatz 1, 1030, Vienna, Austria.
- Human Evolution and Archaeological Sciences (HEAS), University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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2
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Fishman R, Koren L, Ben-Shlomo R, Shanas U, Vortman Y. Paternity share predicts sons' fetal testosterone. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16737. [PMID: 37794058 PMCID: PMC10551022 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42718-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple paternity is common in many species. While its benefits for males are obvious, for females they are less clear. Female indirect benefits may include acquiring 'good genes' for offspring or increasing litter genetic diversity. The nutria (Myocastor coypus) is a successful invasive species. In its native habitat, it is polygynous, with larger and more aggressive males monopolizing paternity. Here, using culled nutria we genetically examined multiple paternity in-utero and found a high incidence of multiple paternity and maintenance of the number of fathers throughout gestation. Moreover, male fetuses sired by the prominent male have higher testosterone levels. Despite being retained, male fetuses of 'rare' fathers, siring commonly only one of the fetuses in the litter, have lower testosterone levels. Considering the reproductive skew of nutria males, if females are selected for sons with higher future reproductive success, low testosterone male fetuses are expected to be selected against. A possible ultimate explanation for maintaining multiple paternity could be that nutria females select for litter genetic diversity e.g., a bet-hedging strategy, even at the possible cost of reducing the reproductive success of some of their sons. Reproductive strategies that maintain genetic diversity may be especially beneficial for invasive species, as they often invade through a genetic bottleneck.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Fishman
- Department of Brain Sciences, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
| | - Lee Koren
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, 5290002, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Rachel Ben-Shlomo
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa-Oranim, 3600600, Tivon, Israel
| | - Uri Shanas
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa-Oranim, 3600600, Tivon, Israel
| | - Yoni Vortman
- Hula Research Center, Department of Animal Sciences, Tel-Hai College, 1220800, Upper Galilee, Israel
- MIGAL-Galilee Research Institute, 11016, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
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3
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Burke FF, Hinks M, Salia S, Sparkes KM, Swift-Gallant A. Using Animal Models to Study the Interplay Between the Biodevelopmental Pathways Underlying Human Sexual Orientation. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2979-2984. [PMID: 36477673 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02499-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Francine F Burke
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 230 Elizabeth Ave., St John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Meagan Hinks
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 230 Elizabeth Ave., St John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Stephanie Salia
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 230 Elizabeth Ave., St John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Kerri M Sparkes
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 230 Elizabeth Ave., St John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada
| | - Ashlyn Swift-Gallant
- Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 230 Elizabeth Ave., St John's, NL, A1B 3X9, Canada.
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Balthazart J, Roselli CE. Hormonal, Genetic, Immunological: An Array of Mechanisms but How Do They Interact, If at All? ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2963-2971. [PMID: 36376746 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02469-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles E Roselli
- Department of Chemical, Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Lenz B, Gerhardt S, Boroumand-Jazi R, Eichler A, Buchholz VN, Fasching PA, Kornhuber J, Banaschewski T, Flor H, Guldner S, Prignitz M, Nees F. Sex-specific association between prenatal androgenization (second-to-fourth digit length ratio) and frontal brain volumes in adolescents. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023; 273:1243-1254. [PMID: 36449103 PMCID: PMC10449726 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-022-01515-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal androgenization associates sex-dependently with behavior and mental health in adolescence and adulthood, including risk-taking, emotionality, substance use, and depression. However, still little is known on how it affects underlying neural correlates, like frontal brain control regions. Thus, we tested whether prenatal androgen load is sex-dependently related to frontal cortex volumes in a sex-balanced adolescent sample. In a cross-sectional magnetic resonance imaging study, we examined 61 adolescents (28 males, 33 females; aged 14 or 16 years) and analyzed associations of frontal brain region volumes with the second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D), an established marker for prenatal androgenization, using voxel-based morphometry in a region-of-interest approach. Lower 2D:4D (indicative of higher prenatal androgen load) correlated significantly with smaller volumes of the right anterior cingulate cortex (r-ACC; β = 0.45) in male adolescents and with larger volumes of the left inferior frontal gyrus orbital part (l-IFGorb; β = - 0.38) in female adolescents. The regression slopes of 2D:4D on the r-ACC also differed significantly between males and females. The study provides novel evidence that prenatal androgenization may influence the development of the frontal brain in a sex- and frontal brain region-specific manner. These effects might contribute to the well-known sex differences in risk-taking, emotionality, substance use, and depression. Future research is needed to elucidate the role of prenatal androgenization within the biopsychosocial model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Sarah Gerhardt
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rafat Boroumand-Jazi
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Anna Eichler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Verena Nadine Buchholz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Herta Flor
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stella Guldner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maren Prignitz
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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6
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The effects of sex, nation, ethnicity, age and self-reported pubertal development on participant-measured right-left 2D:4D (Dr-l) in the BBC internet study. J Biosoc Sci 2023; 55:383-395. [PMID: 35088686 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932022000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Digit ratio (2D:4D) - a proxy for prenatal sex steroids - shows sex, nationality and ethnic differences and is linked to pubertal onset. It is unclear whether right-left 2D:4D (Dr-l) also correlates with prenatal sex steroids, as evidence of these differences has been less conclusive. The present study examined the effects of sex, nation, ethnicity, age and self-reported pubertal development (i.e. the rate of physical development and age at menarche [females] or first shave [males]) on Dr-l in a large online study (the BBC internet study). Digit lengths were self-measured in 201,865 adults (110,955 males) and the sample of nations included 41 countries. Participants reported the self-perceived rate of physical pubertal development on a five-point scale (from very slow to very fast) and provided information on the age at menarche or first shave. Adult (>17 years) males had lower Dr-l than females with weak effect size across 41 nations (males-females; d = -.065, p < .0001). There were sex and ethnicity effects on Dr-l across seven ethnic groups with males < females and lower Dr-l in Whites and Middle/Near Eastern participants compared to Asian, Black and Chinese respondents. Considering age effects, the authors focused on participants >12 years; there were stable sex differences and a weak positive effect of age on Dr-l. Dr-l showed a positive relationship with the rate of physical development and a negative relationship with age at menarche or first shave. Relationships were present in males and females with stronger effects in the latter. It is concluded that Dr-l shows a weak sex difference (males < females) independent of nation, ethnicity and age, and suggest that Dr-l is a proxy for prenatal sex steroids.
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Dela Cruz C, Kinnear HM, Hashim PH, Wandoff A, Nimmagadda L, Chang FL, Padmanabhan V, Shikanov A, Moravek MB. A mouse model mimicking gender-affirming treatment with pubertal suppression followed by testosterone in transmasculine youth. Hum Reprod 2023; 38:256-265. [PMID: 36484619 PMCID: PMC10167862 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Can mice serve as a translational model to examine the reproductive consequences of pubertal suppression with GnRH agonist (GnRHa) followed by testosterone (T) administration, a typical therapy in peripubertal transmasculine youth? SUMMARY ANSWER An implanted depot with 3.6 mg of GnRHa followed by T enanthate at 0.45 mg weekly can be used in peripubertal female mice for investigating the impact of gender-affirming hormone therapy in transmasculine youth. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There is limited knowledge available in transgender medicine to provide evidence-based fertility care, with the current guidelines being based on the assumption of fertility loss. We recently successfully developed a mouse model to investigate the reproductive consequences of T therapy given to transgender men. On the other hand, to our knowledge, there is no mouse model to assess the reproductive outcomes in peripubertal transmasculine youth. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A total of 80 C57BL/6N female mice were used in this study, with n = 7 mice in each experimental group. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We first assessed the effectiveness of GnRHa in arresting pubertal development in the female mice. In this experiment, 26-day-old female mice were subcutaneously implanted with a GnRHa (3.6 mg) depot. Controls underwent a sham surgery. Animals were euthanized at 3, 9, 21 and 28 days after the day of surgery. In the second experiment, we induced a transmasculine youth mouse model. C57BL/6N female mice were subcutaneously implanted with a 3.6 mg GnRHa depot on postnatal day 26 for 21 days and this was followed by weekly injections of 0.45 mg T enanthate for 6 weeks. The control for the GnRH treatment was sham surgery and the control for T treatment was sesame oil vehicle injections. Animals were sacrificed 0.5 weeks after the last injection. The data collected included the day of the vaginal opening and first estrus, daily vaginal cytology, weekly and terminal reproductive hormones levels, body/organ weights, ovarian follicular distribution and corpora lutea (CL) counts. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE GnRHa implanted animals remained in persistent diestrus and had reduced levels of FSH (P = 0.0013), LH (P = 0.0082) and estradiol (P = 0.0155), decreased uterine (P < 0.0001) and ovarian weights (P = 0.0002), and a lack of CL at 21 days after GnRHa implantation. T-only and GnRHa+T-treated animals were acyclic throughout the treatment period, had sustained elevated levels of T, suppressed LH levels (P < 0.0001), and an absence of CL compared to controls (P < 0.0001). Paired ovarian weights were reduced in the T-only and GnRHa+T groups compared with the control and GnRHa-only groups. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION Although it is an appropriate tool to provide relevant findings, precaution is needed to extrapolate mouse model results to mirror human reproductive physiology. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS To our knowledge, this study describes the first mouse model mimicking gender-affirming hormone therapy in peripubertal transmasculine youth. This model provides a tool for researchers studying the effects of GnRHa-T therapy on other aspects of reproduction, other organ systems and transgenerational effects. The model is supported by GnRHa suppressing puberty and maintaining acyclicity during T treatment, lower LH levels and absence of CL. The results also suggest GnRHa+T therapy in peripubertal female mice does not affect ovarian reserve, since the number of primordial follicles was not affected by treatment. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This work was supported by the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research grants KL2 TR 002241 and UL1 TR 002240 (C.D.C.); National Institutes of Health grants F30-HD100163 and T32-HD079342 (H.M.K.); University of Michigan Office of Research funding U058227 (A.S.); American Society for Reproductive Medicine/Society for Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility grant (M.B.M.); and National Institutes of Health R01-HD098233 (M.B.M.). The University of Virginia Center for Research in Reproduction Ligand Assay and Analysis Core Facility was supported by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD/NIH grants P50-HD028934 and R24-HD102061. The authors declare that they have no competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Postdoctoral Translational Scholar Program, Michigan Institute for Clinical & Health Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hadrian M Kinnear
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Prianka H Hashim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Abigail Wandoff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Likitha Nimmagadda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Faith L Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Molly B Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Astuto MC, Benford D, Bodin L, Cattaneo I, Halldorsson T, Schlatter J, Sharpe RM, Tarazona J, Younes M. Applying the adverse outcome pathway concept for assessing non-monotonic dose responses: biphasic effect of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on testosterone levels. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:313-327. [PMID: 36336711 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03409-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Male reproduction is one of the primary health endpoints identified in rodent studies for some phthalates, such as DEHP (Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), DBP (Dibutyl phthalate), and BBP (Benzyl butyl phthalate). The reduction in testosterone level was used as an intermediate key event for grouping some phthalates and to establish a reference point for risk assessment. Phthalates, and specifically DEHP, are one of the chemicals for which the greatest number of non-monotonic dose responses (NMDRs) are observed. These NMDRs cover different endpoints and situations, often including testosterone levels. The presence of NMDR has been the subject of some debate within the area of chemical risk assessment, which is traditionally anchored around driving health-based guidance values for apical endpoints that typically follow a clear monotonic dose-response. The consequence of NMDR for chemical risk assessment has recently received considerable attention amongst regulatory agencies, which confirmed its relevance particularly for receptor-mediated effects. The present review explores the relationship between DEHP exposure and testosterone levels, investigating the biological plausibility of the observed NMDRs. The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) concept is applied to integrate NMDRs into Key Event Relationships (KERs) for exploring a mechanistic understanding of initial key events and possibly associated reproductive and non-reproductive adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Astuto
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy.
| | - D Benford
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
| | - L Bodin
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
| | - I Cattaneo
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
| | - T Halldorsson
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy.,Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - J Schlatter
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
| | - R M Sharpe
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
| | - J Tarazona
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
| | - M Younes
- European Food Safety Authority, Methodology and Scientific Support Unit and Working Group on Non-Monotonic Dose Responses, Parma, Italy
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9
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Fernández-Guasti A, Quintanar BG, Reyes R, Hernández A, Chavira R, Roselli CE. Androgen receptors immunoreactivity in the rat brain of males with same-sex preference. Horm Behav 2022; 146:105279. [PMID: 36370679 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Androgen receptors (AR) are crucial in the control of male sexual behavior and sex preference. AR are particularly concentrated in areas related with the neuroendocrine control of sex preference including the medial amygdala (MeA), the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH), the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST), the medial preoptic area (MPOA), the nucleus accumbens (Acb), the suprachiasmatic (SCh) and supraoptic (SO) nuclei, but also seem to be important for the control of reproductive processes in the hippocampus (CA1-CA4 and dentate gyrus, DG). In the present study we analyzed the density of AR in these brain areas of adult male rats with sexual preference (established in a three-compartment box). Same-sex preference was produced in male rats by the prenatal administration of the aromatase inhibitor, letrozole (0.56 μg/kg/ml s.c. G10-22) that usually produces 1-2 animals per litter with same sex preference, while the others retain a female sex preference. We also included a group of proestrus females that had a clear preference for a sexually active male. AR were analyzed by immunocytochemistry using PG21 as primary antibody. We also measured total plasma testosterone concentrations by radioimmunoassay. In males with same sex preference there was a specific AR overexpression in CA3 and CA4 that suggests a feminized pattern because females in proestrus trend to show a higher density of AR in these hippocampal areas. Sex differences in AR density were found in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACg) and frontoparietal cortex (FrPa). Serum levels of testosterone did not differ between groups. Data are discussed based on the role of AR in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rebeca Reyes
- Departament of Pharmacobiology, Cinvestav, Unidad Coapa, México City, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Hernández
- Departament of Pharmacobiology, Cinvestav, Unidad Coapa, México City, Mexico
| | - Roberto Chavira
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México City, Mexico
| | - Charles E Roselli
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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10
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Thomsen AH, Gaml-Sørensen A, Brix N, Ernst A, Lunddorf LLH, Strandberg-Larsen K, Højgaard A, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Gender incongruence and timing of puberty: a population-based cohort study. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:938-945. [PMID: 36163086 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether the timing of puberty in adolescents who reported gender incongruence (incongruence between birth-assigned sex and self-identified gender) was different from those adolescents who reported gender congruence. DESIGN Population-based cohort study using data from the Danish National Birth Cohort. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Birth-assigned boys and girls born between 2000 and 2003, who self-reported gender incongruence at 11 years (N = 10,046) and their pubertal developmental stages from age 11 years to every 6 months throughout puberty were included. INTERVENTION(S) Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Mean age differences in months at reaching Tanner stages 2-5 for breast or genital development and pubic hair, voice break, first ejaculation, menarche, axillary hair, acne, and the average difference at attaining all pubertal milestones (primary outcome). RESULT(S) In total, 549 (5.5% ) adolescents reported part or full gender incongruence at 11 years. Tendencies toward earlier timing of puberty were observed in adolescents who reported part gender incongruence (average difference, birth-assigned boys: -3.2 months [95% confidence interval {CI}: -6.7; 0.3]; birth-assigned girls: -2.0 months [95% CI: -3.9; -0.1]). Tendencies toward earlier timing of puberty were observed in adolescents who reported full gender incongruence (average difference, birth-assigned boys: -2.4 months [95% CI: -5.0; 0.4]; birth-assigned girls: -1.9 months [95% CI: -5.1; 1.2]). CONCLUSIONS The results from this study indicated that birth-assigned boys and girls who reported either part or full gender incongruence tended to reach puberty slightly earlier than those adolescents who reported gender congruence at 11 years of age. Knowledge on the timing of puberty among adolescents who experience gender incongruence is essential to inform mutual decision-making in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne H Thomsen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Anne Gaml-Sørensen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lea L H Lunddorf
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Astrid Højgaard
- Sexological Centre, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Cecilia H Ramlau-Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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11
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Crewther BT, Pastuszak A, Sadowska D, Górski M, Cook CJ. The digit ratio (2D:4D) and testosterone co-predict vertical jump performance in athletic boys: Evidence of organizational and activational effects of testosterone on physical fitness. Physiol Behav 2022; 251:113816. [PMID: 35443197 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The digit ratio (2D:4D) is a negative correlate of boy's physical fitness, and thought to arise from organizational effects of prenatal testosterone on different bodily systems. During human ontogeny, activational effects of testosterone on body size and strength offers another pathway to physical fitness. We tested these hypotheses by examining the organizational and activational effects of testosterone on vertical jump performance in athletic boys. Using a cross-sectional design, 173 boys (aged 9 to 18 years) were tested for standing height, body mass, body fat, fat-free mass, weekly training activity, training history, salivary testosterone and cortisol, R2D:4D, L2D:4D, and right-left 2D:4D (Dr-1), and vertical height in 3 different countermovement jump (CMJ) tests. A generalized additive model was employed to delineate age-related trajectories and predict CMJ performance. Our models yielded significant non-linear increases (or changes) in body size, current hormone concentration, training outcomes, and CMJ performance with chronological age. All 2D:4D measures were age invariant. The R2D:4D and testosterone were significant non-linear predictors of CMJ height with (R2 = 66.2%) or without (R2 = 54.3%) covariates, whereby a higher current testosterone concentration (up to a certain level) and a lower or higher R2D:4D were linked to better performance. The L2D:4D and Dr-1 had no predictive value. In conclusion, the R2D:4D and testosterone were co-predictors of CMJ height among athletic boys, with non-linear performance effects that differed in timing, tempo, and direction. Our findings confirm that testosterone can regulate a simple measure of boy's physical fitness through both an activational and organizational pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blair T Crewther
- Institute of Sport - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland; School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia.
| | - Anna Pastuszak
- Institute of Sport - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Sadowska
- Institute of Sport - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Górski
- Institute of Sport - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Christian J Cook
- School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, Australia; Hamlyn Centre, Imperial College, London, UK
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12
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Dooley N, Ruigrok A, Holt R, Allison C, Tsompanidis A, Waldman J, Auyeung B, Lombardo MV, Baron-Cohen S. Is there an association between prenatal testosterone and autistic traits in adolescents? Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 136:105623. [PMID: 34896742 PMCID: PMC8783053 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal testosterone (pT) is a crucial component in physiological masculinization in humans. In line with the Prenatal Sex Steroid Theory of autism, some studies have found a positive correlation between pT and autistic traits in childhood. However, effects in adolescence have not been explored. Hormonal and environmental changes occurring during puberty may alter the strength or the nature of prenatal effects on autistic traits. The current study examines if pT relates to autistic traits in a non-clinical sample of adolescents and young adults (N = 97, 170 observations; age 13-21 years old). It also explores pT interactions with pubertal stage and timing. PT concentrations were measured from amniotic fluid extracted in the 2nd trimester of gestation via amniocentesis conducted for clinical purposes. Autistic traits were measured by self- and parent-reports on the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) which provides a total score and 5 sub-scores (social skills, communication, imagination, attention switching and attention to detail). Self-reported pubertal stage was regressed on age to provide a measure of relative timing. We found no statistical evidence for a direct association between pT and autistic traits in this adolescent sample (males, females or full sample). Exploratory analyses suggested that pT correlated positively with autistic traits in adolescents with earlier puberty-onset, but statistical robustness of this finding was limited. Further exploratory post-hoc tests suggested the pT-by-pubertal timing interaction was stronger in males relative to females, in self-reported compared to parent-reported AQ and specifically for social traits. These findings require replication in larger samples. Findings have implications for understanding the effects of pT on human behavior, specifically existence of effects in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Dooley
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK.
| | - Amber Ruigrok
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosemary Holt
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Carrie Allison
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jack Waldman
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Bonnie Auyeung
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK,Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael V. Lombardo
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK,Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn,Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
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Pigs' skin lesions at weaning are primarily caused by standoff and being bullied instead of unilateral active attack at the individual level. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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14
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Zambrano E, Nathanielsz PW, Rodríguez-González GL. Developmental programming and ageing of male reproductive function. Eur J Clin Invest 2021; 51:e13637. [PMID: 34107063 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Developmental programming predisposes offspring to metabolic, behavioural and reproductive dysfunction in adult life. Evidence is accumulating that ageing phenotype and longevity are in part developmentally programmed in each individual. Unfortunately, there are few studies addressing the effects of developmental programming by maternal nutrition on the rate of ageing of the male reproductive system. This review will discuss effects of foetal exposure to maternal environmental challenges on male offspring fertility and normal ageing of the male reproductive system. We focus on several key factors involved in reproductive ageing such as decreased hormone production, DNA fragmentation, oxidative stress, telomere shortening, epigenetics, maternal lifestyle and nutrition. There is compelling evidence that ageing of the male reproductive system is developmentally programmed. Both maternal over- or undernutrition accelerate ageing of male offspring reproductive function through similar mechanisms such as decreased serum testosterone levels, increase in oxidative stress biomarkers in both the testes and sperm and changes in sperm quality. Importantly, even in adult life, exercise in male offspring of obese mothers improves adverse effects of programming on reproductive function. Maternal consumption of a low-protein diet causes transgenerational effects in progeny via the paternal line. The seminal fluid has effects on the intrauterine environment. Programming by male factors may involve more than just the sperm. Improving knowledge on developmental programming ageing interactions will improve not only male health and life span but also the health of future generations by reducing programming via the paternal line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zambrano
- Reproductive Biology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, México
| | | | - Guadalupe L Rodríguez-González
- Reproductive Biology Department, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, México
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15
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Neural and Hormonal Basis of Opposite-Sex Preference by Chemosensory Signals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158311. [PMID: 34361077 PMCID: PMC8347621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian reproduction, sexually active males seek female conspecifics, while estrous females try to approach males. This sex-specific response tendency is called sexual preference. In small rodents, sexual preference cues are mainly chemosensory signals, including pheromones. In this article, we review the physiological mechanisms involved in sexual preference for opposite-sex chemosensory signals in well-studied laboratory rodents, mice, rats, and hamsters of both sexes, especially an overview of peripheral sensory receptors, and hormonal and central regulation. In the hormonal regulation section, we discuss potential rodent brain bisexuality, as it includes neural substrates controlling both masculine and feminine sexual preferences, i.e., masculine preference for female odors and the opposite. In the central regulation section, we show the substantial circuit regulating sexual preference and also the influence of sexual experience that innate attractants activate in the brain reward system to establish the learned attractant. Finally, we review the regulation of sexual preference by neuropeptides, oxytocin, vasopressin, and kisspeptin. Through this review, we clarified the contradictions and deficiencies in our current knowledge on the neuroendocrine regulation of sexual preference and sought to present problems requiring further study.
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16
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Maternal effects in mammals: Broadening our understanding of offspring programming. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 62:100924. [PMID: 33992652 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The perinatal period is a sensitive time in mammalian development that can have long-lasting consequences on offspring phenotype via maternal effects. Maternal effects have been most intensively studied with respect to two major conditions: maternal diet and maternal stress. In this review, we shift the focus by discussing five major additional maternal cues and their influence on offspring phenotype: maternal androgen levels, photoperiod (melatonin), microbiome, immune regulation, and milk composition. We present the key findings for each of these topics in mammals, their mechanisms of action, and how they interact with each other and with the maternal influences of diet and stress. We explore their impacts in the contexts of both predictive adaptive responses and the developmental origins of disease, identify knowledge gaps and research opportunities in the field, and place a particular emphasis on the application and consideration of these effects in non-model species and natural ecological systems.
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Buchholz VN, Mühle C, Kornhuber J, Lenz B. Markers of Prenatal Androgen Exposure Correlate With Online Sexual Compulsivity and Erectile Function in Young Men. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:517411. [PMID: 33889090 PMCID: PMC8055940 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.517411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pornography addiction and sexual dysfunction are increasingly prevalent in young men. Previous studies suggest that prenatal androgen exposure plays a role in addiction and sexual functionality. Here, we tested whether lower second-to-fourth finger length ratio (2D:4D) and later age at spermarche, both putative indicators of higher androgen levels in utero, correlate with online sexual compulsivity (OSC scale of ISST), erectile function (IIEF-5), and ejaculatory control (PEPA) in 4,370 young men (age IQR: 25-26 years) of the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors. Statistical analyses revealed that lower 2D:4D correlated with higher scores on the OSC scale. Moreover, higher age at spermarche correlated with higher OSC scores and decreased erectile function. Interestingly, OSC severity, but not the frequency of pornography use, correlated negatively with erectile function and ejaculatory control. This is the first study to associate two independent proxies of prenatal testosterone level with OSC. These findings provide novel insight into intrauterine predisposition of sexual behavior and related sexual function in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena N. Buchholz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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18
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Yao S, Lopez-Tello J, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Developmental programming of the female reproductive system-a review. Biol Reprod 2020; 104:745-770. [PMID: 33354727 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposures to adverse conditions in utero can lead to permanent changes in the structure and function of key physiological systems in the developing fetus, increasing the risk of disease and premature aging in later postnatal life. When considering the systems that could be affected by an adverse gestational environment, the reproductive system of developing female offspring may be particularly important, as changes have the potential to alter both reproductive capacity of the first generation, as well as health of the second generation through changes in the oocyte. The aim of this review is to examine the impact of different adverse intrauterine conditions on the reproductive system of the female offspring. It focuses on the effects of exposure to maternal undernutrition, overnutrition/obesity, hypoxia, smoking, steroid excess, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and pollutants during gestation and draws on data from human and animal studies to illuminate underlying mechanisms. The available data indeed indicate that adverse gestational environments alter the reproductive physiology of female offspring with consequences for future reproductive capacity. These alterations are mediated via programmed changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and the structure and function of reproductive tissues, particularly the ovaries. Reproductive programming may be observed as a change in the timing of puberty onset and menopause/reproductive decline, altered menstrual/estrous cycles, polycystic ovaries, and elevated risk of reproductive tissue cancers. These reproductive outcomes can affect the fertility and fecundity of the female offspring; however, further work is needed to better define the possible impact of these programmed changes on subsequent generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Yao
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Centre for Trophoblast Research, Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Downing Street, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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19
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Balthazart J. Sexual partner preference in animals and humans. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 115:34-47. [PMID: 32450091 PMCID: PMC7484171 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences in brain and behavior of animals including humans result from an interaction between biological and environmental influences. This is also true for the differences between men and women concerning sexual orientation. Sexual differentiation is mediated by three groups of biological mechanisms: early actions of sex steroids, more direct actions of sex-specific genes not mediated by gonadal sex steroids and epigenetic mechanisms. Differential interactions with parents and conspecifics have additionally long-term influences on behavior. This presentation reviews available evidence indicating that these different mechanisms play a significant role in the control of sexual partner preference in animals and humans, in other words the homosexual versus heterosexual orientation. Clinical and epidemiological studies of phenotypically selected populations indicate that early actions of hormones and genetic factors clearly contribute to the determination of sexual orientation. The maternal embryonic environment also modifies the incidence of male homosexuality via immunological mechanisms. The relative contribution of each of these mechanisms remains however to be determined.
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Abstract
The reproductive function of humans is regulated by several sex hormones which are secreted in synergy with the circadian timing of the body. Sleep patterns produce generic signatures that physiologically drive the synthesis, secretion, and metabolism of hormones necessary for reproduction. Sleep deprivation among men and women is increasingly reported as one of the causes of infertility. In animal models, sleep disturbances impair the secretion of sexual hormones thereby leading to a decrease in testosterone level, reduced sperm motility and apoptosis of the Leydig cells in male rats. Sleep deprivation generates stressful stimuli intrinsically, due to circadian desynchrony and thereby increases the activation of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis, which, consequently, increases the production of corticosterone. The elevated level of corticosteroids results in a reduction in testosterone production. Sleep deprivation produces a commensurate effect on women by reducing the chances of fertility. Sleeplessness among female shift workers suppresses melatonin production as well as excessive HPA activation which results in early pregnancy loss, failed embryo implantation, anovulation and amenorrhea. Sleep deprivation in women has also be found to be associated with altered gonadotropin and sex steroid secretion which all together lead to female infertility. Poor quality of sleep is observed in middle-aged and older men and this also contributes to reduced testosterone concentrations. The influence of sleep disturbances post-menopausal is associated with irregular synthesis and secretion of female sex steroid hormones.
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21
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Shen C, Tong X, Chen R, Gao S, Liu X, Schinckel AP, Li Y, Xu F, Zhou B. Identifying blood-based biomarkers associated with aggression in weaned pigs after mixing. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.104927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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22
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Wilson HA, Martin ER, Howes C, Wasson CS, Newman AE, Choleris E, MacLusky NJ. Low dose prenatal testosterone exposure decreases the corticosterone response to stress in adult male, but not female, mice. Brain Res 2020; 1729:146613. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 12/08/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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23
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Ernst A, Lauridsen LLB, Brix N, Arah OA, Olsen J, Parner ET, Nybo Andersen AM, Olsen LH, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Pubertal development after unintended intrauterine exposure to oral contraceptives: a nationwide cohort study. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:552-561.e2. [PMID: 31311623 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the associations between exposure to oral contraceptives before conception and early in pregnancy and pubertal timing in boys and girls. DESIGN Population-based cohort study. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Overall, 15,800 children (70%) born during 2000-2003 into the Danish National Birth Cohort were categorized according to maternal use of combined oral contraceptive pills or progestin-only pills reported around gestational week 17: no exposure (reference), exposure 4 months before conception, and exposure in early pregnancy. Children self-assessed pubertal status using Web-based questionnaires from 11 years and biannually throughout puberty. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Adjusted mean age differences (months) for attaining individual pubertal milestones and overall pubertal timing. Proportion mediated by prepubertal body mass index. RESULT(S) In boys, intrauterine exposure to oral contraceptives showed a tendency toward slightly earlier mean age for voice break (months, -3.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] -6.5, -1.0) and first ejaculation (months, -2.9; 95% CI -5.9, 0.1) and a mean difference of -1.4 months (95% CI -3.3, 0.4) for overall pubertal timing. Girls with intrauterine exposure tended to have slightly earlier age at menarche (months, -1.9; 95% CI -4.0, 0.3) and Tanner breast stages and had a mean difference of -0.9 months (95% CI -2.7, 1.0) for overall pubertal timing. Exposure before conception was not associated with pubertal timing. Prepubertal body mass index did not play a mediating role. CONCLUSION(S) This study shows some evidence that intrauterine exposure to oral contraceptives might slightly affect pubertal timing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Ernst
- Section for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California.
| | - Lea L B Lauridsen
- Section for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nis Brix
- Section for Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California
| | - Onyebuchi A Arah
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California; Department of Statistics, UCLA College of Letters and Science, Los Angeles, California; Center for Health Policy Research, UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jørn Olsen
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, California; Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Erik T Parner
- Section for Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne-Marie Nybo Andersen
- Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars H Olsen
- Section for Paediatric Urology, Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Kumar S, Saini R, Jain R. Hand preference and intolerance of uncertainty: Atypical cerebral lateralization advantages lower intolerance of uncertainty. Laterality 2019; 25:22-42. [DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2019.1611843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Kumar
- Department of Psychology, D.A.V. College, Muzaffarnagar, UP, India
| | - Reena Saini
- Department of Psychology, D.A.V. College, Muzaffarnagar, UP, India
| | - Ranjeeta Jain
- Department of Psychology, D.A.V. College, Muzaffarnagar, UP, India
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25
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Swift-Gallant A. Individual differences in the biological basis of androphilia in mice and men. Horm Behav 2019; 111:23-30. [PMID: 30579744 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For nearly 60 years since the seminal paper from W.C Young and colleagues (Phoenix et al., 1959), the principles of sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior have maintained that female-typical sexual behaviors (e.g., lordosis) and sexual preferences (e.g., attraction to males) are the result of low androgen levels during development, whereas higher androgen levels promote male-typical sexual behaviors (e.g., mounting and thrusting) and preferences (e.g., attraction to females). However, recent reports suggest that the relationship between androgens and male-typical behaviors is not always linear - when androgen signaling is increased in male rodents, via exogenous androgen exposure or androgen receptor overexpression, males continue to exhibit male-typical sexual behaviors, but their sexual preferences are altered such that their interest in same-sex partners is increased. Analogous to this rodent literature, recent findings indicate that high level androgen exposure may contribute to the sexual orientation of a subset of gay men who prefer insertive anal sex and report more male-typical gender traits, whereas gay men who prefer receptive anal sex, and who on average report more gender nonconformity, present with biomarkers suggestive of low androgen exposure. Together, the evidence indicates that for both mice and men there is an inverted-U curvilinear relationship between androgens and sexual preferences, such that low and high androgen exposure increases androphilic sexual attraction, whereas relative mid-range androgen exposure leads to gynephilic attraction. Future directions for studying how individual differences in biological development mediate sexual behavior and sexual preferences in both mice and humans are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlyn Swift-Gallant
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 293 Farm Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Psychology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, NL A1B 3X9, Canada.
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26
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Brix N, Ernst A, Lauridsen LLB, Parner ET, Olsen J, Henriksen TB, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy and Timing of Puberty in Sons and Daughters: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Am J Epidemiol 2019; 188:47-56. [PMID: 30239589 PMCID: PMC6321801 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwy206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Because early puberty has been linked to diseases later in life, identification of modifiable causes of early puberty is of interest. We explored the possible associations between maternal smoking during pregnancy and pubertal development in sons and daughters. Between 2012 and 2017, 15,819 children from the Danish National Birth Cohort, born during 2000-2003, provided half-yearly information on puberty from the age of 11 years. We estimated adjusted age differences (in months) at attaining various pubertal milestones, including Tanner stages, per 10 daily cigarettes smoked in the first trimester of gestation. In sons, exposure to smoking in utero was associated with earlier genital development (Tanner 2, -1.3 months, 95% confidence interval (CI): -2.5, 0.0; Tanner 5, -3.7 months, 95% CI: -5.3, -2.0), pubic hair development (Tanner 2, -1.8 months, 95% CI: -2.9, -0.6; Tanner 5, -2.9 months, 95% CI: -4.2, -1.7), and voice break (-2.4 months, 95% CI: -3.6, -1.3). In daughters, maternal smoking was associated with earlier breast development (Tanner 2, -3.4 months, 95% CI: -5.3, -1.5; Tanner 5, -4.7 months, 95% CI: -6.5, -2.9), pubic hair development stages 3-5 (Tanner 5, -2.5 months, 95% CI: -4.1, -1.0), and menarche (-3.1 months, 95% CI: -4.0, -2.3). Fetal exposure to tobacco smoke might advance timing of puberty in boys and girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lea L B Lauridsen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Erik T Parner
- Department of Public Health, Section for Biostatistics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jørn Olsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tine B Henriksen
- Department of Pediatrics, Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Masuda K, Takanari H, Morishima M, Ma F, Wang Y, Takahashi N, Ono K. Testosterone-mediated upregulation of delayed rectifier potassium channel in cardiomyocytes causes abbreviation of QT intervals in rats. J Physiol Sci 2018; 68:759-767. [PMID: 29332211 PMCID: PMC10717990 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-017-0590-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Men have shorter rate-corrected QT intervals (QTc) than women, especially at the period of adolescence or later. The aim of this study was to elucidate the long-term effects of testosterone on cardiac excitability parameters including electrocardiogram (ECG) and potassium channel current. Testosterone shortened QT intervals in ECG in castrated male rats, not immediately after, but on day 2 or later. Expression of Kv7.1 (KCNQ1) mRNA was significantly upregulated by testosterone in cardiomyocytes of male and female rats. Short-term application of testosterone was without effect on delayed rectifier potassium channel current (IKs), whereas IKs was significantly increased in cardiomyocytes treated with dihydrotestosterone for 24 h, which was mimicked by isoproterenol (24 h). Gene-selective inhibitors of a transcription factor SP1, mithramycin, abolished the effects of testosterone on Kv7.1. Testosterone increases Kv7.1-IKs possibly through a pathway related to a transcription factor SP1, suggesting a genomic effect of testosterone as an active factor for cardiac excitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimiko Masuda
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Oita University School of Medicine, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Oita University School of Medicine, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Hiroki Takanari
- Department of Pathophysiology, Oita University School of Medicine, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Masaki Morishima
- Department of Pathophysiology, Oita University School of Medicine, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - FangFang Ma
- Department of Pathophysiology, Oita University School of Medicine, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Oita University School of Medicine, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Oita University School of Medicine, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Naohiko Takahashi
- Department of Cardiology and Clinical Examination, Oita University School of Medicine, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan
| | - Katsushige Ono
- Department of Pathophysiology, Oita University School of Medicine, 1-1 Idaigaoka, Hasama, Yufu, Oita, 879-5593, Japan.
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Lenz B, Bouna-Pyrrou P, Mühle C, Kornhuber J. Low digit ratio (2D:4D) and late pubertal onset indicate prenatal hyperandrogenziation in alcohol binge drinking. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 86:370-378. [PMID: 29499227 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 02/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol binge drinking behavior is an important public health issue. Causal rodent and human associational studies show that reinforcement of prenatal androgen signaling increases alcohol consumption in adulthood. However, the effects of prenatal androgen exposure on adult binge drinking patterns have not been investigated yet. METHOD We analyzed data from 2225 participants of an online survey (conducted 06-07/2016) to evaluate biomarkers for prenatal androgen exposure (second-to-fourth finger length ratio [2D:4D], age at spermarche or menarche as hallmark for pubertal onset) in binge drinking (≥1 episode of 15+, 10+, and/or 5+ standard drinks of ~13 g of alcohol within 2 h during the 24 month- and 2 week-recall periods). RESULTS Men reported binge drinking more often than women (ORs > 1.4, P < .001). For the 24 month-recall period, binge drinkers showed lower 2D:4D (P = .006) and reported later pubertal onset (P = .022) than non-binge drinkers. These findings consistently suggest excess prenatal androgen exposure in adult binge drinkers. Moreover, 2D:4D was negatively associated with severity (15+/10+/5+/non-binge drinking, P = .005) and frequency of binge drinking episodes (P = .044). All of these effects were stronger in men than in women. For the 2 week-recall period, the biomarkers were not significantly related to binge drinking behavior. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that increased prenatal androgen exposure is involved in the development of alcohol binge drinking behavior in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany.
| | - Polyxeni Bouna-Pyrrou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Christiane Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Germany
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Domonkos E, Hodosy J, Ostatníková D, Celec P. On the Role of Testosterone in Anxiety-Like Behavior Across Life in Experimental Rodents. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:441. [PMID: 30127767 PMCID: PMC6088149 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone affects brain functions and might explain some of the observed behavioral sex differences. Animal models may help in elucidating the possible involvement of sex hormones in these sex differences. The effects of testosterone have been intensively investigated, especially in anxiety models. Numerous experiments have brought inconsistent results with either anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects. Besides methodological variations, contradictory findings might be explained by the divergent metabolism of testosterone and its recognition by neurons during prenatal and postnatal development. Gonadectomy and subsequent supplementation have been used to study the role of sex hormones. However, the variable duration of hypogonadism might affect the outcomes and the effect of long-term androgen deficiency is understudied. Testosterone can be metabolized to dihydrotestosterone strengthening the androgen signaling, but also to estradiol converting the androgen to estrogen activity. Moreover, some metabolites of testosterone can modulate γ-aminobutyric acid and serotonergic neurotransmission. Here we review the currently available experimental data in experimental rodents on the effects of testosterone on anxiety during development. Based on the experimental results, females are generally less anxious than males from puberty to middle-age. The anxiety-like behavior of females and males is likely influenced by early organizational effects, but might be modified by activational effects of testosterone and its metabolites. The effects of sex hormones leading to anxiogenesis or anxiolysis depend on factors affecting hormonal status including age. The biological and several technical issues make the study of effects of testosterone on anxiety very complex and should be taken into account when interpreting experimental results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emese Domonkos
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Július Hodosy
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Ostatníková
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Celec
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Schieve LA, Tian L, Dowling N, Croen L, Hoover-Fong J, Alexander A, Shapira SK. Associations Between the 2nd to 4th Digit Ratio and Autism Spectrum Disorder in Population-Based Samples of Boys and Girls: Findings from the Study to Explore Early Development. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:2379-2395. [PMID: 29450837 PMCID: PMC5997499 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-018-3495-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The ratio of the index (2nd) finger to ring (4th) finger lengths (2D:4D) is a proxy for fetal testosterone and estradiol. Studies suggesting 2D:4D is inversely associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in males were limited by lack of confounder and subgroup assessments. Studies of females are sparse. We examined associations between ASD and 2D:4D among children in the Study to Explore Early Development; we considered case subgroups and numerous potential demographic and maternal-perinatal health confounders. We observed a modest inverse association between ASD and right-hand 2D:4D in males; subgroup analyses indicated associations were limited to ASD cases with birth defects/genetic syndromes or dysmorphic features. We observed a positive association between ASD and left-hand 2D:4D in females, overall and within most case subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura A Schieve
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop E-86, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA.
| | - Lin Tian
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop E-86, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Nicole Dowling
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop E-86, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Lisa Croen
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Julie Hoover-Fong
- McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aimee Alexander
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop E-86, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
| | - Stuart K Shapira
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop E-86, 4770 Buford Hwy NE, Atlanta, GA, 30341, USA
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Seyfang J, Kirkwood RN, Tilbrook AJ, Ralph CR. The sex ratio of a gilt’s birth litter can affect her fitness as a breeding female. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1071/an17192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Lifetime reproductive performance and behaviour are established in utero driven by genetics and the steroidal milieu of the uterine environment. Developing males synthesise androgens that can be absorbed by females in the litter. Consequently, the proportion of males in a litter has the potential to affect both lifetime reproductive performance and behaviour of female littermates. Although reproductive potential is understandably important for gilt selection, behaviour is becoming progressively more important as group housing of sows increases. Aggression can be a cause for removal from the breeding herd, and can also negatively affect reproductive performance and herd longevity. This review covers existing evidence of masculinisation in rodents and sheep, the mechanism causing masculinisation, and the knowledge gaps surrounding masculinisation in pigs. Premature culling of gilts is an economic and animal welfare issue in the pork industry resulting in low retention of gilts and reduced productivity. The selection of gilts needs to be improved to incorporate both lifetime reproductive potential and behaviour. We determined that there is cause to investigate the effect of the birth litter sex ratio of a gilt on her suitability for selection into the breeding herd.
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Dzirbíková Z, Talarovičová A, Štefánik P, Olexová L, Kršková L. Testosterone enhancement during pregnancy influences social coping and gene expression of oxytocin and vasopressin in the brain of adult rats. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2018. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2018-024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Scully CM, Estill CT, Amodei R, McKune A, Gribbin KP, Meaker M, Stormshak F, Roselli CE. Early prenatal androgen exposure reduces testes size and sperm concentration in sheep without altering neuroendocrine differentiation and masculine sexual behavior. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2018; 62:1-9. [PMID: 28843181 PMCID: PMC5705409 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal androgens are largely responsible for growth and differentiation of the genital tract and testis and for organization of the control mechanisms regulating male reproductive physiology and behavior. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of inappropriate exposure to excess testosterone (T) during the first trimester of fetal development on the reproductive function, sexual behavior, and fertility potential of rams. We found that biweekly maternal T propionate (100 mg) treatment administered from Day 30-58 of gestation significantly decreased (P < 0.05) postpubertal scrotal circumference and sperm concentration. Prenatal T exposure did not alter ejaculate volume, sperm motility and morphology or testis morphology. There was, however, a trend for more T-exposed rams than controls to be classified as unsatisfactory potential breeders during breeding soundness examinations. Postnatal serum T concentrations were not affected by prenatal T exposure, nor was the expression of key testicular genes essential for spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Basal serum LH did not differ between treatment groups, nor did pituitary responsiveness to GnRH. T-exposed rams, like control males, exhibited vigorous libido and were sexually attracted to estrous females. In summary, these results suggest that exposure to exogenous T during the first trimester of gestation can negatively impact spermatogenesis and compromise the reproductive fitness of rams.
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Affiliation(s)
- C M Scully
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
| | - C T Estill
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-4501, USA; College of Veterinary Medicine, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-4501, USA
| | - R Amodei
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA
| | - A McKune
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-4501, USA
| | - K P Gribbin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA
| | - M Meaker
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-4501, USA
| | - F Stormshak
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331-4501, USA
| | - C E Roselli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA.
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Lenz B, Mühle C, Braun B, Weinland C, Bouna-Pyrrou P, Behrens J, Kubis S, Mikolaiczik K, Muschler MR, Saigali S, Sibach M, Tanovska P, Huber SE, Hoppe U, Eichler A, Heinrich H, Moll GH, Engel A, Goecke TW, Beckmann MW, Fasching PA, Müller CP, Kornhuber J. Prenatal and adult androgen activities in alcohol dependence. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2017; 136:96-107. [PMID: 28383757 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol dependence is more prevalent in men than in women. The evidence for how prenatal and adult androgens influence alcohol dependence is limited. We investigated the effects of prenatal and adult androgen activity on alcohol dependence. Moreover, we studied how the behaviours of pregnant women affect their children's prenatal androgen load. METHOD We quantified prenatal androgen markers (e.g., second-to-fourth finger length ratio [2D : 4D]) and blood androgens in 200 early-abstinent alcohol-dependent in-patients and 240 controls (2013-2015, including a 12-month follow-up). We also surveyed 134 women during pregnancy (2005-2007) and measured the 2D : 4D of their children (2013-2016). RESULTS The prenatal androgen loads were higher in the male alcohol-dependent patients compared to the controls (lower 2D : 4D, P = 0.004) and correlated positively with the patients' liver transaminase activities (P < 0.001) and alcohol withdrawal severity (P = 0.019). Higher prenatal androgen loads and increasing androgen levels during withdrawal predicted earlier and more frequent 12-month hospital readmission in alcohol-dependent patients (P < 0.005). Moreover, stress levels (P = 0.002), alcohol (P = 0.010) and tobacco consumption (P = 0.017), and lifetime stressors (P = 0.019) of women during pregnancy related positively to their children's prenatal androgen loads (lower 2D : 4D). CONCLUSION Androgen activities in alcohol-dependent patients and behaviours of pregnant women represent novel preventive and therapeutic targets of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Lenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - C Mühle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - B Braun
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - C Weinland
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - P Bouna-Pyrrou
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - J Behrens
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Kubis
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - K Mikolaiczik
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - M-R Muschler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - S Saigali
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - M Sibach
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - P Tanovska
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - S E Huber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - U Hoppe
- Department of Audiology, ENT Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - A Eichler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - H Heinrich
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,kbo-Heckscher-Klinikum, Munich, Germany
| | - G H Moll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - A Engel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - T W Goecke
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.,Department of Perinatal Medicine and Obstetrics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - M W Beckmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - P A Fasching
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - C P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - J Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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Swift-Gallant A, Monks DA. Androgenic mechanisms of sexual differentiation of the nervous system and behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2017; 46:32-45. [PMID: 28455096 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Testicular androgens are the major endocrine factor promoting masculine phenotypes in vertebrates, but androgen signaling is complex and operates via multiple signaling pathways and sites of action. Recently, selective androgen receptor mutants have been engineered to study androgenic mechanisms of sexual differentiation of the nervous system and behavior. The focus of these studies has been to evaluate androgenic mechanisms within the nervous system by manipulating androgen receptor conditionally in neural tissues. Here we review both the effects of neural loss of AR function as well as the effects of neural overexpression of AR in relation to global AR mutants. Although some studies have conformed to our expectations, others have proved challenging to assumptions underlying the dominant hypotheses. Notably, these studies have called into question both the primacy of direct, neural mechanisms and also the linearity of the relationship between androgenic dose and sexual differentiation of brain and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Swift-Gallant
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd. N., Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - D A Monks
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada; Department of Cells and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3G3, Canada; Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd. N., Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
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Huffman MC, Santo JB, French JA. Prenatal androgen exposure and parental care interact to influence timing of reproductive maturation in marmosets. Am J Primatol 2016; 79:1-12. [DOI: 10.1002/ajp.22588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2016] [Revised: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C. Huffman
- Callitrichid Research Center; University of Nebraska; Omaha Nebraska
- Department of Psychology; University of Nebraska; Omaha Nebraska
| | | | - Jeffrey A. French
- Callitrichid Research Center; University of Nebraska; Omaha Nebraska
- Department of Psychology; University of Nebraska; Omaha Nebraska
- Department of Biology; University of Nebraska; Omaha Nebraska
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Bánszegi O, Szenczi P, Dúcs A, Hudson R, Altbäcker V. Long-term under-masculinization in male rabbits due to maternal stress is reversed by prenatal administration of testosterone. Behav Processes 2015; 115:156-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2015.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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38
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Alvarenga TA, Hirotsu C, Mazaro-Costa R, Tufik S, Andersen ML. Impairment of male reproductive function after sleep deprivation. Fertil Steril 2015; 103:1355-62.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Moraes C, Rebelato HJ, Amaral MEC, Resende TM, Silva EVC, Esquisatto MAM, Catisti R. Effect of maternal protein restriction on liver metabolism in rat offspring. J Physiol Sci 2014; 64:347-55. [PMID: 24994532 PMCID: PMC10717648 DOI: 10.1007/s12576-014-0325-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Consequences of gestational protein restriction (GPR) on liver metabolism in rat offspring were investigated. Pregnant dams were divided into groups: normal (NP, 17% casein) or low-protein diet (LP, 6% casein). Livers were collected from 30-day-old offspring (d30) for analysis or isolation of mitochondria. At d30, hepatic and muscle glycogen was increased in LP group. Mitochondrial swelling and oxygen uptake (recorded with a Clark-type electrode) were significantly reduced in NP female and LP pups. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances production was lower in females (NP or LP), suggesting significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Measurement of mitochondrial respiration (states 3 and 4 stimulated by succinate) showed a higher ADP/O ratio in LP pups, particularly females, suggesting higher phosphorylation efficiency. In the 1st month of life, under our experimental conditions, GPR protects liver mitochondria against oxidative stress and females seem to be more resistant or more suitable for survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila Moraes
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, Uniararas, Av Maximiliano Baruto 500, 13607-339 Araras, SP Brazil
| | - Hércules J. Rebelato
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, Uniararas, Av Maximiliano Baruto 500, 13607-339 Araras, SP Brazil
| | - Maria Esmeria C. Amaral
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, Uniararas, Av Maximiliano Baruto 500, 13607-339 Araras, SP Brazil
| | - Thais Marangoni Resende
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, Uniararas, Av Maximiliano Baruto 500, 13607-339 Araras, SP Brazil
| | - Eduarda V. C. Silva
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, Uniararas, Av Maximiliano Baruto 500, 13607-339 Araras, SP Brazil
| | - Marcelo A. M. Esquisatto
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, Uniararas, Av Maximiliano Baruto 500, 13607-339 Araras, SP Brazil
| | - Rosana Catisti
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Centro Universitário Hermínio Ometto, Uniararas, Av Maximiliano Baruto 500, 13607-339 Araras, SP Brazil
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Cooke GM, Taylor M, Bourque C, Curran I, Gurofsky S, Gill S. Effects of furan on male rat reproduction parameters in a 90-day gavage study. Reprod Toxicol 2014; 46:85-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2014.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bejerot S, Eriksson JM. Sexuality and gender role in autism spectrum disorder: a case control study. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87961. [PMID: 24498228 PMCID: PMC3909328 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The ‘extreme male brain theory of autism’ describes an extreme male pattern of cognitive traits defined as strong systemising abilities paired with empathising weaknesses in autism spectrum disorder. However, beyond these cognitive traits, clinical observations have suggested an ambiguous gender-typed pattern regarding several sexually dimorphic traits. The aim of the present study was to investigate if patterns of non-cognitive sexually dimorphic traits differed between the autism spectrum disorder and control groups. Fifty adults with autism spectrum disorder and intelligence within the normal range, and 53 neurotypical controls responded to questions on gender role, self-perceived gender typicality and gender identity, as well as sexuality. Measures used were a Swedish modification of the Bem Sex Role Inventory and questions on sexuality and gender designed for the purpose of this study. Our results showed that one common gender role emerged in the autism spectrum disorder group. Masculinity (e.g. assertiveness, leadership and competitiveness) was weaker in the autism spectrum disorder group than in the controls, across men and women. Self-perceived gender typicality did not differ between the groups but tomboyism and bisexuality were overrepresented amongst women with autism spectrum disorder. Lower libido was reported amongst both male and female participants with autism spectrum disorder compared with controls. We conclude that the extreme male patterns of cognitive functions in the autistic brain do not seem to extend to gender role and sexuality. A gender-atypical pattern for these types of characteristics is suggested in autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Bejerot
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Jonna M. Eriksson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zambrano E, Guzmán C, Rodríguez-González GL, Durand-Carbajal M, Nathanielsz PW. Fetal programming of sexual development and reproductive function. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 382:538-549. [PMID: 24045010 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Revised: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 09/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The recent growth of interest in developmental programming of physiological systems has generally focused on the cardiovascular system (especially hypertension) and predisposition to metabolic dysfunction (mainly obesity and diabetes). However, it is now clear that the full range of altered offspring phenotypes includes impaired reproductive function. In rats, sheep and nonhuman primates, reproductive capacity is altered by challenges experienced during critical periods of development. This review will examine available experimental evidence across commonly studied experimental species for developmental programming of female and male reproductive function throughout an individual's life-course. It is necessary to consider events that occur during fetal development, early neonatal life and prior to and during puberty, during active reproductive life and aging as reproductive performance declines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Zambrano
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México.
| | - Carolina Guzmán
- HIPAM, Unidad de Medicina Experimental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)/Hospital General de México, México
| | - Guadalupe L Rodríguez-González
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México
| | - Marta Durand-Carbajal
- Departamento de Biología de la Reproducción, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México
| | - Peter W Nathanielsz
- Center for Pregnancy and Newborn Research, Department of Obstetrics, University of Texas Health Sciences Center San Antonio, TX, United States
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Developmental fluoxetine exposure facilitates sexual behavior in female offspring. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:123-33. [PMID: 23900642 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3215-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE A growing number of infants are being exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications during the perinatal period. SSRIs target the serotoninergic system and are a popular treatment for maternal mood disorders. Serotonin itself plays a key role in the sexual differentiation through its role in the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and previous research has shown that developmental SSRI exposure has an effect on sexual behavior in male offspring. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to determine the role of developmental exposure to a popular SSRI medication, fluoxetine, on sexual differentiation of the brain and behavior in female offspring using a rodent model of maternal adversity. METHODS Stressed and non-stressed Sprague-Dawley rat dams were chronically treated with either fluoxetine (5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle beginning on postnatal day 1. Four groups of female offspring were used: (1) control + vehicle, (2) control + fluoxetine, (3) prenatal stress + vehicle, and (4) prenatal stress + fluoxetine. RESULTS Primary results show that in adult female offspring, developmental fluoxetine exposure facilitates proceptive and receptive behaviors with a significant increase in the number of proceptive behaviors, a significant increase in the lordosis quotient, and a significant decrease in the rejection quotient. CONCLUSIONS This research contributes in the understanding of the long-term impact developmental fluoxetine exposure on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) system in adult female offspring.
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Hu J, Du G, Zhang W, Huang H, Chen D, Wu D, Wang X. Short-term neonatal/prepubertal exposure of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) advanced pubertal timing and affected hypothalamic kisspeptin/GPR54 expression differently in female rats. Toxicology 2013; 314:65-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2013.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Revised: 09/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Ramezani Tehrani F, Noroozzadeh M, Zahediasl S, Ghasemi A, Piryaei A, Azizi F. Prenatal testosterone exposure worsen the reproductive performance of male rat at adulthood. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71705. [PMID: 23967236 PMCID: PMC3744450 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The reproductive system is extremely susceptible to environmental insults, for example exogenous steroids during gestational development and differentiation. Experimental induction of androgen excess during prenatal life in female animal models reprograms their reproductive physiology, however the fetal programming of the male reproductive system by androgen excess has not been well studied. We aimed to determine the effect of prenatal exposure of two different doses of testosterone on different gestational days, on the male reproductive system using a rat model. Sixteen pregnant rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups and two control groups. Experimental group І were subcutaneously injected with 3 mg free testosterone on gestational days 16-19 and its controls received solvent for that time; experimental group П were subcutaneously injected with 20 mg free testosterone on day 20 of gestational period and its controls received solvent at the same time. The reproductive system morphology and function of 32 male offspring of these study groups were compared at days 6-30-60 of age and after puberty. The anogenital distance of the male offspring of both experimental groups had no significant differences on the different days of measurement, compared with controls. In the offspring of experimental group І, the testes weight, number of Sertoli, Spermatocyte and Spermatid cells, sperm count and motility and the serum concentration of testosterone after puberty were significantly decreased; except for reduction of sperm motility (p< 0.01), the other effects were not observed in the offspring of experimental group ІІ. In summary, our data show that prenatal exposure of male rat fetuses to excess testosterone disrupted reproductive function, an effect highly dependent on the time, duration and level of exposure. It seems that the reproductive system in individuals exposed to high levels of androgens during fetal life should be evaluated at puberty and likely to be treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Ramezani Tehrani
- Reproduction Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Noroozzadeh
- Reproduction Endocrinology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saleh Zahediasl
- Endocrine Physiology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail:
| | - Asghar Ghasemi
- Endocrine Physiology Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Piryaei
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereidoun Azizi
- Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Beltz AM, Berenbaum SA. Cognitive effects of variations in pubertal timing: is puberty a period of brain organization for human sex-typed cognition? Horm Behav 2013; 63:823-8. [PMID: 23603479 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in the organizational effects of pubertal sex hormones on human sex-related characteristics. Recent evidence from rodents suggests that there is a decreasing window of sensitivity to sex hormones throughout adolescence. If adolescence also represents a period of brain organization in human beings, then the timing of exposure to sex-typical hormones at puberty should have long-term effects on sex-typed characteristics: individuals with early timing should be more sex-typed than individuals with late timing. We tested this hypothesis in 320 young adults by relating their pubertal timing (retrospective comparison to peers) to cognitive abilities that show sex differences. Results provide partial support for the hypothesis. For men, pubertal timing was inversely related to scores on a test of three-dimensional mental rotations. Effects do not appear to be due to duration of hormone exposure (time since puberty), but other potential influences need further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriene M Beltz
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2013; 20:74-9. [PMID: 23247096 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e32835cb529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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