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Augsburger P, Liimatta J, Flück CE. Update on Adrenarche-Still a Mystery. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:1403-1422. [PMID: 38181424 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae008] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Adrenarche marks the timepoint of human adrenal development when the cortex starts secreting androgens in increasing amounts, in healthy children at age 8-9 years, with premature adrenarche (PA) earlier. Because the molecular regulation and significance of adrenarche are unknown, this prepubertal event is characterized descriptively, and PA is a diagnosis by exclusion with unclear long-term consequences. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION We searched the literature of the past 5 years, including original articles, reviews, and meta-analyses from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus, using search terms adrenarche, pubarche, DHEAS, steroidogenesis, adrenal, and zona reticularis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Numerous studies addressed different topics of adrenarche and PA. Although basic studies on human adrenal development, zonation, and zona reticularis function enhanced our knowledge, the exact mechanism leading to adrenarche remains unsolved. Many regulators seem involved. A promising marker of adrenarche (11-ketotestosterone) was found in the 11-oxy androgen pathway. By current definition, the prevalence of PA can be as high as 9% to 23% in girls and 2% to 10% in boys, but only a subset of these children might face related adverse health outcomes. CONCLUSION New criteria for defining adrenarche and PA are needed to identify children at risk for later disease and to spare children with a normal variation. Further research is therefore required to understand adrenarche. Prospective, long-term studies should characterize prenatal or early postnatal developmental pathways that modulate trajectories of birth size, early postnatal growth, childhood overweight/obesity, adrenarche and puberty onset, and lead to abnormal sexual maturation, fertility, and other adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Augsburger
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jani Liimatta
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
- Kuopio Pediatric Research Unit (KuPRU), University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
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Zhu J, Eliasen AU, Aris IM, Stinson SE, Holm JC, Hansen T, Hivert MF, Bønnelykke K, Salem RM, Hirschhorn JN, Chan YM. Pediatric Features of Genetic Predisposition to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:380-388. [PMID: 37690116 PMCID: PMC10795915 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad533] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has historically been conceptualized as a disorder of the reproductive system in women. However, offspring of women with PCOS begin to show metabolic features of PCOS in childhood, suggestive of childhood manifestations. OBJECTIVE To identify childhood manifestations of genetic risk for PCOS. METHODS We calculated a PCOS polygenic risk score (PRS) for 12 350 girls and boys in 4 pediatric cohorts-ALSPAC (UK), COPSAC (Denmark), Project Viva (USA), and The HOLBÆK Study (Denmark). We tested for association of the PRS with PCOS-related phenotypes throughout childhood and with age at pubarche and age at peak height velocity and meta-analyzed effects across cohorts using fixed-effect models. RESULTS Higher PRS for PCOS was associated with higher body mass index in midchildhood (0.05 kg/m2 increase per 1 SD of PRS, 95% CI 0.03, 0.07, P = 3 × 10-5) and higher risk of obesity in early childhood (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.13, 1.59, P = .0009); both persisted through late adolescence (P all ≤.03). Higher PCOS PRS was associated with earlier age at pubarche (0.85-month decrease per 1 SD of PRS, 95% CI -1.44, -0.26, P = .005) and younger age at peak height velocity (0.64-month decrease per 1 SD of PRS, 95% CI -0.94, -0.33, P = 4 × 10-5). CONCLUSION Genetic risk factors for PCOS are associated with alterations in metabolic, growth, and developmental traits in childhood. Thus, PCOS may not simply be a condition that affects women of reproductive age but, rather, a possible manifestation of an underlying condition that affects both sexes starting in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhu
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Anders U Eliasen
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood Research Center (COPSAC), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Copenhagen 2820, Denmark
- Department of Health Technology, Section for Bioinformatics, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| | - Izzuddin M Aris
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Sara E Stinson
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Jens-Christian Holm
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
- The Children's Obesity Clinic, Accredited European Centre for Obesity Management, Department of Pediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital Holbæk, Holbæk 4300, Denmark
| | - Torben Hansen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Klaus Bønnelykke
- Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in Childhood Research Center (COPSAC), Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev-Gentofte, Copenhagen 2820, Denmark
| | - Rany M Salem
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Joel N Hirschhorn
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Yee-Ming Chan
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Programs in Metabolism and Medical and Population Genetics, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Alnaeem L, Alnasser M, AlAli Y, Almarri F, Al Sultan AA, Almuhaysin FA, Boubshait NA, Almulhim LA. Depression and Anxiety in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2024; 16:e51530. [PMID: 38170129 PMCID: PMC10760600 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.51530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in females of childbearing age. It causes irregular menstruation, infertility, acne vulgaris, androgenic alopecia, and hirsutism. It is associated with a higher risk of mental disorders. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression and anxiety among females with PCOS and the factors associated with these disorders. METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted between 15th January and 19th November 2023. We invited Saudi women to do an online survey. We sent the survey link privately, got their permission, and explained the research to ensure privacy and reliability. Females with a previous psychiatric history were excluded. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 Items (DASS-21) were used to assess depression, anxiety, and distress. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and two-sample t-tests were used to identify determinants of depression and anxiety. RESULTS About 967 females participated, of whom 474 (49%) were married, and 358 (37%) had a healthy weight. About 367 (37.9%) of participants were diagnosed with PCOS, and it was associated with age (26-35 years), divorce, and family history of PCOS (p < 0.05). About 112 (30.5%) of PCOS patients experienced extremely severe depression, and 144 (39.2%) had extreme anxiety. People in the age range of 15-25 years had a higher risk of depression and stress (p < 0.05). Divorced participants faced a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and stress than singles (p < 0.05). Those advised on diet and healthy lifestyles exhibited a higher risk of depression, anxiety, and stress than those who were not (p < 0.05). Additionally, being overweight was associated with a higher risk of depression (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The prevalence of PCOS was found to be 37.9% in our study, which may seem higher compared to the existing literature on PCOS. It is associated with being in the age group of 26-35 years, being divorced, and having a positive family history. Almost two-thirds of females with PCOS had depression, anxiety, and stress. Factors associated with the three disorders include divorce and management with diet and lifestyle modifications. Depression and stress were associated with young age. High body mass index (BMI) was associated with depression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yaqin AlAli
- College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, SAU
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Jiang M, Gao Y, Qu T, Ji Y, Niu Y, Zhang J, Huang L. Dose inhibin B or anti-Müllerian hormone relate to precocious puberty in girls? result of a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:227. [PMID: 37996919 PMCID: PMC10668349 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01302-2] [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: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Existing studies have investigated the relationship between the levels of serum inhibin B (INHB), anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) and precocious puberty in girls, but the results are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE The aim of this meta-analysis was to assess whether the INHB and AMH levels changed in girls with precocious puberty relative to healthy controls. METHODS PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science were searched through June 2022. We included observational clinical studies reporting the serum levels INHB and AMH in girls with precocious puberty. Conference articles and observational study abstracts were included if they contained enough information regarding study design and outcome data. Case series and reports were excluded. An overall standard mean difference (SMD) between precocious puberty and healthy controls was estimated using a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model. RESULTS A total of 11 studies featuring 552 girls with precocious puberty and 405 healthy girls were selected for analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the INHB level of precocious puberty [including central precocious puberty (CPP) and premature the larche (PT)] were significantly increased. While there was no significant association between precocious puberty [including CPP, PT, premature pubarche (PP) and premature adrenarche (PA)] and the level of serum AMH. CONCLUSION Scientific evidence suggested that the INHB level, but not the AMH level, altered in girls with precocious puberty compared with healthy controls. Through our results we think that INHB level might be a marker for the auxiliary diagnosis of precocious puberty (especially CPP and PT). Therefore, it is important to evaluate and thoroughly investigate the clinical indicators (e.g., INHB) in order to ensure early diagnosis and medical intervention, and the risk of physical, psychological and social disorders in immature girls with precocious puberty is minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Jiang
- Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Gao
- Department of Acupuncture, Wangjing Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tiange Qu
- Department of Dermatology, Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yuechen Ji
- School of traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 Beisanhuandong Road, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Yiwen Niu
- School of traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 Beisanhuandong Road, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxin Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Huang
- School of traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, No.11 Beisanhuandong Road, Chaoyang, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
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Lunddorf LLH, Arendt LH, Ernst A, Brix N, Knudsen UB, Olsen J, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome and pubertal development in daughters and sons: a population-based cohort study. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2623-2634. [PMID: 36099165 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac197] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) affect the timing of pubertal development in daughters and sons? SUMMARY ANSWER Maternal PCOS was associated with earlier adrenarche in daughters. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Female adolescents with PCOS often experience earlier adrenarche compared to adolescents without PCOS, due to hyperandrogenism. Likewise, they usually have hyperandrogenism during pregnancy, which might potentially affect the development of the foetus, including its future reproductive health. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In this population-based cohort study, we included 15 596 mothers-child pairs from the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) Puberty Cohort, who were followed from foetal life until full sexual maturation or 18 years of age. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Using register-based and self-reported information on maternal PCOS and menstrual irregularities, collected during pregnancy, we categorized the mothers as having PCOS (n = 251), oligomenorhoea (n = 134), 'other menstrual irregularities' (n = 2411) or no menstrual abnormalities (reference group, n = 12 800). The children provided self-reported information on pubertal development every 6 months from the age of 11 years. The main outcome measures were adjusted mean age differences (in months) at attaining several individual pubertal milestones using an interval-censored regression model, as well as the average difference in age at attaining all pubertal milestones combined into a single estimate using Huber-White robust variance estimation. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE We found that maternal PCOS was associated with an accelerated pubertal development in daughters with an overall average difference of -3.3 (95% CI: -6.3; -0.4) months based on all pubertal milestones compared to the reference group. When further looking into the average difference for adrenarche only (pubarche, axillary hair and acne), the average difference was -5.4 (95% CI: -8.7; -2.1) months compared to the reference group; whereas thelarche and menarche did not occur earlier in daughters of mothers with PCOS (average difference: -0.8 (95% CI: -3.9; 2.4) months). Oligomenorrhoea and 'other menstrual irregularities' were not associated with pubertal development in daughters. Neither PCOS, oligomenorrhoea nor 'other menstrual irregularities' were associated with pubertal development in sons. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We expect some degree of non-differential misclassification of maternal PCOS and menstrual irregularities as well as pubertal development in the children. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Maternal PCOS might accelerate adrenarche in daughters. Whether this is due to genetics, epigenetics or prenatal programming by hyperandrogenism in foetal life remains unsolved. The results from the present study can be generalized to Caucasian populations. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) The study is funded by the Faculty of Health at Aarhus University. The authors have no financial relationships or competing interests to disclose. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linn Håkonsen Arendt
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Ulla Brent Knudsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Horsens Regional Hospital, Horsens, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jørn Olsen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Bourgneuf C, Bailbé D, Lamazière A, Dupont C, Moldes M, Farabos D, Roblot N, Gauthier C, Mathieu d'Argent E, Cohen-Tannoudji J, Monniaux D, Fève B, Movassat J, di Clemente N, Racine C. The Goto-Kakizaki rat is a spontaneous prototypical rodent model of polycystic ovary syndrome. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1064. [PMID: 33594056 PMCID: PMC7886868 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21308-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by an oligo-anovulation, hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovarian morphology combined with major metabolic disturbances. However, despite the high prevalence and the human and economic consequences of this syndrome, its etiology remains unknown. In this study, we show that female Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats, a type 2 diabetes mellitus model, encapsulate naturally all the reproductive and metabolic hallmarks of lean women with PCOS at puberty and in adulthood. The analysis of their gestation and of their fetuses demonstrates that this PCOS-like phenotype is developmentally programmed. GK rats also develop features of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. Lastly, a comparison between GK rats and a cohort of women with PCOS reveals a similar reproductive signature. Thus, this spontaneous rodent model of PCOS represents an original tool for the identification of the mechanisms involved in its pathogenesis and for the development of novel strategies for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Bourgneuf
- Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Danielle Bailbé
- Université de Paris, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Antonin Lamazière
- Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Département PM2, Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Dupont
- Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Tenon, Service de biologie de la reproduction-CECOS, Paris, France
| | - Marthe Moldes
- Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Dominique Farabos
- Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Département PM2, Paris, France
| | - Natacha Roblot
- Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Camille Gauthier
- Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Emmanuelle Mathieu d'Argent
- Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Tenon, Service de biologie de la reproduction-CECOS, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Bruno Fève
- Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Service Endocrinologie, CRMR PRISIS, Paris, France
| | - Jamileh Movassat
- Université de Paris, BFA, UMR 8251, CNRS, F-75013, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie di Clemente
- Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France
| | - Chrystèle Racine
- Sorbonne Université-INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France.
- Institut Hospitalo-Universitaire ICAN, Paris, France.
- Université de Paris, Paris, France.
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Bhide P, Pundir J, Homburg R, Acharya G. Biomarkers of ovarian reserve in childhood and adolescence: A systematic review. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 2019; 98:563-572. [PMID: 30758847 DOI: 10.1111/aogs.13574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Certain medical disorders as well as their management may affect gonadal function. Recent advances in the management of these conditions accompanied by the availability and success of methods of fertility preservation has highlighted the need for assessment of ovarian reserve in childhood and adolescence. Serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and antral follicle count are well established markers of ovarian reserve and serum inhibin has also been used. However, literature on reference ranges for ovarian reserve markers in this age-group is relatively scarce. Thus, our aim was to evaluate published data to estimate reference values of ovarian reserve makers in childhood and adolescence. MATERIAL AND METHODS We performed a systematic review of the literature reporting ovarian reserve markers in childhood and adolescence. We included only those studies examining markers of ovarian reserve in the normal healthy population between the ages of 0 and 19 years. PROSPERO registration: CRD42018119064. RESULTS Serum AMH emerged as the most common biomarker assessed. Serum AMH was detectable at birth and, after a transient increase in infancy, increased steadily in childhood. Following a slight decrease at puberty, levels were constant throughout adolescence with a peak in adolescence or early adulthood. The mean serum AMH values during infancy, childhood and adolescence were 10.55, 22.32 and 31.84 pmol/L, respectively. The corresponding median values were 9.85, 24.49 and 26.32 pmol/L. It was not possible to construct age-specific reference intervals because of methodological heterogeneity, variations in the assay used to measure AMH and differing interval width for age used in included studies. Serum inhibin showed an increase from childhood to adolescence, with median serum inhibin values of 53.86 pg/mL in adolescence. Antral follicle count showed a significant positive correlation with serum AMH and a median value of 30.52 in adolescence. CONCLUSIONS We summarize the trends and levels of biomarkers of ovarian reserve from birth until young adulthood. Peak levels of serum AMH are reported in adolescence or early adulthood. We have reported median/mean values for serum AMH in different age-groups based on data pooled from several studies, which may be used as a reference when evaluating ovarian reserve in childhood and adolescence especially when considering fertility preservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priya Bhide
- Women's Health and Perinatology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Homerton Fertility Center, Homerton University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jyotsna Pundir
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Roy Homburg
- Homerton Fertility Center, Homerton University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ganesh Acharya
- Women's Health and Perinatology Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, UiT-The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet and Center for Fetal Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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