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Kauffman AS. Androgen Inhibition of Reproductive Neuroendocrine Function in Females and Transgender Males. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae113. [PMID: 39207217 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae113] [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: 07/05/2024] [Revised: 08/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Ovarian function is controlled by pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), which in turn are governed by gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secreted from the brain. A fundamental principle of reproductive axis regulation is negative feedback signaling by gonadal sex steroids back to the brain to fine-tune GnRH and gonadotropin secretion. Endogenous negative feedback effects can be mimicked by exogenous steroid treatments, including androgens, in both sexes. Indeed, a growing number of clinical and animal studies indicate that high levels of exogenous androgens, in the typically male physiological range, can inhibit LH secretion in females, as occurs in males. However, the mechanisms by which male-level androgens inhibit GnRH and LH secretion still remain poorly understood, and this knowledge gap is particularly pronounced in transgender men (individuals designated female at birth but identifying as male). Indeed, many transgender men take long-term gender-affirming hormone therapy that mimics male-level testosterone levels. The impact of such gender-affirming testosterone on the reproductive axis, both at the ovarian and neuroendocrine level, is a long-understudied area that still requires further investigation. Importantly, the few concepts of androgen actions in females mostly come from studies of polycystic ovary syndrome, which does not recapitulate a similar androgen milieu or a pathophysiology of inhibited LH secretion as occurs in testosterone-treated transgender men. This review summarizes clinical evidence indicating that exogenous androgens can impair neuroendocrine reproductive function in both female individuals and transgender men and highlights emerging experimental data supporting this in recently developed transgender rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Kauffman
- Department of OBGYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Betsi G, Goulia P, Sandhu S, Xekouki P. Puberty suppression in adolescents with gender dysphoria: an emerging issue with multiple implications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1309904. [PMID: 38988996 PMCID: PMC11235884 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1309904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Controversy exists over puberty suppression (PS) in adolescents with gender dysphoria (GD). PS is preferentially achieved with GnRH analogues. By preventing the development of secondary sex characteristics, PS may improve psychological functioning, well-being, quality of life, emotional and behavioral (especially internalizing) problems and depressive symptoms, thus decreasing suicidality. PS can also extend the diagnostic period and give transgender adolescents time to explore their gender identity. GnRHa may also decrease the need for feminization/masculinization surgery. However, 2-year treatment with GnRHa may result in bone mass accrual retardation (decrease in BMD/BMAD z-scores), growth velocity deceleration (decrease in height SDS), increase in fat mass, temporary pause in oocyte/sperm maturation. The most common side effects of GnRHa are hot flashes, mood fluctuations, fatigue and headache. They are usually mild and rarely lead to GnRHa discontinuation. Based on current scientific evidence, PS could be recommended to adolescents who meet the diagnostic criteria of gender incongruence (by DSM-5 and/or ICD-11) and have long-lasting intense GD, which aggravates with puberty onset. Before initiating PS, possible mental issues should be addressed and informed consent (by the adolescent/caregiver) should be given, after counseling on probable reproductive effects of GnRHa. GnRHa can only be started after the adolescent has entered Tanner stage 2. Nevertheless, published studies are inadequate in number, small in size, uncontrolled and relatively short-term, so that it is difficult to draw safe conclusions on efficacy and safety of GnRHa. Large long-term randomized controlled trials are needed to expand knowledge on this controversial issue and elucidate the benefit and risks of PS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigoria Betsi
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Panagiota Goulia
- Department of Psychiatry, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sophia Sandhu
- General Practice, Bridge Street Medical Practice, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Paraskevi Xekouki
- Endocrinology and Diabetes Clinic, University Hospital of Heraklion, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Greece
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Hold LA, Phillips T, Cordts P, Steltzer S, Bae SH, Henry B, Migotsky N, Grossman S, Cruz CD, Padmanabhan V, Moravek M, Shikanov A, Abraham AC, Killian ML. Functional Changes to Achilles Tendon and Enthesis in a Mouse Model of an Adolescent Masculine Gender-Affirming Hormone Treatment. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.10.598308. [PMID: 38915724 PMCID: PMC11195120 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.10.598308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Many transgender youth seek gender affirming care, such as puberty suppression, to prolong decision-making and to align their physical sex characteristics with their gender identity. During peripubertal growth, connective tissues such as tendon rapidly adapt to applied mechanical loads (e.g., exercise) yet if and how tendon adaptation is influenced by sex and gender affirming hormone therapy during growth remains unknown. The goal of this study was to understand the how pubertal suppression influences the structural and functional properties of the Achilles tendon using an established mouse model of transmasculine gender affirming hormone therapy. C57BL/6N female-born mice were assigned to experimental groups to mimic gender-affirming hormone therapy in human adolescents, and treatment was initiated prior to the onset of puberty (at postnatal day 26, P26). Experimental groups included controls and mice serially treated with gonadotropin release hormone analogue (GnRHa), delayed Testosterone (T), or GnRHa followed by T. We found that puberty suppression using GnRHa, with and without T, improved the overall tendon load capacity in female-born mice. Treatment with T resulted in an increase in the maximum load that tendon can withstand before failure. Additionally, we found that GnRHa, but not T, treatment resulted in a significant increase in cell density at the Achilles enthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeeAnn A. Hold
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor Michigan, United States
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Tessa Phillips
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- University of Toledo College of Medicine, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Paige Cordts
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Steph Steltzer
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor Michigan, United States
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Seung-Ho Bae
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Brandon Henry
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Michigan State College of Osteopathic Medicine, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Nicole Migotsky
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Sydney Grossman
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Molly Moravek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Adam C. Abraham
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Megan L. Killian
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor Michigan, United States
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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Benjamin JI, Pollock DM. Current perspective on circadian function of the kidney. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2024; 326:F438-F459. [PMID: 38134232 PMCID: PMC11207578 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00247.2023] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Behavior and function of living systems are synchronized by the 24-h rotation of the Earth that guides physiology according to time of day. However, when behavior becomes misaligned from the light-dark cycle, such as in rotating shift work, jet lag, and even unusual eating patterns, adverse health consequences such as cardiovascular or cardiometabolic disease can arise. The discovery of cell-autonomous molecular clocks expanded interest in regulatory systems that control circadian physiology including within the kidney, where function varies along a 24-h cycle. Our understanding of the mechanisms for circadian control of physiology is in the early stages, and so the present review provides an overview of what is known and the many gaps in our current understanding. We include a particular focus on the impact of eating behaviors, especially meal timing. A better understanding of the mechanisms guiding circadian function of the kidney is expected to reveal new insights into causes and consequences of a wide range of disorders involving the kidney, including hypertension, obesity, and chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazmine I Benjamin
- Section of Cardio-Renal Physiology and Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - David M Pollock
- Section of Cardio-Renal Physiology and Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
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Raja NS, Rubin ES, Moravek MB. A Review of Animal Models Investigating the Reproductive Effects of Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1183. [PMID: 38398495 PMCID: PMC10889210 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is an important component in the process of transitioning for many transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals. Multiple medical organizations recommend fertility preservation counseling prior to initiation of GAHT; however, there remains little high-quality data regarding the impact of GAHT on fertility and reproductive function. A PubMed literature review was performed using Boolean search operators linking keywords or phrases such as "mouse", "rat", "primate", "animal model", "transgender", "gender", "estrogen", "testosterone", "fertility", and "fertility preservation". Recent research has produced a number of animal models of GAHT that utilize similar hormonal regimens and produce similar phenotypic results to those used and observed in human patients. Specific to testosterone(T)-containing GAHT, animals demonstrate loss of menstrual cyclicity with therapy, resumption of menses on cessation of therapy, suppression of gonadotropin levels, and physical changes such as clitoromegaly. Models mimicking GAHT for transmasculine individuals in the peripubertal period demonstrate that pretreatment with GnRHa therapy does not modify the effects of subsequent T administration, which were similar to those described in adult models. Both models suggest promising potential for future fertility with cessation of T. With estradiol (E)-containing GAHT, animals exhibit decreased size of testicles, epididymis, and seminal vesicles, as well as ongoing production of spermatocytes, and seminiferous tubule vacuolization. Given the ethical challenges of conducting human studies in this area, high-fidelity animal models represent a promising opportunity for investigation and could eventually transform clinical counseling about the necessity of fertility preservation. Future studies should better delineate the interactions (if any exist) between treatment attributes such as dosing and duration with the extent of reversibility of reproductive perturbations. The development of models of peripubertal feminizing GAHT is an additional area for future work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas S. Raja
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
| | - Elizabeth S. Rubin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Molly B. Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA;
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Venkatesh VS, Nie T, Zajac JD, Grossmann M, Davey RA. The Utility of Preclinical Models in Understanding the Bone Health of Transgender Individuals Undergoing Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2023; 21:825-841. [PMID: 37707757 PMCID: PMC10724092 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-023-00818-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarise the evidence regarding the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on bone health in transgender people, to identify key knowledge gaps and how these gaps can be addressed using preclinical rodent models. RECENT FINDINGS Sex hormones play a critical role in bone physiology, yet there is a paucity of research regarding the effects of GAHT on bone microstructure and fracture risk in transgender individuals. The controlled clinical studies required to yield fracture data are unethical to conduct making clinically translatable preclinical research of the utmost importance. Novel genetic and surgical preclinical models have yielded significant mechanistic insight into the roles of sex steroids on skeletal integrity. Preclinical models of GAHT have the potential inform clinical approaches to preserve skeletal integrity and prevent fractures in transgender people undergoing GAHT. This review highlights the key considerations required to ensure the information gained from preclinical models of GAHT are informative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun S Venkatesh
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
| | - Tian Nie
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Zajac
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
| | - Rachel A Davey
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia.
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Dela Cruz C, Wandoff A, Brunette M, Padmanabhan V, Shikanov A, Moravek MB. In vitro fertilization outcomes in a mouse model of gender-affirming hormone therapy in transmasculine youth. F&S SCIENCE 2023; 4:302-310. [PMID: 37579932 PMCID: PMC10841328 DOI: 10.1016/j.xfss.2023.08.001] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in an adolescent transmasculine mouse model mimicking gender-affirming hormone therapy in prepubertal youth, both on testosterone (T) and after T washout. DESIGN Experimental laboratory study using a validated mouse model. SETTING University-based basic science research laboratory. ANIMAL(S) A total of 80 prepubertal 26-day-old C57BL/6N female mice were used in this study. INTERVENTION(S) Animals (n = 10/group) were implanted subcutaneously with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist at 3.6 mg or received sham surgery. After 21 days, they were implanted with silastic tubing containing either T 10 mg or placebo for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, a group of animals were superovulated for immediate IVF, and another group had the implant removed and went through superovulation for IVF after 2 weeks (washout IVF). The total number of oocytes yielded, oocyte maturity rate, fertilization rate, and numbers of 2-cell embryos, 4-8-cell embryos, morula, blastocysts, and hatching blastocysts were recorded. RESULT(S) Testosterone treatment negatively impacted IVF outcomes in animals stimulated when receiving T, but not after T washout. Pretreatment with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist did not affect IVF outcomes. CONCLUSION(S) Although current T had a negative impact on IVF outcomes compared with controls, animals were still able to produce viable oocytes for fertilization and develop into blastocysts. Future efforts to study the impact of long-term T exposure on oocyte quality, especially aneuploidy rates, pregnancy outcomes, and live birth rates, are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Dela Cruz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Postdoctoral Translational Scholar Program, Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Abigail Wandoff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Margaret Brunette
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Ariella Shikanov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Molly B Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Dubois V, Ciancia S, Doms S, El Kharraz S, Sommers V, Kim NR, David K, Van Dijck J, Valle-Tenney R, Maes C, Antonio L, Decallonne B, Carmeliet G, Claessens F, Cools M, Vanderschueren D. Testosterone Restores Body Composition, Bone Mass, and Bone Strength Following Early Puberty Suppression in a Mouse Model Mimicking the Clinical Strategy in Trans Boys. J Bone Miner Res 2023; 38:1497-1508. [PMID: 37222072 DOI: 10.1002/jbmr.4832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Transgender youth increasingly present at pediatric gender services. Some of them receive long-term puberty suppression with gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (GnRHa) before starting gender-affirming hormones (GAH). The impact of GnRHa use started in early puberty on bone composition and bone mass accrual is unexplored. It is furthermore unclear whether subsequent GAH fully restore GnRHa effects and whether the timing of GAH introduction matters. To answer these questions, we developed a mouse model mimicking the clinical strategy applied in trans boys. Prepubertal 4-week-old female mice were treated with GnRHa alone or with GnRHa supplemented with testosterone (T) from 6 weeks (early puberty) or 8 weeks (late puberty) onward. Outcomes were analyzed at 16 weeks and compared with untreated mice of both sexes. GnRHa markedly increased total body fat mass, decreased lean body mass, and had a modest negative impact on grip strength. Both early and late T administration shaped body composition to adult male levels, whereas grip strength was restored to female values. GnRHa-treated animals showed lower trabecular bone volume and reduced cortical bone mass and strength. These changes were reversed by T to female levels (cortical bone mass and strength) irrespective of the time of administration or even fully up to adult male control values (trabecular parameters) in case of earlier T start. The lower bone mass in GnRHa-treated mice was associated with increased bone marrow adiposity, also reversed by T. In conclusion, prolonged GnRHa use started in prepubertal female mice modifies body composition toward more fat and less lean mass and impairs bone mass acquisition and strength. Subsequent T administration counteracts GnRHa impact on these parameters, shaping body composition and trabecular parameters to male values while restoring cortical bone architecture and strength up to female but not male control levels. These findings could help guide clinical strategies in transgender care. © 2023 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Dubois
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (Chrometa), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Basic and Translational Endocrinology (BaTE), Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Silvia Ciancia
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefanie Doms
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (Chrometa), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah El Kharraz
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB-KU Leuven Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Vera Sommers
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Na Ri Kim
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (Chrometa), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karel David
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (Chrometa), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jolien Van Dijck
- Laboratory of Skeletal Cell Biology and Physiology (SCEBP), Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center (SBE), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Roger Valle-Tenney
- Laboratory of Skeletal Cell Biology and Physiology (SCEBP), Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center (SBE), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Christa Maes
- Laboratory of Skeletal Cell Biology and Physiology (SCEBP), Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center (SBE), Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Leen Antonio
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (Chrometa), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Brigitte Decallonne
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (Chrometa), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Carmeliet
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (Chrometa), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frank Claessens
- Molecular Endocrinology Laboratory, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Martine Cools
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Pediatric Endocrinology Service, Department of Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dirk Vanderschueren
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (Chrometa), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Pfau DR, Schwartz AR, Dela Cruz C, Padmanabhan V, Moravek MB, Shikanov A. A Mouse Model to Investigate the Impact of Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy with Estradiol on Reproduction. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023:e2300126. [PMID: 37688350 PMCID: PMC10920391 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) can help transgender and/or gender diverse (TGD) individuals achieve emobidment goals that align with their transition needs. Clinical evidence from estradiol (E)-GAHT patients indicate widespread changes in tissues sensitive to E and testosterone (T), particularly in the reproductive system. Notably, E-GAHTs effects on hormones and reproduction vary greatly between patients. With the goal of informing clinical research and practice for TGD individuals taking E, this study examines intact male mice implanted with capsules containing one of three different E doses (low 1.25 mg; mid 2.5 mg; high 5 mg), or a blank control capsule. All E-GAHT doses suppress T and follicle stimulating hormone levels while elevating E levels. Only the high E-GAHT dose significantly supresses luteinizing hormone levels. All E-GAHT doses affect epididymis tubule size similarly while seminiferous tubule morphology and bladder weight changes are dose-dependent. E-GAHT does not alter the presence of mature sperm, though E-exposed sperm have altered motility. These data represent the first evidence that mouse models offer an effective tool to understand E-GAHTs impact on reproductive health and the dose-dependent effects of this model permit examinations of diverse patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- DR Pfau
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - AR Schwartz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - C Dela Cruz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
| | - V Padmanabhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
- Department of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - MB Moravek
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - A Shikanov
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor MI 48109, USA
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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