1
|
Bake S, Rouzer SK, Mavuri S, Miranda RC, Mahnke AH. The interaction of genetic sex and prenatal alcohol exposure on health across the lifespan. Front Neuroendocrinol 2023; 71:101103. [PMID: 37802472 PMCID: PMC10922031 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2023.101103] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can reprogram the development of cells and tissues, resulting in a spectrum of physical and neurobehavioral teratology. PAE immediately impacts fetal growth, but its effects carry forward post-parturition, into adolescence and adulthood, and can result in a cluster of disabilities, collectively termed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Emerging preclinical and clinical research investigating neurological and behavioral outcomes in exposed offspring point to genetic sex as an important modifier of the effects of PAE. In this review, we discuss the literature on sex differences following PAE, with studies spanning the fetal period through adulthood, and highlight gaps in research where sex differences are likely, but currently under-investigated. Understanding how sex and PAE interact to affect offspring health outcomes across the lifespan is critical for identifying the full complement of PAE-associated secondary conditions, and for refining targeted interventions to improve the quality of life for individuals with PAE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shameena Bake
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States
| | - Siara K Rouzer
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States
| | - Shruti Mavuri
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States
| | - Amanda H Mahnke
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Medical Research and Education Building I, 8447 Riverside Parkway, Bryan, TX 77807-3620, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Thomsen AH, Gaml-Sørensen A, Brix N, Tøttenborg SS, Hougaard KS, Ernst A, Arendt LH, Toft G, Bonde JP, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Maternal alcohol intake in early pregnancy and biomarkers of fecundity in adult sons: A cohort study. Reprod Toxicol 2023; 119:108396. [PMID: 37217037 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2023.108396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Male fecundity may be largely determined through fetal programming and therefore potentially be sensitive to exposure to maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy. We investigated whether maternal alcohol intake in early pregnancy was associated with biomarkers of fecundity in adult sons. In total, 1058 sons from the Fetal Programming of Semen Quality (FEPOS) cohort nested in the Danish National Birth Cohort (DNBC) provided blood and semen samples at around 19 years of age. Information on maternal weekly average alcohol intake (0 drinks [ref], >0-1 drinks, >1-3 drinks, >3 drinks) and binge drinking episodes (intake of ≥5 drinks on one occasion: (0 [ref], 1-2, ≥3 episodes)) was self-reported at around gestational week 17. Outcomes included semen characteristics, testes volume and reproductive hormones. We found some small tendencies towards lower semen characteristics and an altered hormone level profile in sons of mother who had an intake of > 3 drinks/week in early pregnancy and sons of mother who had ≥ 3 episodes of binge drinking in pregnancy. However, the effect estimates were overall small and inconsistent and with no indication of a dose dependent association. Due to the limited number of mothers with a high weekly alcohol intake, we cannot exclude whether prenatal exposure to higher doses than 4.5 drinks/week of alcohol in early pregnancy might have a detrimental effect on the biomarkers of fecundity in adult sons..
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Hjorth 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
| | - Sandra Søgaard Tøttenborg
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karin Sørig Hougaard
- Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; National Research Centre for Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Linn Håkonsen Arendt
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jens Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dalmartello M, Chiaffarino F, Esposito G, Cipriani S, Ricci E, La Vecchia C, Parazzini F, Persani L, Negri E. A systematic review on maternal and perinatal factors influencing breast development. Early Hum Dev 2023; 183:105816. [PMID: 37421688 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A secular trend towards earlier age at menarche has been reported, but the trend in breast development is less clear. We reviewed the evidence on the relationship between in utero and early life events and breast onset/development. METHODS Eligible studies were identified in PubMed and Embase databases. We selected studies in which female human exposure during fetal or the first years of life was measured or estimated, and associations with breast onset or development were evaluated. RESULTS Of the 49 cohort studies and 5 cross-sectional studies identified, 43 provided sufficient data to assess associations. High maternal weight, primiparity, and early weight gain, were related to an increased risk of early breast onset/development in most of the studies that analysed these associations, whereas late breast onset/development was associated with preterm birth. Results were inconsistent for smoking in pregnancy, maternal hypertensive disorders, breastfeeding, diabetes, and small for gestational age. No association emerged for maternal age at delivery, alcohol drinking, and selected drug use during pregnancy, and low birth weight. CONCLUSIONS The results of this review show that high maternal weight, primiparity and early weight gain were associated with an increased risk of early breast onset/development. Late breast onset/development was associated with preterm birth. Breast development is a key physical marker of puberty onset, and early puberty development is linked to consequences that can reverberate throughout life. Answering the questions about the interconnections between pre/postnatal environmental exposures and their impact on puberty, represents an important area of multidisciplinary research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Dalmartello
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Chiaffarino
- Gynaecology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Esposito
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sonia Cipriani
- Gynaecology Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Ricci
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo La Vecchia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Parazzini
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Eva Negri
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Beaulieu D, Treit S, Pagano JJ, Beaulieu C, Thompson R. Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Individuals With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. CJC PEDIATRIC AND CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE 2023; 2:150-161. [PMID: 37969351 PMCID: PMC10642128 DOI: 10.1016/j.cjcpc.2023.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has teratogenic effects on numerous body systems including the heart. However, research magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies in humans with PAE have thus far been limited to the brain. This study aims to use MRI to examine heart structure and function, brain volumes, and body composition in children and adolescents with PAE. Methods Heart, brain, and abdominal 3T MRI of 17 children, adolescents, and young adults with PAE and 53 unexposed controls was acquired to measure: (1) left ventricular ejection fraction, end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, stroke volume, cardiac output, longitudinal strain, circumferential strain, and heart mass; (2) total brain, cerebellum, white matter, grey matter, caudate, thalamus, putamen, and globus pallidus volumes; and (3) subcutaneous fat, visceral fat, muscle fat, and muscle (body composition). Results Cardiac MRI revealed no abnormalities in the PAE group on evaluation by a paediatric cardiologist and by statistical comparison with a control group. Cardiac parameters in both groups were in line with previous reports, including expected sex- and age-related differences. Cerebellum, caudate, and globus pallidus volumes were all smaller. Body mass index and subcutaneous fat percent were higher in females with PAE relative to control females, but lower in males with PAE relative to control males. Conclusions Children with PAE did not have abnormalities in MRI-derived measures of cardiac structure or function despite smaller brain volumes and sex-specific differences in body composition relative to healthy controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Beaulieu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah Treit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joseph J. Pagano
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Christian Beaulieu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richard Thompson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Prenatal Exposure to Parental Lifestyle Factors, Diseases, and Use of Medications and Male Pubertal Development: a Review of Epidemiological Studies Published 2017–2022. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40471-023-00320-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
|
6
|
Kapourchali FR, Louis XL, Feltham BA, Eskin MNA, Suh M. Fatty acid compositions of immature and mature testis are differently responsive to dietary docosahexasenoic acid during development in rats exposed to prenatal ethanol. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2022; 176:102379. [PMID: 34871860 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2021.102379] [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: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol (EtOH) exposure impairs, but docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supports testis functions. This study investigated whether dietary DHA and prenatal EtOH exposure affected fatty acid profiles equally in immature and mature testis during developmental stages. METHODS Female rats were exposed to ± EtOH (3g/kg BW, twice a day via gavage) throughout pregnancy, while consuming a diet supplemented ± DHA (1.4%, w/w). Pups were continued on their mother's diet after weaning with testes collected for fatty acid analysis at different stages of reproductive development, at gestational day 20 (GD20) and postnatal day (PD) 4, 21, 49, and 90, to present fetal, neonatal, weaning, prepubertal and adult stages, respectively. RESULTS Regardless of EtOH exposure, dietary DHA significantly increased in testis DHA at all ages, with testis at weaning and prepuberty being more responsive to the diet (p<0.0002). Immature testis at GD20 and PD4 contained more DHA than n-6 docosapentaenoic acid (n-6 DPA) compared to mature testis while being well responsive to the maternal DHA diet through gestation and lactation. The level of n-6 very long chain fatty acids and (VLCFA) and n-6 DPA, distinctively increased from weaning and prepuberty, respectively, and were not reduced by the DHA diet at prepuberty and adulthood. Prenatal EtOH minimally affected testis fatty acids during development. CONCLUSION Immature and mature testis responds differently to dietary DHA. The age around sexual maturity might be a critical time for dietary intervention as testis was more responsive to diet at this time point. The increase in DPA and n-6 VLCFA in matured testis while not affected by dietary DHA, indicates their critical roles in male reproductive function in rodents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh R Kapourchali
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Xavier L Louis
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Bradley A Feltham
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael N A Eskin
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Miyoung Suh
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chung DD, Pinson MR, Bhenderu LS, Lai MS, Patel RA, Miranda RC. Toxic and Teratogenic Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Fetal Development, Adolescence, and Adulthood. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168785. [PMID: 34445488 PMCID: PMC8395909 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168785] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can have immediate and long-lasting toxic and teratogenic effects on an individual’s development and health. As a toxicant, alcohol can lead to a variety of physical and neurological anomalies in the fetus that can lead to behavioral and other impairments which may last a lifetime. Recent studies have focused on identifying mechanisms that mediate the immediate teratogenic effects of alcohol on fetal development and mechanisms that facilitate the persistent toxic effects of alcohol on health and predisposition to disease later in life. This review focuses on the contribution of epigenetic modifications and intercellular transporters like extracellular vesicles to the toxicity of PAE and to immediate and long-term consequences on an individual’s health and risk of disease.
Collapse
|
8
|
Association between factors related to the pregnancy, neonatal period, and later complications (especially asthma) and menarcheal age in a sample of Lebanese girls. BMC WOMENS HEALTH 2020; 20:236. [PMID: 33066784 PMCID: PMC7565354 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-020-01101-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies about the majority of the factors that may potentially influence the pubertal timing and menarche were controversial. The objective was to evaluate the association between factors related to the pregnancy, neonatal period, and the complications that may happen later in life and the menarcheal age in a sample of Lebanese girls admitted or not to the NICU at birth. Our secondary objective was to try to find, for the first time in literature, a correlation between respiratory distress at birth and the need of oxygen therapy with the age of the first menses in these girls. METHODS It is a cross-sectional retrospective study, conducted between January and March 2019. Our sample included all the 2474 girls born in Notre-Dame-de-Secours hospital, between 2000 and 2005; the sample consisted of 297 girls (97 girls admitted to the NICU and 200 randomly chosen to participate in our study with a ratio of 1:2 (1 girl admitted to the NICU vs 2 girls born in the nursery). RESULTS Asthma later in life was significantly associated with lower age at menarche in girls, whereas a higher mother's age at menarche and a higher gestational age were significantly associated with higher age at menarche in girls. When taking each cause of NICU admission as an independent variable, showed that a higher mother's age at menarche was significantly associated with higher age at menarche in girls, whereas a higher number of days of phototherapy, a preeclampsia in the mother during pregnancy and asthma later in life in the girl were significantly associated with a lower age at menarche in girls. CONCLUSION The timing of menarche seems to be associated with many factors in Lebanese girls that should not be disregarded by physicians.
Collapse
|
9
|
Long X, Little G, Treit S, Beaulieu C, Gong G, Lebel C. Altered brain white matter connectome in children and adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure. Brain Struct Funct 2020; 225:1123-1133. [PMID: 32239277 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-020-02064-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Diffuson tensor imaging (DTI) has demonstrated widespread alterations of brain white matter structure in children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), yet it remains unclear how these alterations affect the structural brain network as a whole. The present study aimed to examine changes in the DTI-based structural connectome in children and adolescents with PAE compared to unexposed controls. Participants were 121 children and adolescents with PAE (51 females) and 119 typically-developing controls (49 females) aged 5-18 years with DTI data collected at one of four research centers across Canada. Graph-theory based analysis was performed on the connectivity matrix constructed from whole-brain white matter fibers via deterministic tractography. The PAE group had significantly decreased whole-brain global efficiency, degree centrality, and participation coefficients, as well as increased shortest path length and betweenness centrality compared to unexposed controls. Individuals with PAE had decreased connectivity between the attention, somatomotor, and default mode networks compared to controls. This study demonstrates decreased structural white matter connectivity in children and adolescents with PAE at a whole-brain level, suggesting widespread alterations in how networks are connected with each other. This decreased connectivity may underlie cognitive and behavioural difficulties in children with PAE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Long
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, B4-513, University of Calgary, 2888 Shaganappi Trail, Calgary, NWAB, T3B 6A8, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Graham Little
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah Treit
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Christian Beaulieu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Gaolang Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG, McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Catherine Lebel
- Department of Radiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, B4-513, University of Calgary, 2888 Shaganappi Trail, Calgary, NWAB, T3B 6A8, Canada.
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Inkelis SM, Moore EM, Bischoff-Grethe A, Riley EP. Neurodevelopment in adolescents and adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD): A magnetic resonance region of interest analysis. Brain Res 2020; 1732:146654. [PMID: 31930998 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The neurodevelopmental trajectory in individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) has not been well characterized. We examined age-related differences in the volume of the corpus callosum, basal ganglia, and cerebellum across adolescence and young adulthood, due to the sensitivity of these regions to prenatal alcohol exposure. T1-weighted anatomical magnetic resonance images (MRI) were acquired from a cross-sectional sample of subjects 13-30 years old who had received an alcohol-related diagnosis (FASD, n = 107) and typically developing controls (CON, n = 56). FreeSurfer v5.3 was used to obtain volumetric data for the corpus callosum, caudate, putamen, pallidum, and cerebellum. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the effects of group (FASD, CON), sex, and age on region volume. Data were analyzed with and without correction for intracranial volume (ICV). All subregions were significantly smaller in the FASD group compared to controls, and these findings persisted even after ICV correction. Furthermore, the FASD and control groups differed in their relationship between age and total volume of the corpus callosum, caudate, and cerebellum. Specifically, older FASD individuals had smaller total volume in these regions; this relationship was not seen in the control group. Control males demonstrated larger volumes than control females in all regions prior to ICV correction; however, sex differences were attenuated in the FASD group in both the pallidum and cerebellum. Sex differences remained after ICV correction in the pallidum and cerebellum. These cross-sectional findings suggest that at least some brain regions may become smaller at an earlier than expected age in individuals with FASD, and that sex is an important factor to consider when examining neural structures in FASD. Further evaluation is necessary using longitudinal methods and including older ages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Inkelis
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, 6330 Alvarado Court, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92120, USA.
| | - Eileen M Moore
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, 6330 Alvarado Court, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92120, USA.
| | | | - Edward P Riley
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, 6330 Alvarado Court, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92120, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Brix N, Lauridsen LLB, Ernst A, Olsen J, Henriksen TB, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Alcohol intake during pregnancy and timing of puberty in sons and daughters: A nationwide cohort study. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 91:35-42. [PMID: 31711902 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
We explored whether maternal alcohol intake in early pregnancy is associated with pubertal timing in sons and daughters. In total, 15,819 children, born 2000-2003 within the Danish National Birth Cohort, gave half-yearly, self-reported information on pubertal development (Tanner stages, voice break, first ejaculation, menarche, acne, and axillary hair) from 11 years during 2012-2018. Information on maternal average alcohol intake in first trimester and binge drinking episodes (intake of ≥5 drinks on the same occasion) in first trimester was self-reported by mothers during pregnancy. Average alcohol intake of 5+ weekly drinks in first trimester was not associated with pubertal timing in sons (with no alcohol intake as the reference). A tendency towards earlier pubertal timing was observed in daughters (-2.0 (95 % confidence interval: -4.2, 0.3) months) when combining the estimates for all pubertal milestones. Binge drinking was not associated with pubertal timing in neither sons nor daughters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Lea L B Lauridsen
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Jørn Olsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Olof Palmes Allé 43- 45, DK-8200, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), 650 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.
| | - Tine B Henriksen
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 103, DK-8200, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Cecilia H Ramlau-Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kapourchali FR, Louis XL, Eskin MNA, Suh M. A pilot study on the effect of early provision of dietary docosahexaenoic acid on testis development, functions, and sperm quality in rats exposed to prenatal ethanol. Birth Defects Res 2019; 112:93-104. [PMID: 31697449 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1614] [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: 02/16/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal ethanol (EtOH) exposure is associated with adverse effect on the male reproductive function. Dietary docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is known to improve testis function and sperm parameters, thereby male fertility. This study piloted whether dietary DHA influences testis development and function in rats exposed to prenatal EtOH. METHODS Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 30) received either EtOH (3 g/kg, twice a day, n = 14) or dextrose (n = 16) throughout pregnancy. Moreover, they were fed either diet supplemented with (Cont + DHA, n = 8, EtOH + DHA, n = 6) or without DHA (1.4% w/w of total fatty acids) (Cont, EtOH, n = 8 each), with pups being continued on their mothers' diet after weaning. Tissues were collected at gestational day (GD) 20, postnatal day (PD) 4, 21, 49 and 90 for analyzing testicular developmental markers and sperm parameters, and plasma for testosterone. RESULTS Dietary DHA increased serum testosterone at GD20 (p < .05) and sperm normal morphology at PD90 (p < .0001) compared to the group without DHA supplementation. Dietary DHA also increased the height of germinal epithelium at peripuberty, PD49 (p < .03). The EtOH exposure induced a marked decline in the testicular gene expression of StAR at PD49 (p < .02) than those of non-EtOH treated group. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that dietary DHA may positively contribute to male fertility by impacting sperm normal morphology likely by increasing fetal testosterone level. Prenatal EtOH exposure did not adversely affect the overall testis developmental markers during development and sperm parameters in adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh R Kapourchali
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Xavier L Louis
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Michael N A Eskin
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Miyoung Suh
- Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, St. Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Brix N, Ernst A, Lauridsen LLB, Parner ET, Arah OA, Olsen J, Henriksen TB, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Maternal pre-pregnancy body mass index, smoking in pregnancy, and alcohol intake in pregnancy in relation to pubertal timing in the children. BMC Pediatr 2019; 19:338. [PMID: 31526385 PMCID: PMC6745800 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-019-1715-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Earlier pubertal timing has been observed in many countries. We aimed to explore if prenatal exposure to maternal obesity, smoking, and alcohol intake was associated with timing of puberty by use of a novel marker of pubertal timing: ‘the height difference in standard deviations’ (HD:SDS). Methods HD:SDS is the difference between pubertal height in standard deviations and adult height in standard deviations, and it correlates well with age at peak height velocity. Pubertal height was measured by health care professionals at approximately 13 years in boys and 11 years in girls, and the children’s adult height was predicted from parental height reported by the mothers during pregnancy. Information on HD:SDS was available for 42,849 of 56,641 eligible boys and girls from the Danish National Birth Cohort born 2000–2003. In a subsample, HD:SDS was validated against age at the following self-reported pubertal milestones: Tanner stages, menarche, first ejaculation, voice break, acne, and axillary hair. Prenatal exposures were reported by mothers during pregnancy. Results HD:SDS correlated moderately with the pubertal milestones considered (correlation coefficients: − 0.20 to − 0.53). With normal weight (body mass index (BMI): 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) as the reference, maternal pre-pregnancy obesity (BMI: 30.0+ kg/m2) was associated with earlier pubertal timing: 0.23 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18, 0.28) higher HD:SDS in boys and 0.19 (95% CI, 0.14, 0.24) higher HD:SDS in girls. Maternal smoking was not associated with pubertal timing. Compared to alcohol abstainers, maternal intake of > 3 units of alcohol weekly was associated with later puberty in boys only: 0.14 (95% CI, 0.05, 0.24) lower HD:SDS. Conclusion As correlations between HD:SDS and the considered pubertal milestones were comparable to those reported in the literature between age a peak height velocity and the considered pubertal milestones, the validity of HD:SDS seems acceptable. Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with earlier pubertal timing in both sexes, and maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy was associated with later pubertal timing in boys. Maternal smoking has been linked to earlier timing of puberty, but this was not replicated in our setting using HD:SDS as a marker of pubertal timing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark. .,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.,Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA
| | - Lea Lykke Braskhøj Lauridsen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Erik Thorlund Parner
- Department of Public Health, Section for Biostatistics, Aarhus University, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Onyebuchi A Arah
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.,Department of Statistics, UCLA College of Letters and Science, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1554, USA
| | - Jørn Olsen
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1772, USA.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tine Brink Henriksen
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8200, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Cecilia Høst Ramlau-Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Section for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Allé 2, 8000, Aarhus C, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Akison LK, Moritz KM, Reid N. Adverse reproductive outcomes associated with fetal alcohol exposure: a systematic review. Reproduction 2019; 157:329-343. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Fetal alcohol exposure results in well-characterised neurobehavioural deficits in offspring, which form the basis for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. However, there is increasing interest in the full range of health complications that can arise in children and adults with this disorder. We used a systematic review approach to locate all clinical and preclinical studies across a broad range of health outcomes in offspring exposed to prenatal alcohol. Our search encompassed four databases (PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE and Web of Science) and titles/abstracts from retrieved studies were screened against strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. This review specifically evaluated studies reporting on reproductive outcomes in both males and females. A total of 23 studies were included, 5 clinical and 18 preclinical. Although there was a wide range in the quality of reporting across both clinical and preclinical studies, and variable results, trends emerged amongst the reproductive measures that were investigated. In females, most studies focussed on age at first menarche/puberty onset, with evidence for a significant delay in alcohol-exposed offspring. In males, offspring exposed to prenatal alcohol had altered testosterone levels, reduced testes and accessory gland weights and reduced sperm concentration and semen volume. However, further studies are required due to the paucity of clinical studies, the narrow scope of female reproductive outcomes examined and inconsistencies in outcomes across preclinical studies. We recommend that adolescents and individuals of reproductive age diagnosed with f-etal alcohol spectrum disorder be assessed for reproductive dysfunction to allow appropriate management of their reproductive health and fertility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L K Akison
- 1Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - K M Moritz
- 1Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - N Reid
- 1Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ghazi Sherbaf F, Aarabi MH, Hosein Yazdi M, Haghshomar M. White matter microstructure in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A systematic review of diffusion tensor imaging studies. Hum Brain Mapp 2019; 40:1017-1036. [PMID: 30289588 PMCID: PMC6865781 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.24409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has revolutionized our understanding of the neural underpinnings of alcohol teratogenesis. This technique can detect alterations in white matter in neurodevelopmental disorders, such as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Using Prisma guidelines, we identified 23 DTI studies conducted on individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). These studies confirm the widespread nature of brain damage in PAE by reporting diffusivity alterations in commissural, association, and projection fibers; and in relation to increasing cognitive impairment. Reduced integrity in terms of lower fractional anisotropy (FA) and higher mean diffusivity (MD) and radial diffusivity (RD) is reported more consistently in the corpus callosum, cerebellar peduncles, cingulum, and longitudinal fasciculi connecting frontal and temporoparietal regions. Although these interesting results provide insight into FASD neuropathology, it is important to investigate the clinical diversity of this disorder for better treatment options and prediction of progression. The aim of this review is to provide a summary of different patterns of neural structure between PAE and typically developed individuals. We further discuss the association of alterations in diffusivity with demographic features and symptomatology of PAE. With the accumulated knowledge of the neural correlates of FASD presenting symptoms, a comprehensive understanding of the heterogeneity in FASD will potentially improve the disease management and will highlight the diagnostic challenges and potential areas of future research avenues, where neural markers may be beneficial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Meisam Hosein Yazdi
- Namazee Hospital, Imaging Research Center, Department of RadiologyShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Sliwowska JH, Ziarniak K, Dudek M, Matuszewska J, Tena-Sempere M. Dangerous liaisons for pubertal maturation: the impact of alcohol consumption and obesity on the timing of puberty†. Biol Reprod 2018; 100:25-40. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna H Sliwowska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Kamil Ziarniak
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Monika Dudek
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Julia Matuszewska
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, and Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
- CIBEROBN - Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chen Y, Liu Q, Li W, Deng X, Yang B, Huang X. Association of prenatal and childhood environment smoking exposure with puberty timing: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Health Prev Med 2018; 23:33. [PMID: 30021511 PMCID: PMC6052528 DOI: 10.1186/s12199-018-0722-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Mothers who smoke during pregnancy or while their children are small were common in some populations. Epidemiological studies have tried to detect the effect of prenatal tobacco smoke (PTS), and childhood environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on puberty timing have not shown a consensus results. We aimed to examine current evidence and estimate the associations between PTS or/and ETS and puberty timing. METHODS Seven databases were searched from inception to May 2017. All the cohort studies examining the associations between PTS and/or ETS and puberty timing were identified. Two reviewers independently screened all studies, evaluated the quality of eligible studies, and extracted the data. The quality assessment of the eligible cohort studies was based on the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Risk ratio (RR), standard mean difference (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated and pooled by CMA (Version 2.0, Biostat, Inc., USA). RESULTS Compared with controls, girls with PTS and ETS exposure have an earlier age at menarche (SMD - 0.087, 95% CI 0.174 to - 0.000), and similar results were found in both PTS subgroup (SMD - 0.097, 95% CI - 0.192 to - 0.002) and prospective cohort subgroup (SMD - 0.171, 95% CI - 0.253 to - 0.090). And number of boys with early voice break in PTS group was significantly increasing than non-exposed boys (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.40). CONCLUSIONS PTS exposure possibly decrease age of menarche of girls, and studies on boys were urgent needed. Appropriate and comprehensive outcome measures using unified criteria to classify puberty should be reported in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Chen
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Liu
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wenyan Li
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xu Deng
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Yang
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Huang
- School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Collaborative Innovation Center of Social Risks Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Uban K, Herting M, Wozniak J, Sowell E. Sex differences in associations between white matter microstructure and gonadal hormones in children and adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 83:111-121. [PMID: 28609669 PMCID: PMC5877456 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Revised: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Despite accumulating evidence from animal models demonstrating that prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) results in life-long neuroendocrine dysregulation, very little is known on this topic among humans with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). We expected that alterations in gonadal hormones might interfere with the typical development of white matter (WM) myelination, and in a sex-dependent manner, in human adolescents with FASD. In order to investigate this hypothesis, we used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to assess: 1) whether or not sex moderates the impact of PAE on WM microstructure; and 2) how gonadal hormones relate to alterations in WM microstructure in children and adolescents affected by PAE. METHODS 61 youth (9 to 16 yrs.; 49% girls; 50% PAE) participated as part of the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD). DTI scans and passive drool samples were obtained to examine neurodevelopmental associations with testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels in boys and girls, and estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels in girls. Tract-based spatial statistics were utilized to generate fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) for 9 a priori WM regions of interest (ROIs). RESULTS As predicted, alterations in FA were observed in adolescents with PAE relative to controls, and these differences varied by sex. Girls with PAE exhibited lower FA (Inferior fronto-occipital and Uncinate fasciculi) while boys with PAE exhibited higher FA (Callosal body, Cingulum, Corticospinal tract, Optic radiation, Superior longitudinal fasciculus) relative to age-matched controls. When gonadal hormone levels were examined in relation to DTI measures, additional group differences in FA were revealed, demonstrating that neuroendocrine factors are associated with PAE-related brain alterations. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide human evidence that PAE relates to sex-specific differences in WM microstructure, and underlying alterations in gonadal hormone function may, in part, contribute to these effects. Determining PAE-effects on neuroendocrine function among humans is an essential first step towards developing novel clinical (e.g., assessment or intervention) tools that target hormone systems to improve on-going brain development among children and adolescents with FASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K.A. Uban
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles/University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Corresponding authors. (K.A. Uban), (E.R. Sowell)
| | - M.M. Herting
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles/University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Department of Preventative Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - J.R. Wozniak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - E.R. Sowell
- Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles/University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA,Corresponding authors. (K.A. Uban), (E.R. Sowell)
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Treit S, Chen Z, Zhou D, Baugh L, Rasmussen C, Andrew G, Pei J, Beaulieu C. Sexual dimorphism of volume reduction but not cognitive deficit in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A combined diffusion tensor imaging, cortical thickness and brain volume study. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2017; 15:284-297. [PMID: 28560153 PMCID: PMC5440763 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revealed abnormalities in brain volumes, cortical thickness and white matter microstructure in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD); however, no study has reported all three measures within the same cohort to assess the relative magnitude of deficits, and few studies have examined sex differences. Participants with FASD (n = 70; 30 females; 5-32 years) and healthy controls (n = 74; 35 females; 5-32 years) underwent cognitive testing and MRI to assess cortical thickness, regional brain volumes and fractional anisotropy (FA)/mean diffusivity (MD) of white matter tracts. A significant effect of group, age-by-group, or sex-by-group was found for 9/9 volumes, 7/39 cortical thickness regions, 3/9 white matter tracts, and 9/10 cognitive tests, indicating group differences that in some cases differ by age or sex. Volume reductions for several structures were larger in males than females, despite similar deficits of cognition in both sexes. Correlations between brain structure and cognitive scores were found in females of both groups, but were notably absent in males. Correlations within a given MRI modality (e.g. total brain volume and caudate volume) were prevalent in both the control and FASD groups, and were more numerous than correlations between measurement types (e.g. volumes and diffusion tensor imaging) in either cohort. This multi-modal MRI study finds widespread differences of brain structure in participants with prenatal alcohol exposure, and to a greater extent in males than females which may suggest attenuation of the expected process of sexual dimorphism of brain structure during typical development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Treit
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G-2R3, Canada; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G-2R3, Canada
| | - Zhang Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G-2R3, Canada
| | - Dongming Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G-2R3, Canada
| | - Lauren Baugh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G-2R3, Canada
| | - Carmen Rasmussen
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G-2R3, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G-2R3, Canada
| | - Gail Andrew
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G-2R3, Canada; FASD Diagnostic Clinic, Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, AB T6G-0B7, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Pei
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G-2R3, Canada
| | - Christian Beaulieu
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G-2R3, Canada; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G-2R3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Paolozza A, Treit S, Beaulieu C, Reynolds JN. Diffusion tensor imaging of white matter and correlates to eye movement control and psychometric testing in children with prenatal alcohol exposure. Hum Brain Mapp 2017; 38:444-456. [PMID: 27622670 PMCID: PMC6866967 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2016] [Revised: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can cause central nervous system dysfunction and widespread structural anomalies as detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study focused on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of white matter in a large sample of PAE participants that allowed us to examine correlations with behavioral outcomes. Participants were confirmed PAE (n = 69, mean age = 12.5 ± 3.2 years) or typically developing control children (n = 67, mean age = 12.1 ± 3.2 years) who underwent brain MRI, eye movement tasks, and psychometric tests. A semi-automated tractography method extracted fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values from 15 white matter tracts. The PAE group displayed decreased FA compared with controls in multiple tracts including 3 corpus callosum regions, right corticospinal tract, and 3 left hemisphere tracts connecting to the frontal lobe (cingulum, uncinate fasciculus, and superior longitudinal fasciculus). Significant group by sex interactions were found for the genu, left superior longitudinal fasciculus, and the left uncinate, with females in the PAE group exhibiting lower FA compared with control females. Correlations were found between DTI and eye movement measures in the control group, but these same relationships were absent in the PAE group. In contrast, no correlations were found between DTI and any of the psychometric tests used in this study. These findings support the hypothesis that measures of eye movement control may be valuable functional biomarkers of the brain injury induced by PAE as these tasks reveal group differences that appear to be linked to deficits in white matter integrity in the brain. Hum Brain Mapp 38:444-456, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Paolozza
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's UniversityKingstonOntarioK7L 3N6Canada
| | - Sarah Treit
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaT6G 2V2Canada
| | - Christian Beaulieu
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonAlbertaT6G 2V2Canada
| | - James N. Reynolds
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's UniversityKingstonOntarioK7L 3N6Canada
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bake S, Gardner R, Tingling JD, Miranda RC, Sohrabji F. Fetal Alcohol Exposure Alters Blood Flow and Neurological Responses to Transient Cerebral Ischemia in Adult Mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 41:117-127. [PMID: 27987329 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can result in physical and neurocognitive deficits that are collectively termed "fetal alcohol spectrum disorders" (FASD). Although FASD is associated with lifelong intellectual disability, the mechanisms mediating the emergence of secondary mental health and physical disabilities are poorly understood. Based on our previous data showing that maternal ethanol (EtOH) exposure in mice resulted in an immediate reduction in cranially directed fetal blood flow, we hypothesized that such exposure would also result in persistent alterations in cranially directed blood flow in the prenatally alcohol-exposed (PAE) adult. We also hypothesized that PAE adults exposed to an acute cerebrovascular insult would exhibit more brain damage and neurobehavioral impairment compared to non-PAE adult controls. METHODS Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were exposed to EtOH, 3 g/kg, or water by intragastric gavage. Blood flow in carotid, renal, and femoral arteries was assessed by ultrasound imaging in PAE and control adults at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. To mimic ischemic stroke in young adult populations, 3-month-old PAE and control animals were subject to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) and subsequently assessed for behavioral recovery, stroke infarct volume, and brain cytokine profiles. RESULTS PAE resulted in a significant age-related decrease in blood acceleration in adult mice, specifically in the carotid artery. A unilateral transient MCAo resulted in equivalent cortico-striatal damage in both PAE and control adults. However, PAE adult mice exhibited significantly decreased poststroke behavioral recovery compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS Our data collectively show that PAE adult mice exhibit a persistent, long-term loss of cranially directed blood flow, and decreased capacity to compensate for brain trauma due to acute-onset adult diseases like ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shameena Bake
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Rachel Gardner
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Joseph D Tingling
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Rajesh C Miranda
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Farida Sohrabji
- Women's Health in Neuroscience Program, Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sliwowska JH, Comeau WL, Bodnar TS, Ellis L, Weinberg J. Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Pair Feeding Differentially Impact Puberty and Reproductive Development in Female Rats: Role of the Kisspeptin System. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:2368-2376. [PMID: 27688161 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reproductive maturation is initiated with the onset of puberty, which activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and coincidences with increased expression of the hormone kisspeptin within the hypothalamus. Maturational events are sensitive to environmental factors, including alcohol, which is known to delay reproductive development. We hypothesized that, similar to alcohol's adverse effects during reproductive maturation, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) would alter pubertal markers, sex hormone profiles, and kisspeptin expression in the hypothalamus. METHODS Female offspring from control (C), pair-fed (PF), and PAE groups were sacrificed prior to puberty onset (postnatal day [PND] 30), during puberty [PND 35], or in adulthood [PND 65]. Estradiol (E2 ), progesterone (P4 ), prolactin, and luteinizing hormone levels, and Kiss1 mRNA expression were measured in the arcuate (ARC) and anteroventral periventricular (AVPV) nuclei of the hypothalamus. Pubertal markers (vaginal opening [VO], uterus/body wt ratio) were assessed. RESULTS Our findings indicate that (i) PAE inhibits the expected increases in E2 levels with age and delays maturational increases of P4 levels; (ii) PAE and pair feeding have similar adverse effects on VO and uterus/body wt ratio; (iii) differential relationships between PRL and P4 suggest that different mechanisms may underlie delayed maturation in PAE and PF; that is, PF females have low PRL levels and no increase in P4 with age, whereas PAE animals, despite low PRL, show the expected age-related increase in P4 ; and (iv) there is higher mean density of Kiss1 mRNA in the ARC of adult PAE females and altered Kiss1 expression in the AVPV of both PAE and PF females. CONCLUSIONS PAE and pair feeding have some overlapping but important differential effects on hormonal profiles and Kiss1 mRNA expression during reproductive development. Preadolescent alterations in Kiss1 expression in the AVPV and ARC, which may change the balance of function in these 2 nuclei, may differentially contribute to delayed reproductive maturation in PAE and PF compared to C females.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Helena Sliwowska
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. .,Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, Institute of Zoology, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Wendy L Comeau
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tamara S Bodnar
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Linda Ellis
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Moore EM, Infante MA, Migliorini R, Mattson SN, Riley EP. Pituitary lacks sexual dimorphism and displays reduced signal intensity on T1-weighted MRI in adolescents with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 57:106-111. [PMID: 27616668 PMCID: PMC5086163 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure can interfere with endocrine function and have sex-specific effects on behavior. Disrupted development of the pituitary gland, which has been observed in rodent studies, may account for some of these effects. To determine if gestational exposure to alcohol produces measureable changes in the pituitary in human adolescents, we manually traced the pituitary in T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance images (MRI) from adolescents with (15 males, 11 females) and without (16 males, 11 females) heavy prenatal alcohol exposure. Pituitary gland volume and maximum signal intensity were examined for group differences. Control female adolescents presented with significantly greater pituitary volume compared to males, as has been previously reported. However, this sexual dimorphism was absent in adolescents with histories of prenatal alcohol exposure. Alcohol-exposed adolescents, regardless of sex, demonstrated reduced pituitary maximum signal intensity compared to controls. The lack of a sex difference in pituitary volumes within the alcohol-exposed group suggests such exposure may interfere with adolescent typical sexual dimorphism of the pituitary. Signal intensity in the posterior pituitary may reflect vasopressin storage. Our findings suggest vasopressin activity should be evaluated in alcohol-exposed adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Moore
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, United States; Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States.
| | - M Alejandra Infante
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, United States; SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
| | - Robyn Migliorini
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, United States; SDSU/UCSD Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA 92120, United States
| | - Sarah N Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, United States; Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States
| | - Edward P Riley
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, United States; Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Evans NP, Bellingham M, Robinson JE. Prenatal programming of neuroendocrine reproductive function. Theriogenology 2016; 86:340-8. [PMID: 27142489 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
It is now well recognized that the gestational environment can have long-lasting effects not only on the life span and health span of an individual but also, through potential epigenetic changes, on future generations. This article reviews the "prenatal programming" of the neuroendocrine systems that regulate reproduction, with a specific focus on the lessons learned using ovine models. The review examines the critical roles played by steroids in normal reproductive development before considering the effects of prenatal exposure to exogenous steroid hormones including androgens and estrogens, the effects of maternal nutrition and stress during gestation, and the effects of exogenous chemicals such as alcohol and environment chemicals. In so doing, it becomes evident that, to maximize fitness, the regulation of reproduction has evolved to be responsive to many different internal and external cues and that the GnRH neurosecretory system expresses a degree of plasticity throughout life. During fetal life, however, the system is particularly sensitive to change and at this time, the GnRH neurosecretory system can be "shaped" both to achieve normal sexually differentiated function but also in ways that may adversely affect or even prevent "normal function". The exact mechanisms through which these programmed changes are brought about remain largely uncharacterized but are likely to differ depending on the factor, the timing of exposure to that factor, and the species. It would appear, however, that some afferent systems to the GnRH neurons such as kisspeptin, may be critical in this regard as it would appear to be sensitive to a wide variety of factors that can program reproductive function. Finally, it has been noted that the prenatal programming of neuroendocrine reproductive function can be associated with epigenetic changes, which would suggest that in addition to direct effects on the exposed offspring, prenatal programming could have transgenerational effects on reproductive potential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neil P Evans
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jane E Robinson
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yermachenko A, Dvornyk V. A meta-analysis provides evidence that prenatal smoking exposure decreases age at menarche. Reprod Toxicol 2015; 58:222-8. [PMID: 26542102 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2015.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Since studies of association between prenatal tobacco exposure and age at menarche have reported inconsistent results so far, we conducted a meta-analysis to examine this association. In total 36 relevant articles (1995-2014) were identified, 17 of which satisfied the inclusion criteria and were used in the analysis. Nearly one month decrease (-0.092 [95%CI:-0.160, -0.024] year) in age at menarche was found in women who were exposed to tobacco in utero. The meta-regression analysis showed that average year of birth in the cohorts might significantly influence association between maternal smoking and daughter's age at menarche. Based on results obtained from 5 studies where age at menarche was treated as a categorical variable, maternal smoking status during pregnancy increased a risk for daughters to have menarche earlier than at 11 years old by 15%.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Yermachenko
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, PR China.
| | - Volodymyr Dvornyk
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong SAR, PR China; Department of Life Sciences, College of Science and General Studies, Alfaisal University, Al Maather, P.O. Box 50927, Riyadh 11533, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Paolozza A, Munn R, Munoz DP, Reynolds JN. Eye movements reveal sexually dimorphic deficits in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:76. [PMID: 25814922 PMCID: PMC4356081 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: We examined the accuracy and characteristics of saccadic eye movements in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) compared with typically developing control children. Previous studies have found that children with FASD produce saccades that are quantifiably different from controls. Additionally, animal studies have found sex-based differences for behavioral effects after prenatal alcohol exposure. Therefore, we hypothesized that eye movement measures will show sexually dimorphic results. Methods: Children (aged 5–18 years) with FASD (n = 71) and typically developing controls (n = 113) performed a visually-guided saccade task. Saccade metrics and behavior were analyzed for sex and group differences. Results: Female control participants had greater amplitude saccades than control males or females with FASD. Accuracy was significantly poorer in the FASD group, especially in males, which introduced significantly greater variability in the data. Therefore, we conducted additional analyses including only those trials in which the first saccade successfully reached the target within a ± 1° window. In this restricted amplitude dataset, the females with FASD made saccades with significantly lower velocity and longer duration, whereas the males with FASD did not differ from the control group. Additionally, the mean and peak deceleration were selectively decreased in the females with FASD. Conclusions: These data support the hypothesis that children with FASD exhibit specific deficits in eye movement control and sensory-motor integration associated with cerebellar and/or brain stem circuits. Moreover, prenatal alcohol exposure may have a sexually dimorphic impact on eye movement metrics, with males and females exhibiting differential patterns of deficit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Paolozza
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Rebecca Munn
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Douglas P Munoz
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University Kingston, ON, Canada ; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - James N Reynolds
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queen's University Kingston, ON, Canada ; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University Kingston, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Gonzales GF, Chaupis D. Higher androgen bioactivity is associated with excessive erythrocytosis and chronic mountain sickness in Andean Highlanders: a review. Andrologia 2014; 47:729-43. [PMID: 25277225 DOI: 10.1111/and.12359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Populations living at high altitudes (HA), particularly in the Peruvian Central Andes, are characterised by presenting subjects with erythrocytosis and others with excessive erythrocytosis (EE)(Hb>21 g dl(-1) ). EE is associated with chronic mountain sickness (CMS), or lack of adaptation to HA. Testosterone is an erythropoietic hormone and it may play a role on EE at HA. The objective of the present review was to summarise findings on role of serum T levels on adaptation at HA and genes acting on this process. Men at HA without EE have higher androstenedione levels and low ratio androstenedione/testosterone than men with EE, suggesting low activity of 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD), and this could be a mechanism of adaptation to HA. Higher conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone to testosterone in men with EE suggests nigher 17beta-HSD activity. Men with CMS at Peruvian Central Andes have two genes SENP1, and ANP32D with higher transcriptional response to hypoxia relative to those without. SUMO-specific protease 1 (SENP1) is an erythropoiesis regulator, which is essential for the stability and activity of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1α) under hypoxia. SENP1 reverses the hormone-augmented SUMOylation of androgen receptor (AR) increasing the transcription activity of AR.In conclusion, increased androgen activity is related with CMS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G F Gonzales
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproduction, High Altitude Research Institute and Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| | - D Chaupis
- Laboratory of Endocrinology and Reproduction, High Altitude Research Institute and Department of Biological and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Philosophy, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru
| |
Collapse
|