1
|
Sadr-Bazzaz M, Talaei A, Sadeghi MJ, Moradi M, Ahmadisoleymani Z, Vasey PL. Occupational Preferences, Childhood Behavior, and Openness: The Role of Sex, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identity in Iran. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02865-x. [PMID: 38710965 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02865-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Previous research suggests that both same-sex attraction and the personality trait "openness" are associated with sex-atypical preferences and behaviors. Here, we examined the links between adulthood occupational preferences, childhood play behavior, and openness among Iranian cisgender gynephilic males (n = 228), cisgender ambiphilic males (n = 48), cisgender androphilic males (n = 178), transgender androphilic males (n = 58), cisgender androphilic females (n = 226), cisgender ambiphilic females (n = 94), cisgender gynephilic females (n = 31), and transgender gynephilic females (n = 121) from Iran. Cisgender and transgender same-sex attracted males and females exhibited sex-atypical occupational preferences with the latter group showing even more sex-atypicality than the former. The personality trait openness did not differ between cisgender groups. Transgender androphilic males had a significantly higher mean score for openness compared to cisgender androphilic females and transgender gynephilic females, whereas transgender gynephilic females had a significantly lower mean score compared to cisgender androphilic males. In both males and females, childhood sex-atypicality, same-sex attraction, and openness were associated with sex-atypical occupational preferences. Our findings from Iran provides cross-cultural support for interconnectedness of childhood and adulthood sex-atypicality, openness, and same-sex attraction in males and females who are cisgender and transgender.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Sadr-Bazzaz
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - Ali Talaei
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Marjan Moradi
- Department of Psychology, Toos Institute of Higher Education, Mashhad, Iran
| | | | - Paul L Vasey
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lee J, Chung YM, Curtin L, Silver DJ, Hao Y, Li C, Volovetz J, Hong ES, Jarmula J, Wang SZ, Kay KE, Berens M, Nicosia M, Swanson KR, Sharifi N, Lathia JD. Androgen loss weakens anti-tumor immunity and accelerates brain tumor growth. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4014556. [PMID: 38585839 PMCID: PMC10996802 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4014556/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Many cancers, including glioblastoma (GBM), have a male-biased sex difference in incidence and outcome. The underlying reasons for this sex bias are unclear but likely involve differences in tumor cell state and immune response. This effect is further amplified by sex hormones, including androgens, which have been shown to inhibit anti-tumor T cell immunity. Here, we show that androgens drive anti-tumor immunity in brain tumors, in contrast to its effect in other tumor types. Upon castration, tumor growth was accelerated with attenuated T cell function in GBM and brain tumor models, but the opposite was observed when tumors were located outside the brain. Activity of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal gland (HPA) axis was increased in castrated mice, particularly in those with brain tumors. Blockade of glucocorticoid receptors reversed the accelerated tumor growth in castrated mice, indicating that the effect of castration was mediated by elevated glucocorticoid signaling. Furthermore, this mechanism was not GBM specific, but brain specific, as hyperactivation of the HPA axis was observed with intracranial implantation of non-GBM tumors in the brain. Together, our findings establish that brain tumors drive distinct endocrine-mediated mechanisms in the androgen-deprived setting and highlight the importance of organ-specific effects on anti-tumor immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juyeun Lee
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yoon-Mi Chung
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami
| | - Lee Curtin
- Mayo Clinic, Mathematical NeuroOncology Lab, Precision Neurotherapeutics Innovation Program, Mayo Clinic, AZ, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mayo Clinic, AZ, USA
| | - Daniel J. Silver
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yue Hao
- TGen, Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Cathy Li
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Josephine Volovetz
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ellen S. Hong
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jakub Jarmula
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sabrina Z. Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristen E. Kay
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Michael Nicosia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Kristin R. Swanson
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami
- Mayo Clinic, Mathematical NeuroOncology Lab, Precision Neurotherapeutics Innovation Program, Mayo Clinic, AZ, USA
| | - Nima Sharifi
- Desai Sethi Urology Institute, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Justin D. Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wakim LM, Occelli F, Paumelle M, Brousmiche D, Bouhadj L, Cuny D, Descat A, Lanier C, Deram A. Unveiling the presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals in northern French soils: Land cover variability and implications. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169617. [PMID: 38157891 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that can be found in the environment and have adverse effects on human health by mimicking, perturbing and blocking the function of hormones. They are commonly studied in water surfaces, rarely in soils, although it can be an important source of their presence in the environment. Their detection in soils is analytically challenging to quantify, hence the lack of known background concentrations found in the literature. This scientific research aimed to detect EDCs in soils by analyzing 240 soil samples using an optimized protocol of double extraction and analysis using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The optimized protocol allowed for very sensitive detection of the targeted compounds. The results showed a high concentration of 29.391 ng/g of 17β-estradiol in soils and 47.16 ng/g for 17α-ethinylestradiol. Testosterone and Progesterone were detected at a highest of 1.02 and 6.58 ng/g, respectively. The ∑EDCs which included estrogens, progesterone, testosterone and Bisphenol A was found at an average of 22.72 ± 35.46 ng/g in the study area. The results of this campaign showed a heterogeneous geographic distribution of the EDCs compounds in the different zones of study. Additionally, the study conducted a comparison of the concentration of EDCs in different land covers including urban areas, agricultural lands, grasslands and forests. We observed a significant difference between forests and other land covers (p < 0.0001) for 17α-ethinylestradiol, estriol, and progesterone. This presence of EDCs in forest lands is not yet understood and requires further studies concerning its origins, its fate and its effect on human health. This study is the first large-scale sampling campaign targeting EDCs in soils in Europe and the second in the world. It is also the first to assess the concentrations of these compounds based on different land covers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L M Wakim
- Univ. Lille, IMT Lille Douai, Univ. Artois, Junia Hauts-de-France ULR 4515 - LGCgE Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France.
| | - F Occelli
- Univ. Lille, IMT Lille Douai, Univ. Artois, Junia Hauts-de-France ULR 4515 - LGCgE Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France; Univ. Lille, UFR3S - Faculté d'ingénierie et management de la santé (ILIS), F-59000 Lille, France
| | - M Paumelle
- Univ. Lille, IMT Lille Douai, Univ. Artois, Junia Hauts-de-France ULR 4515 - LGCgE Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - D Brousmiche
- Association pour la Prévention de la Pollution Atmosphérique APPA, F-59120 Loos, France
| | - L Bouhadj
- Univ. Lille, IMT Lille Douai, Univ. Artois, Junia Hauts-de-France ULR 4515 - LGCgE Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France; Agence de Développement et d'Urbanisme de Lille Métropole, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - D Cuny
- Univ. Lille, IMT Lille Douai, Univ. Artois, Junia Hauts-de-France ULR 4515 - LGCgE Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France; Univ. Lille, UFR3S - Faculté de Pharmacie de Lille, Laboratoire des Sciences Végétales et Fongiques LSVF, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - A Descat
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 7365 GRITA - Groupe de Recherche sur les Formes Injectables et Technologies Associées, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - C Lanier
- Univ. Lille, IMT Lille Douai, Univ. Artois, Junia Hauts-de-France ULR 4515 - LGCgE Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France; Univ. Lille, UFR3S - Faculté d'ingénierie et management de la santé (ILIS), F-59000 Lille, France
| | - A Deram
- Univ. Lille, IMT Lille Douai, Univ. Artois, Junia Hauts-de-France ULR 4515 - LGCgE Laboratoire de Génie Civil et géo-Environnement, F-59000 Lille, France; Univ. Lille, UFR3S - Faculté d'ingénierie et management de la santé (ILIS), F-59000 Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vedor JE. Revisiting Carl Jung's archetype theory a psychobiological approach. Biosystems 2023; 234:105059. [PMID: 37832929 DOI: 10.1016/j.biosystems.2023.105059] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
This paper delves into the concept of archetypes, universal patterns of behavior and cognition, and proposes a novel tripartite model distinguishing between structural, regulatory, and representational archetypes. Drawing on insights from code biology, neuroscience, genetics, and epigenetics, the model provides a nuanced framework for understanding archetypes and their role in shaping cognition and behavior. The paper also explores the interplay between these elements to express representational archetypes. Furthermore, it addresses the informational capacity of the genome and its influence on post-natal development and the psyche. The paper concludes by discussing the future trajectory of psychology, emphasizing the need for an integrative approach that combines our understanding of social constructs with insights into our inherent organizational propensities or archetypes. This exploration holds the potential to advance our understanding of the human condition.
Collapse
|
5
|
Yamashita T, Asaoka R, Terasaki H, Yoshihara N, Kakiuchi N, Sakamoto T. Three-year changes in sex judgment using color fundus parameters in elementary school students. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295123. [PMID: 38033010 PMCID: PMC10688721 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In a previous cross-sectional study, we reported that the sexes can be distinguished using known factors obtained from color fundus photography (CFP). However, it is not clear how sex differences in fundus parameters appear across the human lifespan. Therefore, we conducted a cohort study to investigate sex determination based on fundus parameters in elementary school students. METHODS This prospective observational longitudinal study investigated 109 right eyes of elementary school students over 4 years (age, 8.5 to 11.5 years). From each CFP, the tessellation fundus index was calculated as red/red + green + blue (R/[R+G+B]) using the mean value of red-green-blue intensity in eight locations around the optic disc and macular region. Optic disc area, ovality ratio, papillomacular angle, and retinal vessel angles and distances were quantified according to the data in our previous report. Using 54 fundus parameters, sex was predicted by L2 regularized binomial logistic regression for each grade. RESULTS The right eyes of 53 boys and 56 girls were analyzed. The discrimination accuracy rate significantly increased with age: 56.3% at 8.5 years, 46.1% at 9.5 years, 65.5% at 10.5 years and 73.1% at 11.5 years. CONCLUSIONS The accuracy of sex discrimination by fundus photography improved during a 3-year cohort study of elementary school students.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Yamashita
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Ryo Asaoka
- Department of Ophthalmology, Seirei Hamamatsu General Hospital, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
- School of Nursing, Seirei Christopher University, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
- Nanovision Research Division, Research Institute of Electronics, Shizuoka University, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
- The Graduate School for the Creation of New Photonics Industries, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiroto Terasaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Naoya Yoshihara
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Naoko Kakiuchi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Taiji Sakamoto
- Department of Ophthalmology, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima-shi, Kagoshima, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vancolen S, Sébire G, Robaire B. Influence of androgens on the innate immune system. Andrology 2023; 11:1237-1244. [PMID: 36840517 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13416] [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: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dimorphism is observed in the occurrence, course, and severity of human disease. The difference in immune response between males and females can in part be attributed to sexual genotype. However, immunological differences can also be explained by endocrine-immune interactions. Specifically, androgens possess the ability of directly modulating the development and function of immune cells. Although androgens generally contribute to immunosuppressive effects, this is not necessarily always the case. AIM The aim of the review is to uncover the role of androgens in shaping the innate immune response. MATERIAL & METHODS Authors included papers in this review which discussed the impact of androgens on specific innate immune cells. RESULTS Androgens modulate the innate immune response through various mechanisms. However, there is conflicting evidence in the literature regarding the interplay betwen androgens and the innate immune system. DISCUSSION Conflicting evidence presented in this review could in part be explained by the limitations present in interpreting results. CONCLUSION This review is of great importance for our understanding of occurence and mechanism of human inflammatory disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seline Vancolen
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Neurology, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Guillaume Sébire
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Neurology, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bernard Robaire
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Özel F, Stratmann M, Lindh C, Gennings C, Bornehag CG, Rüegg J. Prenatal exposure to phthalates and gender-specific play behavior at seven years of age in the SELMA study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 178:108029. [PMID: 37331180 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of evidence shows that prenatal exposure to phthalates affects child development. Since many phthalates have been shown to alter endocrine signaling, they may influence reproductive development, neurodevelopment, and child behavior. Indeed, a few studies reported associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and gender-specific play behavior. However, evidence for this relationship is limited, and previous findings are based on single phthalates, while human exposure entails mixtures of chemicals. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the associations between prenatal exposure to single phthalates, as well as a phthalate mixture, and gender-specific play behavior. METHODS A total of 715 mother-child pairs from the Swedish Environmental Longitudinal, Mother and Child, Asthma and Allergy (SELMA) study were included. In the median week 10 of pregnancy, phthalate metabolites were measured in urine. Gender-specific play behavior was measured with Preschool Activities Inventory at the age of seven years. Linear and weighted quantile sum regressions were used; data was stratified by sex. Models were adjusted for child and maternal age, maternal education, parental attitudes toward play behavior, and urinary creatinine concentration. RESULTS For boys, single compound analyses revealed negative associations of prenatal exposure to di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) concentrations with masculine (β = -1.44; 95% CI = -2.72, -0.16) and composite (β = -1.43; 95% CI = -2.72, -0.13) scores. Suggestive associations were also observed with a mixture approach identifying DINP as the main contributor of the association of decreased masculine play. Among girls, higher urinary concentrations of 2,4-methyl-7-oxyooctyl-oxycarbonyl-cyclohexane carboxylic acid (MOiNCH) was associated with decreased feminine (β = -1.59; 95% CI = -2.62, -0.57) and masculine scores (β = -1.22; 95% CI = -2.14, -0.29), whereas the mixture analyses did not yield conclusive results for girls. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest associations of prenatal exposure to DINP with decreased masculine play behavior in boys while the results for girls were not fully conclusive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Özel
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan - Womher, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden.
| | - Marlene Stratmann
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
| | - Christian Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Chris Gennings
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carl-Gustaf Bornehag
- Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden; Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Health Sciences, Karlstad University, Karlstad, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kadlecova M, Freude K, Haukedal H. Complexity of Sex Differences and Their Impact on Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051261. [PMID: 37238932 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences are present in brain morphology, sex hormones, aging processes and immune responses. These differences need to be considered for proper modelling of neurological diseases with clear sex differences. This is the case for Alzheimer's disease (AD), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with two-thirds of cases diagnosed in women. It is becoming clear that there is a complex interplay between the immune system, sex hormones and AD. Microglia are major players in the neuroinflammatory process occurring in AD and have been shown to be directly affected by sex hormones. However, many unanswered questions remain as the importance of including both sexes in research studies has only recently started receiving attention. In this review, we provide a summary of sex differences and their implications in AD, with a focus on microglia action. Furthermore, we discuss current available study models, including emerging complex microfluidic and 3D cellular models and their usefulness for studying hormonal effects in this disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marion Kadlecova
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 C Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kristine Freude
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 C Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Henriette Haukedal
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 C Frederiksberg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Kalinichenko LS, Smaga I, Filip M, Lenz B, Kornhuber J, Müller CP. Sex-specific effects of different types of prenatal stress on foetal testosterone levels and NMDA expression in mice. Behav Brain Res 2023; 439:114225. [PMID: 36435218 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal stress is a critical life event often resulting in mental illnesses in the offspring. The critical developmental processes, which might trigger a cascade of molecular events resulting in mental disorders in adulthood, are still to be elucidated. Here we proposed that sex hormones, particularly testosterone, might determine the "developmental programming" of long-term consequences of prenatal stress in foetuses of both sexes. We observed that severe prenatal stress in the model of repeated corticosterone injections enhanced brain levels of corticosterone and testosterone in male foetuses. The expression of GluN1 and GluN2A, but not GluN2B NMDA receptor subunits were significantly reduced in the brain of stressed male foetuses. However, female foetuses were protected against stress effects on the brain corticosterone and testosterone levels. More moderate types of stress, such as repeated restraint stress and chronic unpredictable stress, did not induce an increase in brain corticosterone in dams and testosterone concentrations in foetuses of both sexes. Moreover, chronic unpredictable stress reduced brain testosterone concentration in male foetuses. Altogether, changes in brain testosterone level might be one of the crucial mechanisms determining the development of long-term consequences of severe prenatal stress in male, but not in female foetuses. Targeting this mechanism might allow to develop principally new prediction and therapeutic approaches for prenatal stress-associated psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liubov S Kalinichenko
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, Erlangen 91054, Germany.
| | - Irena Smaga
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna 12, Kraków 31-343, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Filip
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Drug Addiction Pharmacology, Smętna 12, Kraków 31-343, Poland
| | - Bernd Lenz
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Christian P Müller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Clinic, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Schwabachanlage 6, Erlangen 91054, Germany; Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden, Penang 11800, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
Relative to males, women with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have neurobiological and clinical presentation differences. Recent research suggests that the male/female ASD prevalence gap is smaller than previously reported. Sex differences in symptom presentation as well as the male bias of ASD account for delayed/missed diagnosis among women. Investigating ASD and providing psychological evaluation referrals for women who are struggling socially and present with complex mental health conditions (e.g., ADHD, depression), even when they do not show typical autistic characteristics, is important. Accurate diagnosis facilitates understanding of challenges, increases access to treatments, and alleviates the burden of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Ochoa-Lubinoff
- Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison Street, Suite 710, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
| | - Bridget A Makol
- Rush University Medical Center, 1653 West Congress Parkway, 12 Kellogg, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Emily F Dillon
- Rush University Medical Center, 1645 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Association between prenatal androgens and cord blood androgens, a path analysis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:380. [PMID: 36611054 PMCID: PMC9825367 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25531-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
To determine association paths between prenatal androgens and cord blood androgens. The concentrations of T, FT, DHT, DHEA and SHBG in prenatal venous blood and cord blood were measured in 342 pregnant women and their neonates. The association paths between these hormones in prenatal and cord blood were revealed using Pearson correlation, multiple linear regression and path analysis. CB-T, CB-FT and CB-DHT in male neonates were higher than those in female neonates. In male and female neonates, P-FT was lower than CB-FT; however, P-DHT and P-SHBG were higher than CB-DHT and CB-SHBG, respectively. P-DHEA was lower than CB-DHEA in female newborns. In male neonates, there were association paths of P-T → CB-T → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-FT → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-DHT, CB-DHEA → CB-DHT, CB-DHEA → P-DHT, and CB-DHEA → P-DHEA. In female neonates, there were association paths of P-T → CB-T → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-FT → CB-FT → CB-DHT, P-T → P-FT → P-DHT, P-T → P-DHT, P-DHEA → P-DHT, CB-DHEA → P-DHEA, and CB-DHEA → CB-FT. There were differences in the T, FT and DHT concentrations in cord blood between male and female neonates and in the FT, DHT, DHEA, and SHBG concentrations between prenatal and cord blood. P-T and P-FT concentrations were positively associated with CB-T and CB-FT concentrations, while CB-DHEA concentration was positively associated with P-DHEA concentration.
Collapse
|
12
|
deMayo BE, Jordan AE, Olson KR. Gender Development in Gender Diverse Children. ANNUAL REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 4:207-229. [PMID: 37638126 PMCID: PMC10457095 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-devpsych-121020-034014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Within "mainstream" developmental science, gender researchers largely study the developmental trajectory of children considered to be "gender-typical", while research housed primarily in psychiatry and clinical psychology often documents the trajectories of gender diverse children. This article aims to bridge the studies of gender diversity and "mainstream" gender development. First, we review literature on the development of four commonly studied subgroups of gender diverse children - children referred to medical clinics because of their gender identity and expression, transgender children, female children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and tomboys - highlighting how these gender trajectories do or do not align with modal developmental patterns. We then describe social, cognitive, and biological determinants of gender in light of their implications for understanding diverse gender development. Finally, we note methodological suggestions for future research, with an eye toward better integrating research on gender diversity into "mainstream" gender development research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin E deMayo
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Ashley E Jordan
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kristina R Olson
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Granillo L, Iosif AM, Goodrich A, Snyder NW, Schmidt RJ. Maternal androgens and autism spectrum disorder in the MARBLES prospective cohort study. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2022; 99:102054. [PMID: 36938498 PMCID: PMC10022653 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2022.102054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Maternal hormonal risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring could intersect genetic and environmental risk factors. Objectives This analysis explored ASD risk in association with maternal testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) measured in first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. Methods MARBLES is a prospective pregnancy cohort study based at the MIND Institute in Northern California that enrolls mothers who have at least one child previously diagnosed with ASD and are expecting, or planning to have another child. At 36 months the younger sibling is clinically classified as having ASD, or as non-typically developing (Non-TD), or typically developing (TD). Maternal androgens during pregnancy were measured in serum samples from 196 mothers. Multivariable logistic regression models estimated risk of ASD and Non-TD in offspring compared to TD, in relation to the log-transformed maternal androgen concentrations, at each trimester. Results Non-significant associations were observed, and borderline significant associations were only observed in some stratified unadjusted models. Second trimester maternal testosterone was non-significantly associated with ASD in female offspring, although not after adjustment, aRR 1.54 (95% CI 0.71, 3.33), and second trimester maternal DHEA was non-significantly associated with non-TD in male offspring, again not after adjustment, aRR 0.50 (95% CI 0.21, 1.21). Secondary analysis suggested that third trimester androgen concentrations in mothers with male offspring had significant or near significant associations with their child's Social Responsiveness Scale score. Conclusion No significant associations were found between maternal androgen concentrations and risk of ASD or Non-TD in the child.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Granillo
- Graduate Group in Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ana-Maria Iosif
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Amanda Goodrich
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Nathaniel W. Snyder
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rebecca J. Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Thomsen AH, Gaml-Sørensen A, Brix N, Ernst A, Lunddorf LLH, Strandberg-Larsen K, Højgaard A, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Gender incongruence and timing of puberty: a population-based cohort study. Fertil Steril 2022; 118:938-945. [PMID: 36163086 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2022.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether the timing of puberty in adolescents who reported gender incongruence (incongruence between birth-assigned sex and self-identified gender) was different from those adolescents who reported gender congruence. DESIGN Population-based cohort study using data from the Danish National Birth Cohort. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) Birth-assigned boys and girls born between 2000 and 2003, who self-reported gender incongruence at 11 years (N = 10,046) and their pubertal developmental stages from age 11 years to every 6 months throughout puberty were included. INTERVENTION(S) Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Mean age differences in months at reaching Tanner stages 2-5 for breast or genital development and pubic hair, voice break, first ejaculation, menarche, axillary hair, acne, and the average difference at attaining all pubertal milestones (primary outcome). RESULT(S) In total, 549 (5.5% ) adolescents reported part or full gender incongruence at 11 years. Tendencies toward earlier timing of puberty were observed in adolescents who reported part gender incongruence (average difference, birth-assigned boys: -3.2 months [95% confidence interval {CI}: -6.7; 0.3]; birth-assigned girls: -2.0 months [95% CI: -3.9; -0.1]). Tendencies toward earlier timing of puberty were observed in adolescents who reported full gender incongruence (average difference, birth-assigned boys: -2.4 months [95% CI: -5.0; 0.4]; birth-assigned girls: -1.9 months [95% CI: -5.1; 1.2]). CONCLUSIONS The results from this study indicated that birth-assigned boys and girls who reported either part or full gender incongruence tended to reach puberty slightly earlier than those adolescents who reported gender congruence at 11 years of age. Knowledge on the timing of puberty among adolescents who experience gender incongruence is essential to inform mutual decision-making in clinical settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne H Thomsen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Anne Gaml-Sørensen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lea L H Lunddorf
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Astrid Højgaard
- Sexological Centre, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Cecilia H Ramlau-Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Simeoli C, de Angelis C, Delli Veneri A, Menafra D, Di Paola N, Pivonello C, Di Somma C, Valerio P, Melis D, Alviggi C, Colao A, Pivonello R. Severe impact of late diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia on gender identity, sexual orientation and function: case report and review of the literature. Front Genet 2022; 13:902844. [DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.902844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD) represents the most frequent form of CAH and of 46, XX disorder of sex development in female newborns. In the majority of cases, particularly in developed countries, female patients suffering from the classic forms of CAH reach the diagnosis at birth or in the early childhood, allowing a prompt treatment with a correct gender assignment. The current manuscript describes an unusual case of an Italian 46-year-old woman, homeborn in the 60s, receiving an extraordinarily late diagnosis of simple virilising classic form of CAH due to 21-OHD, determining a relevant impairment of both physical and psychosexual development. The patient presented primary amenorrhea, height under target, overweight with visceral adiposity, hypercholesterolemia and insulin resistance, hirsutism with a typical male-pattern hair growth, external genital ambiguity, and a severe impairment in the entire series of psychological dimensions, particularly severe depressive symptoms, together with gender dysphoria relative to the female gender assigned at birth, cross-gender behaviours, and body image discomfort, which were associated with homosexual orientation, and sexual dysfunction. Following diagnosis and glucocorticoid (GC) replacement therapy, the hyperandrogenism control and familial and socio-cultural factors changes, particularly, living alone and the interruption of social isolation, were accompanied by menarche appearance, improvement in hirsutism and metabolic profile, and a resolution in all psychological dimensions, depressive symptoms, and gender dysphoria. The patient began to perceive homosexual orientation without discomfort, and ameliorating sexual function. Few cases of female patients with CAH due to 21-OHD receiving an extremely delayed diagnosis have been published. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case including a complete psychosexual assessment at diagnosis with a detailed re-evaluation after 5 years of disease treatment.
Collapse
|
16
|
Levin RN, Erickson-Schroth L, Mak K, Edmiston EK. Biological studies of transgender identity: A critical review. JOURNAL OF GAY & LESBIAN MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/19359705.2022.2127042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel N. Levin
- Departments of Biology and Neuroscience, Pomona College, Claremont, CA, USA
| | | | - Kristie Mak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - E. Kale Edmiston
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Coleman E, Radix AE, Bouman WP, Brown GR, de Vries ALC, Deutsch MB, Ettner R, Fraser L, Goodman M, Green J, Hancock AB, Johnson TW, Karasic DH, Knudson GA, Leibowitz SF, Meyer-Bahlburg HFL, Monstrey SJ, Motmans J, Nahata L, Nieder TO, Reisner SL, Richards C, Schechter LS, Tangpricha V, Tishelman AC, Van Trotsenburg MAA, Winter S, Ducheny K, Adams NJ, Adrián TM, Allen LR, Azul D, Bagga H, Başar K, Bathory DS, Belinky JJ, Berg DR, Berli JU, Bluebond-Langner RO, Bouman MB, Bowers ML, Brassard PJ, Byrne J, Capitán L, Cargill CJ, Carswell JM, Chang SC, Chelvakumar G, Corneil T, Dalke KB, De Cuypere G, de Vries E, Den Heijer M, Devor AH, Dhejne C, D'Marco A, Edmiston EK, Edwards-Leeper L, Ehrbar R, Ehrensaft D, Eisfeld J, Elaut E, Erickson-Schroth L, Feldman JL, Fisher AD, Garcia MM, Gijs L, Green SE, Hall BP, Hardy TLD, Irwig MS, Jacobs LA, Janssen AC, Johnson K, Klink DT, Kreukels BPC, Kuper LE, Kvach EJ, Malouf MA, Massey R, Mazur T, McLachlan C, Morrison SD, Mosser SW, Neira PM, Nygren U, Oates JM, Obedin-Maliver J, Pagkalos G, Patton J, Phanuphak N, Rachlin K, Reed T, Rider GN, Ristori J, Robbins-Cherry S, Roberts SA, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Rosenthal SM, Sabir K, Safer JD, Scheim AI, Seal LJ, Sehoole TJ, Spencer K, St Amand C, Steensma TD, Strang JF, Taylor GB, Tilleman K, T'Sjoen GG, Vala LN, Van Mello NM, Veale JF, Vencill JA, Vincent B, Wesp LM, West MA, Arcelus J. Standards of Care for the Health of Transgender and Gender Diverse People, Version 8. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF TRANSGENDER HEALTH 2022; 23:S1-S259. [PMID: 36238954 PMCID: PMC9553112 DOI: 10.1080/26895269.2022.2100644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 560] [Impact Index Per Article: 280.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Transgender healthcare is a rapidly evolving interdisciplinary field. In the last decade, there has been an unprecedented increase in the number and visibility of transgender and gender diverse (TGD) people seeking support and gender-affirming medical treatment in parallel with a significant rise in the scientific literature in this area. The World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH) is an international, multidisciplinary, professional association whose mission is to promote evidence-based care, education, research, public policy, and respect in transgender health. One of the main functions of WPATH is to promote the highest standards of health care for TGD people through the Standards of Care (SOC). The SOC was initially developed in 1979 and the last version (SOC-7) was published in 2012. In view of the increasing scientific evidence, WPATH commissioned a new version of the Standards of Care, the SOC-8. Aim: The overall goal of SOC-8 is to provide health care professionals (HCPs) with clinical guidance to assist TGD people in accessing safe and effective pathways to achieving lasting personal comfort with their gendered selves with the aim of optimizing their overall physical health, psychological well-being, and self-fulfillment. Methods: The SOC-8 is based on the best available science and expert professional consensus in transgender health. International professionals and stakeholders were selected to serve on the SOC-8 committee. Recommendation statements were developed based on data derived from independent systematic literature reviews, where available, background reviews and expert opinions. Grading of recommendations was based on the available evidence supporting interventions, a discussion of risks and harms, as well as the feasibility and acceptability within different contexts and country settings. Results: A total of 18 chapters were developed as part of the SOC-8. They contain recommendations for health care professionals who provide care and treatment for TGD people. Each of the recommendations is followed by explanatory text with relevant references. General areas related to transgender health are covered in the chapters Terminology, Global Applicability, Population Estimates, and Education. The chapters developed for the diverse population of TGD people include Assessment of Adults, Adolescents, Children, Nonbinary, Eunuchs, and Intersex Individuals, and people living in Institutional Environments. Finally, the chapters related to gender-affirming treatment are Hormone Therapy, Surgery and Postoperative Care, Voice and Communication, Primary Care, Reproductive Health, Sexual Health, and Mental Health. Conclusions: The SOC-8 guidelines are intended to be flexible to meet the diverse health care needs of TGD people globally. While adaptable, they offer standards for promoting optimal health care and guidance for the treatment of people experiencing gender incongruence. As in all previous versions of the SOC, the criteria set forth in this document for gender-affirming medical interventions are clinical guidelines; individual health care professionals and programs may modify these in consultation with the TGD person.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Coleman
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - A E Radix
- Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - W P Bouman
- Nottingham Centre for Transgender Health, Nottingham, UK
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - G R Brown
- James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
- James H. Quillen VAMC, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - A L C de Vries
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M B Deutsch
- Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Gender Affirming Health Program, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - R Ettner
- New Health Foundation Worldwide, Evanston, IL, USA
- Weiss Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - L Fraser
- Independent Practice, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - M Goodman
- Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Green
- Independent Scholar, Vancouver, WA, USA
| | - A B Hancock
- The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - T W Johnson
- Department of Anthropology, California State University, Chico, CA, USA
| | - D H Karasic
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Independent Practice at dankarasic.com
| | - G A Knudson
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Vancouver Coastal Health, Vancouver, Canada
| | - S F Leibowitz
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - H F L Meyer-Bahlburg
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - J Motmans
- Transgender Infopunt, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
- Centre for Research on Culture and Gender, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - L Nahata
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Endocrinology and Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - T O Nieder
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Interdisciplinary Transgender Health Care Center Hamburg, Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, Hamburg, Germany
| | - S L Reisner
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - C Richards
- Regents University London, UK
- Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - V Tangpricha
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipids, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Atlanta VA Medical Center, Decatur, GA, USA
| | - A C Tishelman
- Boston College, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA
| | - M A A Van Trotsenburg
- Bureau GenderPRO, Vienna, Austria
- University Hospital Lilienfeld-St. Pölten, St. Pölten, Austria
| | - S Winter
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - K Ducheny
- Howard Brown Health, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - N J Adams
- University of Toronto, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, Toronto, Canada
- Transgender Professional Association for Transgender Health (TPATH)
| | - T M Adrián
- Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
- Diverlex Diversidad e Igualdad a Través de la Ley, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - L R Allen
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - D Azul
- La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia
| | - H Bagga
- Monash Health Gender Clinic, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - K Başar
- Department of Psychiatry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - D S Bathory
- Independent Practice at Bathory International PLLC, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - J J Belinky
- Durand Hospital, Guemes Clinic and Urological Center, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - D R Berg
- National Center for Gender Spectrum Health, Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J U Berli
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - R O Bluebond-Langner
- NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
- Hansjörg Wyss Department of Plastic Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - M-B Bouman
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, , Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - M L Bowers
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mills-Peninsula Medical Center, Burlingame, CA, USA
| | - P J Brassard
- GrS Montreal, Complexe CMC, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Université de Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - J Byrne
- University of Waikato/Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, New Zealand/Aotearoa
| | - L Capitán
- The Facialteam Group, Marbella International Hospital, Marbella, Spain
| | | | - J M Carswell
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston's Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - S C Chang
- Independent Practice, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - G Chelvakumar
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - T Corneil
- School of Population & Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - K B Dalke
- Penn State Health, PA, USA
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - G De Cuypere
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - E de Vries
- Nelson Mandela University, Gqeberha, South Africa
- University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - M Den Heijer
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Endocrinology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, , Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - A H Devor
- University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - C Dhejne
- ANOVA, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A D'Marco
- UCTRANS-United Caribbean Trans Network, Nassau, The Bahamas
- D M A R C O Organization, Nassau, The Bahamas
| | - E K Edmiston
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - L Edwards-Leeper
- Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR, USA
- Independent Practice, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - R Ehrbar
- Whitman Walker Health, Washington, DC, USA
- Independent Practice, Maryland, USA
| | - D Ehrensaft
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - J Eisfeld
- Transvisie, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - E Elaut
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Clinical Experimental and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - L Erickson-Schroth
- The Jed Foundation, New York, NY, USA
- Hetrick-Martin Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - J L Feldman
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - A D Fisher
- Andrology, Women Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - M M Garcia
- Department of Urology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Departments of Urology and Anatomy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - L Gijs
- Institute of Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - B P Hall
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke Adult Gender Medicine Clinic, Durham, NC, USA
| | - T L D Hardy
- Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- MacEwan University, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - M S Irwig
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - A C Janssen
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
- Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - K Johnson
- RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
- University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - D T Klink
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, ZNA Queen Paola Children's Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - B P C Kreukels
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, , Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - L E Kuper
- Department of Psychiatry, Southwestern Medical Center, University of Texas, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Health, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - E J Kvach
- Denver Health, Denver, CO, USA
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - M A Malouf
- Malouf Counseling and Consulting, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - R Massey
- WPATH Global Education Institute
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - T Mazur
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
- John R. Oishei Children's Hospital, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - C McLachlan
- Professional Association for Transgender Health, South Africa
- Gender DynamiX, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - S D Morrison
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - S W Mosser
- Gender Confirmation Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Saint Francis Memorial Hospital, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - P M Neira
- Johns Hopkins Center for Transgender Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Johns Hopkins Medicine Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Health Equity, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - U Nygren
- Division of Speech and Language Pathology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Speech and Language Pathology, Medical Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J M Oates
- La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
- Melbourne Voice Analysis Centre, East Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Obedin-Maliver
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - G Pagkalos
- Independent PracticeThessaloniki, Greece
- Military Community Mental Health Center, 424 General Military Training Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - J Patton
- Talkspace, New York, NY, USA
- CytiPsychological LLC, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - N Phanuphak
- Institute of HIV Research and Innovation, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - K Rachlin
- Independent Practice, New York, NY, USA
| | - T Reed
- Gender Identity Research and Education Society, Leatherhead, UK
| | - G N Rider
- National Center for Gender Spectrum Health, Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J Ristori
- Andrology, Women Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - S A Roberts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston's Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - K A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S M Rosenthal
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- UCSF Child and Adolescent Gender Center
| | - K Sabir
- FtM Phoenix Group, Krasnodar Krai, Russia
| | - J D Safer
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, New York, NY, USA
| | - A I Scheim
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, Ontario, Canada
| | - L J Seal
- Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - K Spencer
- National Center for Gender Spectrum Health, Institute for Sexual and Gender Health, Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - C St Amand
- University of Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - T D Steensma
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, , Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - J F Strang
- Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - G B Taylor
- Atrium Health Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - K Tilleman
- Department for Reproductive Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - G G T'Sjoen
- Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Gent, Belgium
| | - L N Vala
- Independent Practice, Campbell, CA, USA
| | - N M Van Mello
- Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - J F Veale
- School of Psychology, University of Waikato/Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, Hamilton/Kirikiriroa, New Zealand/Aotearoa
| | - J A Vencill
- Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - B Vincent
- Trans Learning Partnership at https://spectra-london.org.uk/trans-learning-partnership, UK
| | - L M Wesp
- College of Nursing, University of Wisconsin MilwaukeeMilwaukee, WI, USA
- Health Connections Inc., Glendale, WI, USA
| | - M A West
- North Memorial Health Hospital, Robbinsdale, MN, USA
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J Arcelus
- School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Casto KV, Leininger EC, Tan T. Teaching About Sex and Gender in Neuroscience: More Than Meets the "XY". JOURNAL OF UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE EDUCATION : JUNE : A PUBLICATION OF FUN, FACULTY FOR UNDERGRADUATE NEUROSCIENCE 2022; 20:A191-A206. [PMID: 38323054 PMCID: PMC10653250 DOI: 10.59390/azvz2988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Offering courses on the neuroscience of sex and gender can help support an inclusive curriculum in neuroscience. At the same time, developing and teaching such courses can be daunting to even the most enthusiastic educators, given the subject's complexities, nuances, and the difficult conversations that it invites. The authors of this article have all developed and taught such courses from different perspectives. Our aim is to provide educators with an overview of important conceptual topics as well as a comprehensive, but non-exhaustive, guide to resources for teaching about sex/gender in neuroscience based on our collective experience teaching courses on the topic. After defining vital terminology and briefly reviewing the biology of sex and sex determination, we describe some common topics within the field and contrast our current nuanced understandings from outdated misconceptions in the field. We review how (mis)representation of the neuroscience of sex/gender serves as a case study for how scientific results are communicated and disseminated. We consider how contextualization of sex/gender neuroscience research within a broader historical and societal framework can give students a wider perspective on the enterprise of science. Finally, we conclude with a brief discussion on how to choose learning goals for your course and implementation notes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen V Casto
- Division of Social Sciences, New College of Florida, Sarasota, FL 34243
| | | | - Taralyn Tan
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Gartstein MA, Seamon DE, Mattera JA, Bosquet Enlow M, Wright RJ, Perez-Edgar K, Buss KA, LoBue V, Bell MA, Goodman SH, Spieker S, Bridgett DJ, Salisbury AL, Gunnar MR, Mliner SB, Muzik M, Stifter CA, Planalp EM, Mehr SA, Spelke ES, Lukowski AF, Groh AM, Lickenbrock DM, Santelli R, Du Rocher Schudlich T, Anzman-Frasca S, Thrasher C, Diaz A, Dayton C, Moding KJ, Jordan EM. Using machine learning to understand age and gender classification based on infant temperament. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266026. [PMID: 35417495 PMCID: PMC9007342 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Age and gender differences are prominent in the temperament literature, with the former particularly salient in infancy and the latter noted as early as the first year of life. This study represents a meta-analysis utilizing Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R) data collected across multiple laboratories (N = 4438) to overcome limitations of smaller samples in elucidating links among temperament, age, and gender in early childhood. Algorithmic modeling techniques were leveraged to discern the extent to which the 14 IBQ-R subscale scores accurately classified participating children as boys (n = 2,298) and girls (n = 2,093), and into three age groups: youngest (< 24 weeks; n = 1,102), mid-range (24 to 48 weeks; n = 2,557), and oldest (> 48 weeks; n = 779). Additionally, simultaneous classification into age and gender categories was performed, providing an opportunity to consider the extent to which gender differences in temperament are informed by infant age. Results indicated that overall age group classification was more accurate than child gender models, suggesting that age-related changes are more salient than gender differences in early childhood with respect to temperament attributes. However, gender-based classification was superior in the oldest age group, suggesting temperament differences between boys and girls are accentuated with development. Fear emerged as the subscale contributing to accurate classifications most notably overall. This study leads infancy research and meta-analytic investigations more broadly in a new direction as a methodological demonstration, and also provides most optimal comparative data for the IBQ-R based on the largest and most representative dataset to date.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Rosalind J. Wright
- Department of Pediatrics, Kravis Children’s Hospital, New York, NY, United States of America
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Koraly Perez-Edgar
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Kristin A. Buss
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | - Vanessa LoBue
- Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States of America
| | | | | | - Susan Spieker
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | | | - Amy L. Salisbury
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Megan R. Gunnar
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Shanna B. Mliner
- University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Maria Muzik
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Cynthia A. Stifter
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, United States of America
| | | | - Samuel A. Mehr
- Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | | | | | - Ashley M. Groh
- University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States of America
| | | | - Rebecca Santelli
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, VA, United States of America
| | | | | | | | - Anjolii Diaz
- Ball State University, Muncie, IN, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Dayton
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States of America
| | | | - Evan M. Jordan
- Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Reilly D, Neumann DL, Andrews G. Gender Differences in Self-Estimated Intelligence: Exploring the Male Hubris, Female Humility Problem. Front Psychol 2022; 13:812483. [PMID: 35197904 PMCID: PMC8858829 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.812483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite evidence from cognitive psychology that men and women are equal in measured intelligence, gender differences in self-estimated intelligence (SEI) are widely reported with males providing systematically higher estimates than females. This has been termed the male hubris, female humility effect. The present study explored personality factors that might explain this. Participants (N = 228; 103 male, 125 female) provided self-estimates of their general IQ and for Gardner’s multiple intelligences, before completing the Cattell Culture Fair IQ test as an objective measure of intelligence. They also completed the Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) as a measure of sex-role identification, and measures of general and academic self-esteem. Both gender and sex-role differences were observed for SEI, with males and participants of both genders who scored high in masculinity offering higher self-estimates. By comparing estimated and observed IQ, we were able to rule out gender differences in overall accuracy but observed a pattern of systematic underestimation in females. An hierarchical multiple regression showed significant independent effects of gender, masculinity, and self-esteem. Mixed evidence was observed for gender differences in the estimation of multiple intelligences, though moderately sized sex-role differences were observed. The results offer a far more nuanced explanation for the male hubris, female humility effect that includes the contribution of sex role identification to individual and group differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Reilly
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
- *Correspondence: David Reilly,
| | - David L. Neumann
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Glenda Andrews
- School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kelava I, Chiaradia I, Pellegrini L, Kalinka AT, Lancaster MA. Androgens increase excitatory neurogenic potential in human brain organoids. Nature 2022; 602:112-116. [PMID: 35046577 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04330-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The biological basis of male-female brain differences has been difficult to elucidate in humans. The most notable morphological difference is size, with male individuals having on average a larger brain than female individuals1,2, but a mechanistic understanding of how this difference arises remains unknown. Here we use brain organoids3 to show that although sex chromosomal complement has no observable effect on neurogenesis, sex steroids-namely androgens-lead to increased proliferation of cortical progenitors and an increased neurogenic pool. Transcriptomic analysis and functional studies demonstrate downstream effects on histone deacetylase activity and the mTOR pathway. Finally, we show that androgens specifically increase the neurogenic output of excitatory neuronal progenitors, whereas inhibitory neuronal progenitors are not increased. These findings reveal a role for androgens in regulating the number of excitatory neurons and represent a step towards understanding the origin of sex-related brain differences in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iva Kelava
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK. .,Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, UK.
| | - Ilaria Chiaradia
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Laura Pellegrini
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alex T Kalinka
- Milner Therapeutics Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
L Jones C, Houk CP, Barroso Jr U, Lee PA. Fully Masculinized 46,XX Individuals with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: Perspective Regarding Sex of Rearing and Surgery. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FERTILITY & STERILITY 2022; 16:128-131. [PMID: 35639647 PMCID: PMC9108292 DOI: 10.22074/ijfs.2021.532602.1144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Current guidelines for gender assignment for all 46,XX congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) continue to be female. This decision is most challenging for individuals with a 46,XX karyotype born with (CAH) having severely masculinized genitalia (Prader 4 or 5). They may be at significant risk for quality of life (QoL) and psychological health. More outcome information currently exists for such individuals assigned male than female. Most available data for those raised females do not indicate the extent of masculinization at birth, so there are minimal outcome data to compare with those raised males. Gender dissatisfaction among those raised females may be related to the degree of prenatal androgen excess in the brain evidenced by external genital masculinization. Also, additional brain maturation after birth, especially during puberty, is impacted by postnatal androgen excess resulting from inadequate androgen suppression. The purpose of this perspective is to suggest that both female and male assignment be considered. Most who have been raised male at birth have positive adult outcomes. This consideration should occur after discussions with full disclosure to the parents. The lack of more outcome data highlights the need for further information. This perspective also suggests that surgery should be deferred whether assigned female or male at least until gender identity is apparent to preserve the potential for male sexual function and prevent irrevocable loss of sensitive erotic tissue. While the gender fluidity is recognized, it is important to consider potential subsequent need for gender reassignment and extent of masculinization, particularly at the time of gender determination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Collin L Jones
- University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States of America
| | - Christopher P. Houk
- Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | | | - Peter A. Lee
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Penn State College of Medicine, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States of America,Division of Pediatric EndocrinologyPenn State
College of MedicinePenn State Hershey Medical CenterHersheyPennsylvaniaUnited States of America
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Firestein MR, Romeo RD, Winstead H, Goldman DA, Grobman WA, Haas DM, Parry S, Reddy UM, Silver RM, Wapner RJ, Champagne FA. Hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and polycystic ovary syndrome are associated with child communication and social skills in a sex-specific and androgen-dependent manner. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1000732. [PMID: 36246897 PMCID: PMC9559211 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1000732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to testosterone is implicated in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and polycystic ovary syndrome are associated with both hyperandrogenism and increased risk for ASD. We examined whether increased maternal testosterone mediates the relationship between these hyperandrogenic disorders (HDs) during pregnancy and child communication and social skills. Maternal plasma was collected during the second trimester and parent-report measures of child communication and social skills were obtained at 4.5-6.5 years of age from 270 participants enrolled in the Nulliparous Pregnancy Outcomes Study: Monitoring Mothers-to-be (nuMoM2b). Our retrospective frequency-matched cohort study design identified 58 mothers with one or both of the HDs and 58 matched controls. Women diagnosed with an HD who carried a female had higher testosterone levels compared to those carrying a male (t(56) = -2.70, p = 0.01). Compared to females controls, females born to women with an HD had significantly higher scores on the Social Communication Questionnaire (t(114) = -2.82, p =0.01). Maternal testosterone partially mediated the relationship between a diagnosis of an HD and SCQ scores among females. These findings point to sex-specific associations of two HDs - hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and polycystic ovary syndrome - on child communication and social skills and a mediating effect of maternal testosterone during pregnancy. Further research is needed to understand placental-mediated effects of maternal testosterone on child brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Morgan R. Firestein
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Morgan R. Firestein,
| | - Russell D. Romeo
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience and Behavior, Barnard College of Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Hailey Winstead
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Danielle A. Goldman
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - William A. Grobman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - David M. Haas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Samuel Parry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Uma M. Reddy
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Robert M. Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Ronald J. Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Frances A. Champagne
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu C, Messerlian C, Chen YJ, Mustieles V, Huang LL, Sun Y, Deng YL, Cheng YH, Liu J, Liu AM, Lu WQ, Wang YX. Trimester-specific associations of maternal exposure to disinfection by-products, oxidative stress, and neonatal neurobehavioral development. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 157:106838. [PMID: 34450548 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.106838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxicological studies suggest that maternal exposure to disinfection by-products (DBPs) can impair fetal neurodevelopment. However, evidence from epidemiological studies is scarce and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To explore the trimester-specific associations between maternal blood trihalomethane (THM) and urinary haloacetic acid (HAA) concentrations and neonatal neurobehavioral development, and the potential mediating role of oxidative stress (OS). METHODS We included 438 pregnant Chinese women from the Xiaogan Disinfection By-Products (XGDBP) birth cohort. Biospecimens were repeatedly collected across trimesters and measured for blood THMs, urinary HAAs, and urinary OS biomarker concentrations. On the third day after birth, the Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment (NBNA) test was administered to newborns. Associations of trimester-specific DBP measurements and OS biomarkers with neonatal NBNA scores were assessed using linear regression models with generalized estimating equations. The potential mediating role of maternal OS biomarkers was also investigated using mediation analyses. RESULTS After adjusting for potential confounders, blood bromodichloromethane (BDCM) concentrations in the first trimester were inversely associated with NBNA scores [percent change comparing the extreme BDCM tertiles = -28.1% (95% CI: -55.2%, -0.88%); p for trend = 0.043]. Besides, third-trimester urinary trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) concentrations were inversely associated with NBNA scores [percent change comparing the extreme TCAA tertiles = -32.9% (95% CI: -64.7%, -1.0%); p for trend = 0.046]. These inverse associations differed across pregnancy trimesters (Type 3p-value = 0.066 and 0.053, respectively) and were stronger in male infants and mothers aged ≥25 years. There was no evidence of mediating effect by 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal-mercapturic acid (HNE-MA), or 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-isoPGF2α). CONCLUSIONS Higher prenatal BDCM and TCAA concentrations during specific pregnancy trimesters were associated with lower NBNA scores. However, additional research is required to investigate underlying mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Carmen Messerlian
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ying-Jun Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Vicente Mustieles
- University of Granada, Center for Biomedical Research (CIBM), Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Li-Li Huang
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yan-Ling Deng
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China
| | - Ying-Hui Cheng
- The Maternal and Child Health Care Service Centre of Xiaonan District, Xiaogan City, Hubei, PR China
| | - Jing Liu
- The Maternal and Child Health Care Service Centre of Xiaonan District, Xiaogan City, Hubei, PR China
| | - A-Mei Liu
- The Maternal and Child Health Care Service Centre of Xiaonan District, Xiaogan City, Hubei, PR China
| | - Wen-Qing Lu
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health (incubating), School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China; Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, PR China.
| | - Yi-Xin Wang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lock R, Al Asafen H, Fleischer S, Tamargo M, Zhao Y, Radisic M, Vunjak-Novakovic G. A framework for developing sex-specific engineered heart models. NATURE REVIEWS. MATERIALS 2021; 7:295-313. [PMID: 34691764 PMCID: PMC8527305 DOI: 10.1038/s41578-021-00381-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The convergence of tissue engineering and patient-specific stem cell biology has enabled the engineering of in vitro tissue models that allow the study of patient-tailored treatment modalities. However, sex-related disparities in health and disease, from systemic hormonal influences to cellular-level differences, are often overlooked in stem cell biology, tissue engineering and preclinical screening. The cardiovascular system, in particular, shows considerable sex-related differences, which need to be considered in cardiac tissue engineering. In this Review, we analyse sex-related properties of the heart muscle in the context of health and disease, and discuss a framework for including sex-based differences in human cardiac tissue engineering. We highlight how sex-based features can be implemented at the cellular and tissue levels, and how sex-specific cardiac models could advance the study of cardiovascular diseases. Finally, we define design criteria for sex-specific cardiac tissue engineering and provide an outlook to future research possibilities beyond the cardiovascular system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Hadel Al Asafen
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Sharon Fleischer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Manuel Tamargo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Yimu Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| | - Milica Radisic
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Gordana Vunjak-Novakovic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Hou L, Zhao M, Fan L, Cao B, Chen J, Cui Y, Polak M, Gong C. One hundred twelve cases of 46, XY DSD patients after initial gender assignment: a short-term survey of gender role and gender dysphoria. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2021; 16:416. [PMID: 34627348 PMCID: PMC8501610 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-021-02039-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background 46, XY disorders of sex development (46, XY DSD) are congenital disorders with 46, XY chromosomal karyotype but inconsistent gonadal/phenotypic sex. One of the biggest concerns for parents and clinicians is the gender assignment. However, there is no standard uniform of care nor consensus at present. We sought to evaluate the current treatment's rationality and provide a reference basis for the gender reassignment in 46, XY DSD patients with a specific diagnosis. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of gender role with the Pre-school Activities Inventory (PSAI), the Children's Sex Role Inventory (CSRI) in 46, XY DSD patients and set up control groups comparison. Psychiatrist assessed gender dysphoria in patients ≥ 8-year-old with the criteria of diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). Results A total of 112 responders of 136 patients participated in this study (82.4%, aged 2–17.8 years, median age: 4-year-old). The follow-up period was from 6 months to 10 years (median: 2 years). Twenty-five females were reassigned to the male gender after a specific diagnosis (16/25 (64%) in 5 alfa-reductase-2 deficiency (5α-RD2), 5/25 (20%) in partial androgen insensitivity syndrome (PAIS), 4/25 (16%) in NR5A1gene mutation). Male gender assignment increased from 55.3 (n = 62) to 77.7% (n = 87). The median PSAI score was similar to the control males in 5α-RD2, PAIS, and NR5A1 gene mutation groups (p > 0.05); while identical to the control females in complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) and CYP17A1 gene mutation groups (p > 0.05). PSAI score of children raised as male was higher than those of CAIS and CYP17A1 groups raised as female (p < 0.05). CSRI scale showed no statistical differences in the consistency of gender roles and reassigned gender between 46, XY DSD patients and control groups (p > 0.05). None of the patients over 8-year-old (n = 44) had gender dysphoria. Conclusion The reassigned gender in 46, XY DSD patients is consistent with their gender role during early childhood. None of them had gender dysphoria. The molecular diagnosis, gonadal function, and the gender reassignment are congruent within our Chinese cohort. Long-term follow-up and more evaluation are still required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Hou
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518038, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Lijun Fan
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Bingyan Cao
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Jiajia Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Yonghua Cui
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Michel Polak
- Pediatric Endocrinology Diabetology and Gynaecology, Hôpital Universitaire Necker Enfants-Malades, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - Chunxiu Gong
- Department of Endocrinology, Genetics and Metabolism, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Al-Zaid FS, Alhader AFA, Al-Ayadhi LY. A potential role for the adrenal gland in autism. Sci Rep 2021; 11:17743. [PMID: 34493761 PMCID: PMC8423764 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97266-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens have been implicated in autism pathophysiology as recently, prenatal exposure to elevated androgens has been proposed as risk factor. However, published data on postnatal sex hormone levels in autistic children are controversial and the source of prenatal androgen exposure in autism remains unknown. Therefore, this study investigated postnatal sex hormone levels and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to shed light on a potential role for the adrenal gland in autism pathophysiology. A case-control study investigating estradiol (E2), DHEA, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels was conducted with 31 Saudi males with autism and 28 healthy, age-matched boys plasma. Moreover, correlation analysis with measured hormones and previously measured total testosterone (TT) and free testosterone (FT) in the same group of autism was conducted. DHEA was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the autism group compared to controls. DHEA positively correlated with previously measured TT (r = + 0.79, p < 0.001) and FT (r = + 0.72, p < 0.001) levels in the same autism group. FSH levels were also significantly higher in the autism group than in the control group (p < 0.01). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report a strong positive correlation between TT, FT and DHEA, suggesting an adrenal source for elevated androgen levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felwah S Al-Zaid
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
| | - Abdel Fattah A Alhader
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Laila Y Al-Ayadhi
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, P O Box 2925, Riyadh, 11461, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sexual Dimorphism in the Functional Development of the Cochlear Amplifier in Humans. Ear Hear 2021; 42:860-869. [PMID: 33974790 PMCID: PMC8222053 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Otoacoustic emissions, a byproduct of active cochlear mechanisms, exhibit a higher magnitude in females than in males. The relatively higher levels of androgen exposure in the male fetus are thought to cause this difference. Postnatally, the onset of puberty is also associated with the androgen surge in males. In this study, we investigated sexual dimorphism in age-related changes in stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions for children. DESIGN In a retrospective design, stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions were analyzed from a cross-sectional sample of 170 normal-hearing children (4 to 12 years) and 67 young adults. Wideband acoustic immittance and efferent inhibition measures were analyzed to determine the extent to which middle ear transmission and efferent inhibition can account for potential sex differences in stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions. RESULTS Male children showed a significant reduction in otoacoustic emission magnitudes with age, whereas female children did not show any such changes. Females showed higher stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emission magnitudes compared with males. However, the effect size of sex differences in young adults was larger compared with children. Unlike the otoacoustic emission magnitude, the noise floor did not show sexual dimorphism; however, it decreased with age. Neither the wideband absorbance nor efferent inhibition could account for the sex differences in stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions. CONCLUSIONS The cochlear-amplifier function remains robust in female children but diminishes in male children between 4 and 12 years of age. We carefully eliminated lifestyle, middle ear, and efferent factors to conclude that the androgen surge associated with puberty likely caused the observed masculinization of stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions in male children. These findings have significant theoretical consequences. The cochlea is considered mature at birth; however, the present findings highlight that functional cochlear maturation, as revealed by otoacoustic emissions, can be postnatally influenced by endogenous hormonal factors, at least in male children. Overall, work reported here demonstrates sexual dimorphism in the functional cochlear maturational processes during childhood.
Collapse
|
29
|
Evans SF, Raymond S, Sethuram S, Barrett ES, Bush NR, Nguyen R, Sathyanarayana S, Swan SH. Associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and sex-typed play behavior in preschool age boys and girls. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 192:110264. [PMID: 32997969 PMCID: PMC9941894 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2020.110264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Phthalates, a class of chemicals found widely in consumer products including plastic toys, food contaminants and food packaging, personal care products, cosmetics, air fresheners, and some medications, have been shown to be anti-androgenic in numerous laboratory and epidemiological studies. In a prior cohort enrolled in 2000-2002, we observed associations between prenatal urinary concentrations of di-ethyl hexyl phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) metabolites and less male-typed play behavior in preschool age boys. The aim of this study was to examine phthalate exposure in pregnancy in relation to play behavior at age 4 years in a larger cohort of pregnant women enrolled in The Infant Development and the Environment Study (TIDES) between 2010 and 2012 at four study sites (Minneapolis, MN; Rochester, NY; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA). Maternal urinary metabolites of DEHP, DiBP, DnBP, BBzP, and DEP were measured during the first (n=498) and third trimester (n=468) and mothers completed the Preschool Activities Inventory (PSAI), a validated maternal questionnaire designed to assess child toy preference and sex-typed play behavior when children were 4-5 years of age. After adjusting for child age, maternal education, race, urine dilution, parental attitudes about opposite sex-typed play behavior, and presence of a same sex older sibling, we observed associations between first trimester (mean 10.7±2.1 weeks gestation) (log10) SpG-adjusted MnBP, MiBP, and MBzP and lower masculine scores in boys (β-coefficient [95% confidence intervals]: MnBP -2.18, [-4.16, -0.20]), MiBP -2.1[-4.3,0.1], and MBzP -2.42 [-4.12, -0.71]). In girls, first trimester maternal urinary MBzP was associated with lower masculine scores (-2.12 [-3.98,-0.25]), while third trimester (mean 32.8±3.0 weeks gestation) maternal urinary MiBP was associated with higher masculine scores (2.69 [0.68,4.70]). Third trimester maternal urinary phthalate levels were not associated with play behavior in boys. These findings in boys are largely consistent with previous studies that report that prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with less masculine play behavior. No associations in girls have been previously reported.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Felice Evans
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Samantha Raymond
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Swathi Sethuram
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Center for Health and Community, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, USA
| | - Ruby Nguyen
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, USA
| | | | - Shanna H Swan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Morová M, Senko T, Olexová L, Dzirbíková Z, Kršková L. A mixture of diethylhexyl, diisononyl and dibutyl phthalate decreased anogenital distance, postnatal testosterone levels, and changed social behavior in Wistar rats. Physiol Res 2020; 69:S489-S498. [PMID: 33476171 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Phthalates are chemicals interfering with the function of testosterone and are suspected to play a role in the emergence of neurodevelopmental diseases. This could be due to interference with brain development for which optimal testosterone levels are essential. We investigated the effect of prenatal and early postnatal exposure to a phthalate mixture on the anogenital distance (AGD), plasma testosterone levels and social behavior in rats. Pregnant rats were exposed to a mixture of diethylhexyl, diisononyl and dibutyl phthalate, each at a dose of 4.5 mg/kg/day, from gestational day 15 to postnatal day 4. A social interaction test was performed to assess sociability in the three ontogenetic stages (weaning, puberty, adulthood). AGD was measured in adulthood to assess changes in prenatal testosterone levels. Plasma testosterone levels were measured in adults by a radioimmunoassay. The total frequency and time of socio-cohesive interactions were decreased in phthalate exposed females in weaning, puberty and adulthood. Phthalate exposed males showed a decrease in the frequency of social interactions in weaning only. Shorter anogenital distance was observed in adult males exposed to phthalates. Decreased testosterone levels were observed in the exposed group in both sexes. Our results suggest that early developmental phthalate exposure may play an important role in the hormonal and behavioral changes associated with several neurodevelopmental diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Morová
- Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovak Republic.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Terloyeva D, Frey AJ, Park BY, Kauffman EM, Mathew L, Bostwick A, Varner EL, Lee BK, Croen LA, Fallin MD, Hertz-Picciotto I, Newschaffer CJ, Lyall K, Snyder NW. Meconium androgens are correlated with ASD-related phenotypic traits in early childhood in a familial enriched risk cohort. Mol Autism 2020; 11:93. [PMID: 33228808 PMCID: PMC7686740 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00395-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to increased androgens has been suggested as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This hypothesis has been examined by measurement of steroids in amniotic fluid, cord blood, saliva, and blood with mixed results. METHODS To provide an orthogonal measure of fetal exposure, this study used meconium, the first stool of a newborn, to measure prenatal androgen exposure from infants in the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI). EARLI is a familial-enriched risk cohort that enrolled pregnant mothers who already had a child with an ASD diagnosis. In the younger child, we investigated the association between meconium unconjugated (u) and total (t) concentrations of major androgens testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and androstenedione (A4), and ASD-related traits at 12 and 36 months of age. Traits were measured at 12 months with Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) and at 36 months with total score on the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS). One hundred and seventy children had meconium and AOSI, 140 had meconium and SRS, and 137 had meconium and both AOSI and SRS. RESULTS Separate robust linear regressions between each of the log-transformed androgens and log-transformed SRS scores revealed three-way interaction between sex of the child, sex of the proband, and testosterone concentration. In the adjusted analyses, t-T, u-A4, and u-DHEA (P ≤ 0.01) were positively associated with AOSI scores, while u-T (P = 0.004) and u-DHEA (P = 0.007) were positively associated with SRS total score among females with female probands (n = 10). Additionally, higher concentrations of u-T (P = 0.01) and t-T (P = 0.01) predicted higher SRS total score in males with male probands (n = 63). Limitations Since we explored three-way interactions, this resulted in a limited sample size for some analyses. This study was from an enriched-risk cohort which may limit generalizability, and this study used ASD-assessment scales as outcomes instead of diagnostic categories. Additionally, the novel use of meconium in this study limits the ability to compare the results in this cohort to others due to the paucity of research on meconium. CONCLUSIONS This study supports the utility of meconium for studies of endogenous fetal metabolism and suggests the sex of older siblings with autism should be considered as a biological variable in relevant studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dina Terloyeva
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Alexander J Frey
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Bo Y Park
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Public Health, California State University Fullerton, 800 N. State College Blvd., Fullerton, CA, 92831, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Kauffman
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Leny Mathew
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Anna Bostwick
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Erika L Varner
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Brian K Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Autism Research Program, Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
| | - Margaret D Fallin
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, HH 850, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, USA
| | - Craig J Newschaffer
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
- College of Health and Human Development, Penn State, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Kristen Lyall
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Nathaniel W Snyder
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, 3020 Market St, Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Metabolic Disease Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Twin study of neonatal transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions. Hear Res 2020; 398:108108. [PMID: 33212398 DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2020.108108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Our knowledge of which physiological mechanisms shape transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) is incomplete, although thousands of TEOAEs are recorded each day as part of universal newborn hearing-screening (UNHS). TEOAE heritability may explain some of the large TEOAE variability observed in neonates, and give insights into the TEOAE generators and modulators, and why TEOAEs are generally larger in females and right ears. The aim was to estimate TEOAE heritability and describe ear and sex effects in a consecutive subset of all twins that passed UNHS at the same occasion at two hospitals during a six-year period (more than 30 000 neonates screened in total). TEOAEs were studied and TEOAE level correlations compared in twin sets of same-sex (SS, 302 individual twins, 151 twin pairs) and opposite-sex (OS, 152 individual twins, 76 twin pairs). A mathematical model was used to estimate and compare monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) intra-twin pair TEOAE level correlations, based on the data from the SS and OS twin sets. For both SS and OS twin pairs TEOAE levels were significantly higher in right ears and females, compared to left ears and males, as previously demonstrated in young adult twins and large groups of neonates. Neonatal females in OS twin pairs did not demonstrate masculinized TEOAEs, as has been demonstrated for OAEs in young adult females in OS twin pairs. The within-twin pair TEOAE level correlations were higher for SS twin pairs than for OS twin pairs, whereas the within-pair correlation coefficients could not be distinguished from zero when twins were randomly paired. These results reflect heredity as a key factor in TEOAE level variability. Additionally, the estimated MZ within-twin pair TEOAE level correlations were higher than those for DZ twin pairs. The heritability estimates reached up to 100% TEOAE heritability, which is numerically larger than previous estimates of about 75% in young adult twins.
Collapse
|
33
|
Sex judgment using color fundus parameters in elementary school students. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2020; 258:2781-2789. [PMID: 33064194 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-020-04969-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSES Recently, artificial intelligence has been used to determine sex using fundus photographs alone. We had earlier reported that sex can be distinguished using known factors obtained from color fundus photography (CFP) in adult eyes. However, it is not clear when the sex difference in fundus parameters begins. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate sex determination based on fundus parameters using binominal logistic regression in elementary school students. METHODS This prospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 119 right eyes of elementary school students (aged 8 or 9 years, 59 boys and 60 girls). Through CFP, the tessellation fundus index was calculated as R/(R + G + B) using the mean value of red-green-blue intensity in the eight locations around the optic disc. Optic disc ovality ratio, papillomacular angle, retinal artery trajectory, and retinal vessel were quantified based on our earlier reports. Regularized binomial logistic regression was applied to these variables to select the decisive factors. Furthermore, its discriminative performance was evaluated using the leave-one-out cross-validation method. Sex difference in the parameters was assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS The optimal model yielded by the Ridge binomial logistic regression suggested that the ovality ratio of girls was significantly smaller, whereas their nasal green and blue intensities were significantly higher, than those of boys. Using this approach, the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve was 63.2%. CONCLUSIONS Although sex can be distinguished using CFP even in elementary school students, the discrimination accuracy was relatively low. Some sex difference in the ocular fundus may begin after the age of 10 years.
Collapse
|
34
|
Bangalore Krishna K, Kogan BA, Ernst MM, Romao RL, Mohsin F, Serrano-Gonzalez M, Quintos JB, Phornphutkul C, Aguiar L, Lee PA. Individualized care for patients with intersex (disorders/differences of sex development): Part 3. J Pediatr Urol 2020; 16:598-605. [PMID: 32605872 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The focus of this article is to review the complex determinants of gender assignment in a child with a disorder of sex development using four different clinical cases. While the care of patients with DSD may be shared across several specialties and opinions regarding their management may vary, this may be further complicated by psychosocial, cultural and economic factors. In this regard, access to behavioral health specialists with experience and specialization in the treatment of patients with DSD should be a foundational component of the standard of care and can greatly assist in the complex decision-making regarding gender assignment. We recommend an individualized approach by a multidisciplinary team utilizing a range of evolving strategies, including outcome data (or lack thereof) to support families during the decision-making process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michelle M Ernst
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Chanika Phornphutkul
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Liza Aguiar
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
| | - Peter A Lee
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, 17033, USA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Wilson HA, Creighton C, Scharfman H, Choleris E, MacLusky NJ. Endocrine Insights into the Pathophysiology of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Neuroscientist 2020; 27:650-667. [PMID: 32912048 DOI: 10.1177/1073858420952046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a class of neurodevelopmental disorders that affects males more frequently than females. Numerous genetic and environmental risk factors have been suggested to contribute to the development of ASD. However, no one factor can adequately explain either the frequency of the disorder or the male bias in its prevalence. Gonadal, thyroid, and glucocorticoid hormones all contribute to normal development of the brain, hence perturbations in either their patterns of secretion or their actions may constitute risk factors for ASD. Environmental factors may contribute to ASD etiology by influencing the development of neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems during early life. Emerging evidence suggests that the placenta may be particularly important as a mediator of the actions of environmental and endocrine risk factors on the developing brain, with the male being particularly sensitive to these effects. Understanding how various risk factors integrate to influence neural development may facilitate a clearer understanding of the etiology of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hayley A Wilson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carolyn Creighton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helen Scharfman
- Departments of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Physiology, and Psychiatry, New York University Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.,Center for Dementia Research, The Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Elena Choleris
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neil J MacLusky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Phan JM, Van Hulle CA, Shirtcliff EA, Schmidt NL, Goldsmith HH. Longitudinal effects of family psychopathology and stress on pubertal maturation and hormone coupling in adolescent twins. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 63:512-528. [PMID: 32862448 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents experience profound neuroendocrine changes, including hormone "coupling" between cortisol, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone. Emerging research has only begun to elucidate the role of hormone coupling, its genetic and environmental etiology, and the extent to which coupling is impacted by gender, puberty, and family context. We included measures on parent and child mental health, parenting stress, and family conflict of 444 twin pairs and their parents across two timepoints, when youth were on average 8 and 13 years old, respectively. Structural equation models examined the impact of family context effects on coupling during adolescence. Biometric twin models were then used to probe additive genetic, shared, and non-shared environmental effects on hormone coupling. Hormones were more tightly coupled for females than males, and coupling was sensitive to parental depression and co-twin psychopathology symptoms and stress exposure in females. The association between family context and coupling varied across specific neuroendocrine measures and was largely distinct from pubertal maturation. Biometric models revealed robust shared and non-shared environmental influences on coupling. We found that family antecedents modify the strength of coupling. Environmental influences account for much of the variation on coupling during puberty. Gender differences were found in genetic influences on coupling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny M Phan
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA.,Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth A Shirtcliff
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Nicole L Schmidt
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - H Hill Goldsmith
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.,Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Depression, neuroticism and 2D:4D ratio: evidence from a large, representative sample. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11136. [PMID: 32636433 PMCID: PMC7341800 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67882-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A body of literature reports higher rates of depression and neuroticism in female samples compared to male samples. Numerous studies have investigated the role of prenatal sex hormone exposure in this sex difference, using the ratio between the second and fourth digit of the hand (“2D:4D”) as a putative marker. However, the sample sizes of those studies were mostly small and results remained inconclusive. The aim of the present study is to test the suggested associations between depression, neuroticism and the 2D:4D ratio in a large, representative sample of over 3,000 German individuals. It was hypothesized that a higher 2D:4D (supposedly representing a more “feminine” prenatal hormone exposure) would positively predict (1) one’s history of depression as well as (2) neuroticism rates and (3) acute depressive symptom scores. Controlling for biological sex, we only found suggestive evidence for linear associations with neuroticism in the case of left hand 2D:4D ratios and the mean 2D:4D of both hands. However, additional analyses indicated that these results may have been spurious due to confounding. Our findings suggest that the 2D:4D ratio is not a relevant predictor of depression, while there was mixed evidence in the case of neuroticism.
Collapse
|
38
|
Gómez Jiménez FR, Semenyna SW, Vasey PL. The relationship between fraternal birth order and childhood sex‐atypical behavior among the Istmo Zapotec
muxes. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 62:792-803. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Scott W. Semenyna
- Department of Psychology University of Lethbridge Lethbridge Alberta Canada
| | - Paul L. Vasey
- Department of Psychology University of Lethbridge Lethbridge Alberta Canada
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lee PA, Fuqua JS, Houk CP, Kogan BA, Mazur T, Caldamone A. Individualized care for patients with intersex (disorders/differences of sex development): part I. J Pediatr Urol 2020; 16:230-237. [PMID: 32249189 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The care of individuals with disorders/differences of sex development aims to enable affected individuals and their families to have the best quality of life, particularly those born with severe genital ambiguity. Two of the biggest concerns for parents and health professionals are: (1) making a gender assignment and (2) the decisions of whether or not surgery is indicated, and if so, when is best for the patient and parents. These decisions, which can be overwhelming to families, are almost always made in the face of uncertainties. Such decisions must involve the parents, include multidisciplinary contributions, have an underlying principle of full disclosure, and respect familial, philosophical, and cultural values. Assignment as male or female is made with the realization that gender identity cannot be predicted with certainty. Because of the variability among those with the same diagnosis and complexity of phenotype-genotype correlation, the use of algorithms is inappropriate. The goal of this article is to emphasize the need for individualized care to make the best possible decisions for each patient's unique situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A Lee
- Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
| | - John S Fuqua
- Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | | | | | - Tom Mazur
- Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, John R. Oishei Children's Hospital, Buffalo, NY 14222, USA.
| | - Anthony Caldamone
- Hasbro Children's Hospital, Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Sadr M, Khorashad BS, Talaei A, Fazeli N, Hönekopp J. 2D:4D Suggests a Role of Prenatal Testosterone in Gender Dysphoria. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:421-432. [PMID: 31975034 PMCID: PMC7031197 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01630-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Gender dysphoria (GD) reflects distress caused by incongruence between one's experienced gender identity and one's natal (assigned) gender. Previous studies suggest that high levels of prenatal testosterone (T) in natal females and low levels in natal males might contribute to GD. Here, we investigated if the 2D:4D digit ratio, a biomarker of prenatal T effects, is related to GD. We first report results from a large Iranian sample, comparing 2D:4D in 104 transwomen and 89 transmen against controls of the same natal sex. We found significantly lower (less masculine) 2D:4D in transwomen compared to control men. We then conducted random-effects meta-analyses of relevant studies including our own (k = 6, N = 925 for transwomen and k = 6, N = 757 for transmen). In line with the hypothesized prenatal T effects, transwomen showed significantly feminized 2D:4D (d ≈ 0.24). Conversely, transmen showed masculinized 2D:4D (d ≈ - 0.28); however, large unaccounted heterogeneity across studies emerged, which makes this effect less meaningful. These findings support the idea that high levels of prenatal T in natal females and low levels in natal males play a part in the etiology of GD. As we discuss, this adds to the evidence demonstrating the convergent validity of 2D:4D as a marker of prenatal T effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa Sadr
- Transgender Studies Centre, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Behzad S Khorashad
- Transgender Studies Centre, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Ali Talaei
- Transgender Studies Centre, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Nasrin Fazeli
- Transgender Studies Centre, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Centre, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Johannes Hönekopp
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Collaer ML, Hines M. No Evidence for Enhancement of Spatial Ability with Elevated Prenatal Androgen Exposure in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Meta-Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:395-411. [PMID: 32052211 PMCID: PMC8784244 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01645-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Spatial abilities contribute to life and occupational competencies, and certain spatial skills differ, on average, between males and females, typically favoring males when differences occur. Factors contributing to spatial skills could include prenatal as well as experiential/cultural influences, with biological and social influences likely interacting and difficult to disentangle. This meta-analysis examined the potential influence of prenatal androgen exposure on spatial skill by examining studies of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). CAH involves elevated adrenal androgens prenatally, with overall androgen concentrations higher for females with CAH versus same-sex controls but with little overall difference between males with CAH versus controls. We hypothesized that, if androgens contribute prenatally to neurobehavioral development in humans as in many other species, females with CAH would show spatial enhancement versus control females, but with no definitive hypothesis for males. Meta-analysis of 12 studies examining overall spatial skill and three spatial subcategories failed to support enhanced spatial performance for females with CAH; males with CAH showed lower spatial ability compared to control males, at least for the category of overall spatial skill. Although statistical logic precludes accepting the null hypothesis for females, the meta-analysis failed to support the idea that prenatal exposure to androgens explains spatial gender/sex differences in humans. Alternative explanations for average gender/sex differences in some spatial tasks could include androgen exposure at other times, such as mini-puberty, or different social factors experienced by males and females. We also discuss possible explanations for the different outcomes seen in females versus males with CAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia L Collaer
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Melissa Hines
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Gómez Jiménez FR, Court L, Vasey PL. A Retrospective Study of Childhood Sex-Typed Behavior in Istmo Zapotec Men, Women, and Muxes. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:467-477. [PMID: 31529223 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-019-01544-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has consistently demonstrated that both transgender and cisgender androphilic males (i.e., males attracted to adult males) display and recall higher levels of childhood female-typical behavior (CFTB) and lower levels of childhood male-typical behavior (CMTB) compared to gynephilic males (i.e., males attracted to adult females). In adulthood, the recalled CFTB and CMTB scores of cisgender androphilic males tend to be intermediate to those of opposite-sex-attracted men and women, whereas transgender androphilic males tend to score similar to women. These studies have been mostly conducted in Euro-American cultures. We examined recalled childhood sex-typed behavior (CSTB) among the Istmo Zapotec-a pre-Colombian culture in the Istmo region of Oaxaca, Mexico, where cisgender and transgender androphilic males are recognized as a third gender, known locally as muxes. The present study sought to determine whether Istmo Zapotec men (n = 180), cisgender muxe nguiiu (n = 63), transgender muxe gunaa (n = 120), and women (n = 138) differ with respect to recalled CFTB and CMTB. Our results indicate that men recalled significantly less CFTB and more CMTB than women. Cisgender muxes scored in between men and women. Transgender muxes scored similar to women. These findings provide further evidence that childhood sex-atypical behavior is a cross-culturally universal and normative developmental aspect of male androphilia, regardless of whether it manifests in the cisgender or transgender form. This is the first study to present quantitative data comparing the recalled CSTB of cisgender and transgender androphilic males from within the same non-Euro-American culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francisco R Gómez Jiménez
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - Lucas Court
- GIGA Neurosciences, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Paul L Vasey
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Segev-Becker A, Jacobson R, Stein R, Eyal O, Oren A, Schachter-Davidov A, Israeli G, Lebenthal Y, Weintrob N. WOMEN WITH NONCLASSIC CONGENITAL ADRENAL HYPERPLASIA HAVE GENDER, SEXUALITY, AND QUALITY-OF-LIFE FEATURES SIMILAR TO THOSE OF NONAFFECTED WOMEN. Endocr Pract 2020; 26:535-542. [PMID: 31968200 DOI: 10.4158/ep-2019-0509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Females with the severe classic forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia reportedly have a higher frequency of atypical gender identity, nonheterosexual sexual relationships, and cross-gender role behavior. Comparable data and quality-of-life measures among those with the milder, more prevalent form, nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, are scarce. We aimed to assess health-related quality of life, gender identity, role, and sexual orientation in women with nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia via a prospective, questionnaire-based, case-control study. Methods: Thirty-eight women with nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia (median age 34 years; range, 18 to 44 years) and 62 age-matched female controls were recruited. Outcome measures included the Multi-Gender Identity, Sexuality, and World Health Organization (WHO) quality-of-life questionnaires. Results: Sociodemographic parameters (marital status, number of children, and educational level) were similar for both groups, as were most measures of the Multi-Gender Identity, Sexuality, and WHO quality-of-life questionnaires. However, "sometimes-feeling-as-a-man and sometimes-feeling-as-a-woman" were more frequently reported in the study group compared to the controls (7/38 [18.4%] vs. 3/62 [4.8%], respectively; P = .02). Furthermore, more nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia women reported first falling in love with a woman (4/37 [10.8%] vs. 0/58 [0%]; P = .02). Conclusion: Our findings suggest possible subtle differences in gender identity and sexual orientation between adult nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia females and controls. Quality of life was not impaired in individuals within the study group. The impact of exposure to mildly elevated androgen levels during childhood and adolescence on the female brain warrants more in-depth assessment in further studies. Abbreviations: CAH = congenital adrenal hyperplasia; Multi-GIQ = Multi-Gender Identity Questionnaire; NCCAH = nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia; QoL = quality of life.
Collapse
|
44
|
Gartstein MA, Hancock GR, Potapova NV, Calkins SD, Bell MA. Modeling development of frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry: Sex differences and links with temperament. Dev Sci 2020; 23:e12891. [PMID: 31359565 PMCID: PMC6893078 DOI: 10.1111/desc.12891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Asymmetric patterns of frontal brain electrical activity reflect approach and avoidance tendencies, with stability of relative right activation associated with withdrawal emotions/motivation and left hemisphere activation linked with approach and positive affect. However, considerable shifts in approach/avoidance-related lateralization have been reported for children not targeted because of extreme temperament. In this study, dynamic effects of frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) power within and across hemispheres were examined throughout early childhood. Specifically, EEG indicators at 5, 10, 24, 36, 48, and 72 months-of-age (n = 410) were analyzed via a hybrid of difference score and panel design models, with baseline measures and subsequent time-to-time differences modeled as potentially influencing all subsequent amounts of time-to-time change (i.e., predictively saturated). Infant sex was considered as a moderator of dynamic developmental effects, with temperament attributes measured at 5 months examined as predictors of EEG hemisphere development. Overall, change in left and right frontal EEG power predicted declining subsequent change in the same hemisphere, with effects on the opposing neurobehavioral system enhancing later growth. Infant sex moderated the pattern of within and across-hemisphere effects, wherein for girls more prominent left hemisphere influences on the right hemisphere EEG changes were noted and right hemisphere effects were more salient for boys. Largely similar patterns of temperament prediction were observed for the left and the right EEG power changes, with limited sex differences in links between temperament and growth parameters. Results were interpreted in the context of comparable analyses using parietal power values, which provided evidence for unique frontal effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Gartstein
- Department of Psychology, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Gregory R Hancock
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, Measurement, Statistics and Evaluation (EDMS), College Park, MD, USA
| | | | - Susan D Calkins
- Department of Psychology, Human Development and Family Studies, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Elevated latent prenatal steroidogenic activity has been found in the amniotic fluid of autistic boys, based on measuring prenatal androgens and other steroid hormones. To date, it is unclear if other prenatal steroids also contribute to autism likelihood. Prenatal oestrogens need to be investigated, as they play a key role in synaptogenesis and corticogenesis during prenatal development, in both males and females. Here we test whether levels of prenatal oestriol, oestradiol, oestrone and oestrone sulphate in amniotic fluid are associated with autism, in the same Danish Historic Birth Cohort, in which prenatal androgens were measured, using univariate logistic regression (n = 98 cases, n = 177 controls). We also make a like-to-like comparison between the prenatal oestrogens and androgens. Oestradiol, oestrone, oestriol and progesterone each related to autism in univariate analyses after correction with false discovery rate. A comparison of standardised odds ratios showed that oestradiol, oestrone and progesterone had the largest effects on autism likelihood. These results for the first time show that prenatal oestrogens contribute to autism likelihood, extending the finding of elevated prenatal steroidogenic activity in autism. This likely affects sexual differentiation, brain development and function.
Collapse
|
46
|
Bagepally BS, Majumder J, Kotadiya SM. Association between second to fourth digit ratio and personality among Indian men. Am J Hum Biol 2019; 32:e23331. [PMID: 31584225 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between the personality domains with the second to fourth digit ratio (2d:4d); a prenatal testosterone exposure marker. METHODS The 2d:4d for both hands was measured for the Indian male subjects' (n = 994). Ten-item personality inventory and displaced aggression questionnaire data were collected in a self-reported proforma in this cross sectional study with a convenient sampling approach. RESULTS The personality traits, namely openness to new experiences, carelessness, and self-discipline were significantly differed between lower-half and higher-half of 2d:4d by median split. The right hand 2d:4d was positively correlated with open to new experiences and negatively correlated with disorganization, carelessness, and revenge planning. The left hand 2d:4d was positively correlated with aggression. On binary logistic regression, openness was positively associated while carelessness was negatively associated with the right hand 2d:4d and self-discipline trait was negatively associated with the left hand 2d:4d. CONCLUSION This study affirmed the link between 2d:4d and domains of Big Five personality factors among Indian men and inverse relationship between 2d:4d and more "female" hands in the domains of disorganization, carelessness, and revenge planning even in men, emphasizing the effect of prenatal testosterone exposure on human personality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhavani S Bagepally
- Division of Non-Communicable Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Epidemiology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Joydeep Majumder
- Division of Physiology and Ergonomics, ICMR-National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| | - Sanjay M Kotadiya
- Division of Physiology and Ergonomics, ICMR-National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Huang X, Cang X, Liu J. Molecular mechanism of Bisphenol A on androgen receptor antagonism. Toxicol In Vitro 2019; 61:104621. [PMID: 31415812 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2019.104621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the highest production volume chemicals, is a typical endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) that exhibits antiandrogenic activity. However, how BPA antagonizes androgen effects remains ambiguous. In this study, the in silico and in vitro assays were carried out to explore the molecular mechanism(s) of BPA on androgen receptor (AR) antagonism. In reporter gene assay, BPA caused a significant antagonistic effect on 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced AR transcriptional activity at concentrations of 10-9 M-10-5 M. The results of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations indicated the availability of BPA binding to the ligand binding domain of AR. BPA treatment prevented the inhibition of receptor degradation caused by DHT binding to AR. BPA exposure also abolished DHT-dependent dissociation of AR from its co-chaperone, 90-kDa heat shock protein (Hsp90), and resulted in the blockage of DHT-induced AR nuclear translocation. This is the first report to show that BPA inhibited the DHT-induced stabilization of AR and the DHT-induced dissociation of AR-Hsp90 complex. This study provided new evidence for further understanding the precise mechanisms of antagonism of BPA on AR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xiaohui Cang
- Division of Medical Genetics and Genomics, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China; Institute of Genetics, Department of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Jing Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health, College of Environmental and Resource Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Luoto S, Krams I, Rantala MJ. A Life History Approach to the Female Sexual Orientation Spectrum: Evolution, Development, Causal Mechanisms, and Health. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2019; 48:1273-1308. [PMID: 30229521 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1261-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Women's capacity for sexual fluidity is at least as interesting a phenomenon from the point of view of evolutionary biology and behavioral endocrinology as exclusively homosexual orientation. Evolutionary hypotheses for female nonheterosexuality have failed to fully account for the existence of these different categories of nonheterosexual women, while also overlooking broader data on the causal mechanisms, physiology, ontogeny, and phylogeny of female nonheterosexuality. We review the evolutionary-developmental origins of various phenotypes in the female sexual orientation spectrum using the synergistic approach of Tinbergen's four questions. We also present femme-specific and butch-specific hypotheses at proximate and ultimate levels of analysis. This review article indicates that various nonheterosexual female phenotypes emerge from and contribute to hormonally mediated fast life history strategies. Life history theory provides a biobehavioral explanatory framework for nonheterosexual women's masculinized body morphology, psychological dispositions, and their elevated likelihood of experiencing violence, substance use, obesity, teenage pregnancy, and lower general health. This pattern of life outcomes can create a feedback loop of environmental unpredictability and harshness which destabilizes intrauterine hormonal conditions in mothers, leading to a greater likelihood of fast life history strategies, global health problems, and nonheterosexual preferences in female offspring. We further explore the potential of female nonheterosexuality to function as an alloparental buffer that enables masculinizing alleles to execute their characteristic fast life history strategies as they appear in the female and the male phenotype. Synthesizing life history theory with the female sexual orientation spectrum enriches existing scientific knowledge on the evolutionary-developmental mechanisms of human sex differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Severi Luoto
- English, Drama and Writing Studies, University of Auckland, Arts 1, Building 206, Room 616, 14A Symonds St., Auckland, 1010, New Zealand.
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Indrikis Krams
- Department of Zoology and Animal Ecology, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
- Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Markus J Rantala
- Department of Biology & Turku Brain and Mind Center, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Is digit ratio (2D:4D) associated with the choice for the uniformed versus a civil study course by the Polish youth? ANTHROPOLOGICAL REVIEW 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/anre-2019-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The 2nd to 4th digit ratio (2D:4D) is a sexually dimorphic trait determined by the relative balance of prenatal testosterone (T) and oestrogen during the intrauterine development of foetus. Males on average have relatively lower 2D:4D than women in population. Lower 2D:4D is very often linked with greater physical ability, strength, superior sporting performance and many personality traits and behaviours which are seen more among the males. Recently, lower 2D:4D were associated with military and police services among the Polish women. The objectives of this study were to examine whether 2D:4D differed between the students of a study course for future military service and a civil study course and whether sex difference in this ratio is present in both these groups. The cross sectional study included 50 boys and 42 girls enrolled in the uniformed course and other 56 boys and 50 girls of a general course in an upper-secondary School. The lengths of the second (2D) and fourth fingers (4D) of each hand were measured to have the 2D:4D ratio. Height and weight were also recorded. Overall, as well as among the civil course students, males showed significantly lower mean 2D:4D compared to the females. But there was no significant sex difference in digit ratio among the uniformed course students. Besides, the females under uniformed course showed lower 2D:4D than the females in civil course, whereas, the male uniformed students had similar or almost same 2D:4D values with the male civil course students. Increased prenatal testosterone exposure might have a role in determining the choice towards a challenging future occupation and such effect is perhaps more pronounced in women than in males.
Collapse
|
50
|
Králík M, Hupková A, Zeman T, Hložek M, Hlaváček L, Slováčková M, Čuta M, Urbanová P. Family effects on the digit ratio (2D:4D): The role of the interbirth interval. Am J Hum Biol 2019; 31:e23260. [PMID: 31183942 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Family represents the closest social environment that immediately affects human ontogeny from an early prenatal period. This study aimed to assess sibship influences on the second-to-fourth digit length ratio (2D:4D ratio). METHODS The source sample represented 329 children aged 6.5 to 15.8 years (Czech Republic), including a subsample of 75 sibling pairs. A combination of (a) between-family design (cross-sectional sample) and (b) within-family design (pairs of siblings) was used to study the effect of family variables and interbirth interval (IBI) on the 2D:4D ratio. RESULTS Birth order, number of siblings (except for younger sisters), and sex ratio in siblings were significantly related to the 2D:4D ratio on the right, left, or both hands. At the same time, the relationships were opposite in males and females for birth order, number of older brothers and number of children in the family--increasing values in these variables increased digit ratio in males but decreased digit ratio in females. Mean difference in 2D:4D ratio (DIFF) within pairs (older minus younger sibling) differed from zero only in the "older sister--younger brother" group, where DIFF did not depend on IBI. On the contrary, in remaining pair types the DIFF tended to change with IBI, the strongest in the "older brother--younger sister" pairs. CONCLUSIONS Family variables, especially number of older brothers, should be considered as important confounding factors in 2D:4D ratio studies. However, the effect of these variables might be modified by IBI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Králík
- Laboratory of Morphology and Forensic Anthropology (LaMorFA), Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Adela Hupková
- Laboratory of Morphology and Forensic Anthropology (LaMorFA), Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Zeman
- Laboratory of Neurobiology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Hložek
- Department of Archaeology and Museology, Faculty of Arts, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lukáš Hlaváček
- Palacký University Olomouc, Conference Services, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Slováčková
- Laboratory of Morphology and Forensic Anthropology (LaMorFA), Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Čuta
- Laboratory of Morphology and Forensic Anthropology (LaMorFA), Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Urbanová
- Laboratory of Morphology and Forensic Anthropology (LaMorFA), Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|