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Liu X, Quan S, Fu Y, Wang W, Zhang W, Wang X, Zhang C, Xiang D, Zhang L, Wang C. Study on amniotic fluid metabolism in the second trimester of Trisomy 21. J Clin Lab Anal 2020; 34:e23089. [PMID: 31709651 PMCID: PMC7083445 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.23089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trisomy 21 is a common aneuploid condition in humans and accounts for approximately one quarter of all aneuploid live births. To date, early diagnosis of Trisomy 21 remains a challenging task. Metabolomics may prove an innovative tool to study the early pathophysiology of Trisomy 21 at a functional level. METHODS Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometer (UPLC-MS) was used for untargeted metabolomic analysis of amniotic fluid samples from women having normal and trisomy 21 fetuses. RESULTS Many significantly changed metabolites were identified between amniotic fluid samples from Trisomy 21 pregnancies and normal euploid pregnancies, such as generally lower levels of several steroid hormones and their derivatives, higher levels of glutathione catabolites coupled with lower levels of gamma-glutamyl amino acids, and increased levels of phospholipid catabolites, sugars, and dicarboxylic acids. The identification of a human milk oligosaccharide in amniotic fluid may worth further investigation, since confirmation of this observation may have significant implications for regulation of fetal development. CONCLUSIONS The metabolisms in amniotic fluid from Trisomy 21 and normal pregnancies are quite different, and some of the significantly changed metabolites may be considered as candidates of early diagnostic biomarkers for Trisomy 21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Liu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA & Medical laboratory centerFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Sheng Quan
- Hangzhou Calibra Diagnostics, LTD.HangzhouChina
| | - Yurong Fu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA & Medical laboratory centerFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA & Medical laboratory centerFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Wenling Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA & Medical laboratory centerFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA & Medical laboratory centerFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA & Medical laboratory centerFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Daijun Xiang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA & Medical laboratory centerFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA & Medical laboratory centerFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
| | - Chengbin Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA & Medical laboratory centerFirst Medical Center of Chinese PLA General HospitalBeijingChina
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Daae E, Feragen KB, Nermoen I, Falhammar H. Psychological adjustment, quality of life, and self-perceptions of reproductive health in males with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: a systematic review. Endocrine 2018; 62:3-13. [PMID: 30128958 PMCID: PMC6153586 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-018-1723-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) has been shown to potentially affect psychological adjustment. However, most research has focused on females, and knowledge about psychological challenges in males remains sparse. The aim of this systematic review was therefore to assess these in males with CAH. METHODS We systematically searched the OVID Medline, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases, for articles published up to April 20, 2018, investigating psychological adjustment in males with CAH. RESULTS Eleven studies were included in the review. Three main health domains were identified: psychological and psychiatric health, quality of life (QoL), and self-perceptions of reproductive health. Some studies covered more than one health domain. Seven studies explored psychological adjustment and/or the presence of psychiatric symptoms or disorders. Results indicated that males with CAH had more problems related to internalizing behaviors (negative behaviors directed toward the self) and more negative emotionality compared to reference groups. Six studies examined QoL, five of them reporting reduced QoL compared to reference groups. Three studies explored the impact of fertility and sexual health issues on psychological health with varying results from impaired to normal sexual well-being. CONCLUSIONS CAH seems to have an impact on males' psychological health. However, the number of identified studies was limited, included few participants, and revealed divergent findings, demonstrating the need for larger studies and highlighting a number of methodological challenges that should be addressed by future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Daae
- Centre for Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital HF, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Ingrid Nermoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Akershus University Hospital HF, Lørenskog, Norway
- Division of Medicine and Laboratory Sciences, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Anand-Ivell R, Cohen A, Nørgaard-Pedersen B, Jönsson BAG, Bonde JP, Hougaard DM, Lindh CH, Toft G, Lindhard MS, Ivell R. Amniotic Fluid INSL3 Measured During the Critical Time Window in Human Pregnancy Relates to Cryptorchidism, Hypospadias, and Phthalate Load: A Large Case-Control Study. Front Physiol 2018; 9:406. [PMID: 29740335 PMCID: PMC5928321 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The period of the first to second trimester transition in human pregnancy represents a sensitive window for fetal organogenesis, particularly in regard to the development of the male reproductive system. This is a time of relative analytical inaccessibility. We have used a large national biobank of amniotic fluid samples collected at routine amniocentesis to determine the impacts of exogenous endocrine disruptor load on specific fetal biomarkers at this critical time. While adrenal and testicular steroids are highly correlated, they are also mostly positively influenced by increasing phthalate load, represented by the metabolites 7cx-MMeHP and 5cx-MEPP, by perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) exposure, and by smoking, suggesting an adrenal stress response. In contrast, the testis specific biomarkers insulin-like peptide 3 (INSL3) and androstenedione are negatively impacted by the phthalate endocrine disruptors. Using a case-control design, we show that cryptorchidism and hypospadias are both significantly associated with increased amniotic concentration of INSL3 during gestational weeks 13-16, and some, though not all steroid biomarkers. Cases are also linked to a specifically increased variance in the Leydig cell biomarker INSL3 compared to controls, an effect exacerbated by maternal smoking. No influence of phthalate metabolites or PFOS was evident on the distribution of cases and controls. Considering that several animal and human studies have shown a negative impact of phthalate load on fetal and cord blood INSL3, respectively, the present results suggest that such endocrine disruptors may rather be altering the relative dynamics of testicular development and consequent hormone production, leading to a desynchronization of tissue organization during fetal development. Being born small for gestational age appears not to impact on the testicular biomarker INSL3 in second trimester amniotic fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arieh Cohen
- Section of Neonatal Screening and Hormones, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bent Nørgaard-Pedersen
- Section of Neonatal Screening and Hormones, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bo A. G. Jönsson
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jens-Peter Bonde
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David M. Hougaard
- Section of Neonatal Screening and Hormones, Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christian H. Lindh
- Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Morten S. Lindhard
- Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Richard Ivell
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
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4
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Johnston ZC, Bellingham M, Filis P, Soffientini U, Hough D, Bhattacharya S, Simard M, Hammond GL, King P, O'Shaughnessy PJ, Fowler PA. The human fetal adrenal produces cortisol but no detectable aldosterone throughout the second trimester. BMC Med 2018; 16:23. [PMID: 29429410 PMCID: PMC5808459 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-018-1009-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human fetal adrenal glands are highly active and, with the placenta, regulate circulating progesterone, estrogen and corticosteroids in the fetus. At birth the adrenals are essential for neonate salt retention through secretion of aldosterone, while adequate glucocorticoids are required to prevent adrenal insufficiency. The objective of this study was to carry out the first comprehensive analysis of adrenal steroid levels and steroidogenic enzyme expression in normal second trimester human fetuses. METHODS This was an observational study of steroids, messenger RNA transcripts and proteins in adrenals from up to 109 second trimester fetuses (11 weeks to 21 weeks) at the Universities of Aberdeen and Glasgow. The study design was balanced to show effects of maternal smoking. RESULTS Concentrations of 19 intra-adrenal steroids were quantified using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Pregnenolone was the most abundant steroid while levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and progesterone were also high. Cortisol was present in all adrenals, but aldosterone was undetected and Δ4 androgens were low/undetected. CYP17A1, CYP21A2 and CYP11A1 were all highly expressed and the proteins localized to the adrenal fetal zone. There was low-level expression of HSD3B and CYP11B2, with HSD3B located mainly in the definitive zone. Maternal smoking altered fetal plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (P = 0.052) and intra-adrenal progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 16α-hydroxyprogesterone, but not plasma or intra-adrenal cortisol, or intra-adrenal DHEAS. Fetal adrenal GATA6 and NR5A1 were increased by maternal smoking. CONCLUSIONS The human fetal adrenal gland produces cortisol but very low levels of Δ4 androgens and no detectable aldosterone throughout the second trimester. The presence of cortisol in fetal adrenals suggests that adrenal regulation of circulating fetal ACTH remains a factor in development of congenital adrenal hyperplasia during the second trimester, while a relative lack of aldosterone explains the salt-wasting disorders frequently seen in extreme pre-term neonates. Finally, maternal smoking may alter fetal adrenal sensitivity to ACTH, which could have knock-on effects on post-natal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe C Johnston
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Michelle Bellingham
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Panagiotis Filis
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Ugo Soffientini
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Denise Hough
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Siladitya Bhattacharya
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Marc Simard
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Geoffrey L Hammond
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Peter King
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Paul A Fowler
- Institute of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences & Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK.
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Kung KTF, Spencer D, Pasterski V, Neufeld S, Glover V, O’Connor TG, Hindmarsh PC, Hughes IA, Acerini CL, Hines M. No relationship between prenatal androgen exposure and autistic traits: convergent evidence from studies of children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and of amniotic testosterone concentrations in typically developing children. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2016; 57:1455-1462. [PMID: 27460188 PMCID: PMC6100761 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a marked male preponderance in autism spectrum conditions. The extreme male brain theory and the fetal androgen theory of autism suggest that elevated prenatal testosterone exposure is a key contributor to autistic traits. The current paper reports findings from two separate studies that test this hypothesis. METHODS A parent-report questionnaire, the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST), was employed to measure autistic traits in both studies. The first study examined autistic traits in young children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a condition causing unusually high concentrations of testosterone prenatally in girls. Eighty one children with CAH (43 girls) and 72 unaffected relatives (41 girls), aged 4-11 years, were assessed. The second study examined autistic traits in relation to amniotic testosterone in 92 typically developing children (48 girls), aged 3-5 years. RESULTS Findings from neither study supported the association between prenatal androgen (testosterone) exposure and autistic traits. Specifically, young girls with and without CAH did not differ significantly in CAST scores and amniotic testosterone concentrations were not significantly associated with CAST scores in boys, girls, or the whole sample. CONCLUSIONS These studies do not support a relationship between prenatal testosterone exposure and autistic traits. These findings augment prior research suggesting no consistent relationship between early androgen exposure and autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vickie Pasterski
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge,Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Vivette Glover
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London
| | - Thomas G. O’Connor
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, NY, USA
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6
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Hines M, Pasterski V, Spencer D, Neufeld S, Patalay P, Hindmarsh PC, Hughes IA, Acerini CL. Prenatal androgen exposure alters girls' responses to information indicating gender-appropriate behaviour. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 371:20150125. [PMID: 26833843 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual variability in human gender-related behaviour is influenced by many factors, including androgen exposure prenatally, as well as self-socialization and socialization by others postnatally. Many studies have looked at these types of influences in isolation, but little is known about how they work together. Here, we report that girls exposed to high concentrations of androgens prenatally, because they have the genetic condition congenital adrenal hyperplasia, show changes in processes related to self-socialization of gender-related behaviour. Specifically, they are less responsive than other girls to information that particular objects are for girls and they show reduced imitation of female models choosing particular objects. These findings suggest that prenatal androgen exposure may influence subsequent gender-related behaviours, including object (toy) choices, in part by changing processes involved in the self-socialization of gendered behaviour, rather than only by inducing permanent changes in the brain during early development. In addition, the findings suggest that some of the behavioural effects of prenatal androgen exposure might be subject to alteration by postnatal socialization processes. The findings also suggest a previously unknown influence of early androgen exposure on later processes involved in self-socialization of gender-related behaviour, and thus expand understanding of the developmental systems regulating human gender development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Hines
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Vickie Pasterski
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK Department of Paediatrics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Debra Spencer
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sharon Neufeld
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Ieuan A Hughes
- Department of Paediatrics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Carlo L Acerini
- Department of Paediatrics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Gore AC, Martien KM, Gagnidze K, Pfaff D. Implications of prenatal steroid perturbations for neurodevelopment, behavior, and autism. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:961-91. [PMID: 25211453 PMCID: PMC4234775 DOI: 10.1210/er.2013-1122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The prenatal brain develops under the influence of an ever-changing hormonal milieu that includes endogenous fetal gonadal and adrenal hormones, placental and maternal hormones, and exogenous substances with hormonal activity that can cross the placental barrier. This review discusses the influences of endogenous fetal and maternal hormones on normal brain development and potential consequences of pathophysiological hormonal perturbations to the developing brain, with particular reference to autism. We also consider the effects of hormonal pharmaceuticals used for assisted reproduction, the maintenance of pregnancy, the prevention of congenital adrenal hypertrophy, and hormonal contraceptives continued into an unanticipated pregnancy, among others. These treatments, although in some instances life-saving, may have unintended consequences on the developing fetuses. Additional concern is raised by fetal exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals encountered universally by pregnant women from food/water containers, contaminated food, household chemicals, and other sources. What are the potential outcomes of prenatal steroid perturbations on neurodevelopmental and behavioral disorders, including autism-spectrum disorders? Our purposes here are 1) to summarize some consequences of steroid exposures during pregnancy for the development of brain and behavior in the offspring; 2) to summarize what is known about the relationships between exposures and behavior, including autism spectrum disorders; 3) to discuss the molecular underpinnings of such effects, especially molecular epigenetic mechanisms of prenatal steroid manipulations, a field that may explain effects of direct exposures, and even transgenerational effects; and 4) for all of these, to add cautionary notes about their interpretation in the name of scientific rigor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology (A.C.G.), University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712; Massachusetts General Hospital for Children (K.M.M.), Lexington, Massachusetts, 02421; and Laboratory of Neurobiology and Behavior (K.G., D.P.), Rockefeller University, New York, New York 10021
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Abstract
The autistic spectrum disorders have a significant male bias in incidence, which is unexplained. The Sertoli cells of the immature testes secrete supra-adult levels of Müllerian-inhibiting substance/anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B (InhB), with both hormones being putative regulators of brain development. We report here, that 82 boys with an autism spectrum disorder have normal levels of InhB and AMH. However, the boys' level of InhB correlated with their autism diagnostic interview-revised (ADI-R) scores for the social interaction (R=0.29, P=0.009, N=82) and communication domains (R=0.29, P=0.022, N=63), and with the number of autistic traits the boys exhibited (R=0.34 and 0.27, respectively). The strengths of the abovementioned correlates were stronger in the boys with milder autism (R=0.42 and 0.50, respectively), with AMH exhibiting a significant negative correlation to the ADI-R score in these boys (R=-0.44 and R=-0.39, respectively). Neither hormone correlated to the incidence of stereotyped and repetitive behaviours. This suggests that the male bias in the autistic spectrum has multiple determinants, which modulate the effects of an otherwise non-dimorphic pathology. Furthermore, AMH and InhB have opposing effects on the SMAD1/5/8 pathway, and opposing correlates to autistic traits, implicating the SMAD pathways as a putative point of molecular convergence for the autistic spectrum.
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Morgan K, Dennis NA, Ruffman T, Bilkey DK, McLennan IS. The stature of boys is inversely correlated to the levels of their sertoli cell hormones: do the testes restrain the maturation of boys? PLoS One 2011; 6:e20533. [PMID: 21655101 PMCID: PMC3107220 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0020533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 05/03/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The testes of preadolescent boys appear to be dormant, as they produce only trace levels of testosterone [1]. However, they release supra-adult levels of Müllerian Inhibiting Substance (MIS, anti-Müllerian hormone) and lesser levels of inhibin B (InhB), for unknown reasons [2], [3]. Boys have a variable rate of maturation, which on average is slower than girls. The height of children relative to their parents is an index of their maturity [4], [5]. We report here that a boy's level of MIS and InhB is stable over time and negatively correlates with his height and his height relative to his parent's height. This suggests that boy's with high levels of MIS and InhB are short because they are immature, rather than because they are destined to be short men. The levels of MIS and InhB in the boys did not correlate with known hormonal modulators of growth, and were additive with age and the growth hormone/IGF1 axis as predictors of a boy's height. If MIS and InhB were causal regulators of maturity, then the inter-boy differences in the levels of these hormone produces variation in maturation equivalent to 18-months of development. MIS and InhB may thus account for most of the variation in the rate of male development. If boys lacked these hormones, then an average 5-year-old boy would be over 5 cm taller than age-matched girls, making boys almost as dimorphic as men, for height. This indicates that boys have a high growth potential that is initially suppressed by their testes. The concept of the childhood testes suppressing an adult male feature appears paradoxical. However, the growth of children requires intergenerational transfer of nutrients. Consequently, the MIS/InhB slowing of male growth may have been historically advantageous, as it would minimizes any sex bias in the maternal cost of early child rearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstie Morgan
- Department of Anatomy & Structural Biology, Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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10
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Hines M. Prenatal endocrine influences on sexual orientation and on sexually differentiated childhood behavior. Front Neuroendocrinol 2011; 32:170-82. [PMID: 21333673 PMCID: PMC3296090 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2011.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2010] [Revised: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Both sexual orientation and sex-typical childhood behaviors, such as toy, playmate and activity preferences, show substantial sex differences, as well as substantial variability within each sex. In other species, behaviors that show sex differences are typically influenced by exposure to gonadal steroids, particularly testosterone and its metabolites, during early development (prenatally or neonatally). This article reviews the evidence regarding prenatal influences of gonadal steroids on human sexual orientation, as well as sex-typed childhood behaviors that predict subsequent sexual orientation. The evidence supports a role for prenatal testosterone exposure in the development of sex-typed interests in childhood, as well as in sexual orientation in later life, at least for some individuals. It appears, however, that other factors, in addition to hormones, play an important role in determining sexual orientation. These factors have not been well-characterized, but possibilities include direct genetic effects, and effects of maternal factors during pregnancy. Although a role for hormones during early development has been established, it also appears that there may be multiple pathways to a given sexual orientation outcome and some of these pathways may not involve hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Hines
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, University of Cambridge, UK.
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11
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Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: classification of studies employing psychological endpoints. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY 2010; 2010:191520. [PMID: 20976294 PMCID: PMC2952788 DOI: 10.1155/2010/191520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2010] [Revised: 07/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Psychological outcomes in persons with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) have received substantial attention. The objectives of this paper were to (1) catalog psychological endpoints assessed in CAH outcome studies and (2) classify the conceptual/theoretical model shaping the research design and interpretation of CAH-related psychological effects. A total of 98 original research studies, published between 1955 and 2009, were categorized based on psychological endpoints examined as well as the research design and conceptual model guiding analysis and interpretation of data. The majority of studies (68%) investigated endpoints related to psychosexual differentiation. The preponderance of studies (76%) examined a direct relationship (i.e., inferring causality) between prenatal androgen exposure and psychological outcomes. Findings are discussed in relation to the observed imbalance between theoretical interest in the role of prenatal androgens in shaping psychosexual differentiation and a broader conceptual model that examines the role of other potential factors in mediating or moderating the influence of CAH pathophysiology on psychological outcomes in both affected females and males. The latter approach offers to identify factors amenable to clinical intervention that enhance both health and quality of life outcomes in CAH as well as other disorders of sex development.
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Abstract
There is now compelling evidence that the ratio of the length of the second digit divided by the length of the fourth digit (2D:4D) is affected by prenatal androgens in humans. This ratio is greater in females than males from fetal life through adulthood, correlates with polymorphism in the androgen receptor gene in men, is feminine in XY androgen insensitivity syndrome, and masculinized in congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Using 2D:4D as a correlate, researchers have found evidence that prenatal androgens affect many sexually differentiated human behaviors, including sexual orientation in women (but not in men), attention deficit disorder, autism, eating disorders, aggression, and risk-taking. In each case, lower 2D:4D, indicative of greater prenatal androgen stimulation, is associated with behavior more commonly displayed by males than females. The correlation between 2D:4D and prenatal androgen stimulation is too imperfect to accurately predict the phenotype of a particular individual, even in terms of sex. However, digit ratio is the best available retrospective marker of average differences in prenatal androgen stimulation between groups of people, and/or correlations of prenatal androgen stimulation with particular behaviors and characteristics within a group. Thus digit ratios offer a valid test of the organizational hypothesis that androgens act early in life to masculinize various human behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Marc Breedlove
- Neuroscience Program and Department of Psychology, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824-1101, USA.
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13
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Fowler PA, Bhattacharya S, Gromoll J, Monteiro A, O'Shaughnessy PJ. Maternal smoking and developmental changes in luteinizing hormone (LH) and the LH receptor in the fetal testis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2009; 94:4688-95. [PMID: 19837924 PMCID: PMC2848822 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2009-0994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The LH receptor (LHCGR) drives fetal testosterone secretion, which is vital for human masculinization. Maternal smoking is associated with defective masculinization, but the relationship between smoking, tropic hormones, testosterone, and functional LHCGR expression is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate developmental changes in fetal gonadotropins, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and expression of fetal testicular LHCGR isoforms and the effects of maternal cigarette smoking. DESIGN We conducted an observational study of the male fetus, comparing pregnancies in which the mothers did or did not smoke. SETTING The study was conducted at the Universities of Aberdeen and Glasgow. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS Testes and blood were collected from 54 morphologically normal human male fetuses of women undergoing elective termination of normal second-trimester pregnancies. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES We measured circulating testosterone, hCG, LH, prolactin, FSH, and testicular LHCGR isoform expression. RESULTS Fetal testosterone and hCG, but not LH, significantly declined between 11 and 19 wk gestation with no significant change in testicular responsiveness. The proportion of nonfunctional LHCGR transcript in fetal testes was 2.3-fold lower than in adults. Fetal hCG was reduced 38% (P = 0.021) and the ratio of inactive vs. active LHCGR isoforms lowered by smoking. CONCLUSIONS Falling second-trimester fetal testosterone is probably due to declining maternal hCG because Leydig cell LH/hCG responsiveness remains constant. Although maternal cigarette smoking reduces fetal hCG, the ratio of inactive LHCGR isoforms is reduced and gonadotropin drive maintains testosterone production near control levels. The lower relative abundance of inactive isoforms compared with the adult testis reflects the importance of LHCGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Fowler
- Division of Applied Medicine, Centre for Reproductive Endocrinology and Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, United Kingdom.
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Müllerian inhibiting substance contributes to sex-linked biases in the brain and behavior. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2009; 106:7203-8. [PMID: 19359476 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0902253106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Many behavioral traits and most brain disorders are common to males and females but are more evident in one sex than the other. The control of these subtle sex-linked biases is largely unstudied and has been presumed to mirror that of the highly dimorphic reproductive nuclei. Sexual dimorphism in the reproductive tract is a product of Müllerian inhibiting substance (MIS), as well as the sex steroids. Males with a genetic deficiency in MIS signaling are sexually males, leading to the presumption that MIS is not a neural regulator. We challenge this presumption by reporting that most immature neurons in mice express the MIS-specific receptor (MISRII) and that male Mis(-/-) and Misrii(-/-) mice exhibit subtle feminization of their spinal motor neurons and of their exploratory behavior. Consequently, MIS may be a broad regulator of the subtle sex-linked biases in the nervous system.
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15
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Collaer ML, Brook CGD, Conway GS, Hindmarsh PC, Hines M. Motor development in individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia: strength, targeting, and fine motor skill. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2009; 34:249-258. [PMID: 18938041 PMCID: PMC3287956 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2008.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2008] [Revised: 09/03/2008] [Accepted: 09/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated early androgen influence on the development of human motor and visuomotor characteristics. Participants, ages 12-45 years, were individuals with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a disorder causing increased adrenal androgen production before birth (40 females, 29 males) and their unaffected relatives (29 females, 30 males). We investigated grip strength and visuomotor targeting tasks on which males generally outperform females, and fine motor pegboard tasks on which females generally outperform males. Physical characteristics (height and weight) were measured to explore whether body parameters could explain differences in motor skills. Females with CAH were stronger and showed better targeting than unaffected females and showed reduced fine visuomotor skill on one pegboard measure, with no difference on the other. Males with CAH were weaker than unaffected males in grip strength but did not differ on the targeting or pegboard measures. Correction for body size could not explain the findings for females, but suggests that the reduced strength of males with CAH may relate to their smaller stature. Further, the targeting advantage in females with CAH persisted following adjustment for their greater strength. Results in females support the hypothesis that androgen may masculinize, or promote, certain motor characteristics at which males excel, and contribute to defeminization of certain fine motor characteristics at which females excel. Thus, these data suggest that organizational effects of androgens on behavior during prenatal life may extend to motor characteristics and may contribute to general sex differences in motor-related behaviors; however, alternative explanations based on activational influences of androgen or altered experiential factors cannot be excluded without further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia L Collaer
- Department of Psychology & Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA.
| | | | - Gerard S Conway
- Department for Endocrinology, University College London Hospital, UK
| | - Peter C Hindmarsh
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK
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Mathews GA, Fane BA, Conway GS, Brook CGD, Hines M. Personality and congenital adrenal hyperplasia: possible effects of prenatal androgen exposure. Horm Behav 2009; 55:285-91. [PMID: 19100266 PMCID: PMC3296092 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2008.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2008] [Revised: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 11/19/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Influences of early androgen exposure on personality were investigated. Participants were either exposed to abnormal levels of androgens prenatally due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH, 40 females, 29 males), or were unaffected relative controls (29 females, 30 males). Compared to female controls, females with CAH were less tender-minded (p<.001; 16 Personality Factor Inventory (16PF)), and reported greater physical aggression (p=.03; Reinisch Aggression Inventory) and less interest in infants (p<.001; Melson's Questionnaire), but did not differ in dominance (16PF). Males with CAH did not differ from male controls in interest in infants but were less dominant (p=.008), and more tender-minded (p=.033) and reported reduced physical aggression (p=.025). Thus, both males and females with CAH showed alteration in three of the four constructs assessed. Prenatal androgen exposure may shift some, but not all, personality characteristics in the male-typical direction in females. It may also be associated with a decrease in some aspects of male-typical personality development in males, although personality differences in males with CAH could relate to illness.
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17
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Pasterski V, Hindmarsh P, Geffner M, Brook C, Brain C, Hines M. Increased aggression and activity level in 3- to 11-year-old girls with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Horm Behav 2007; 52:368-74. [PMID: 17673215 PMCID: PMC2265795 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2007.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2007] [Revised: 05/28/2007] [Accepted: 05/30/2007] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Experimental research in a wide range of mammals has documented powerful influences of androgen during early development on brain systems and behaviors that show sex differences. Clinical research in humans suggests similar influences of early androgen concentrations on some behaviors, including childhood play behavior and adult sexual orientation. However, findings have been inconsistent for some other behaviors that show sex differences, including aggression and activity level in children. This inconsistency may reflect small sample sizes and assessment limitations. In the present study, we assessed aggression and activity level in 3- to 11-year-old children with CAH (38 girls, 29 boys) and in their unaffected siblings (25 girls, 21 boys) using a questionnaire that mothers completed to indicate current aggressive behavior and activity level in their children. Data supported the hypotheses that: (1) unaffected boys are more aggressive and active than unaffected girls; (2) girls with CAH are more aggressive and active than their unaffected sisters; and (3) boys with and without CAH are similar to one another in aggression and activity level. These data suggest that early androgens have a masculinizing effect on both aggressive behavior and activity level in girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vickie Pasterski
- University of Cambridge, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Free School Lane, Cambridge, CB2 3RQ, UK.
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18
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Reddy DS. Mass spectrometric assay and physiological-pharmacological activity of androgenic neurosteroids. Neurochem Int 2007; 52:541-53. [PMID: 17624627 PMCID: PMC2390862 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2007.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2007] [Revised: 05/15/2007] [Accepted: 05/22/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormones play a key role in the pathophysiology of several brain disorders. Testosterone modulates neuronal excitability, but the underlying mechanisms are obscure. There is emerging evidence that testosterone-derived "androgenic neurosteroids", 3alpha-androstanediol and 17beta-estradiol, mediate the testosterone effects on neural excitability and seizure susceptibility. Testosterone undergoes metabolism to neurosteroids via two distinct pathways. Aromatization of the A-ring converts testosterone into 17beta-estradiol. Reduction of testosterone by 5alpha-reductase generates 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone, which is then converted to 3alpha-androstanediol, a powerful GABA(A) receptor-modulating neurosteroid with anticonvulsant properties. Although the 3alpha-androstanediol is an emerging neurosteroid in the brain, there is no specific and sensitive assay for determination of 3alpha-androstanediol in biological samples. This article describes the development and validation of mass spectrometric assay of 3alpha-androstanediol, and the molecular mechanisms underlying the testosterone modulation of seizure susceptibility. A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay to measure 3alpha-androstanediol is validated with excellent linearity, specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility. Testosterone modulation of seizure susceptibility is demonstrated to occur through its conversion to neurosteroids with "anticonvulsant" and "proconvulsant" actions and hence the net effect of testosterone on neural excitability and seizure activity depends on the levels of distinct testosterone metabolites. The proconvulsant effect of testosterone is associated with increases in plasma 17beta-estradiol concentrations. The 5alpha-reduced metabolites of testosterone, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone and 3alpha-androstanediol, had powerful anticonvulsant activity. Overall, the testosterone-derived neurosteroids 3alpha-androstanediol and 17beta-estradiol could contribute to the net cellular actions of testosterone in the brain. Because 3alpha-androstanediol is a potent positive allosteric modulator of GABA(A) receptors, it could serve as an endogenous neuromodulator of neuronal excitability in men. The 3alpha-androstanediol assay is an important tool in this area because of the growing interest in the potential to use adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy to improve treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doodipala S Reddy
- North Carolina State University, Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
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Mathur R, Kabra M. Prenatal diagnosis and treatment of steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency (congenital adrenal hyperplasia). Indian J Pediatr 2000; 67:813-8. [PMID: 11216381 DOI: 10.1007/bf02726225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency congenital adrenal hyperplasia is the most common cause of genital ambiguity in females at birth. Inhibited formation of cortisol causes increase in the release of ACTH in turn leading to overproduction of adrenal androgens. This predisposes the affected female fetus to prenatal development of genital ambiguity. A large number of patients also have aldosterone insufficiency which manifests after birth in form of inability to conserve sodium and to excrete potassium which can lead to adrenal shock and neonatal death, if left untreated. Prenatal diagnosis is possible using several methods like steroid assay of amniotic fluid and, HLA typing. Recently with advancement more accurate direct molecular genetic techniques have been utilized on chorionic villus samples in first trimester of pregnancy. Prenatal treatment is also possible and pregnancies can be managed by administering dexamethasone to the mother as soon as pregnancy is diagnosed. This suppresses fetal androgen production in genetic females preventing virilization and leading to normal development. Prenatal diagnosis and treatment are highly desirable in families with a positive family history towards birth of a child without features of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mathur
- Genetics Unit, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
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20
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Brook CG. Antenatal treatment of a mother bearing a fetus with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2000; 82:F176-81. [PMID: 10794782 PMCID: PMC1721096 DOI: 10.1136/fn.82.3.f176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C G Brook
- London Centre for Paediatric Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children and The Middlesex Hospital, London, UK.
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