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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.
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Huang R, Kibschull M, Briollais L, Pausova Z, Murphy K, Kingdom J, Lye S, Luo ZC. Cord blood myostatin concentrations by gestational diabetes mellitus and fetal sex. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1018779. [PMID: 36875483 PMCID: PMC9975152 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1018779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myostatin is a member of the transforming growth factor β superfamily, and is mainly secreted from skeletal muscle. Animal studies have demonstrated that deficiency in myostatin promotes muscle growth and protects against insulin resistance. In humans, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects fetal insulin sensitivity. Females are more insulin resistant and weigh less than males at birth. We sought to assess whether cord blood myostatin concentrations vary by GDM and fetal sex, and the associations with fetal growth factors. METHODS In a study of 44 GDM and 66 euglycemic mother-newborn dyads, myostatin, insulin, proinsulin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, IGF-2 and testosterone were measured in cord blood samples. RESULTS Cord blood myostatin concentrations were similar in GDM vs. euglycemic pregnancies (mean ± SD: 5.5 ± 1.4 vs. 5.8 ± 1.4 ng/mL, P=0.28), and were higher in males vs. females (6.1 ± 1.6 vs. 5.3 ± 1.0 ng/mL, P=0.006). Adjusting for gestational age, myostatin was negatively correlated with IGF-2 (r=-0.23, P=0.02), but not correlated with IGF-1 (P=0.60) or birth weight (P=0.23). Myostatin was strongly correlated with testosterone in males (r=0.56, P<0.001), but not in females (r=-0.08, P=0.58) (test for difference in r, P<0.001). Testosterone concentrations were higher in males vs. females (9.5 ± 6.4 vs. 7.1 ± 4.0 nmol/L, P=0.017), and could explain 30.0% (P=0.039) of sex differences in myostatin concentrations. DISCUSSION The study is the first to demonstrate that GDM does not impact cord blood myostatin concentration, but fetal sex does. The higher myostatin concentrations in males appear to be partly mediated by higher testosterone concentrations. These findings shed novel insight on developmental sex differences in insulin sensitivity regulation relevant molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Huang
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark Kibschull
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laurent Briollais
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zdenka Pausova
- The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Physiology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kellie Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Kingdom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen Lye
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhong-Cheng Luo
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Mount Sinai Hospital, and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Zhong-Cheng Luo,
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Krasic J, Fucic A, Sincic N, Sindicic Dessardo N, Starcevic M, Guszak V, Ceppi M, Bruzzone M, Kralik S. Comparison of Estradiol, Testostosterone, and CYP19 Methylation Levels between Full-Term and Preterm Newborns. Horm Res Paediatr 2022; 94:168-175. [PMID: 34348285 DOI: 10.1159/000518112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol (E), testosterone (T), and their ratio are crucial axis in life. Especially during intrauterine growth, they orchestrate the complex development of organs and their interaction, which have lifelong impact on health and an organism's capacity to respond to environmental stressors. The aim of this study was to compare for the first time E, T, and their ratio levels with aromatase (CYP19) gene methylation levels between preterm newborns (PN) and full-term newborns (FN) with respect to their mother's environmental exposure and diet. In this study, 56 FN of 37-42 weeks of gestation age (GA) and 46 PN at GA 27-36 weeks were analysed for E and T levels and CYP19A1 gene pI.3/II promoter region methylation. Results showed there was no difference in E levels between PN and FN, but there were significantly lower levels of T in PN than in FN (2.81 nmol vs. 3.76 nmol, respectively) and consequently a significantly higher E/T ratio in PN than in FN (5278.04 vs. 2891.23, respectively). CYP19A1 methylation was significantly lower in PN than in FN (86.04% vs. 90.04%, respectively). CYP19A1 methylation was significantly reduced in newborns whose mothers reported daily milk consumption. Our study is the first to provide referent values for CYP19A1 methylation levels in FN and PN and shows that PN and FN significantly differ in CYP19A1 methylation levels, T levels, and E/T ratio. Future research should further investigate the mechanisms involved in GA-dependent CYP19A1 methylation levels and mechanisms of sex hormone disturbances which may contribute to preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jure Krasic
- Medical School, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Aleksandra Fucic
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), Zagreb, Croatia.,Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nino Sincic
- Medical School, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nada Sindicic Dessardo
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), Zagreb, Croatia.,University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mirta Starcevic
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), Zagreb, Croatia.,University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vedrana Guszak
- Scientific Center of Excellence for Reproductive and Regenerative Medicine (CERRM), Zagreb, Croatia.,University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marcello Ceppi
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Bruzzone
- Clinical Epidemiology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Sasa Kralik
- University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Dooley N, Ruigrok A, Holt R, Allison C, Tsompanidis A, Waldman J, Auyeung B, Lombardo MV, Baron-Cohen S. Is there an association between prenatal testosterone and autistic traits in adolescents? Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 136:105623. [PMID: 34896742 PMCID: PMC8783053 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal testosterone (pT) is a crucial component in physiological masculinization in humans. In line with the Prenatal Sex Steroid Theory of autism, some studies have found a positive correlation between pT and autistic traits in childhood. However, effects in adolescence have not been explored. Hormonal and environmental changes occurring during puberty may alter the strength or the nature of prenatal effects on autistic traits. The current study examines if pT relates to autistic traits in a non-clinical sample of adolescents and young adults (N = 97, 170 observations; age 13-21 years old). It also explores pT interactions with pubertal stage and timing. PT concentrations were measured from amniotic fluid extracted in the 2nd trimester of gestation via amniocentesis conducted for clinical purposes. Autistic traits were measured by self- and parent-reports on the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) which provides a total score and 5 sub-scores (social skills, communication, imagination, attention switching and attention to detail). Self-reported pubertal stage was regressed on age to provide a measure of relative timing. We found no statistical evidence for a direct association between pT and autistic traits in this adolescent sample (males, females or full sample). Exploratory analyses suggested that pT correlated positively with autistic traits in adolescents with earlier puberty-onset, but statistical robustness of this finding was limited. Further exploratory post-hoc tests suggested the pT-by-pubertal timing interaction was stronger in males relative to females, in self-reported compared to parent-reported AQ and specifically for social traits. These findings require replication in larger samples. Findings have implications for understanding the effects of pT on human behavior, specifically existence of effects in adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh Dooley
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland; Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK.
| | - Amber Ruigrok
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosemary Holt
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Carrie Allison
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Jack Waldman
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
| | - Bonnie Auyeung
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK,Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Psychology and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, UK
| | - Michael V. Lombardo
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK,Laboratory for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Center for Neuroscience and Cognitive Systems @UniTn,Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK
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Endocrine-sensitive physical endpoints in newborns: ranges and predictors. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:660-666. [PMID: 32396926 PMCID: PMC7657971 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-0950-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In neonates, endocrine-sensitive physical endpoints, including breast and reproductive tissues, may reflect effects of fetal environmental exposure. Studies using standardized measurement techniques that describe demographic and clinical variability in these endpoints are lacking. METHODS Three hundred and eighty-eight healthy term newborns <3 days old were evaluated, 69% African American and 25% White. Measures included breast bud diameter, anogenital distance (AGD), stretched penile length (SPL), and testicular volume (TV). RESULTS Breast buds were larger in females than males bilaterally (right: 13.0 ± 4.0 vs. 12.0 ± 4.0 mm, p = 0.008; left: 13.0 ± 4.0 vs. 11.0 ± 3.0 mm, p < 0.001). Breast bud size correlated positively with gestational age (regression coefficient = 0.46 ± 0.12 mm, p < 0.001) and weight Z-score (0.59 ± 0.24 mm, p = 0.02), and negatively with White race (-1.00 ± 0.30 mm, p = 0.001). AGD was longer in males (scrotum-to-anus) than females (fourchette-to-anus) (21.0 ± 4.0 vs. 13.0 ± 2.0 mm, p < 0.001) and did not differ by race. SPL was shorter in White infants (35.0 ± 5.0 vs. 36.0 ± 5.0 mm, p = 0.04). Median TV was 0.5 cm3, and larger in White males (odds ratio 1.71, 95% confidence interval: 1.02-2.88) CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a range of physical measurements of endocrine-sensitive tissues in healthy infants from the United States, and the associations with demographic and clinical characteristics. IMPACT This study reports physical measurements for endocrine-sensitive endpoints in healthy US newborns, including breast buds, AGD, SPL, and TV. Associations of measurements to demographic and clinical factors (including race, gestational age, and newborn length and weight) are presented. Contemporary ranges and identification of predictive factors will support further study on effects of pre- and postnatal exposures to endocrine-sensitive tissues in the infant.
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Gounden V, Warasally MZ, Magwai T, Naidoo R, Chuturgoon A. A pilot study: Relationship between Bisphenol A, Bisphenol A glucuronide and sex steroid hormone levels in cord blood in A South African population. Reprod Toxicol 2021; 100:83-89. [PMID: 33453334 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA) during early development particularly in- utero has been linked to a wide range of pathology. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of BPA and its naturally occurring metabolite BPA-glucuronide (BPA-g) with sex steroid hormone levels in South African mother-child pairs. Third-trimester serum maternal samples and matching cord blood samples were analyzed for BPA, BPA-g and nine sex steroid hormones using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Sixty maternal and child pairs were analyzed. Rank correlation demonstrated a significant positive relationship between cord blood estradiol and cord blood BPA (p = 0.002) and maternal BPA levels (p = 0.02) respectively. Cord blood testosterone from male infants showed a negative Spearman's correlation (r=-0.5, p = 0.02) with maternal BPA-g. There was no statistical difference in total testosterone levels in cord blood from male and female infants. The findings of the current study indicate a significant relationship between some key sex steroid hormones namely testosterone, dihydrotestosterone and estradiol and fetal exposure BPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Gounden
- Department of Chemical Pathology, University of KwaZulu-Natal and National Health Laboratory Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa.
| | - Mohamed Zain Warasally
- Department of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Thabo Magwai
- Department of Chemical Pathology, National Health Laboratory Services, Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban, South Africa
| | - Rajen Naidoo
- Department of Occupational Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Anil Chuturgoon
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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7
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van Leeuwen B, Smeets P, Bovet J, Nave G, Stieglitz J, Whitehouse A. Do sex hormones at birth predict later-life economic preferences? Evidence from a pregnancy birth cohort study. Proc Biol Sci 2020; 287:20201756. [PMID: 33352071 PMCID: PMC7779492 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2020.1756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Economic preferences may be shaped by exposure to sex hormones around birth. Prior studies of economic preferences and numerous other phenotypic characteristics use digit ratios (2D : 4D), a purported proxy for prenatal testosterone exposure, whose validity has recently been questioned. We use direct measures of neonatal sex hormones (testosterone and oestrogen), measured from umbilical cord blood (n = 200) to investigate their association with later-life economic preferences (risk preferences, competitiveness, time preferences and social preferences) in an Australian cohort (Raine Study Gen2). We find no significant associations between testosterone at birth and preferences, except for competitiveness, where the effect runs opposite to the expected direction. Point estimates are between 0.05-0.09 percentage points (pp) and 0.003-0.14 s.d. We similarly find no significant associations between 2D : 4D and preferences (n = 533, point estimates 0.003-0.02 pp and 0.001-0.06 s.d.). Our sample size allows detecting effects larger than 0.11 pp or 0.22 s.d. for testosterone at birth, and 0.07 pp or 0.14 s.d. for 2D : 4D (α = 0.05 and power = 0.90). Equivalence tests show that most effects are unlikely to be larger than these bounds. Our results suggest a reinterpretation of prior findings relating 2D : 4D to economic preferences, and highlight the importance of future large-sample studies that permit detection of small effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris van Leeuwen
- Department of Economics, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Smeets
- Department of Finance, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeanne Bovet
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gideon Nave
- Department of Marketing, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jonathan Stieglitz
- Institute for Advanced Study in Toulouse, University of Toulouse 1 Capitole, Toulouse, France
| | - Andrew Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
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Lucaccioni L, Trevisani V, Boncompagni A, Marrozzini L, Berardi A, Iughetti L. Minipuberty: Looking Back to Understand Moving Forward. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:612235. [PMID: 33537266 PMCID: PMC7848193 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.612235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis activation occurs three times in life: the first is during fetal life, and has a crucial role in sex determination, the second time is during the first postnatal months of life, and the third is with the onset of puberty. These windows of activation recall the three windows of the "Developmental Origin of Health and Disease" (DOHaD) paradigm and may play a substantial role in several aspects of human development, such as growth, behavior, and neurodevelopment. From the second trimester of pregnancy there is a peak in gonadotropin levels, followed by a decrease toward term and complete suppression at birth. This is due to the negative feedback of placental estrogens. Studies have shown that in this prenatal HPG axis activation, gonadotropin levels display a sex-related pattern which plays a crucial role in sex differentiation of internal and external genitalia. Soon after birth, there is a new increase in LH, FSH, and sex hormone concentrations, both in males and females, due to HPG re-activation. This postnatal activation is known as "minipuberty." The HPG axis activity in infancy demonstrates a pulsatile pattern with hormone levels similar to those of true puberty. We review the studies on the changes of these hormones in infancy and their influence on several aspects of future development, from linear growth to fertility and neurobehavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Lucaccioni
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Viola Trevisani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mothers, Children and Adults, Post Graduate School of Pediatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boncompagni
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucia Marrozzini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mothers, Children and Adults, Post Graduate School of Pediatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alberto Berardi
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Pediatric Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mothers, Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of the Mothers, Children and Adults, Post Graduate School of Pediatrics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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9
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Kelley AS, Smith YR, Padmanabhan V. A Narrative Review of Placental Contribution to Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:5299-5315. [PMID: 31393571 PMCID: PMC6767873 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2019-00383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy of reproductive-aged women. In pregnancy, women with PCOS experience increased risk of miscarriage, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and extremes of fetal birth weight, and their offspring are predisposed to reproductive and cardiometabolic dysfunction in adulthood. Pregnancy complications, adverse fetal outcomes, and developmental programming of long-term health risks are known to have placental origins. These findings highlight the plausibility of placental compromise in pregnancies of women with PCOS. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS A comprehensive PubMed search was performed using terms "polycystic ovary syndrome," "placenta," "developmental programming," "hyperandrogenism," "androgen excess," "insulin resistance," "hyperinsulinemia," "pregnancy," and "pregnancy complications" in both human and animal experimental models. CONCLUSIONS There is limited human placental research specific to pregnancy of women with PCOS. Gestational androgen excess and insulin resistance are two clinical hallmarks of PCOS that may contribute to placental dysfunction and underlie the higher rates of maternal-fetal complications observed in pregnancies of women with PCOS. Additional research is needed to prevent adverse maternal and developmental outcomes in women with PCOS and their offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela S Kelley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Yolanda R Smith
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Vasantha Padmanabhan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Vasantha Padmanabhan, PhD, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, 7510 MSRB 1, 1500 West Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109. E-mail:
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Braun JM, Li N, Arbuckle TE, Dodds L, Massarelli I, Fraser WD, Lanphear BP, Muckle G. Association between gestational urinary bisphenol a concentrations and adiposity in young children: The MIREC study. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 172:454-461. [PMID: 30831435 PMCID: PMC6511302 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume chemical and because of its use in many consumer products, exposure is ubiquitous. Gestational BPA exposure has been associated with excess adiposity in rodent studies, but not consistently in human studies. We investigated the relation between gestational BPA exposure and early childhood adiposity in a prospective cohort study of 719 mother-child pairs. METHODS We used data from the MIREC Study, a prospective Pan-Canadian pregnancy and birth cohort study. We measured BPA in urine samples collected at an average of 12.1 weeks (range: 6.3-15 weeks) gestation and measured children's weight, height, waist/hip circumference, and subscapular/triceps skinfold thickness at an average age of 3.5 years (range: 1.9-6.2). We estimated covariate-adjusted associations of log2-transformed BPA concentrations with child adiposity measures and examined whether these associations differed in boys and girls. RESULTS Median BPA concentrations were 0.8 ng/mL (IQR: 0.5-1.4). Among both boys and girls, each 2-fold increase in BPA concentrations was associated with higher waist-to-hip ratio (β: 0.003; 95% CI: 0.001, 0.005). The association of BPA with waist circumference and subscapular skinfold thickness was modified by sex (sex x BPA interaction p-values<0.2). In girls, each 2-fold increase in BPA concentrations was associated with a 0.2 cm (95% CI: 0.0, 0.5) and 0.15 mm (95% CI: 0.01, 0.30) increase in waist circumference and subscapular skinfolds, respectively. Associations were generally null or slightly inverse in boys. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, gestational urinary BPA concentrations were associated with subtle increases in girl's central adiposity during early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Tye E Arbuckle
- Population Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Linda Dodds
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - William D Fraser
- Centre for Research of CHUS, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada; Quebec CHU Laval University Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada; BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Gina Muckle
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec CHU-Laval University Research Center, Quebec City, Canada
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Kuiri-Hänninen T, Koskenniemi J, Dunkel L, Toppari J, Sankilampi U. Postnatal Testicular Activity in Healthy Boys and Boys With Cryptorchidism. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:489. [PMID: 31396156 PMCID: PMC6663997 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptorchidism, or undescended testis, is a well-known risk factor for testicular cancer and impaired semen quality in adulthood, conditions which have their origins in early fetal and postnatal life. In human pregnancy, the interplay of testicular and placental hormones as well as local regulatory factors and control by the hypothalamic-pituitary (HP) axis, lead to testicular descent by term. The normal masculine development may be disrupted by environmental factors or genetic defects and result in undescended testes. Minipuberty refers to the postnatal re-activation of the HP-testicular (T) axis after birth. During the first weeks of life, gonadotropin levels increase, followed by activation and proliferation of testicular Leydig, Sertoli and germ cells. Consequent rise in testosterone levels results in penile growth during the first months of life. Testicular size increases and testicular descent continues until three to five months of age. Insufficient HPT axis activation (e.g., hypogonadotropic hypogonadism) is often associated with undescended testis and therefore minipuberty is considered an important phase in the normal male reproductive development. Minipuberty provides a unique window of opportunity for the early evaluation of HPT axis function during early infancy. For cryptorchid boys, hormonal evaluation during minipuberty may give a hint of the underlying etiology and aid in the evaluation of the later risk of HPT axis dysfunction and impaired fertility. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge of the role of minipuberty in testicular development and descent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Kuiri-Hänninen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- *Correspondence: Tanja Kuiri-Hänninen
| | - Jaakko Koskenniemi
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Leo Dunkel
- Barts and the London, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Ulla Sankilampi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
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Escobar-Morreale HF. The Role of Androgen Excess in Metabolic Dysfunction in Women. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 1043:597-608. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-70178-3_26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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13
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Braun JM, Bellinger DC, Hauser R, Wright RO, Chen A, Calafat AM, Yolton K, Lanphear BP. Prenatal phthalate, triclosan, and bisphenol A exposures and child visual-spatial abilities. Neurotoxicology 2016; 58:75-83. [PMID: 27888119 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2016] [Revised: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During fetal development, sex steroids influence sexually dimorphic behaviors, such as visual-spatial abilities. Thus, endocrine disrupting chemicals that impact sex steroids during gestation may affect these behaviors. OBJECTIVE We investigated the relationship between prenatal urinary phthalate metabolite, triclosan, and BPA concentrations and visual-spatial abilities in a prospective cohort of 198 mother-child dyads. METHODS Data are from a prospective cohort in Cincinnati, OH (HOME Study). We measured nine phthalate metabolites, triclosan, and BPA in maternal urine samples collected at 16 and 26 weeks of gestation. We assessed children's visual-spatial abilities at 8 years of age using the Virtual Morris Water Maze (VMWM), a computerized version of the rodent Morris Water Maze. We quantified the covariate-adjusted change in the time or distance to complete the VMWM and time spent in the correct quadrant during a probe trial with an interquartile range increase in chemical concentrations using linear mixed models and linear regression, respectively. RESULTS Boys completed the VMWM faster (4.1s; 95% CI:-7.1, -1.2) and in less distance (1.4 units; 95% CI:-2.8, 0) than girls. Overall, children with higher mono-n-butyl (MnBP), mono-benzyl (MBzP), and mono-carboxypropyl phthalate concentrations completed the VMWM in less time and distance than children with lower concentrations. For example, children with higher MnBP concentrations completed the VMWM in 0.9 less distance units (95% CI:-1.8, -0.0). Child sex modified the association between MnBP and VMWM performance. In girls, higher MnBP concentrations were associated with longer time (1.7s; 95% CI: -0.7, 4.1) and shorter distance (-1.7 units; 95% CI: -2.8, -0.5), whereas in boys, it was associated with shorter time (-3.0s; 95% CI:-5.6, -0.4), but not distance (-0.1 units; 95% CI:1.4, 1.0). Other phthalate metabolites, triclosan, and BPA were not associated with VMWM performance, and sex did not consistently modify these associations. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, greater prenatal urinary concentrations of some phthalate metabolites were associated with improved VMWM performance, particularly among boys. Future studies should confirm these findings and determine if phthalates affect other hormonally sensitive aspects of child neurobehavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States.
| | - David C Bellinger
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Russ Hauser
- Departments of Environmental Health and Epidemiology, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Environmental Health, Harvard Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Robert O Wright
- Departments of Preventive Medicine and Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine and Mt. Sinai, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Antonia M Calafat
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Bruce P Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
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Kapoor A, Lubach GR, Ziegler TE, Coe CL. Hormone levels in neonatal hair reflect prior maternal stress exposure during pregnancy. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 66:111-7. [PMID: 26802598 PMCID: PMC4788554 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hormones present in hair provide summative information about endocrine activity while the hair was growing. Therefore, it can be collected from an infant after birth and still provide retrospective information about hormone exposure during prenatal development. We employed this approach to determine whether a delimited period of maternal stress during pregnancy affected the concentrations of glucocorticoids and gonadal hormones in the hair of neonatal rhesus monkeys. Hair from 22 infant monkeys exposed to 5 weeks of gestational disturbance was compared to specimens from 13 infants from undisturbed control pregnancies. Using an LC/MS/MS based technique, which permitted seven steroid hormones to be quantified simultaneously, we found 2 hormones were significantly different in infants from disturbed pregnancies. Cortisol and testosterone levels were lower in the hair of both male and female neonates. Maternal hair hormone levels collected on the same day after delivery no longer showed effects of the disturbance earlier during pregnancy. This study documents that a period of acute stress, lasting for 20% of gestation, has sustained effects on the hormones to which a developing fetus is exposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita Kapoor
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
| | - Gabriele R. Lubach
- Harlow Primate Laboratory, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 22 N. Charter Street, Madison, WI 53715 USA
| | - Toni E. Ziegler
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 1220 Capitol Court, Madison, WI 53715 USA
| | - Christopher L. Coe
- Harlow Primate Laboratory, University of Wisconsin, Madison, 22 N. Charter Street, Madison, WI 53715 USA
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Lorenz M, Koschate J, Kaufmann K, Kreye C, Mertens M, Kuebler WM, Baumann G, Gossing G, Marki A, Zakrzewicz A, Miéville C, Benn A, Horbelt D, Wratil PR, Stangl K, Stangl V. Does cellular sex matter? Dimorphic transcriptional differences between female and male endothelial cells. Atherosclerosis 2015; 240:61-72. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Sedlmeier EM, Brunner S, Much D, Pagel P, Ulbrich SE, Meyer HH, Amann-Gassner U, Hauner H, Bader BL. Human placental transcriptome shows sexually dimorphic gene expression and responsiveness to maternal dietary n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid intervention during pregnancy. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:941. [PMID: 25348288 PMCID: PMC4232618 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Previously we have examined the effect of maternal dietary n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) supplementation during pregnancy on offspring fat mass. Considering the involvement of the placenta in fetal programming, we aimed to analyze the sex-specific gene expression in human term placenta and its response to the n-3 LCPUFA intervention, as well as their correlations to offspring adiposity. Results Placental gene expression was assessed in a control and n-3 LCPUFA intervention group by DNA microarrays, biological pathway analyses and RT-qPCR validation. Expression data were correlated with sex steroid hormone levels in placenta and cord plasma, and offspring anthropometric data. Transcriptome data revealed sexually dimorphic gene expression in control placentas per se, whereas in intervention placentas sex-specific expression changed, and more n-3 LCPUFA-regulated genes were found in female than male placentas. Sexually dimorphic gene expression and n-3 LCPUFA-responsive genes were enriched in the pathway for cell cycle and its associated modulator pathways. Significant mRNA expression changes for CDK6, PCNA, and TGFB1 were confirmed by RT-qPCR. CDK6 and PCNA mRNA levels correlated with offspring birth weight and birth weight percentiles. Significantly reduced placental estradiol-17β/testosterone ratio upon intervention found in female offspring correlated with mRNA levels for the 'Wnt signaling' genes DVL1 and LRP6. Conclusions Overall, human placentas show sexually dimorphic gene expression and responsiveness to maternal n-3 LCPUFA intervention during pregnancy with more pronounced effects in female placentas. The absence of correlations of analyzed placental gene expression with offspring adipose tissue growth in the first year is not mutually exclusive with programming effects, which may manifest later in life, or in other physiological processes. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-941) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bernhard L Bader
- ZIEL-PhD Graduate School 'Epigenetics, Imprinting and Nutrition', Research Center for Nutrition and Food Sciences (ZIEL), Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany.
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Brunner S, Schmid D, Hüttinger K, Much D, Brüderl M, Sedlmeier EM, Kratzsch J, Amann-Gassnerl U, Bader BL, Hauner H. Effect of reducing the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio on the maternal and fetal leptin axis in relation to infant body composition. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2014; 22:217-24. [PMID: 23596009 DOI: 10.1002/oby.20481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of reducing the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio in maternal nutrition on the maternal and cord blood leptin axis and their association with infant body composition up to 2 years. DESIGN AND METHODS 208 healthy pregnant women were randomized to either a dietary intervention to reduce the n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio from 15th week of gestation until 4 months postpartum or a control group. Leptin, soluble leptin receptor and free leptin index were determined in maternal and cord plasma and related to infant body composition assessed by skinfold thicknesses up to 2 years. RESULTS The intervention had no effect on either the maternal or fetal leptin axis. Maternal leptin in late pregnancy was inversely related to infant weight and lean body mass (LBM) up to 2 years, after multiple adjustments. Cord leptin was positively related to weight, body fat, and LBM at birth, and inversely associated with weight, BMI, fat mass, and LBM at 2 years and weight gain up to 2 years. The contribution of cord leptin to infant outcomes was overall stronger compared with maternal leptin. CONCLUSIONS Both, maternal and fetal leptin were associated with subsequent infant anthropometry with a greater impact of fetal leptin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Brunner
- Else Kröner-Fresenius-Center for Nutritional Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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