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Pacyga DC, Papandonatos GD, Rosas L, Whalen J, Smith S, Park JS, Gardiner JC, Braun JM, Schantz SL, Strakovsky RS. Associations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances with maternal early second trimester sex-steroid hormones. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 259:114380. [PMID: 38657330 PMCID: PMC11127781 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2024.114380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Pregnant women are exposed to persistent environmental contaminants, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that disrupt thyroid function. However, it is unclear if PFAS alter maternal sex-steroid hormone levels, which support pregnancy health and fetal development. METHODS In Illinois women with relatively high socioeconomic status (n = 460), we quantified perfluorononanoic (PFNA), perfluorooctane sulfonic (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic (PFOA), methyl-perfluorooctane sulfonamide acetic acid, perfluorohexanesulphonic (PFHxS), perfluorodecanoic (PFDeA), and perfluoroundecanoic (PFUdA) acid concentrations in fasting serum samples at median 17 weeks gestation, along with plasma progesterone, testosterone, and estradiol. We evaluated covariate-adjusted associations of ln-transformed hormones with each ln-transformed PFAS individually using linear regression and with the PFAS mixture using quantile-based g-computation (QGComp). RESULTS Interquartile range (IQR) increases in PFOS were associated with higher progesterone (%Δ 3.0; 95%CI: -0.6, 6.6) and estradiol (%Δ: 8.1; 95%CI: 2.2, 14.4) levels. Additionally, PFHxS was positively associated with testosterone (%Δ: 10.2; 95%CI: 4.0, 16.7), whereas both PFDeA and PFUdA were inversely associated with testosterone (%Δ: -5.7; 95%CI: -10.3, -0.8, and %Δ: -4.1; 95%CI: -7.6, -0.4, respectively). The IQR-standardized PFAS mixture was not associated with progesterone (%Δ: 1.6; 95%CI: -5.8, 9.2), due equal partial positive (%Δ: 9.2; driven by PFOA) and negative (%Δ: -7.4; driven by PFOS) mixture associations. Similarly, the mixture was not associated with testosterone (%Δ: 5.3; 95%CI: -9.0, 20.1), due to similar partial positive (%Δ: 23.6; driven by PFHxS) and negative (%Δ: -17.4; driven by PFDeA) mixture associations. However, we observed a slightly stronger partial positive (%Δ: 25.6; driven by PFOS and PFUdA) than negative (%Δ: -16.3; driven by PFOA) association resulting in an overall non-significant positive trend between the mixture and estradiol (%Δ: 8.5; 95%CI: -3.7, 20.9). CONCLUSION PFAS mixture modeled using QGComp was not associated with maternal sex-steroid hormones due to potential opposing effects of certain PFAS. Additional prospective studies could corroborate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C Pacyga
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Libeth Rosas
- The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA
| | - Jason Whalen
- Michigan Diabetes Research Center Chemistry Laboratory, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sabrina Smith
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA
| | - June-Soo Park
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Environmental Protection Agency, Berkeley, CA 94710, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Joseph C Gardiner
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Joseph M Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
| | - Susan L Schantz
- The Beckman Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA; Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61802, USA
| | - Rita S Strakovsky
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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Qin XD, Zhou Y, Bloom MS, Qian Z(M, Geiger SD, Vaughn MG, Chu C, Li QQ, Yang BY, Hu LW, Yu Y, Zeng XW, Dong GH. Prenatal Exposure to PFAS, Associations with Preterm Birth and Modification by Maternal Estrogen Levels: The Maoming Birth Study. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:117006. [PMID: 37962440 PMCID: PMC10644897 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogens play a critical role in parturition, and poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have estrogenic effects, have been associated with preterm birth. However, the impact of estrogens on the association between PFAS and preterm birth is unknown. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study is to investigate if estrogens modified the association between PFAS and preterm birth, using a nested case-control study design. METHODS A total of 371 preterm births and 508 controls were selected from a birth cohort study in China between 2016 and 2018. Perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) and its branched isomer, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and its branched isomer, and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were quantified in maternal serum (mean gestational age of 32 wk). Estradiol and estriol were quantified in cord serum. Preterm birth was defined as live delivery at < 37 gestational weeks. Causal mediation analysis was used to estimate the mediation and interaction effects of estrogen on the association between PFAS and preterm birth. Latent profile analysis was used to identify important estrogen profiles. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate associations between PFAS and preterm birth and interactions between PFAS and estrogens on preterm birth. RESULTS Overall, higher odds ratios (ORs) of preterm birth were associated with each 1 ln-unit PFAS increase: PFBA [1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14, 1.26], PFNA (1.30, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.39), PFOA (1.98, 95% CI: 1.54, 2.55), and PFOS (1.91, 95% CI: 1.76, 2.07) and its branched isomer (1.91, 95% CI: 1.90, 1.92). We detected statistically significant interactions between cord estradiol and PFAS on preterm birth, while no mediation effects of cord estrogen were observed. The ORs of PFOS (4.29, 95% CI: 1.31, 8.25), its branched isomer (6.71, 95% CI: 1.06, 11.91), and preterm birth were greater for participants with high cord estrogen levels than for participants with low cord estrogen levels. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that estrogen modified the association between maternal PFAS exposure and preterm birth. Further studies on maternal PFAS exposure and preterm birth, taking interaction effects of cord estrogens into account, are warranted. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11377.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Di Qin
- Institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Michael S. Bloom
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Zhengmin (Min) Qian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sarah Dee Geiger
- Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Michael G. Vaughn
- School of Social Work, College for Public Health & Social Justice, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Chu Chu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qing-Qing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo-Yi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Wen Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunjiang Yu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Mascone SE, Kim KI, Evans WS, Prior SJ, Cook MD, Ranadive SM. Race and sex differences in ROS production and SOD activity in HUVECs. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292112. [PMID: 37792791 PMCID: PMC10550108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Black individuals and men are predisposed to an earlier onset and higher prevalence of hypertension, compared with White individuals and women, respectively. Therefore, the influence of race and sex on reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity following induced inflammation was evaluated in female and male human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) from Black and White individuals. It was hypothesized that HUVECs from Black individuals and male HUVECs would exhibit greater ROS production and impaired SOD activity. Inflammation was induced in HUVEC cell lines (n = 4/group) using tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, 50ng/ml). There were no between group differences in ROS production or SOD activity in HUVECs from Black and White individuals, and HUVECs from Black individuals exhibited similar SOD activity at 24hr compared with 4hr of TNF-α treatment (p>0.05). However, HUVECs from White individuals exhibited significantly greater SOD Activity (p<0.05) at 24hr as compared to 4hr in the control condition but not with TNF-α treatment (p>0.05). Female HUVECs exhibited significantly lower ROS production than male HUVECs in the control condition and following TNF-α induced inflammation (p<0.05). Only female HUVECs exhibited significant increases in SOD activity with increased exposure time to TNF-α induced inflammation (p<0.05). HUVECs from White individuals alone exhibit blunted SOD activity when comparing control and TNF-α conditions. Further, compared to female HUVECs, male HUVECs exhibit a pro-inflammatory state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara E. Mascone
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
| | - Katherine I. Kim
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
| | - William S. Evans
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
| | - Steven J. Prior
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
| | - Marc D. Cook
- Department of Kinesiology, Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, Greensboro, NC, United States of America
| | - Sushant M. Ranadive
- Department of Kinesiology, School of Public Health, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, United States of America
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Piasek M, Škrgatić L, Sulimanec A, Orct T, Sekovanić A, Kovačić J, Katić A, Branović Čakanić K, Pizent A, Brajenović N, Jurič A, Brčić Karačonji I, Kljaković-Gašpić Z, Tariba Lovaković B, Lazarus M, Stasenko S, Miškulin I, Jurasović J. Effects of Maternal Cigarette Smoking on Trace Element Levels and Steroidogenesis in the Maternal-Placental-Fetal Unit. TOXICS 2023; 11:714. [PMID: 37624219 PMCID: PMC10459679 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11080714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluates the interaction of toxic elements cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) due to exposure from cigarette smoking, essential elements, and steroidogenesis in the maternal-placental-fetal unit. In a cohort of 155 healthy, postpartum women with vaginal term deliveries in clinical hospitals in Zagreb, Croatia, samples of maternal blood/serum and urine, placental tissue, and umbilical cord blood/serum were collected at childbirth. The biomarkers determined were concentrations of Cd, Pb, iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and selenium (Se), and steroid hormones progesterone and estradiol in maternal and umbilical cord blood and the placenta. Three study groups were designated based on self-reported data on cigarette smoking habits and confirmed by urine cotinine levels: never smokers (n = 71), former smokers (n = 48), and active smokers (n = 36). Metal(loid)s, steroid hormones, urine cotinine, and creatinine levels were analyzed by ICP-MS, ELISA, GC-MS, and spectrophotometry. Cigarette smoking during pregnancy was associated with increased Cd levels in maternal, placental, and fetal compartments, Pb in the placenta, and with decreased Fe in the placenta. In active smokers, decreased progesterone and estradiol concentrations in cord blood serum were found, while sex steroid hormones did not change in either maternal serum or placenta. This study provides further evidence regarding toxic and essential metal(loid) interactions during prenatal life, and new data on sex steroid disruption in cord serum related to cigarette smoking. The results indicate that umbilical cord sex steroid levels may be a putative early marker of developmental origins of the future burden of disease related to harmful prenatal exposure to cigarette smoke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Piasek
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Lana Škrgatić
- University Hospital Centre, Petrova 13, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.Š.); (I.M.)
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Šalata 3, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Antonija Sulimanec
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Tatjana Orct
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Ankica Sekovanić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Jelena Kovačić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Anja Katić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | | | - Alica Pizent
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Nataša Brajenović
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Andreja Jurič
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Irena Brčić Karačonji
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Zorana Kljaković-Gašpić
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Blanka Tariba Lovaković
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Maja Lazarus
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
| | - Sandra Stasenko
- Merkur University Hospital, Zajčeva ulica 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Iva Miškulin
- University Hospital Centre, Petrova 13, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.Š.); (I.M.)
| | - Jasna Jurasović
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (M.P.); (A.S.); (T.O.); (A.S.); (J.K.); (A.K.); (A.P.); (N.B.); (A.J.); (I.B.K.); (Z.K.-G.); (B.T.L.); (M.L.)
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Reference intervals for thyroid hormone, sex hormone, and clinical biochemical tests in cord blood from Taiwanese newborn - TMICS cohort. Clin Chim Acta 2023; 541:117247. [PMID: 36754192 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE This study aims to establish reference intervals for important biochemical parameters in cord blood of newborn male and female infants in Taiwan and to investigate their sex difference. We also examined the correlation of the same markers between maternal blood levels and neonatal cord blood levels. METHODS 2,136 pregnant women receiving regular routine prenatal health assessments in their third trimester (weeks 29-40) were recruited from nine hospitals in Taiwan between 2012 and 2015. After exclusion, we were left with 580 cord blood samples to include in this study. RESULTS Cord blood thyroid-stimulating hormone was higher in males than females (p < 0.05). Males also had significantly higher sex hormone levels (estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin), while females had higher levels of luteinizing hormone. Male newborns had higher cord blood immunoglobulin E (IgE), while females had higher insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. We found a slight positive link between maternal blood and cord blood in thyroid hormones and sex hormones. CONCLUSION This study found sex differences in cord blood thyroid hormone, sex hormone, IGF-1, and IgE levels and a link between maternal blood levels of thyroid and sex hormones and those in the cord blood of their infants.
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Hayward-Piatkovskyi B, Gonyea CR, Pyle SC, Lingappan K, Gleghorn JP. Sex-related external factors influence pulmonary vascular angiogenesis in a sex-dependent manner. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2023; 324:H26-H32. [PMID: 36367696 PMCID: PMC9762957 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00552.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a disease with a significant sexual dimorphism where males have a disadvantage compared with their female counterparts. Although mechanisms behind this sexual dimorphism are poorly understood, sex differences in angiogenesis have been identified as one possible source of the male disadvantage in BPD. Pulmonary angiogenesis was assessed in vitro using a bead sprouting assay with pooled male or female human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMECs, 18-19 wk gestation, canalicular stage of human lung development) in standard (sex-hormone containing) and hormone-stripped medium. We identified sex-specific phenotypes in angiogenesis where male HPMECs produce fewer but longer sprouts compared with female HPMECs. The presence of sex hormones from standard culture medium modifies the male HPMEC phenotype with shorter and fewer sprouts but does not influence the female phenotype. Using a conditioned medium model, we further characterized the influence of the sex-specific secretome. Male and female HPMECs secrete factors that increase the maximum length of sprouts in female, but not male HPMECs. The presence of sex hormones abolishes this response. The male HPMEC secretome inhibits angiogenic sprouting in male HPMECs in the absence of sex hormones. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the pulmonary endothelial cell phenotypes are influenced by sex hormones and sex-specific secreted factors in a sex-dependent manner.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We identified a sex-specific phenotype wherein male HPMECs produce fewer but longer sprouts than females. Surprisingly, the presence of sex hormones only modifies the male phenotype, resulting in shorter and even fewer sprouts. Furthermore, we found the sex-specific secretome has a sex-dependent influence on angiogenesis that is also sex-hormone sensitive. These new and surprising findings point to the unappreciated role of sex and sex-related exogenous factors in early developmental angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cailin R Gonyea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
| | - Sienna C Pyle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
| | - Krithika Lingappan
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jason P Gleghorn
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware
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7
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Richards G, Tan DW, Whitehouse AJO, Chris McManus I, Beaton AA, Hickey M, Maybery MT, Licari MK, Lawson L. A longitudinal examination of perinatal testosterone, estradiol and vitamin D as predictors of handedness outcomes in childhood and adolescence. Laterality 2022; 27:547-580. [PMID: 35938410 DOI: 10.1080/1357650x.2022.2109656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The developmental origins of handedness remain elusive, though very early emergence suggests individual differences manifesting in utero could play an important role. Prenatal testosterone and Vitamin D exposure are considered, yet findings and interpretations remain equivocal. We examined n = 767 offspring from a population-based pregnancy cohort (The Raine Study) for whom early biological data and childhood/adolescent handedness data were available. We tested whether 18-week maternal circulatory Vitamin D (25[OH]D), and testosterone and estradiol from umbilical cord blood sampled at birth predicted variance in direction of hand preference (right/left), along with right- and left-hand speed, and the strength and direction of relative hand skill as measured by a finger-tapping task completed at 10 (Y10) and/or 16 (Y16) years. Although higher concentrations of Vitamin D predicted more leftward and less lateralized (regardless of direction) relative hand skill profiles, taken as a whole, statistically significant findings typically did not replicate across time-point (Y10/Y16) or sex (male/female) and were rarely detected across different (bivariate/multivariate) levels of analysis. Considering the number of statistical tests and generally inconsistent findings, our results suggest that perinatal testosterone and estradiol contribute minimally, if at all, to subsequent variance in handedness. Vitamin D, however, may be of interest in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth Richards
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Diana Weiting Tan
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.,School of Education, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - I Chris McManus
- Research Department of Clinical, Education and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, Faculty of Brain Sciences, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK.,Research Department for Medical Education, University College London Medical School, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Alan A Beaton
- Department of Psychology, School of Human & Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, UK.,Department of Psychology, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, UK
| | - Martha Hickey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and the Royal Women's Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Murray T Maybery
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Melissa K Licari
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Lauren Lawson
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.,Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Long Pocket, Brisbane, Australia
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Allvin K, Ankarberg-Lindgren C, Dahlgren J. Longitudinal Sex Steroid Data in Relation to Birth Weight in Preterm Boys. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e4212-e4221. [PMID: 35972993 PMCID: PMC9721340 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac477] [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: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT There is a lack of knowledge on longitudinal sex steroid patterns during infancy, especially for boys born preterm or with low birth weight (LBW). OBJECTIVE To find out whether LBW boys have a disturbed sex steroid profile during infancy. DESIGN AND SETTING Population-based longitudinal study performed at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. PARTICIPANTS Ninety-eight singleton boys (47 LBW) born at gestational age 32.0 to 36.9 weeks were included. Because of dropout, 83 of the boys were still in the study at 10 months' corrected age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Serum androgen and estrogen concentrations were analyzed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and IGF-I was determined with radioimmunoassay in umbilical cord and at 0, 2, 5, and 10 months' corrected age. RESULTS Serum levels of androstenedione, estrone, and estradiol declined gradually from birth to 10 months corrected age. In both LBW boys and their counterparts, a surge was seen at 2 months' corrected age (3 months' chronological age) for testosterone, median (range) 6.5 (2.0-18.9) nmol/L, and in dihydrotestosterone 1.2 (0.4-4.3) nmol/L. At birth, LBW boys had higher median testosterone (0.7 vs 0.4 nmol/L, P = 0.019), and at 0 months' corrected age, both had higher testosterone (5.7 vs 3.5 nmol/L, P = 0.003) and dihydrotestosterone (1.2 vs 0.9 nmol/L, P = 0.006) than their counterparts. At 10 months' corrected age, catch-up in weight SD score from birth correlated with testosterone (rho = 0.27, P = 0.044) and androstenedione (rho = 0.29, P = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS Moderately to late preterm LBW boys showed a disturbed sex hormone profile, with elevated concentrations of androgens in early infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Allvin
- Correspondence: Kerstin Allvin, MD, Division of Neonatology, The Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital, S-416 85 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Carina Ankarberg-Lindgren
- Gothenburg Pediatric Growth Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, S-416 85 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jovanna Dahlgren
- Gothenburg Pediatric Growth Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, S-416 85 Gothenburg, Sweden
- Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, S-416 85 Gothenburg, Sweden
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9
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Digit ratio (2D:4D) and maternal testosterone-to-estradiol ratio measured in early pregnancy. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13586. [PMID: 35945232 PMCID: PMC9363442 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17247-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The ratio of index to ring finger (2D:4D) has been hypothesised to indicate prenatal androgen exposure, yet evidence for its validity is lacking. We report the first pre-registered study to investigate mothers' early pregnancy sex hormone concentrations in relation to their children's digit ratios measured at 18-22-month follow-up. Although the testosterone (T) to estradiol (E) ratio correlated negatively with right hand digit ratio (R2D:4D) and directional asymmetry (right-minus-left) in digit ratio (D[R-L]), neither effect remained statistically significant once demographic and obstetric covariates were controlled for. Nevertheless, the multivariate level of analysis did reveal that T correlated positively with left hand digit ratio (L2D:4D) and negatively with D[R-L]. However, the first of these effects is in the opposite direction to that predicted by theory. Taken together, the results of our study suggest research with larger samples is required to determine whether digit ratios are valid proxies for maternal sex hormone exposure.
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10
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Firestein MR, Romeo RD, Winstead H, Goldman DA, Grobman WA, Haas D, Mercer B, Parker C, Parry S, Reddy U, Silver R, Simhan H, Wapner RJ, Champagne FA. Elevated prenatal maternal sex hormones, but not placental aromatase, are associated with child neurodevelopment. Horm Behav 2022; 140:105125. [PMID: 35131524 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Fetal exposure to testosterone may contribute to vulnerability for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It is hypothesized that placental aromatase prevents fetal exposure to maternal testosterone, however, this pathway and the implications for child neurodevelopment have not been fully explored. We examined the relationships between prenatal maternal testosterone and estradiol at 19.2 ± 1.3 weeks, cord blood testosterone and estradiol at birth, placental aromatase mRNA expression, and neurodevelopment using the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), the Behavioral Assessment System for Children, 3rd Edition (BASC-3), and the Empathizing Quotient for Children (EQ-C) at 4.5-6.5 years of age in a sample of 270 Nulliparous-Mothers-to-be (nuMoM2b) study participants. Maternal testosterone levels were positively associated with SCQ scores, but the association was not significant after adjusting for maternal age at delivery, nor was there a significant interaction with sex. Maternal estradiol levels were negatively associated with BASC-3 Clinical Probability scores among males (n = 139). We report a significant interaction effect of cord blood testosterone and fetal sex on both total SCQ scores and t-scores on the Developmental Social Disorders subscale. Placental aromatase was not associated with any neurodevelopmental or hormone measure, but under conditions of low placental aromatase expression, high maternal testosterone was positively associated with SCQ scores in males (n = 46). No other associations between hormone levels and neurodevelopment were significant. Our findings provide a foundation for further investigation of the mechanisms through which maternal sex hormones and placental steroidogenesis may affect fetal hormone production and neurobehavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan R Firestein
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Russell D Romeo
- Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience and Behavior, Barnard College of Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Danielle A Goldman
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - William A Grobman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David Haas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Brian Mercer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | | | - Samuel Parry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Uma Reddy
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Robert Silver
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Hyagriv Simhan
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ronald J Wapner
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
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12
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Le-Ha C, Beilin LJ, Burrows S, Keelan JA, Hickey M, Mori TA. Prenatal Testosterone Associates With Blood Pressure in Young Adults: A Prospective Cohort Study. Hypertension 2021; 77:1756-1764. [PMID: 33775121 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.120.16256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Le-Ha
- From the Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Campus (C.L-H, L.J.B., S.B., T.A.M.), the University of Western Australia, Perth
| | - Lawrence J Beilin
- From the Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Campus (C.L-H, L.J.B., S.B., T.A.M.), the University of Western Australia, Perth
| | - Sally Burrows
- From the Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Campus (C.L-H, L.J.B., S.B., T.A.M.), the University of Western Australia, Perth
| | - Jeffrey A Keelan
- the School of Biomedical Sciences (J.A.K.), the University of Western Australia, Perth
| | - Martha Hickey
- the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia (M.H.)
| | - Trevor A Mori
- From the Medical School, Royal Perth Hospital Campus (C.L-H, L.J.B., S.B., T.A.M.), the University of Western Australia, Perth
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13
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Messina M, Mejia SB, Cassidy A, Duncan A, Kurzer M, Nagato C, Ronis M, Rowland I, Sievenpiper J, Barnes S. Neither soyfoods nor isoflavones warrant classification as endocrine disruptors: a technical review of the observational and clinical data. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:5824-5885. [PMID: 33775173 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1895054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Soybeans are a rich source of isoflavones, which are classified as phytoestrogens. Despite numerous proposed benefits, isoflavones are often classified as endocrine disruptors, based primarily on animal studies. However, there are ample human data regarding the health effects of isoflavones. We conducted a technical review, systematically searching Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library (from inception through January 2021). We included clinical studies, observational studies, and systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRMA) that examined the relationship between soy and/or isoflavone intake and endocrine-related endpoints. 417 reports (229 observational studies, 157 clinical studies and 32 SRMAs) met our eligibility criteria. The available evidence indicates that isoflavone intake does not adversely affect thyroid function. Adverse effects are also not seen on breast or endometrial tissue or estrogen levels in women, or testosterone or estrogen levels, or sperm or semen parameters in men. Although menstrual cycle length may be slightly increased, ovulation is not prevented. Limited insight could be gained about possible impacts of in utero isoflavone exposure, but the existing data are reassuring. Adverse effects of isoflavone intake were not identified in children, but limited research has been conducted. After extensive review, the evidence does not support classifying isoflavones as endocrine disruptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Messina
- Department of Nutrition, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Sonia Blanco Mejia
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Aedin Cassidy
- Nutrition and Preventive Medicine, Queen's University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Alison Duncan
- College of Biological Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Canada
| | - Mindy Kurzer
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Chisato Nagato
- Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Martin Ronis
- Health Sciences Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, USA
| | - Ian Rowland
- Human Nutrition, University of Reading, Reading, England, UK
| | | | - Stephen Barnes
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama, Alabama, USA
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14
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Patti MA, Newschaffer C, Eliot M, Hamra GB, Chen A, Croen LA, Fallin MD, Hertz-Picciotto I, Kalloo G, Khoury JC, Lanphear BP, Lyall K, Yolton K, Braun JM. Gestational Exposure to Phthalates and Social Responsiveness Scores in Children Using Quantile Regression: The EARLI and HOME Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1254. [PMID: 33573264 PMCID: PMC7908417 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18031254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Linear regression is often used to estimate associations between chemical exposures and neurodevelopment at the mean of the outcome. However, the potential effect of chemicals may be greater among individuals at the 'tails' of outcome distributions. Here, we investigated distributional effects on the associations between gestational phthalate exposure and child Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)-related behaviors using quantile regression. We harmonized data from the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) (n = 140) Study, an enriched-risk cohort of mothers who had a child with ASD, and the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study (n = 276), a general population cohort. We measured concentrations of 9 phthalate metabolites in urine samples collected twice during pregnancy. Caregivers reported children's ASD-related behaviors using the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) at age 3-8 years; higher scores indicate more ASD-related behaviors. In EARLI, associations between phthalate concentrations and SRS scores were predominately inverse or null across SRS score quantiles. In HOME, positive associations of mono-n-butyl phthalate, monobenzyl phthalate, mono-isobutyl phthalate, and di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate concentrations with SRS scores increased in strength from the median to 95th percentile of SRS scores. These results suggest associations between phthalate concentrations and SRS scores may be stronger in individuals with higher SRS scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa A. Patti
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (M.E.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Craig Newschaffer
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (C.N.); (K.L.)
- College of Health & Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA 16801, USA
| | - Melissa Eliot
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (M.E.); (J.M.B.)
| | - Ghassan B. Hamra
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Aimin Chen
- Department of Biostatistics Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Lisa A. Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA 94612, USA;
| | - M. Daniele Fallin
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA;
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | | | - Jane C. Khoury
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
| | - Bruce P. Lanphear
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada;
| | - Kristen Lyall
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (C.N.); (K.L.)
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Joseph M. Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA; (M.E.); (J.M.B.)
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15
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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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16
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Gevi F, Meloni A, Mereu R, Lelli V, Chiodo A, Ragusa A, Timperio AM. Urine Metabolome during Parturition. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10070290. [PMID: 32708819 PMCID: PMC7407522 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10070290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, some studies have described metabolic changes during human childbirth labor. Metabolomics today is recognized as a powerful approach in a prenatal research context, since it can provide detailed information during pregnancy and it may enable the identification of biomarkers with potential diagnostic or predictive. This is an observational, longitudinal, prospective cohort study of a total of 51 serial urine samples from 15 healthy pregnant women, aged 29–40 years, which were collected before the onset of labor (out of labor, OL). In the same women, during labor (in labor or dilating phase, IL-DP). Samples were analyzed by hydrophilic interaction ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HILIC-UPLC-MS), a highly sensitive, accurate, and unbiased approach. Metabolites were then subjected to multivariate statistical analysis and grouped by metabolic pathway. This method was used to identify the potential biomarkers. The top 20 most discriminative metabolites contributing to the complete separation of OL and IL-DP were identified. Urinary metabolites displaying the largest differences between OL and IL-DP belonged to steroid hormone, particularly conjugated estrogens and amino acids much of this difference is determined by the fetal contribution. In addition, our results highlighted the efficacy of using urine samples instead of more invasive techniques to evaluate the difference in metabolic analysis between OL and IL-DP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Gevi
- Department of Biology and Ecology University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (F.G.); (V.L.)
| | - Alessandra Meloni
- Neonatal Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU), 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.M.); (R.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Rossella Mereu
- Neonatal Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU), 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.M.); (R.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Veronica Lelli
- Department of Biology and Ecology University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (F.G.); (V.L.)
| | - Antonella Chiodo
- Neonatal Department, Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria (AOU), 09124 Cagliari, Italy; (A.M.); (R.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonio Ragusa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ospedale San Giovanni Calibita, Fatebenefratelli, Isola Tiberina, Via di Ponte Quattro Capi, 39, 00186 Roma, Italy;
| | - Anna Maria Timperio
- Department of Biology and Ecology University of Tuscia, 01100 Viterbo, Italy; (F.G.); (V.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Itoh S, Araki A, Miyashita C, Yamazaki K, Goudarzi H, Minatoya M, Ait Bamai Y, Kobayashi S, Okada E, Kashino I, Yuasa M, Baba T, Kishi R. Association between perfluoroalkyl substance exposure and thyroid hormone/thyroid antibody levels in maternal and cord blood: The Hokkaido Study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 133:105139. [PMID: 31518930 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thyroid antibodies (TAs) are the most common cause of hypothyroidism during gestation. Although previous studies found that prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) disrupts thyroid hormones (THs) in humans, their effects on TAs during the perinatal period have not been investigated. OBJECTIVE To explore the associations between prenatal exposure to eleven different PFASs from two different groups (carboxylates and sulfonates) and the expression of THs and TAs in maternal and cord blood while considering maternal TA status. METHODS In a prospective birth cohort (the Hokkaido Study), we included 701 mother‑neonate pairs recruited in 2002-2005 for whom both prenatal maternal and cord blood samples were available. Eleven PFASs were measured in maternal plasma obtained at 28-32 weeks of gestation using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry. THs and TAs including thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), and thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) were measured in maternal blood during early pregnancy (median 11 gestational weeks), and in cord blood at birth. RESULTS The median levels of TgAb and TPOAb in maternal serum were 15.0 and 6.0 IU/mL, respectively. The median TgAb level in neonates was 38.0 IU/mL, and TPOAb were detected in only 12.3% of samples. Maternal FT3 level was positively associated with PFAS levels in both TA-positive and TA-negative mothers. Maternal perfluorooctanoate was inversely associated with maternal TPOAb. Among boys, some maternal PFASs were associated with higher TSH and lower FT3 levels in maternal TA-negative group, while perfluorodecanoic acid was associated with lower TSH in maternal TA-positive group. Among girls, some PFAS of mothers showed associations with lower TSH and higher FT3 in maternal TA-negative group, while perfluorododecanoic acid was associated with lower FT4 in maternal TA-positive. Maternal PFASs showed associations with boy's TgAb inversely in maternal TA-negative group and with girl's TgAb positively in maternal TA-positive group. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest thyroid disrupting effects of PFAS exposure and susceptibility vary depending on maternal TA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Itoh
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Araki
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Keiko Yamazaki
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Houman Goudarzi
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Machiko Minatoya
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; Faculty of Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yu Ait Bamai
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Sumitaka Kobayashi
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Emiko Okada
- Department of Public Health, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ikuko Kashino
- Department of Public Health, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Motoyuki Yuasa
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Baba
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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Androgen and Anti-Mullerian Hormone Concentrations at Term in Newborns and Their Mothers with and without Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8111817. [PMID: 31683802 PMCID: PMC6912752 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8111817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The aetiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not particularly mapped; however, a complex interaction of various factors, such as genetic, environmental and intrauterine factors, can be assumed. Experimental animal studies and clinical observations support the hypothesis that developmental programming by excess intrauterine steroid is relevant. The aim of the study was to investigate whether mothers with and without PCOS exhibit different androgen and anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels at the end of pregnancy and how maternal hormone levels are reflected in their offspring. Methods: Between March 2013 and December 2015, we performed a prospective cross-sectional study at the Medical University of Graz. We included 79 women with PCOS according to the ESHRE/ASRM 2003 definition and 354 women without PCOS, both with an ongoing pregnancy ≥37 + 0 weeks of gestation, who gave birth in our institution. Primary outcome parameters were the levels of maternal and neonatal androgens (testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione) and AMH at delivery. Results: Androgen levels in female offspring of PCOS and non-PCOS women at birth did not differ, while maternal hormone levels differed significantly. Androgen levels in PCOS boys were significantly higher when compared to levels in PCOS girls. Discussion: Our findings do not support the hypothesis that maternal androgen excess contributes to elevated androgen concentrations in the female offspring. Nevertheless, the effects of the increased androgen concentrations in mothers on their offspring have to be investigated in future studies.
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Abbott DH, Kraynak M, Dumesic DA, Levine JE. In utero Androgen Excess: A Developmental Commonality Preceding Polycystic Ovary Syndrome? FRONTIERS OF HORMONE RESEARCH 2019; 53:1-17. [PMID: 31499494 DOI: 10.1159/000494899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In utero androgen excess reliably induces polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-like reproductive and metabolic traits in female monkeys, sheep, rats, and mice. In humans, however, substantial technical and ethical constraints on fetal sampling have curtailed safe, pathogenic exploration during gestation. Evidence consistent with in utero origins for PCOS in humans has thus been slow to amass, but the balance now leans toward developmental fetal origins. Given that PCOS is familial and highly heritable, difficulties encountered in discerning genetic contributions to PCOS pathogenesis are puzzling and, to date, accounts for <10% of PCOS presentations. Unaccounted heritability notwithstanding, molecular commonality in pathogenic mechanisms is emerging, suggested by co-occurrence at the same gene loci of (1) PCOS genetic variants (PCOS women), (2) epigenetic alterations in DNA methylation (PCOS women), and (3) bioinformatics, gene networks-identified, epigenetic alterations in DNA methylation (female rhesus monkeys exposed to testosterone (T) in utero). In addition, naturally occurring hyperandrogenism in female monkeys singles out individuals with PCOS-like reproductive and metabolic traits accompanied by somatic biomarkers of in utero T exposure. Such phenotypic and molecular convergence between highly related species suggests not only dual genetic and epigenetic contributions to a developmental origin of PCOS but also common molecular pathogenesis extending beyond humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Abbott
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA, .,Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA,
| | - Marissa Kraynak
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Daniel A Dumesic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jon E Levine
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Endocrinology-Reproductive Physiology Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Yao Q, Shi R, Wang C, Han W, Gao Y, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Ding G, Tian Y. Cord blood Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, placental steroidogenic enzyme, and cord blood reproductive hormone. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 129:573-582. [PMID: 31174145 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are widely used in China, but little is known about the association between prenatal PFASs exposure and fetal reproductive development as well as its potential mechanism. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effects of cord blood PFASs on fetal reproductive hormones and its potential mechanism in relation to steroidogenic enzymes. METHODS Ten selected PFASs (n = 351) including PFOS, PFOA, PFBS, PFDA, PFDoA, PFHpA, PFHxS, PFNA, PFOSA, and PFUA, and two reproductive hormones estradiol (E2) (n = 351) and testosterone (T) (n = 349) were measured in 351 cord blood serum samples from a Chinese birth cohort between 2010 and 2013. Three steroidogenic enzymes including P450arom (n = 125), 3β-HSD1 (n = 123), and 17β-HSD1 (n = 116) were measured in 125 placental tissue samples. Linear regression tested the associations between cord blood PFASs and reproductive hormones in cord blood. Mediation analysis assessed the role of placental steroidogenic enzymes between cord blood PFASs and reproductive hormones. RESULTS The positive associations between PFOA, PFHxS and E2 levels, PFOS, PFUA, PFNA and T levels, and PFOS, PFUA and T/E2 ratio were significant. PFUA, PFNA, PFDA, PFHxS, and ∑PFASs were associated with higher P450arom levels. PFHxS was also associated with increased 3β-HSD1 and 17β-HSD1 levels. These associations were more pronounced in females than males when stratified by gender. Furthermore, 17β-HSD1 demonstrated mediating effects in the positive association between cord blood PFHxS and E2 levels in females. CONCLUSION Our findings suggested the potential impacts of cord blood PFASs on fetal reproductive hormones, in which steroidogenic enzymes may play important roles. These associations were more pronounced in females than males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Yao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Shi
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caifeng Wang
- School of Nursing, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenchao Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yijun Zhou
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guodong Ding
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Children's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ying Tian
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; MOE-Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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Abstract
Objectives To explore the correlation between maternal and cord blood prolactin, the correlation between cord prolactin and birth weight, and to compare cord blood prolactin in new-borns of women with normal pregnancy and women with pregnancy complications namely; gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes and preterm labour. Methods This study was performed from September to December 2018. Thirty-two women, delivered at Baghdad teaching hospital, and their newborns (32) were included. Maternal blood (5 ml) was taken before labour and cord blood (5 ml) was collected after placenta expulsion. Maternal and cord blood prolactin were analysed using fluorescence immunoassay. Results Cord blood prolactin was higher in babies born to hypertensive women (405.28±77.52 ng/ml) than normal pregnancy women (244.80±60.80 ng/ml), P=0.000. Also, cord prolactin in gestational hypertension group was significantly higher than diabetic (P=0.006) and preterm labour (P=0.000) groups. No significant difference was noticed in cord blood prolactin in newborns of diabetic and normal pregnancy women (299.28±37.01, 244.80±60.80 ng/ml respectively, P=0.053). Preterm babies had lower cord prolactin (204.57±22.90 ng/ml) than normal pregnancy babies (244.80±60.80 ng/ml), however the difference was non-significant, P=0.118. Positive correlation was found between cord and maternal prolactin (P=0.000) and between cord prolactin and birth weight (P=0.018). Conclusion Cord blood prolactin is high in newborns of hypertensive women, low in preterm neonates. Diabetes has no effect on cord prolactin level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab M Alawad
- Zainab M. Alawad, MSc. Assistant Lecturer, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Iraq
| | - Hanan L Al-Omary
- Hanan L. Al-Omary, PhD. Assistant Professor, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Iraq
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Jain VG, Goyal V, Chowdhary V, Swarup N, Singh RJ, Singal A, Shekhawat P. Anogenital distance is determined during early gestation in humans. Hum Reprod 2019; 33:1619-1627. [PMID: 30124868 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dey265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Does cord blood androgen level obtained at birth affect the AGD in human newborns? SUMMARY ANSWER In human newborns, though males have a significantly longer AGD compared to females (as early as 22 weeks of gestation) the AGD is not affected by androgen levels at birth in both the sexes. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Animal studies have reported a critical time period in early fetal life, termed the masculinization programming window (MPW) during which AGD is fixed by in utero androgen action and is unaffected by testosterone levels later during gestation. Thus, AGD may serve as a lifelong biomarker of androgen exposure during this window. This MPW is hypothesized to occur in humans at 8-14 weeks of gestation during which AGD is fixed. The effect of androgens (testosterone) on AGD after the MPW in humans is not known. Furthermore, altered AGD has been associated with various human reproductive health disorders in both males and females. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION A prospective descriptive cohort study was performed using data from randomly selected neonates (n = 205) born at a single center over a period of 1 year (August 2015 to August 2016). PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS AGDs in male (n = 117) and female infants (n = 88) together with penile width, glans girth and stretched penile length were measured by trained caregivers. Gestation ranged from 22 to 41 weeks and infants were examined within 24 h of birth (within 48-72 h in very sick preterm infants after clinical stabilization). AGD-1 was measured from the center of the anus to the posterior base of scrotum in males or to the posterior fourchette in females. AGD-2 was measured from the center of the anus to the anterior base of the penis in males or to the clitoris in females. Sex steroid hormones (testosterone, 17-OH progesterone (17-OHP) and androstenedione) were measured in serum prepared from umbilical cord blood samples taken at birth, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Males had a significantly lower gestational age (mean ± SD; 34.6 ± 4.9 versus 36.1 ± 4.1 weeks, P = 0.04), and a significantly longer AGD-1 (mean ± SD; 21.6 ± 6.0 versus 12.7 ± 3.8 mm, P < 0.001) and AGD-2 (41.9 ± 8.7 versus 33.9 ± 7.1 mm, P = 0.004) compared to female infants, respectively. The cord serum testosterone levels were significantly higher for male than female infants [median, interquartile range; 13.0 (7.3, 20.5) versus 4.1 (2.5, 5.9), ng/dl, P < 0.001]. There was no difference in levels of 17-OHP (P = 0.697) or androstenedione (P = 0.601) between the two sexes. On multiple regression analysis after adjusting for potential confounders, none of the AGD's in both males and females correlated with any sex steroid hormonal levels. We also provide normative charts for penile length, penile width and glans girth in preterm and term infants. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION No data were collected on family history of genital malformation, infertility or hormonal disorders, parental endocrine-disrupting chemical exposure or diet pattern, any of which might have influenced the AGD and/or sex steroid hormone levels in the offspring. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our results suggest that AGD in humans, like animals, is fixed in early gestation (likely during the hypothesized MPW) and is unaffected by androgen levels thereafter. Thus, AGD can serve as a biomarker of in utero androgen action during early gestation (likely 8-14 weeks) in humans. As such, causes of human newborn and adult reproductive health disorders, such as endocrine disruptors, should be explored during early gestation. However, further larger studies are needed to help corroborate these findings. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS No specific funding was obtained for this study, and all authors have no conflict of interest to declare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viral G Jain
- Perinatal Institute, Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Neonatology, MetroHealth Medical Centre (Case Western Reserve University), 2500 MetroHealth Dr, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Vaibhav Goyal
- Division of Neonatology, MetroHealth Medical Centre (Case Western Reserve University), 2500 MetroHealth Dr, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Vikas Chowdhary
- Division of Neonatology, MetroHealth Medical Centre (Case Western Reserve University), 2500 MetroHealth Dr, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Namita Swarup
- Division of Neonatology, MetroHealth Medical Centre (Case Western Reserve University), 2500 MetroHealth Dr, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ravinder J Singh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, 200 First St. SW Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Arbinder Singal
- Hypospadias Foundation & MITR Hospital, Plot:37, Eden Garden, Sector-5, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Prem Shekhawat
- Division of Neonatology, MetroHealth Medical Centre (Case Western Reserve University), 2500 MetroHealth Dr, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Allvin K, Ankarberg-Lindgren C, Niklasson A, Jacobsson B, Dahlgren J. Altered umbilical sex steroids in preterm infants born small for gestational age. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2019; 33:4164-4170. [PMID: 30895831 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2019.1598362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Background: Boys born small for gestational age (SGA) are at increased risk of testicular dysgenesis syndrome, and girls born SGA face the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome later in life. Our aim was to study whether neonates born SGA have an altered profile of steroid hormones at birth.Materials and methods: A total of 168 singletons (99 boys, 69 girls) born at 32.0-36.9 gestational weeks were recruited to a population-based, university hospital, single-center study. Of these, 31 infants (17 boys, 14 girls) were born SGA. The concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone, estradiol, cortisone, and cortisol were analyzed in umbilical cord serum with mass spectrometry.Results: Girls born SGA had higher levels of androstenedione than girls born appropriate for gestational age (AGA) (4.0 versus 2.6 nmol/L, p = .002). Boys born SGA had lower levels of estrone than boys born AGA (33 822 versus 62 471 pmol/L, p = .038). Infants born SGA had lower levels of cortisone than infants born AGA, both in girls (340 versus 579 nmol/L, p = .010) and in boys (308 versus 521 nmol/L, p = .045). Furthermore, boys born SGA had a higher cortisol/cortisone ratio than boys born AGA (0.41 versus 0.25, p = .028). Gestational age correlated with DHEAS (boys r = 0.48, p = .000, girls r = 0.35, p = .013), and cortisol (boys r = 0.48, p = .000, girls r = 0.29, p = .039).Conclusions: In moderate-to-late preterm infants born SGA, we observed a different steroid hormone profile in cord serum. Girls born SGA show increased levels of androstenedione and boys born SGA show decreased levels of estrone in cord serum, which could be related to placental aromatase deficiency in intrauterine growth restriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Allvin
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carina Ankarberg-Lindgren
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Aimon Niklasson
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bo Jacobsson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jovanna Dahlgren
- Department of Pediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Relationship between umbilical cord sex hormone binding globulin, sex steroids, and age at menarche: a prospective cohort study. Fertil Steril 2019; 110:965-973. [PMID: 30316444 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the role of the prenatal environment in regulating reproductive development by measuring the prospective association between umbilical cord concentrations of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG; principal regulator of sex steroid activity), bioavailable sex steroids, and age at menarche. DESIGN Prospective population-based cohort. SETTING Not applicable. PATIENT(S) In 286 female members of the Western Australian Pregnancy (Raine) cohort, concentrations of SHBG and steroids (estrogens: estrone, estradiol, estriol and estetrol [E4]; androgens: total testosterone, Δ4-androstenedione, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone) were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry from archived umbilical cord blood samples collected at birth. Bioavailable concentrations of testosterone and estradiol were calculated along with total composite measures of androgen and estrogen bioactivity. SHBG was measured by ELISA. INTERVENTION(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Age of menarche was calculated from date of menarche, collected prospectively by questionnaire sent home with participants at the year 10 follow-up. RESULT(S) Higher maternal education, higher body mass index, and the presence of antepartum hemorrhage were all significantly associated with earlier age at menarche. The bioavailable sex steroid measures accounted for 8.3% of the variance in age at menarche. Further, both SHBG and E4 concentrations accounted for a significant proportion of unique variance in age at menarche. CONCLUSION(S) Lower SHBG and higher E4 concentrations in umbilical cord blood were associated with earlier age at menarche. These results suggest that the prenatal sex steroid environment contributes toward pubertal development and age at menarche.
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Androgenic and estrogenic indices in human newborns and infants: the MIREC-ID study. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2019; 10:578-586. [PMID: 30898182 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174419000059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal sex steroid exposure plays an important role in determining child development. Yet, measurement of prenatal hormonal exposure has been limited by the paucity of newborn/infant data and the invasiveness of fetal hormonal sampling. Here we provide descriptive data from the MIREC-ID study (n=173 girls; 162 boys) on a range of minimally invasive physical indices thought to reflect prenatal exposure to androgens [anogenital distances (AGDs); penile length/width, scrotal/vulvar pigmentation], to estrogens [vaginal maturation index (VMI) - the degree of maturation of vaginal wall cells] or to both androgens/estrogens [2nd-to-4th digit ratio (2D:4D); areolar pigmentation, triceps/sub-scapular skinfold thickness, arm circumference]. VMI was found to be associated with triceps skinfold thickness (β=0.265, P=0.005), suggesting that this marker may be sensitive to estrogen levels produced by adipose tissue in girls. Both estrogenic and androgenic markers (VMI: β=0.338, P=0.031; 2D:4D - right: β=-0.207, P=0.040; left: β=-0.276, P=0.006; AGD-fourchette - β=0.253, P=0.036) were associated with areolar pigmentation in girls, supporting a role for the latter as an index of both androgen and estrogen exposure. We also found AGD-penis (distance from the anus to the penis) to be associated with scrotal pigmentation (β=0.290, P=0.048), as well as right arm circumference (β=0.462, P<0.0001), supporting the notion that these indices may be used together as markers of androgen exposure in boys. In sum, these findings support the use of several physical indices at birth to convey a more comprehensive picture of prenatal exposure to sex hormones.
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Abbott DH, Dumesic DA, Levine JE. Hyperandrogenic origins of polycystic ovary syndrome - implications for pathophysiology and therapy. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2019; 14:131-143. [PMID: 30767580 PMCID: PMC6992448 DOI: 10.1080/17446651.2019.1576522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis comprises combinations of female hyperandrogenism, menstrual irregularity and polycystic ovaries. While it is a familial and highly prevalent endocrine disorder, progress towards a cure is hindered by absence of a definitive pathogenic mechanism and lack of an animal model of naturally occurring PCOS. AREAS COVERED These include an overview of PCOS and its potential etiology, and an examination of insights gained into its pathogenic origins. Animal models derived from experimentally-induced hyperandrogenism during gestation, or from naturally-occurring PCOS-like traits, most reliably demonstrate reproductive, neuroendocrine and metabolic pathogenesis. EXPERT OPINION Genetic studies, while identifying at least 17 PCOS risk genes, account for <10% of women with PCOS. A number of PCOS risk genes involve regulation of gonadotropin secretion or action, suggesting a reproductive neuroendocrine basis for PCOS pathogenesis. Consistent with this notion, a number of animal models employing fetal androgen excess demonstrate epigenetic induction of PCOS-like traits, including reproductive neuroendocrine and metabolic dysfunction. Monkey models are most comprehensive, while mouse models provide molecular insight, including identifying the androgen receptor, particularly in neurons, as mediating androgen-induced PCOS-like programming. Naturally-occurring female hyperandrogenism is also demonstrated in monkeys. Animal models are poised to delineate molecular gateways to PCOS pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- David H Abbott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Daniel A Dumesic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jon E Levine
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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Mitsui T, Araki A, Miyashita C, Ito S, Ikeno T, Sasaki S, Kitta T, Moriya K, Cho K, Morioka K, Kishi R, Shinohara N, Takeda M, Nonomura K. Effects of prenatal sex hormones on behavioral sexual dimorphism. Pediatr Int 2019; 61:140-146. [PMID: 30565800 DOI: 10.1111/ped.13756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the association between the hormone environment during the prenatal period using cord blood, and gender-role play behavior in school-aged children. METHODS A total of 879 school-aged children (433 boys and 446 girls) in a prospective birth cohort study in Hokkaido were enrolled to analyze the relationship between cord blood level of the sex hormones estradiol (E), testosterone (T), progesterone (P), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and the Pre-School Activities Inventory (PSAI) score. The PSAI evaluated sex-typical characteristics, the type of preferred toys and play activities. The PSAI consists of 12 masculine and 12 feminine items, and the composite scores were calculated by subtracting the feminine score from the masculine score. Higher scores indicated male-typical behavior. RESULTS Composite and masculine PSAI scores were significantly higher in boys. Meanwhile, the feminine score was significantly lower in boys. Although T and P were significantly higher in boys, E/T was significantly higher in girls. In a multivariate regression model, including covariates of social factors, there was no correlation between any of the hormones and PSAI score in boys. In girls, only P and E/T were positively correlated with the feminine score. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal sex hormone exposure may influence the dimorphic brain development and behavior in school-aged girls. Furthermore, the cord blood hormone levels may not fully reflect the hormone environment during the prenatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Mitsui
- Department of Urology, University of Yamanashi Graduate School of Medical Science, Chuo City, Yamanashi, Japan.,Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Atsuko Araki
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Sachiko Ito
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tamiko Ikeno
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Seiko Sasaki
- Department of Public Health, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takeya Kitta
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Moriya
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Keita Morioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takeda
- Department of Urology, University of Yamanashi Graduate School of Medical Science, Chuo City, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nonomura
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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Wang R, Tiosano D, Sánchez-Guijo A, Hartmann MF, Wudy SA. Characterizing the steroidal milieu in amniotic fluid of mid-gestation: A LC-MS/MS study. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 185:47-56. [PMID: 30031148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Growth and development of an embryo or fetus during human pregnancy mainly depend on intact hormone biosynthesis and metabolism in maternal amniotic fluid (AF). We investigated the hormonal milieu in AF and developed a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the determination of 14 sulfated and 6 unconjugated steroids in AF. 65 A F samples (male: female = 35: 30) of mid-gestation ranging from 16th week of gestation to 25th week of gestation were analyzed. Reference data of 20 steroid levels in AF of healthy women were provided. 13 sulfated and 3 unconjugated steroids were for the first time quantified in AF by LC-MS/MS. Highest concentrations were found for pregnenolone sulfate (PregS: mean ± SD, 8.6 ± 3.7 ng/mL), 17α-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate (17OHPregS: 4.9 ± 2.0 ng/mL), epitestosterone sulfate (eTS: 7.3 ± 3.6 ng/mL), 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (16OH-DHEAS: 21.5 ± 10.7 ng/mL), androsterone sulfate (AnS: 9.2 ± 7.4 ng/mL), estrone sulfate (E1S: 3.0 ± 3.0 ng/mL), estriol 3-sulfate (E3S: 8.1 ± 4.0 ng/mL) and estriol (E3: 1.2 ± 0.4 ng/mL). Only testosterone (T) showed a significant sex difference (p < 0.0001). Correlations between AF steroids mirrored the steroid metabolism of the feto-placental unit, and not only confirmed the classical steroid pathway, but also pointed to a sulfated steroid pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Wang
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Pediatric Endocrinology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - D Tiosano
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ruth Children's Hospital, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa 30196, Israel
| | - A Sánchez-Guijo
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Pediatric Endocrinology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - M F Hartmann
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Pediatric Endocrinology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - S A Wudy
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Pediatric Endocrinology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
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Testosterone measured from amniotic fluid and maternal plasma shows no significant association with directional asymmetry in newborn digit ratio (2D:4D). J Dev Orig Health Dis 2018; 10:362-367. [PMID: 30376903 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174418000752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Foetal sex hormones can have powerful and far-reaching effects on later phenotype. However, obtaining accurate measurements is difficult for ethical reasons, and researchers often employ proxy variables to examine their effects. The relative length of the second and fourth fingers (digit ratio or 2D:4D) is frequently used for this purpose, as it is hypothesized to index variance in prenatal androgen and oestrogen exposure. Most studies employing this method examine digit ratio for the right hand (R2D:4D) and/or left hand (L2D:4D), though the mean value (M2D:4D) (i.e., the average of R2D:4D and L2D:4D) and directional asymmetry (D[R-L]) (i.e., R2D:4D minus L2D:4D) are also commonly used. As no published studies have examined M2D:4D or D[R-L] in relation to testosterone measured from amniotic fluid, we conducted a secondary analysis of data published by Ventura et al. The sample comprises 106 mothers from Portugal who underwent amniocentesis during the second trimester and their neonates. Newborn M2D:4D was negatively correlated with amniotic testosterone in females (P<0.05) but not in males; no significant association was observed between amniotic testosterone and D[R-L] in either sex. In addition, we examined testosterone measured from maternal circulation during the second trimester, and found that it was not a significant predictor of M2D:4D or D[R-L] in male or female infants. Further research should aim to measure the ratio of testosterone to oestradiol present in amniotic fluid and maternal plasma, to examine whether either is a predictor of digit ratio variables at different stages of postnatal development.
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Miyashita C, Araki A, Mitsui T, Itoh S, Goudarzi H, Sasaki S, Kajiwara J, Hori T, Cho K, Moriya K, Shinohara N, Nonomura K, Kishi R. Sex-related differences in the associations between maternal dioxin-like compounds and reproductive and steroid hormones in cord blood: The Hokkaido study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 117:175-185. [PMID: 29753148 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) irreversibly affects fetal reproductive and steroid hormone synthesis. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the relationships between maternal DLCs and cord blood reproductive and steroid hormones. METHODS Participants in this study were pregnant women who enrolled in the Sapporo Cohort of the Hokkaido Study between 2002 and 2005. We quantified 29 DLCs during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters in maternal blood. Additionally, we measured the concentrations of progesterone, estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisol, cortisone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), prolactin, inhibin B, and insulin-like factor-3 (INSL3) in cord blood samples. RESULTS Data from 183 mother-child pairs were analyzed. We observed sex-dependent associations of DLCs on T/E2 ratios, DHEA, cortisol, cortisone, adrenal androgen/glucocorticoid (AA/GC: sum of DHEA and androstenedione)/(sum of cortisol and cortisone) ratios and SHBG. An increase in maternal DLCs related to decreased T/E2 ratios and SHBG and inhibin B levels, and increased AA/GC ratios and FSH and DHEA levels in male cord blood samples. However, an increase in maternal mono-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls related to increased cortisol, cortisone, and SHBG levels, and decreased DHEA levels and AA/GC ratios in female cord blood samples. CONCLUSIONS Prenatal exposure to DLCs alters steroidogenesis and suppresses the secretion of inhibin B in male cord blood. Relationships between maternal DLCs and cord blood hormones differ between boys and girls. Further studies are required to clarify whether the effects of in utero exposure to DLCs on adrenal hormones extend into infancy and puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Miyashita
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Araki
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takahiko Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Sachiko Itoh
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Houman Goudarzi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan; First Department of Medicine, Hokkaido University School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Seiko Sasaki
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Jumboku Kajiwara
- Fukuoka Institute of Health and Environmental Sciences, Dazaifu, Japan
| | - Tsuguhide Hori
- Fukuoka Institute of Health and Environmental Sciences, Dazaifu, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Genecology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Moriya
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nonomura
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan; Kushiro Rosai Hospital, Kushiro, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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Endendijk JJ, Groeneveld MG, Mesman J. The Gendered Family Process Model: An Integrative Framework of Gender in the Family. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2018; 47:877-904. [PMID: 29549542 PMCID: PMC5891573 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-018-1185-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This article reviews and integrates research on gender-related biological, cognitive, and social processes that take place in or between family members, resulting in a newly developed gendered family process (GFP) model. The GFP model serves as a guiding framework for research on gender in the family context, calling for the integration of biological, social, and cognitive factors. Biological factors in the model are prenatal, postnatal, and pubertal androgen levels of children and parents, and genetic effects on parent and child gendered behavior. Social factors are family sex composition (i.e., parent sex, sexual orientation, marriage status, sibling sex composition) and parental gender socialization, such as modeling, gender-differentiated parenting, and gender talk. Cognitive factors are implicit and explicit gender-role cognitions of parents and children. Our review and the GFP model confirm that gender is an important organizer of family processes, but also highlight that much is still unclear about the mechanisms underlying gender-related processes within the family context. Therefore, we stress the need for (1) longitudinal studies that take into account the complex bidirectional relationship between parent and child gendered behavior and cognitions, in which within-family comparisons (comparing behavior of parents toward a boy and a girl in the same family) are made instead of between-family comparisons (comparing parenting between all-boy families and all-girl families, or between mixed-gender families and same-gender families), (2) experimental studies on the influence of testosterone on human gender development, (3) studies examining the interplay between biology with gender socialization and gender-role cognitions in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce J Endendijk
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, P.O. Box 80140, 3508 TC, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marleen G Groeneveld
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Judi Mesman
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, 2300 RB, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Araki A, Miyashita C, Mitsui T, Goudarzi H, Mizutani F, Chisaki Y, Itoh S, Sasaki S, Cho K, Moriya K, Shinohara N, Nonomura K, Kishi R. Prenatal organochlorine pesticide exposure and the disruption of steroids and reproductive hormones in cord blood: The Hokkaido study. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 110:1-13. [PMID: 29055783 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Certain organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are designated as persistent organic pollutants and are regulated in many countries. The effects of OCPs on pediatric endocrinology are a concern; however, only limited data exist from human studies on maternal OCP exposure and its effects on infants' hormone levels. This study was conducted as part of the Hokkaido Study Sapporo Cohort, a prospective birth cohort study in Japan. Participants included 514 women who enrolled at 23-35weeks of gestation between 2002 and 2005; maternal blood samples were collected in late pregnancy, and 29 OCPs were measured. Reproductive and steroid hormone levels in cord blood were also determined. Characteristics of mothers and their infants were obtained from self-administered questionnaires and medical records. Ultimately, 232 samples with both OCP and hormone data were analyzed. Fifteen of 29 investigated OCPs were detected in over 80% of the samples, with p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene showing the highest concentration (median value: 619pg/g-wet). The association between OCPs and sex hormone levels varied by sex. Linear regression models after sex stratification showed that chlordanes, cis-hexachlorobenzene, heptachlor epoxide, Mirex, and toxaphenes in maternal blood were inversely associated with testosterone, cortisol, cortisone, sex hormone-binding globin, prolactin, and androstenedione-dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and testosterone-androstenediones ratios among boys. Furthermore, these OCPs were positively correlated with DHEA, follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and adrenal androgen-glucocorticoid and FSH-inhibin B ratios among boys. In categorical quartile models, testosterone and DHEA were inversely and positively associated with OCPs, respectively. Estradiol-testosterone and adrenal androgen-glucocorticoid ratios tended to increase with increasing OCP concentrations in the higher quartile, while the testosterone-androstenedione ratio tended to decrease. Sex hormone-binding globulin and prolactin showed an inverse association with OCPs. Among girls, the linear regression model showed that only p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane was inversely associated with the level of DHEA and the adrenal androgen-glucocorticoid ratio, but was positively associated with cortisone levels. However, no associations were observed using the quartile categorical model. These results suggest that prenatal exposure to OCPs disrupt reproductive hormones of fetuses in utero among boys, even at relatively low levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Araki
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takahiko Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan; Yamanashi University, 1110, Shimogato, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Houman Goudarzi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan; Department of Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Futoshi Mizutani
- Institute of Environmental Ecology, IDEA Consultants, Inc., 1334-5 Riemon, Yaizu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Youichi Chisaki
- Institute of Environmental Ecology, IDEA Consultants, Inc., 1334-5 Riemon, Yaizu, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Sachiko Itoh
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Seiko Sasaki
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Cho
- Maternity and Perinatal Care Center, Hokkaido University Hospital, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Moriya
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nonomura
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan; Kushiro Rosai Hospital, 13-23, Nakazono-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Lundell AC, Ryberg H, Vandenput L, Rudin A, Ohlsson C, Tivesten Å. Umbilical cord blood androgen levels in girls and boys assessed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 171:195-200. [PMID: 28373106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Androgen exposure of the fetus during gestation plays an important role in human physiology and pathophysiology, but assessment of androgens, in particular dihydrotestosterone (DHT), in human umbilical cord blood is technically challenging. The aim of this study was to assess umbilical cord androgen levels, including DHT, at birth by a highly sensitive assay, and study their association with sex of the infant, sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels, and gestational age at delivery. Swedish infants (27 girls, 26 boys) were recruited at maternity care clinics in Southern Sweden. Umbilical cord blood levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, testosterone and DHT at delivery were assessed by a gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. Cord blood levels of DHT were 2.4-fold higher in boys (median 27.8pg/mL) than in girls (11.5pg/mL), while the sex difference was less pronounced for testosterone (1.3-fold higher in boys) and non-significant for DHEA and androstenedione. Gestational age at delivery associated inversely with DHT levels in boys and with DHEA levels in girls. There was a strong inverse correlation between SHBG and DHEA in both sexes, while there were no associations between SHBG and testosterone or DHT levels. In conclusion, using state of the art technology, we report that there is a pronounced sexual dimorphism in human umbilical cord blood DHT levels. The possibility to assess a complete androgen profile in human cord blood opens up for future increased understanding of the biological impact of the fetal androgen milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Carin Lundell
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Henrik Ryberg
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Liesbeth Vandenput
- Center for Bone and Arthritis Research (CBAR), Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Rudin
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Claes Ohlsson
- Center for Bone and Arthritis Research (CBAR), Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Åsa Tivesten
- Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Bruna Stråket 16, SE-413 45 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Jamnadass ESL, Keelan JA, Russell-Smith SN, Hickey M, Maybery MT, Whitehouse AJO. Umbilical cord androgens and estrogens in relation to verbal and nonverbal abilities at age 10 in the general population. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173493. [PMID: 28278304 PMCID: PMC5344490 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in verbal and nonverbal abilities are a contentious area of research. Prenatal steroids have been shown to have masculinizing effects on the brain that may affect the development of nonverbal and verbal abilities in later life. The current study examined a wide range of biologically active sex steroids (both androgens and estrogens) in umbilical cord blood at birth in a large pregnancy cohort in relation to performance on nonverbal (Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices) and verbal (Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals-3 and the Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-III) measures at age 10 years. Overall, Androgen and Estrogen composites in cord blood were not found to be predictive of performance on verbal and nonverbal measures at age 10. These data suggest that late gestation sex steroids do not exert a major effect on nonverbal and verbal abilities in middle childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esha S. L. Jamnadass
- School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Jeffrey A. Keelan
- School of Women’s and Infant’s Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Martha Hickey
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and the Royal Women’s Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Murray T. Maybery
- School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew J. O. Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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Araki A, Mitsui T, Goudarzi H, Nakajima T, Miyashita C, Itoh S, Sasaki S, Cho K, Moriya K, Shinohara N, Nonomura K, Kishi R. Prenatal di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate exposure and disruption of adrenal androgens and glucocorticoids levels in cord blood: The Hokkaido Study. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 581-582:297-304. [PMID: 28043700 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.12.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 12/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is known for its endocrine disrupting properties. We previously demonstrated that prenatal DEHP exposure is associated with decreased progesterone levels and testosterone/estradiol ratio in the cord blood. However, evidence of the effects of prenatal DEHP exposure on adrenal androgen and glucocorticoids in infants is scarce. Thus, the objectives of this study were to investigate the association between prenatal DEHP exposure and adrenal androgen and glucocorticoids, and to discuss its effects on steroid hormone profiles in infants. This is part of a birth cohort study: The Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children's Health, Sapporo Cohort. Among the 514 participants, 202 mother-infant pairs with available data on maternal mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), adrenal androgen (dehydroepiandrostenedione [DHEA] and androstenedione) and glucocorticoid (cortisol and cortisone) cord blood levels were included in this study. After adjusting for potential confounders, a linear regression analysis showed that maternal MEHP levels were associated with reduced cortisol and cortisone levels and glucocorticoid/adrenal androgen ratio, whereas increased DHEA levels and DHEA/androstenedione ratio. In a quartile model, when comparing the adjusted least square means in the 4th quartile of MEHP with those in the 1st quartile, cortisol and cortisone levels and glucocorticoid/adrenal androgen ratio decreased, whereas DHEA/androstenedione and cortisol/cortisone ratios increased. Significant p-value trends for cortisol and cortisone levels, cortisol/cortisone ratio, and glucocorticoid/adrenal androgen ratio were observed. In combination with the previous results of reduced progesterone levels and testosterone/estradiol ratio, prenatal exposure to DEHP altered the steroid hormone profiles of infants. Further studies investigating the long-term effects of DEHP exposure on growth, neurodevelopment, and gonad and reproductive function are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsuko Araki
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takahiko Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan; Yamanashi University, 1110, Shimogato, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Houman Goudarzi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan; Division of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Tamie Nakajima
- Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan; College of Life and Health Sciences, Chubu University, 1200 Matsumoto-cho, Kasugai, Aichi, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Sachiko Itoh
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Seiko Sasaki
- Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Moriya
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nonomura
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita 15, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan; Kushiro Rosai Hospital, 13-23, Nakazono-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita 12, Nishi 7, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Park BY, Lee BK, Burstyn I, Tabb LP, Keelan JA, Whitehouse AJO, Croen LA, Fallin MD, Hertz-Picciotto I, Montgomery O, Newschaffer CJ. Umbilical cord blood androgen levels and ASD-related phenotypes at 12 and 36 months in an enriched risk cohort study. Mol Autism 2017; 8:3. [PMID: 28163867 PMCID: PMC5282802 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-017-0118-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects more than 1% of children in the USA. The male-to-female prevalence ratio of roughly 4:1 in ASD is a well-recognized but poorly understood phenomenon. An explicit focus on potential etiologic pathways consistent with this sex difference, such as those involving prenatal androgen exposure, may help elucidate causes of ASD. Furthermore, the multi-threshold liability model suggests that the genetic mechanisms in females with ASD may be distinct and may modulate ASD risk in families with female ASD in the pedigree. Methods We examined umbilical cord blood from 137 children in the Early Autism Risk Longitudinal Investigation (EARLI) cohort. EARLI is an ASD-enriched risk cohort with all children having an older sibling already diagnosed with ASD. Fetal testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4), and dehyroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels were measured in cord blood using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Robust linear regression models were used to determine associations between cord blood androgen levels and 12-month Autism Observation Scales for Infants (AOSI) scores and 36-month Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) scores adjusting for potential confounders. Results Increasing androgens were not associated with increasing 12-month AOSI score or 36-month total SRS score in either boys or girls. However, the association between T and autistic traits among subjects with a female older affected sibling was greater at 12 months (test of interaction, P = 0.008) and deficits in reciprocal social behavior at 36 months were also greater (test of interaction, P = 0.006) than in subjects whose older affected sibling was male. Conclusions While increased prenatal testosterone levels were not associated with autistic traits at 12 or 36 months, our findings of a positive association in infants whose older ASD-affected siblings were female suggests an androgen-related mechanism that may be dependent on, or related to, genetic liability factors present more often in families containing female ASD cases. However, this initial finding, based on a small subgroup of our sample, should be interpreted with considerable caution. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13229-017-0118-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Y Park
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway HH884, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Brian K Lee
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA.,A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, 3020 Market St. Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Igor Burstyn
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Drexel University School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA.,A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, 3020 Market St. Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Loni P Tabb
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
| | - Jeff A Keelan
- School of Women's and Infants' Health, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Andrew J O Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, 100 Roberts Rd, Subiaco, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Lisa A Croen
- Kaiser Permanente Division of Research, 2000 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612 USA
| | - Margaret D Fallin
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N Broadway HH884, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- The MIND (Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California Davis, One Shields Ave. Med-Sci 1C, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Owen Montgomery
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 219 N. Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 USA
| | - Craig J Newschaffer
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University School of Public Health, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA.,A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, 3020 Market St. Suite 560, Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA
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Schooling CM, Houghton LC, Terry MB. Potential Intervention Targets in Utero and Early Life for Prevention of Hormone Related Cancers. Pediatrics 2016; 138:S22-S33. [PMID: 27940974 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-4268e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormone-related cancers have long been thought to be sensitive to exposures during key periods of sexual development, as shown by the vulnerability to such cancers of women exposed to diethylstilbestrol in utero. In addition to evidence from human studies, animal studies using new techniques, such as gene knockout models, suggest that an increasing number of cancers may be hormonally related, including liver, lung, and bladder cancer. Greater understanding of sexual development has also revealed the "mini-puberty" of early infancy as a key period when some sex hormones reach levels similar to those at puberty. Factors driving sex hormones in utero and early infancy have not been systematically identified as potential targets of intervention for cancer prevention. On the basis of sex hormone pathways, we identify common potentially modifiable drivers of sex hormones, including but not limited to factors such as obesity, alcohol, and possibly nitric oxide. We review the evidence for effects of modifiable drivers of sex hormones during the prenatal period and early infancy, including measured hormones as well as proxies, such as the second-to-fourth digit length ratio. We summarize the gaps in the evidence needed to identify new potential targets of early life intervention for lifelong cancer prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mary Schooling
- CUNY School of Public Health and Hunter College, New York, New York; .,School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China; and
| | - Lauren C Houghton
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Mary Beth Terry
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Mitsui T, Araki A, Goudarzi H, Miyashita C, Ito S, Sasaki S, Kitta T, Moriya K, Cho K, Morioka K, Kishi R, Shinohara N, Takeda M, Nonomura K. Effects of adrenal androgens during the prenatal period on the second to fourth digit ratio in school-aged children. Steroids 2016; 113:46-51. [PMID: 27343975 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2016.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the relationship between the levels of adrenal steroid hormones in cord blood and the second to fourth digit ratio (2D/4D), which is regarded as an indirect method to investigate the putative effects of prenatal exposure to androgens, in school-aged children. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of the 514 mother-child pairs who participated in the prospective cohort study of birth in Sapporo between 2002 and 2005, the following adrenal steroid hormone levels in 294 stored cord blood samples (135 males and 159 females) were measured; cortisol, cortisone, androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). A total of 190 out of 350 children who were currently school-aged and contactable for this survey sent back photocopies of their palms for 2D/4D measurements. RESULTS 2D/4D in all right hands, left hands, and mean values was significantly lower in males than in females (p<0.01). DHEA levels were significantly higher in females. A multivariate regression model showed that 2D/4D negatively correlated with DHEA in males only (p<0.01). No correlations were observed in the other adrenal steroid hormones tested in males or in any adrenal steroid hormones in females. CONCLUSION DHEA is mainly secreted in large amounts by the adrenal gland and is transformed into active sex-steroid hormones in peripheral tissues. The present study demonstrated that sex differences in digits were influenced by adrenal androgens during the prenatal period, possibly through intracrinological processes for androgen receptors located in fetal cartilaginous tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Mitsui
- Department of Urology, University of Yamanashi Graduate School of Medical Science, Japan; Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan.
| | - Atsuko Araki
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Houman Goudarzi
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Sachiko Ito
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Seiko Sasaki
- Department of Public Health, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takeya Kitta
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Moriya
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Keita Morioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takeda
- Department of Urology, University of Yamanashi Graduate School of Medical Science, Japan
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Itoh S, Araki A, Mitsui T, Miyashita C, Goudarzi H, Sasaki S, Cho K, Nakazawa H, Iwasaki Y, Shinohara N, Nonomura K, Kishi R. Association of perfluoroalkyl substances exposure in utero with reproductive hormone levels in cord blood in the Hokkaido Study on Environment and Children's Health. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2016; 94:51-59. [PMID: 27209000 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may disrupt reproductive function in animals and humans. Although PFASs can cross the human placental barrier, few studies evaluated the effects of prenatal PFAS exposure on the fetus' reproductive hormones. OBJECTIVE To explore the associations of prenatal exposure to perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) with cord blood reproductive hormones. METHODS In the prospective birth cohort (Sapporo cohort of the Hokkaido study), we included 189 mother-infant pairs recruited in 2002-2005 with both prenatal maternal and cord blood samples. PFOS and PFOA levels in maternal blood after the second trimester were measured via liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. We also measured cord blood levels of the fetuses' reproductive hormones, including estradiol (E2), total testosterone (T), progesterone (P4), inhibin B, insulin-like factor 3, steroid hormone binding globulin, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, and prolactin (PRL). RESULTS The median PFOS and PFOA levels in maternal serum were 5.2ng/mL and 1.4ng/mL, respectively. In the fully adjusted linear regression analyses of the male infants, maternal PFOS levels were significantly associated with E2 and positively, and T/E2, P4, and inhibin B inversely; PFOA levels were positively associated with inhibin B levels. Among the female infants, there were significant inverse associations between PFOS levels and P4 and PRL levels, although there were no significant associations between PFOA levels and the female infants' reproductive hormone levels. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that the fetal synthesis and secretion of reproductive hormones may be affected by in utero exposure to measurable levels of PFOS and PFOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachiko Itoh
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Atsuko Araki
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takahiko Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Houman Goudarzi
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Seiko Sasaki
- Department of Public Health, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Genecology, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakazawa
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Iwasaki
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hoshi University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nobuo Shinohara
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nonomura
- Department of Renal and Genitourinary Surgery, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Japan; Kushiro Rosai Hospital, Kushiro, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Center for Environmental Health and Sciences, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan.
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Ibegbulem CO, Chikezie PC, Ukoha AI, Opara CN. Effects of diet containing monosodium glutamate on organ weights, acute blood steroidal sex hormone levels, lipid profile and erythrocyte antioxidant enzymes activities of rats. JOURNAL OF ACUTE DISEASE 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.joad.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Kung KTF, Browne WV, Constantinescu M, Noorderhaven RM, Hines M. Early postnatal testosterone predicts sex-related differences in early expressive vocabulary. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 68:111-6. [PMID: 26970201 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Revised: 02/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
During the first few years of life, girls typically have a larger expressive vocabulary than boys. This sex difference is important since a small vocabulary may predict subsequent language difficulties, which are more prevalent in boys than girls. The masculinizing effects of early androgen exposure on neurobehavioral development are well-documented in nonhuman mammals. The present study conducted the first test of whether early postnatal testosterone concentrations influence sex differences in expressive vocabulary in toddlers. It was found that testosterone measured in saliva samples collected at 1-3 months of age, i.e., during the period called mini-puberty, negatively predicted parent-report expressive vocabulary size at 18-30 months of age in boys and in girls. Testosterone concentrations during mini-puberty also accounted for additional variance in expressive vocabulary after other predictors such as sex, child's age at vocabulary assessment, and paternal education, were taken into account. Furthermore, testosterone concentrations during mini-puberty mediated the sex difference in expressive vocabulary. These results suggest that testosterone during the early postnatal period contributes to early language development and neurobehavioral sexual differentiation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karson T F Kung
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RQ, UK.
| | - Wendy V Browne
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RQ, UK
| | - Mihaela Constantinescu
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RQ, UK
| | - Rebecca M Noorderhaven
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RQ, UK
| | - Melissa Hines
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Free School Lane, Cambridge CB2 3RQ, UK
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42
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Kuijper EA, Twisk JW, Korsen T, Caanen MR, Kushnir MM, Rockwood AL, Meikle AW, Hompes PG, Wit JM, Lambalk CB. Mid-pregnancy, perinatal, and neonatal reproductive endocrinology: a prospective cohort study in twins and singleton control subjects. Fertil Steril 2015; 104:1527-34.e1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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43
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Warembourg C, Debost-Legrand A, Bonvallot N, Massart C, Garlantézec R, Monfort C, Gaudreau E, Chevrier C, Cordier S. Exposure of pregnant women to persistent organic pollutants and cord sex hormone levels. Hum Reprod 2015; 31:190-8. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dev260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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Jamnadass ESL, Keelan JA, Hollier LP, Hickey M, Maybery MT, Whitehouse AJO. The perinatal androgen to estrogen ratio and autistic-like traits in the general population: a longitudinal pregnancy cohort study. J Neurodev Disord 2015; 7:17. [PMID: 26085846 PMCID: PMC4470005 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-015-9114-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal androgen exposure has been hypothesized to be linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While previous studies have found a link between testosterone levels in amniotic fluid and autistic-like traits, a similar relationship has not been found for testosterone in umbilical cord blood. However, it may be the net biological activity of multiple androgens and estrogens that influences postnatal effects of prenatal sex steroids. Accordingly, composite levels of androgens (A) and estrogens (E) were investigated, along with their ratio, in relation to autistic-like traits in young adulthood. METHODS Sex steroid data in umbilical cord blood were available from 860 individuals at delivery. Samples were analyzed for androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, and dehydroepiandrosterone) and estrogens (estrone, estradiol, estriol, and estetrol). Levels of bioavailable testosterone, estradiol, and estrone were measured and used to calculate A and E composites and the A to E ratio. Participants were approached in early adulthood to complete the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ) as a self-report measure of autistic-like traits, with 183 males (M = 20.10 years, SD = 0.65 years) and 189 females (M =19.92 years, SD = 0.68 years) providing data. RESULTS Males exhibited significantly higher androgen composites and A to E composite ratios than females. Males also scored significantly higher on the details/patterns subscale of the AQ. Subsequent categorical and continuous analyses, which accounted for covariates, revealed no substantial relationships between the A/E composites or the A to E ratio and the AQ total or subscale scores. CONCLUSIONS The current study found no link between the A/E composites or the A to E ratio in cord blood and autistic-like traits in the population as measured by the AQ. These outcomes do not exclude the possibility that these sex steroid variables may predict other neurodevelopmental traits in early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esha S. L. Jamnadass
- />School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009 Australia
- />Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, 100 Roberts Road, Subiaco, WA 6008 Australia
| | - Jeffrey A. Keelan
- />School of Women’s and Infant’s Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Lauren P. Hollier
- />Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Western Australia 6102 Australia
| | - Martha Hickey
- />Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne and the Royal Women’s Hospital, Victoria, Australia
| | - Murray T. Maybery
- />School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Hwy, Crawley, WA 6009 Australia
| | - Andrew J. O. Whitehouse
- />Telethon Kids Institute, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, 100 Roberts Road, Subiaco, WA 6008 Australia
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Mitsui T, Araki A, Imai A, Sato S, Miyashita C, Ito S, Sasaki S, Kitta T, Moriya K, Cho K, Morioka K, Kishi R, Nonomura K. Effects of prenatal Leydig cell function on the ratio of the second to fourth digit lengths in school-aged children. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120636. [PMID: 25746668 PMCID: PMC4352042 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Accepted: 01/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal sex hormones can induce abnormalities in the reproductive system and adversely impact on genital development. We investigated whether sex hormones in cord blood influenced the ratio of the second to fourth digit lengths (2D/4D) in school-aged children. Of the 514 children who participated in a prospective cohort study on birth in Sapporo between 2002 and 2005, the following sex hormone levels were measured in 294 stored cord blood samples (135 boys and 159 girls); testosterone (T), estradiol (E), progesterone, LH, FSH, inhibin B, and insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3). A total of 350 children, who were of school age and could be contacted for this survey, were then requested via mail to send black-and-white photocopies of the palms of both the left and right hands. 2D/4D was calculated in 190 children (88 boys and 102 girls) using photocopies and derived from participants with the characteristics of older mothers, a higher annual household income, higher educational level, and fewer smokers among family members. 2D/4D was significantly lower in males than in females (p<0.01). In the 294 stored cord blood samples, T, T/E, LH, FSH, Inhibin B, and INSL3 levels were significantly higher in samples collected from males than those from females. A multivariate regression model revealed that 2D/4D negatively correlated with INSL3 in males and was significantly higher in males with <0.32 ng/mL of INSL3 (p<0.01). No correlations were observed between other hormones and 2D/4D. In conclusion, 2D/4D in school-aged children, which was significantly lower in males than in females, was affected by prenatal Leydig cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiko Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Atsuko Araki
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Ayako Imai
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Sakiko Sato
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Chihiro Miyashita
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Sachiko Ito
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Seiko Sasaki
- Department of Public Health, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takeya Kitta
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kimihiko Moriya
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Cho
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Keita Morioka
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Reiko Kishi
- Hokkaido University Center for Environmental and Health Sciences, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Katsuya Nonomura
- Department of Urology, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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Knickmeyer RC, Auyeung B, Davenport ML. Assessing prenatal and neonatal gonadal steroid exposure for studies of human development: methodological and theoretical challenges. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:242. [PMID: 25642209 PMCID: PMC4294212 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C. Knickmeyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- *Correspondence:
| | - Bonnie Auyeung
- School of Philosophy, Psychology, and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marsha L. Davenport
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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