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Peranzoni F, De Castro R, Merlini E, Nguyen YL. 46 XX Ovotesticular Disorder of Sex Development with Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor, Autosomal Recessive Heterozygous Missense Mutation and Autosomal Dominant Heterozygous Missense Mutation of the PROKR2 Gene: A Case Report. Glob Med Genet 2024; 11:220-224. [PMID: 38988852 PMCID: PMC11233268 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1788060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
True hermaphroditism is a disorder of sex development (DSD), accounting for less than 5% of all DSD cases, defined by the simultaneous presence of testicular tissue and ovarian tissue in the same individual. In the reported case, the patient presented two genetic mutations involved in the pathogenic pathway of the DSD condition associated with the clinical features of Kallmann syndrome (KS), a developmental disease that associates hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH), due to gonadotropin-releasing hormone deficiency, and anosmia, related to the absence or hypoplasia of the olfactory bulbs. Given the variable degree of hyposmia in KS, the distinction between KS and normosmic idiopathic HH is currently unclear, especially as HH patients do not always undergo detailed olfactory testing. This syndrome is very rare, with an estimated prevalence of 1:80,000 in males and 1:40,000 in females. This is the only case report concerning a patient with 46 XX true hermaphroditism affected by HH and digenic inheritance of Kallmann syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Peranzoni
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Emilio Merlini
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Hospital of Alexandria, Italy
| | - Yen Le Nguyen
- Department of Pediatric Urology, Vietnam National Hospital of Pediatric 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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2
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Atkinson MA, James JJ, Quinn ME, Senefeld JW, Hunter SK. Sex Differences in Track and Field Elite Youth. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2024; 56:1390-1397. [PMID: 38595163 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To understand athletic performance before and after puberty, this study determined 1) the age at which the sex difference increases among elite youth track and field athletes for running and jumping events, and 2) whether there is a sex difference in performance before ages associated with puberty among elite youth athletes. METHODS Track and field records of elite US male and female youth (7-18 yr) across 3 yr (2019, 2021, and 2022) were collected from an online database ( athletic.net ). The top 50 performances were recorded for 100-, 200-, 400-, and 800-m track running, long jump, and high jump. RESULTS Males ran faster than females at every age in the 100, 200, 400 and 800 m ( P < 0.001). When combining all running events, the sex difference (%) was 4.0% ± 1.7% between 7 and 12 yr and increased to 6.3% ± 1.1% at 13 yr and 12.6% ± 1.8% at 18 yr ( P < 0.001). Similarly, males jumped higher and farther than females at every age ( P < 0.001). For long jump, the sex difference was 6.8% ± 2.8% between 7 and 12 yr, increasing to 8.5% ± 1.7% at 13 yr and 22.7% ± 1.4% at 18 yr ( P < 0.001). For high jump, the sex difference was 5.3% ± 5.2% between 7 and 12 yr, increasing to 12.4% ± 2.9% at 15 yr and 18.4% ± 2.04% at 18 yr ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Before 12 yr of age in elite youth track and field athletes, there was a consistent and significant sex difference of ~5%, such that males ran faster and jumped higher and farther than females. The magnitude of the sex difference in performance increased markedly at 12-13 yr for running and long jump and 14 yr for high jump and thus was more pronounced after ages associated with puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira A Atkinson
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Jessica J James
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Meagan E Quinn
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Jonathon W Senefeld
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
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Kowalcze K, Krysiak R, Gullo G, Ott J. The Course of Minipuberty in Daughters of Women with Low Gestational Vitamin D Status. Nutrients 2024; 16:2362. [PMID: 39064805 DOI: 10.3390/nu16142362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Minipuberty is a term describing temporary, sex-specific activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which is implicated in the development of male and female genital organs. Sons of women with low vitamin D during gestation were found to be characterized by increased activity of the reproductive axis and faster postnatal growth of genital organs. The current study assesses for the first time the course of minipuberty in female descendants of women with a vitamin D deficit. The study population included three matched groups of infant girls: children born to women with vitamin D deficiency (25OHD concentration below 50 nmol/L), offspring of women with vitamin D insufficiency (25OHD concentration between 50 and 75 nmol/L), and daughters of healthy females (25OHD concentration between 75 and 150 nmol/L). Salivary concentrations of estradiol, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and androgens, as well as urine concentrations of FSH and LH, were assayed during the first 18 months of life (once a month in the first 6 months, bimonthly between months 6 and 12, and then every three months). At each visit, beyond hormone measurements, the investigators assessed the size of reproductive organs: ovaries, uterus and breasts. In daughters of mothers with vitamin D deficiency, concentrations of FSH, LH and estradiol were higher and detectable for a longer period of time, while ovarian volume, uterine length and breast diameter were greater than in the remaining groups. Children born to women with vitamin D insufficiency were characterized by higher FSH levels than daughters of healthy females, though the detection period was the same, and both groups differed in breast diameter. These findings suggest that low vitamin D status during gestation leads to more pronounced and longer-lasting activation of the reproductive axis, and is associated with increased dimensions of sexual organs, the magnitude of which depends on the degree of vitamin D deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kowalcze
- Department of Patophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Academy of Silesia, Rolna 43, 40-555 Katowice, Poland
- Department of Pediatrics in Bytom, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Stefana Batorego 15, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
| | - Robert Krysiak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
| | - Giuseppe Gullo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Villa Sofia Cervello Hospital, University of Palermo, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Johannes Ott
- Clinical Division of Gynecologic Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Rohayem J, Alexander EC, Heger S, Nordenström A, Howard SR. Mini-Puberty, Physiological and Disordered: Consequences, and Potential for Therapeutic Replacement. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:460-492. [PMID: 38436980 PMCID: PMC11244267 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnae003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
There are 3 physiological waves of central hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis activity over the lifetime. The first occurs during fetal life, the second-termed "mini-puberty"-in the first months after birth, and the third at puberty. After adolescence, the axis remains active all through adulthood. Congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by a deficiency in hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion or action. In cases of severe CHH, all 3 waves of GnRH pulsatility are absent. The absence of fetal HPG axis activation manifests in around 50% of male newborns with micropenis and/or undescended testes (cryptorchidism). In these boys, the lack of the mini-puberty phase accentuates testicular immaturity. This is characterized by a low number of Sertoli cells, which are important for future reproductive capacity. Thus, absent mini-puberty will have detrimental effects on later fertility in these males. The diagnosis of CHH is often missed in infants, and even if recognized, there is no consensus on optimal therapeutic management. Here we review physiological mini-puberty and consequences of central HPG axis disorders; provide a diagnostic approach to allow for early identification of these conditions; and review current treatment options for replacement of mini-puberty in male infants with CHH. There is evidence from small case series that replacement with gonadotropins to mimic "mini-puberty" in males could have beneficial outcomes not only regarding testis descent, but also normalization of testis and penile sizes. Moreover, such therapeutic replacement regimens in disordered mini-puberty could address both reproductive and nonreproductive implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rohayem
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, 9006 St. Gallen, Switzerland
- University of Muenster, 48149 Muenster, Germany
| | - Emma C Alexander
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Sabine Heger
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Children's Hospital Auf der Bult, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Karolinska Institutet, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sasha R Howard
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Royal London Children's Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, London E1 1FR, UK
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5
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Brown ER, Gettler LT, Rosenbaum S. Effects of social environments on male primate HPG and HPA axis developmental programming. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22491. [PMID: 38698633 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22491] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Developmental plasticity is particularly important for humans and other primates because of our extended period of growth and maturation, during which our phenotypes adaptively respond to environmental cues. The hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axes are likely to be principal targets of developmental "programming" given their roles in coordinating fitness-relevant aspects of the phenotype, including sexual development, adult reproductive and social strategies, and internal responses to the external environment. In social animals, including humans, the social environment is believed to be an important source of cues to which these axes may adaptively respond. The effects of early social environments on the HPA axis have been widely studied in humans, and to some extent, in other primates, but there are still major gaps in knowledge specifically relating to males. There has also been relatively little research examining the role that social environments play in developmental programming of the HPG axis or the HPA/HPG interface, and what does exist disproportionately focuses on females. These topics are likely understudied in males in part due to the difficulty of identifying developmental milestones in males relative to females and the general quiescence of the HPG axis prior to maturation. However, there are clear indicators that early life social environments matter for both sexes. In this review, we examine what is known about the impact of social environments on HPG and HPA axis programming during male development in humans and nonhuman primates, including the role that epigenetic mechanisms may play in this programming. We conclude by highlighting important next steps in this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella R Brown
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Lee T Gettler
- Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
- Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana, USA
| | - Stacy Rosenbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Sriram S, Macedo T, Mavinkurve‐Groothuis A, van de Wetering M, Looijenga LHJ. Alkylating agents-induced gonadotoxicity in prepubertal males: Insights on the clinical and preclinical front. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13866. [PMID: 38965809 PMCID: PMC11224131 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Rising cure rates in pediatric cancer patients warrants an increased attention toward the long-term consequences of the diagnosis and treatment in survivors. Chemotherapeutic agents can be gonadotoxic, rendering them at risk for infertility post-survival. While semen cryopreservation is an option that can be provided for most (post)pubertal boys before treatment, this is unfortunately not an option prepubertal in age, simply due to the lack of spermatogenesis. Over the last couple of years, studies have thus focused on better understanding the testis niche in response to various chemotherapeutic agents that are commonly administered and their direct and indirect impact on the germ cell populations. These are generally compounds that have a high risk of infertility and have been classified into risk categories in curated fertility guidelines. However, with it comes the lack of evidence and the challenge of using informative models and conditions most reflective of the physiological scenario, in short, the appropriate study designs for clinically relevant outcomes. Besides, the exact mechanism(s) of action for many of these "risk" compounds as well as other agents is unclear. Understanding their behavior and effect on the testis niche will pave the way for incorporating new strategies to ultimately combat infertility. Of the various drug classes, alkylating agents pose the highest risk of gonadotoxicity as per previously established studies as well as risk stratification guidelines. Therefore, this review will summarize the findings in the field of male fertility concerning gonadotoxicity of akylating agents as a result of chemotherapy exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sruthi Sriram
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric OncologyUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Tiago Macedo
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric OncologyUtrechtThe Netherlands
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7
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Rhys-Evans S, Howard SR. Combined gonadotropin therapy to replace mini-puberty in male infants with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1537:32-40. [PMID: 38924109 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15177] [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] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Infants born with severe central disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis leading to gonadotropin deficiency not only lack pubertal development in adolescence, but also lack infantile mini-puberty. This period of mini-puberty, where infants have gonadotropin and sex steroid concentrations up into the adult range, is vital for future reproductive capacity, particularly in boys. At present, there is no consensus on the diagnosis or management of infants with gonadotropin deficiency due to congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or multiple pituitary hormone deficiency. Case series suggest that gonadotropin treatment in male infants with absent mini-puberty is effective in promoting both testicular descent in those with undescended testes and also facilitating increased penile size. Moreover, replacement with follicle-stimulating hormone increases the testicular Sertoli cell population, measurable as an increase in testicular volume and inhibin B, thus hypothetically increasing the capacity for spermatogenesis in adult life for these patients. However, long-term follow-up data is limited for both outcomes pertaining to fertility and nonreproductive sequelae, including neurodevelopment and psychological well-being. The use of international registries for patients with gonadotropin deficiency is a key element in the collection of high-quality, geographically widespread data to inform best-practice management from birth to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Rhys-Evans
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Sasha R Howard
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
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8
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Cham TC, Ibtisham F, Al-Dissi A, Honaramooz A. An in vitro testicular organoid model for the study of testis morphogenesis, somatic cell maturation, endocrine function, and toxicological assessment of endocrine disruptors. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 128:108645. [PMID: 38897308 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108645] [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: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Male reproductive capacity has fallen considerably in recent decades; in addition, the incidence of testicular cancer has increased in many developed countries. The cause of this phenomenon is unknown, but environmental toxicants are considered a major contributing factor. To study potential reproductive toxicants, robust in vitro testis models are needed. We have recently established a porcine testis organoid system with a high resemblance to the architectures of innate testis tissue. Here, we further investigated the testis morphogenesis, cell maturation, and endocrine function of the testis organoids. We also challenged this system with abiraterone, a steroidogenic inhibitor, to validate its suitability as an in vitro platform for endocrine toxicology tests. Our results showed that the testis cells in the organoids reorganize into testis cordal structures, and the cordal relative areas increase in the organoids over time of culture. Moreover, the diameters and cell numbers per cross-section of the cordal structures increased over time. Interestingly, Sertoli cells in the organoids gradually underwent maturational changes by showing increased expression of androgen receptors, decreased expression of the anti-müllerian hormone, and formation of the blood-testis barrier. Next, we confirmed that the organoids respond to hormonal stimulation and release multiple sex hormones, including testosterone, estradiol, and progesterone. Finally, we showed that the production of testosterone and estradiol in this system can be inhibited in response to the steroidogenic inhibitor. Taken together, our organoid system provides a promising in vitro platform for male reproductive toxicology studies on testis morphogenesis, somatic cell maturation, and endocrine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tat-Chuan Cham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Fahar Ibtisham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Ahmad Al-Dissi
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada.
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Özdamar MY, Biçer Ş. Importance of parental anxiety in management of developmental breast conditions in children: A study with a prospective hierarchical regression model. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e38514. [PMID: 38875389 PMCID: PMC11175848 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000038514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The parent is the most critical link and decision-maker between the patient and the healthcare provider in treating many pediatric diseases. This entity is essential for the management of pediatric breast diseases for which the rate of surgical intervention is known to be very low. Although previous publications have emphasized that pediatric breast diseases may cause alarming anxiety in parents, the demographic factors that influence this anxiety have not been investigated. Even if practitioners complete patient management with appropriate procedures, treatment is incomplete if the questions remain unanswered. In this observational prospective study, we investigated the demographic factors that affect parental anxiety, which should be prioritized to prevent incomplete management. The Beck Anxiety Inventory score (BAS) created by the parents of 409 boys and girls aged 0 to 17 with breast conditions was recorded at the diagnosis, termination of treatment, and final control stages. A 2-stage hierarchical logistic regression model was applied to show how strongly the demographic characteristics of parents and their children predicted the parental BAS. Of the demographic characteristics, there was a significant correlation (P < .05) between the patient's sex, age, developmental period, Tanner stage, referral status, management method, family's place of residence, economic distress, and BAS. However, according to the 2-stage hierarchical regression model, only 3 demographic characteristics, the patient's gender, place of residence, and method used in patient management, significantly predicted BAS (P < .05, ΔR2 = .35). Among the many factors that affect anxiety experienced by parents whose son or daughter has breast problems, the gender of the child, place of residence of the family, and management methods used by the practitioner are demographic characteristics that should be taken into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Yaşar Özdamar
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Şenol Biçer
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Erzincan Binali Yildirim University, Erzincan, Turkey
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Kaplowitz PB, Lee PA. Females with Breast Development before Three Years of Age. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2024; 53:195-201. [PMID: 38677862 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Breast development in a girl 3 years of age or younger is a commonly encountered scenario. Nearly all of these cases will either regress or fail to progress during follow-up, confirming a diagnosis of premature thelarche (PT). Studies show that these girls will have onset of true puberty and menses at a normal age. The authors present evidence that laboratory testing, particularly basal and gonadotropin hormone-releasing hormone -stimulated gonadotropin levels, will show overlap between girls with PT and the rare patients with the onset of central precocious puberty before age 3, mainly of whom have hypothalamic hamartomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul B Kaplowitz
- Division of Endocrinology, Children's National Hospital, George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 111 Michigan Avenue Northwest, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Peter A Lee
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Penn State School of Medicine, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, 500 University Avenue, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
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Turi KN, Li Y, Xu Y, Gebretsadik T, Rosas-Salazar C, Wiggins DA, McKennan C, Newcomb D, Gern JE, Hartert TV. The association of infant urinary adrenal steroids with the risk of childhood asthma development. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2024:S1081-1206(24)00215-1. [PMID: 38631429 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenal steroids play important roles in early-life development. However, our understanding of the effects of perinatal adrenal steroids on the development of childhood asthma is incomplete. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the associations between early-life adrenal steroid levels and childhood asthma. METHODS Participants included the Infant Susceptibility to Pulmonary Infections and Asthma following Respiratory Syncytial Virus Exposure birth cohort children with untargeted urinary metabolomics data measured during early infancy (n = 264) and nasal immune mediator data measured concurrently at age 2 to 6 months (n = 76). A total of 11 adrenal steroid compounds were identified using untargeted metabolomics and 6 asthma-relevant nasal immune mediators from multiplex assays were a priori selected. Current asthma at ages 5 and 6 years was ascertained using validated questionnaires. Associations were tested using logistic and linear regression with confounders adjustment. RESULTS Pregnenetriol disulfate (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.06-0.68) and 3a,21-dihydroxy-5b-pregnane-11,20-dione-21-glucuronide (aOR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.14-0.75) were inversely associated with childhood asthma at 5 and 6 years after multiple testing adjustment. There was a significant interaction effect of pregnanediol-3-glucuronide by biological sex assigned at birth (aOR = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.02-0.51, for those with female sex) on childhood asthma. Pregnenetriol disulfate was inversely associated with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (β = -0.45, q-value = 0.05). 3a,21-dihydroxy-5b-pregnane-11,20-dione 21-glucuronide was inversely associated with interleukin [IL]-4 (β = -0.29, q-value = 0.02), IL-5 (β = -0.35, q-value = 0.006), IL-13 (β = -0.26, q-value = 0.02), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (β = -0.35, q-value = 0.006), and fibroblast growth factor-β (β = -0.24, q-value = 0.01) after multiple testing adjustment. CONCLUSION The inverse association between adrenal steroids downstream of progesterone and 17-hydroxypregnenolone and the odds of childhood asthma and nasopharyngeal type 2 immune biomarkers suggest that increased early-life adrenal steroids may suppress type 2 inflammation and protect against the development of childhood asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kedir N Turi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.
| | - Yajing Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Yaomin Xu
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Tebeb Gebretsadik
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | | | - Derek A Wiggins
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Chris McKennan
- Department of Statistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Dawn Newcomb
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - James E Gern
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Tina V Hartert
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee; Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee.
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Senefeld JW, Hunter SK. Hormonal Basis of Biological Sex Differences in Human Athletic Performance. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae036. [PMID: 38563597 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic human performance involving strength, power, speed, and aerobic endurance and is more predictive of athletic performance than gender. This perspective article highlights 3 key medical and physiological insights related to recent evolving research into the sex differences in human physical performance: (1) sex and gender are not the same; (2) males and females exhibit profound differences in physical performance with males outperforming females in events and sports involving strength, power, speed, and aerobic endurance; (3) endogenous testosterone underpins sex differences in human physical performance with questions remaining on the roles of minipuberty in the sex differences in performance in prepubescent youth and the presence of the Y chromosome (SRY gene expression) in males, on athletic performance across all ages. Last, females are underrepresented as participants in biomedical research, which has led to a historical dearth of information on the mechanisms for sex differences in human physical performance and the capabilities of the female body. Collectively, greater effort and resources are needed to address the hormonal mechanisms for biological sex differences in human athletic performance before and after puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon W Senefeld
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sandra K Hunter
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
- Athletic and Human Performance Research Center, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53201, USA
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13
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Lundberg TR, Tucker R, McGawley K, Williams AG, Millet GP, Sandbakk Ø, Howatson G, Brown GA, Carlson LA, Chantler S, Chen MA, Heffernan SM, Heron N, Kirk C, Murphy MH, Pollock N, Pringle J, Richardson A, Santos-Concejero J, Stebbings GK, Christiansen AV, Phillips SM, Devine C, Jones C, Pike J, Hilton EN. The International Olympic Committee framework on fairness, inclusion and nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations does not protect fairness for female athletes. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14581. [PMID: 38511417 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently published a framework on fairness, inclusion, and nondiscrimination on the basis of gender identity and sex variations. Although we appreciate the IOC's recognition of the role of sports science and medicine in policy development, we disagree with the assertion that the IOC framework is consistent with existing scientific and medical evidence and question its recommendations for implementation. Testosterone exposure during male development results in physical differences between male and female bodies; this process underpins male athletic advantage in muscle mass, strength and power, and endurance and aerobic capacity. The IOC's "no presumption of advantage" principle disregards this reality. Studies show that transgender women (male-born individuals who identify as women) with suppressed testosterone retain muscle mass, strength, and other physical advantages compared to females; male performance advantage cannot be eliminated with testosterone suppression. The IOC's concept of "meaningful competition" is flawed because fairness of category does not hinge on closely matched performances. The female category ensures fair competition for female athletes by excluding male advantages. Case-by-case testing for transgender women may lead to stigmatization and cannot be robustly managed in practice. We argue that eligibility criteria for female competition must consider male development rather than relying on current testosterone levels. Female athletes should be recognized as the key stakeholders in the consultation and decision-making processes. We urge the IOC to reevaluate the recommendations of their Framework to include a comprehensive understanding of the biological advantages of male development to ensure fairness and safety in female sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommy R Lundberg
- Division of Clinical Physiology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ross Tucker
- Department of Sport Science, Institute of Sport and Exercise Medicine, University of Stellenbosch, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Kerry McGawley
- Department of Health Sciences, Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
| | - Alun G Williams
- Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London, UK
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Grégoire P Millet
- Institute of Sport Sciences, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Øyvind Sandbakk
- Department of Neuromedicine and Movement Science, Centre for Elite Sports Research, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Glyn Howatson
- Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Water Research Group, North West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Gregory A Brown
- Department of Kinesiology and Sport Sciences, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Kearney, Nebraska, USA
| | | | - Sarah Chantler
- Carnegie School of Sport, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
| | - Mark A Chen
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Shane M Heffernan
- Applied Sports, Technology, Exercise and Medicine Research Centre (A-STEM), Faculty of Science and Engineering, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Neil Heron
- Centre for Public Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Medicine, Keele University, Newcastle-under-Lyme, UK
| | - Christopher Kirk
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
| | - Marie H Murphy
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Centre for Exercise Medicine, Physical Activity and Health, School of Sport, Ulster University, Belfast, UK
| | - Noel Pollock
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jamie Pringle
- School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew Richardson
- School of Social Sciences, Humanities and Law, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Jordan Santos-Concejero
- Department of Physical Education and Sport, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Georgina K Stebbings
- Manchester Metropolitan Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Stuart M Phillips
- Department of Kinesiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Carwyn Jones
- Cardiff School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jon Pike
- Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Emma N Hilton
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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14
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Mogavero MP, DelRosso LM, Lanza G, Lanuzza B, Bruni O, Strambi LF, Ferri R. Changes in time structure of periodic leg movements during sleep in restless legs syndrome: Effects of sex and age. Sleep Med 2024; 115:137-144. [PMID: 38359593 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to check the hypothesis that in women with restless legs syndrome (RLS) different changes occur in periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMS) during the post-menopausal period (using >50 years as a proxy) than in men of the same age. METHODS We recruited 36 untreated patients aged 18-50 years (19 men, median age 40 years, and 17 women, median age 37 years) while the remaining 67 were >50 years old (24 men, median age 66.6 years, and 43 women, median age 60.0 years). Leg movement activity during sleep was analyzed by means of an approach utilizing indexes especially suitable to assess leg movement periodicity. RESULTS No significant difference was seen between men in the two age groups; conversely, in women, a clear and significant increase in Periodicity Index was observed in the older group, along with a decrease in isolated leg movements. In women, a clear age-related enhancement of PLMS was found in the intermovement interval graphs, especially in the 16-22 s range, which was more evident than that observed in men. The results remained unchanged also when they were replicated by selecting only subjects aged 18-45 years vs. those aged >55 years. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that assessing PLMS in women after menopause is clinically relevant because they are probably connected with the hormonal fluctuations of this period of life. Translationally, identifying and addressing PLMS in post-menopausal women is crucial for optimizing their sleep health and addressing potential health risks associated with sleep disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria P Mogavero
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Sleep Disorders Center, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit and Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy; Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Bartolo Lanuzza
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit and Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Oliviero Bruni
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Ferini Strambi
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Sleep Disorders Center, Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Clinical Neurophysiology Research Unit and Sleep Research Centre, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy.
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15
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Xu X, Yang L, Deng X, Xiao Q, Huang X, Wang C, Zhou Y, Luo X, Zhang Y, Xu X, Qin Q, Liu S. Expression and localization of HPG axis-related genes in Carassius auratus with different ploidy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1336679. [PMID: 38410696 PMCID: PMC10894961 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1336679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In the Dongting water system, the Carassius auratus (Crucian carp) complex is characterized by the coexistence of diploid forms (2n=100, 2nCC) and polyploidy forms. The diploid (2nCC) and triploid C.auratus (3n=150, 3nCC) had the same fertility levels, reaching sexual maturity at one year. Methods The nucleotide sequence, gene expression, methylation, and immunofluorescence of the gonadotropin releasing hormone 2(Gnrh2), Gonadotropin hormone beta(Gthβ), and Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor(Gthr) genes pivotal genes of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis were analyzed. Results The analysis results indicated that Gnrh2, follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(Fshr), and Lethal hybrid rescue(Lhr) genes increased the copy number and distinct structural differentiation in 3nCC compared to that in 2nCC. The transcript levels of HPG axis genes in 3nCC were higher than 2nCC (P<0.05), which could promote the production and secretion of sex steroid hormones conducive to the gonadal development of 3nCC. Meanwhile, the DNA methylation levels in the promoter regions of the HPG axis genes were lower in 3nCC than in 2nCC. These results suggested that methylation of the promoter region had a potential regulatory effect on gene expression after triploidization. Immunofluorescence showed that the localization of the Fshβ, Lhβ, and Fshr genes between 3nCC and 2nCC remained unchanged, ensuring the normal expression of these genes at the corresponding sites after triploidization. Discussion Relevant research results provide cell and molecular biology evidence for normal reproductive activities such as gonad development and gamete maturation in triploid C. auratus, and contribute to further understanding of the genetic basis for fertility restoration in triploid C. auratus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinyi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qingwen Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chongqing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yue Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xidan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qinbo Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Nansha-South China Agricultural University Fishery Research Institute, Guangzhou, China
- Hunan Yuelu Mountain Science and Technology Co., Ltd., for Aquatic Breeding, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shaojun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, Engineering Research Center of Polyploid Fish Reproduction and Breeding of the State Education Ministry, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
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16
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McLean CR, Mata A, Kline RJ, Berg KS. Early corticosterone increases vocal complexity in a wild parrot: An organizational role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in vocal learning? J Neuroendocrinol 2024:e13365. [PMID: 38200690 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
The neuroendocrinology of vocal learning is exceptionally well known in passerine songbirds. Despite huge life history, genetic and ecological variation across passerines, song learning tends to occur as a result of rises in gonadal and non-gonadal sex steroids that shape telencephalic vocal control circuits and song. Parrots are closely related but independently evolved different cerebral circuits for vocal repertoire acquisition in both sexes that serve a broader suite of social functions and do not appear to be shaped by early androgens or estrogens; instead, parrots begin a plastic phase in vocal development at an earlier life history stage that favors the growth, maturation, and survival functions of corticosteroids. As evidence, corticosterone (CORT) supplements given to wild green-rumped parrotlets (Forpus passerinus) during the first week of vocal babbling resulted in larger vocal repertoires in both sexes in the remaining days before fledging. Here, we replicate this experiment but began treatment 1 week before in development, analyzing both experiments in one model and a stronger test of the organizational effects of CORT on repertoire acquisition. Early CORT treatment resulted in significantly larger repertoires compared to late treatment. Both treatment groups showed weak negative effects on the early, reduplicated stage of babbling and strong, positive effects of CORT on the later, variegated stage. Results are consistent with more formative effects of corticosteroids at earlier developmental stages and a role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) in vocal repertoire acquisition. Given the early emergence of speech in human ontogeny, parrots are a promising model for understanding the putative role of the HPA axis in the construction of neural circuits that support language acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia R McLean
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| | - Astolfo Mata
- Centro de Ecología, Instituto Venezolano de Investigaciones Científicas, Caracas, Venezuela
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Universite de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Richard J Kline
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
- School of Earth Environmental and Marine Sciences, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| | - Karl S Berg
- Department of Biology, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville, Texas, USA
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17
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Hunter SK, S Angadi S, Bhargava A, Harper J, Hirschberg AL, D Levine B, L Moreau K, J Nokoff N, Stachenfeld NS, Bermon S. The Biological Basis of Sex Differences in Athletic Performance: Consensus Statement for the American College of Sports Medicine. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2023; 55:2328-2360. [PMID: 37772882 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Biological sex is a primary determinant of athletic performance because of fundamental sex differences in anatomy and physiology dictated by sex chromosomes and sex hormones. Adult men are typically stronger, more powerful, and faster than women of similar age and training status. Thus, for athletic events and sports relying on endurance, muscle strength, speed, and power, males typically outperform females by 10%-30% depending on the requirements of the event. These sex differences in performance emerge with the onset of puberty and coincide with the increase in endogenous sex steroid hormones, in particular testosterone in males, which increases 30-fold by adulthood, but remains low in females. The primary goal of this consensus statement is to provide the latest scientific knowledge and mechanisms for the sex differences in athletic performance. This review highlights the differences in anatomy and physiology between males and females that are primary determinants of the sex differences in athletic performance and in response to exercise training, and the role of sex steroid hormones (particularly testosterone and estradiol). We also identify historical and nonphysiological factors that influence the sex differences in performance. Finally, we identify gaps in the knowledge of sex differences in athletic performance and the underlying mechanisms, providing substantial opportunities for high-impact studies. A major step toward closing the knowledge gap is to include more and equitable numbers of women to that of men in mechanistic studies that determine any of the sex differences in response to an acute bout of exercise, exercise training, and athletic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra K Hunter
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, and Athletic and Human Performance Center, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | | | - Aditi Bhargava
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA
| | - Joanna Harper
- Loughborough University, Loughborough, UNITED KINGDOM
| | - Angelica Lindén Hirschberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, SWEDEN
| | - Benjamin D Levine
- Institute for Exercise and Environmental Medicine, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, and the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Kerrie L Moreau
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, and Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Aurora, CO
| | - Natalie J Nokoff
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Endocrinology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Nina S Stachenfeld
- The John B. Pierce Laboratory and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Stéphane Bermon
- Health and Science Department, World Athletics, Monaco and the LAMHESS, University Côte d'Azur, Nice, FRANCE
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18
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Barth C, Crestol A, de Lange AMG, Galea LAM. Sex steroids and the female brain across the lifespan: insights into risk of depression and Alzheimer's disease. Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2023; 11:926-941. [PMID: 37865102 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-8587(23)00224-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite widespread sex differences in prevalence and presentation of numerous illnesses affecting the human brain, there has been little focus on the effect of endocrine ageing. Most preclinical studies have focused on males only, and clinical studies often analyse data by covarying for sex, ignoring relevant differences between the sexes. This sex- (and gender)-neutral approach is biased and contributes to the absence of targeted treatments and services for all sexes (and genders). Female health has been historically understudied, with grave consequences for their wellbeing and health equity. In this Review, we spotlight female brain health across the lifespan by informing on the role of sex steroids, particularly oestradiol, on the female brain and on risk for diseases more prevalent in females, such as depression and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Barth
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Arielle Crestol
- Department of Psychiatric Research, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway; NORMENT, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ann-Marie G de Lange
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Liisa A M Galea
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
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19
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Kowalcze K, Krysiak R, Obuchowicz A. Minipuberty in Sons of Women with Low Vitamin D Status during Pregnancy. Nutrients 2023; 15:4729. [PMID: 38004122 PMCID: PMC10674928 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224729] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Minipuberty is a transient phase of reproductive axis activation during the first several months of life, playing an important role in the development of reproductive organs in boys. Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels during pregnancy are associated with an increased risk of neonatal complications. An inadequate gestational vitamin D status is hypothesized to affect the postnatal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The purpose of our study was to assess whether a low vitamin D status during pregnancy determines the course of minipuberty in boys. The study included three groups of male infants born to women with different vitamin D statuses: sons of women with vitamin D deficiency (group 1), sons of women with vitamin D insufficiency (group 2), and male offspring of females with normal 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (group 3 (the reference group)). Concentrations of testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estradiol, progesterone, and 17-hydroxyprogesterone in saliva, as well as concentrations of gonadotropins in urine, were assayed monthly from postnatal months 1 to 6, and once every 2 months in the second half of the first year of life. Additionally, at each visit, penile length and testicular volume were assessed. Concentrations of testosterone, FSH, and LH, as well as penile length and testicular volume, were greater in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. In turn, group 2 was characterized by higher FSH levels and a greater testicular volume than group 3. Peak concentrations of LH and testosterone were observed earlier in group 1 than in the remaining groups. The obtained results suggest that a low vitamin D status during pregnancy may have a stimulatory impact on reproductive axis activity and on the early postnatal development of male genital organs, correlating with the severity of hypovitaminosis D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Kowalcze
- Department of Pediatrics in Bytom, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Stefana Batorego 15, 41-902 Bytom, Poland;
| | - Robert Krysiak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medyków 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland;
| | - Anna Obuchowicz
- Department of Pediatrics in Bytom, Faculty of Health Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, Stefana Batorego 15, 41-902 Bytom, Poland;
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20
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Boerma T, Ter Haar S, Ganga R, Wijnen F, Blom E, Wierenga CJ. What risk factors for Developmental Language Disorder can tell us about the neurobiological mechanisms of language development. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 154:105398. [PMID: 37741516 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Language is a complex multidimensional cognitive system that is connected to many neurocognitive capacities. The development of language is therefore strongly intertwined with the development of these capacities and their neurobiological substrates. Consequently, language problems, for example those of children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), are explained by a variety of etiological pathways and each of these pathways will be associated with specific risk factors. In this review, we attempt to link previously described factors that may interfere with language development to putative underlying neurobiological mechanisms of language development, hoping to uncover openings for future therapeutical approaches or interventions that can help children to optimally develop their language skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessel Boerma
- Institute for Language Sciences, Department of Languages, Literature and Communication, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sita Ter Haar
- Institute for Language Sciences, Department of Languages, Literature and Communication, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Cognitive Neurobiology and Helmholtz Institute, Department of Psychology, Utrecht University/Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rachida Ganga
- Institute for Language Sciences, Department of Languages, Literature and Communication, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Frank Wijnen
- Institute for Language Sciences, Department of Languages, Literature and Communication, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Elma Blom
- Department of Development and Education of youth in Diverse Societies (DEEDS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Language and Culture, The Arctic University of Norway UiT, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Corette J Wierenga
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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21
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Prévot V, Tena-Sempere M, Pitteloud N. New Horizons: Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Cognition. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:2747-2758. [PMID: 37261390 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad319] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is essential for activating and maintaining the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which controls the onset of puberty and fertility. Two recent studies suggest that, in addition to controlling reproduction, the neurons in the brain that produce GnRH are also involved in the control of postnatal brain maturation, odor discrimination, and adult cognition. This review will summarize the development and establishment of the GnRH system, with particular attention to the importance of its first postnatal activation, a phenomenon known as minipuberty, for later reproductive and nonreproductive functions. In addition, we will discuss the beneficial effects of restoring physiological (ie, pulsatile) GnRH levels on olfactory and cognitive alterations in preclinical Down syndrome and Alzheimer disease models, as well as the potential risks associated with long-term continuous (ie, nonphysiological) GnRH administration in certain disorders. Finally, this review addresses the intriguing possibility that pulsatile GnRH therapy may hold therapeutic potential for the management of some neurodevelopmental cognitive disorders and pathological aging in elderly people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Prévot
- University of Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR S1172, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, Université of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
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22
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Eleftheriou A, Ong KK, Hughes IA, Petry CJ. Leptin and IGF-1 in Infancy Are Associated With Variants in DHCR7 and CYP2R1 That Relate With Type 1 Diabetes and 25OHD. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:e1394-e1402. [PMID: 37170809 PMCID: PMC10584008 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Vitamin D has been variably implicated in risk of developing type 1 diabetes based on cohorts of at-risk individuals. Emergent type 1 diabetes in childhood is putatively preceded by altered growth. OBJECTIVE We explored whether polymorphisms in vitamin D metabolism genes modify risk of type 1 diabetes via effects on growth in a prospective, population-based cohort of infants. METHODS The Cambridge Baby Growth Study enrolled newborns from Cambridgeshire, UK, for follow-up in infancy. In 612 infants, we genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms in vitamin D metabolism genes that relate with type 1 diabetes: rs10741657 and rs12794714 in CYP2R1, rs12785878 in DHCR7, and rs10877012 in CYP27B1. Multivariate linear regression analyses tested associations between genotypes and anthropometric indices (weight, length, and skinfold thickness) or growth-related hormones (C-peptide, IGF-1, and leptin) in infancy. RESULTS Birth weight showed borderline associations with the diabetes risk-increasing alleles in CYP2R1, rs10741657 (β = -.11, P = .02) and rs12794714 (β = -.09, P = .04). The risk-increasing allele rs12794714 was also associated with higher IGF-1 levels at age 24 months (β = .30, P = .01). At age 3 months, the risk-increasing allele rs12785878 in DHCR7, known to negatively associate with 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, showed a positive association with leptin levels (β = .23, P = .009), which was pronounced in girls (P = .004) vs boys (P = .7). CONCLUSION The vitamin D metabolism genes DHCR7 and CYP2R1 might influence infancy leptin and IGF-1 levels respectively. These findings open the possibility for a developmental role of vitamin D that is mediated by growth-related hormones with implications for the onset of type 1 diabetes autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ken K Ong
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
- Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Ieuan A Hughes
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Clive J Petry
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK
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23
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Lan H, Hu Z, Gan H, Wu L, Xie S, Jiang Y, Ye D, Ye X. Association between exposure to persistent organic pollutants and pubertal timing in boys and girls: A systematic review and meta-analysis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 265:115540. [PMID: 37801753 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, the phenomenon of abnormal pubertal timing in children has become increasingly common worldwide. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may be one of the risk factors contributing to this phenomenon, but the relationship between them is unclear based on current evidence. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of POPs exposure with pubertal timing in girls and boys by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched PubMed and Embase databases for studies before June 1, 2023. Meta-analysis was performed by pooling relative risk (RR) or odds ratio (OR) or prevalence ratio (PR) or hazard ratio (HR) estimates with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analysis, publication bias assessment and sensitivity analysis were also carried out. A total of 21 studies were included, involving 2479 boys and 8718 girls. The results of meta-analysis showed that exposure to POPs was significantly associated with delayed pubertal timing in girls (RR: 0.85; 95 % CI: 0.79-0.91; p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant association between exposure to POPs and pubertal timing in boys (RR: 1.18; 95 % CI: 0.99-1.40; p = 0.070). Subgroup analysis showed that there may be gender differences in the effects of exposure to POPs on pubertal timing. Our results suggested that exposure to POPs could delay pubertal timing in girls. However, based on current evidence, no significant association was found between POPs exposure and pubertal timing in boys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huili Lan
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Zhiqin Hu
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Hongya Gan
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Lixiang Wu
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shushu Xie
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Ding Ye
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xiaoqing Ye
- School of Medical Technology and Information Engineering, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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24
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Alghamdi A. Precocious Puberty: Types, Pathogenesis and Updated Management. Cureus 2023; 15:e47485. [PMID: 38021712 PMCID: PMC10663169 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Precocious puberty (PP) means the appearance of secondary sexual characters before the age of eight years in girls and nine years in boys. Puberty is indicated in girls by the enlargement of the breasts (thelarche) in girls and in boys by the enlargement of the testes in either volume or length (testicular volume = 4 mL, testicular length = 25 mm, or both). Two types of PP are recognized - namely central PP (CPP) and peripheral PP (PPP). This paper aims to describe the clinical findings and laboratory workup of PP and to illustrate the new trends in the management of precocious sexual maturation. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-independent type (PPP) refers to the development of early pubertal maturation not related to the central activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. It is classified into genetic or acquired disorders. The most common forms of congenital or genetic causes involve McCune-Albright syndrome (MAS), familial male-limited PP, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The acquired causes include exogenous exposure to androgens, functioning tumors or cysts, and the pseudo-PP of profound primary hypothyroidism. On the other hand, CPP is the most common and it is a gonadotropin-dependent form. It is due to premature maturation of the HPG axis. CPP may occur as genetic alterations, such as MKRN3, DLK1, or KISS1;as a part of mutations in the epigenetic factors that regulate the HPG axis, such as Lin28b and let-7; or as a part of syndromes, central lesions such as hypothalamic hamartoma, and others. A full, detailed history and physical examination should be taken. Furthermore, several investigations should be conducted for both types of PP, including the estimation of serum gonadotropins such as luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones and sex steroids, in addition to a radiographic workup and thyroid function tests. Treatment depends on the type of PP: Long-acting GnRHa, either intramuscularly or implanted, is the norm of care for CPP management, while in PPP, especially in congenital adrenal hyperplasia, the goal of management is to suppress adrenal androgen secretion by glucocorticoids. In addition, anastrozole and letrozole - third-generation aromatase inhibitors - are more potent for MAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Alghamdi
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Al Baha University, Al Baha, SAU
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25
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Gaml-Sørensen A, Brix N, Lunddorf LLH, Ernst A, Høyer BB, Toft G, Henriksen TB, Ramlau-Hansen CH. Maternal Intake of Vitamin D Supplements during Pregnancy and Pubertal Timing in Children: A Population-Based Follow-Up Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:4039. [PMID: 37764822 PMCID: PMC10536415 DOI: 10.3390/nu15184039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal vitamin D may be important for several organ systems in the offspring, including the reproductive system. In this population-based follow-up study of 12,991 Danish boys and girls born 2000-2003, we investigated if maternal intake of vitamin D supplements during pregnancy was associated with pubertal timing in boys and girls. Information on maternal intake of vitamin D supplements was obtained by self-report in mid-pregnancy. Self-reported information on the current status of various pubertal milestones was obtained every six months throughout puberty. Mean differences in months at attaining each pubertal milestone and an average estimate for the mean difference in attaining all pubertal milestones were estimated according to maternal intake of vitamin D supplements using multivariable interval-censored regression models. Lower maternal intake of vitamin D supplements was associated with later pubertal timing in boys. For the average estimate, boys had 0.5 months (95% CI 0.1; 0.9) later pubertal timing per 5 µg/day lower maternal vitamin D supplement intake. Maternal intake of vitamin D supplements was not associated with pubertal timing in girls. Spline plots and sensitivity analyses supported the findings. Whether the observed association with boys' pubertal timing translates into an increased risk of disease in adulthood is unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Gaml-Sørensen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Nis Brix
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Lea Lykke Harrits Lunddorf
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Andreas Ernst
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Birgit Bjerre Høyer
- Open Patient Data Explorative Network, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Tine Brink Henriksen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Cecilia Høst Ramlau-Hansen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for Epidemiology, Aarhus University, Bartholins Alle 2, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
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26
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Prévot V, Duittoz A. A role for GnRH in olfaction and cognition: Implications for veterinary medicine. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58 Suppl 2:109-124. [PMID: 37329313 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14411] [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: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is essential for the activation and maintenance of the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which controls the onset of puberty and fertility. Two provocative recent studies suggest that, in addition to control reproduction, the neurons in the brain that produce GnRH are also involved in the control postnatal brain maturation, odour discrimination and adult cognition. Long-acting GnRH antagonists and agonists are commonly used to control fertility and behaviour in veterinary medicine, primarily in males. This review puts into perspective the potential risks of these androgen deprivation therapies and immunization on olfactory and cognitive performances and well-aging in domestic animals, including pets. We will also discuss the results reporting beneficial effects of pharmacological interventions restoring physiological GnRH levels on olfactory and cognitive alterations in preclinical models of Alzheimer's disease, which shares many pathophysiological and behavioural hallmarks with canine cognitive dysfunction. These novel findings raise the intriguing possibility that pulsatile GnRH therapy holds therapeutic potential for the management of this behavioural syndrome affecting older dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Prévot
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR_S1172, Lille, France
| | - Anne Duittoz
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements (PRC) UMR7247 INRA, CNRS, Centre INRAE Val de Loire, IFCE, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
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27
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Ouyang F, Wells JC, Zhang GH, Du K, Wang X, Shen L, Luo ZC, Zhang J. Maternal Prenatal Factors and Child Adiposity in Associations with Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Term-Born Chinese Children at the Age of 2 Years. Nutrients 2023; 15:3342. [PMID: 37571278 PMCID: PMC10421441 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153342] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Early growth has long-lasting associations with adult metabolic health. However, the association of adiposity with cardiometabolic risk factors in toddlers remains poorly understood. This study aimed to examine the association of maternal prenatal factors and child adiposity with child cardiometabolic risk factors among boys and girls aged 2 years. This was a birth cohort study of 549 term-born children in Shanghai, China, with follow-up data at the age of 2-years. Child anthropometric and adiposity measurements included weight, length, and skinfold thickness (triceps, subscapular, and abdominal). Child cardiometabolic risk factors included random morning plasma glucose, serum insulin, lipids, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP). At 2 years, overweight/obesity (weight-for-length z score, ZWFL > 2) was associated with 12.6 (95%CI 7.7, 17.4) mmHg higher SBP, and 7.9 (4.1, 11.8) mmHg higher DBP in boys, with similar results observed in girls. Maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were associated with 3.0 (0.1, 5.8) higher SBP, 3.17 (0.90, 5.44) mmHg higher DBP, 0.24 (0.01,0.47) mmol/L higher plasma glucose, and 0.26 (0.01,0.51) mmol/L higher serum triglycerides after adjustment for child age, sex, and ZWFL. Maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and child overweight/obesity were associated with higher SBP and DBP at the age of 2 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengxiu Ouyang
- Ministry of Education and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jonathan C. Wells
- Childhood Nutrition Research Centre, Population, Policy and Practice Research Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Guang-Hui Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Test, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Kun Du
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Test, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Xia Wang
- Ministry of Education and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Lixiao Shen
- Ministry of Education and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhong-Cheng Luo
- Ministry of Education and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prosserman Centre for Population Health Research, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Jun Zhang
- Ministry of Education and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children’s Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, China
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28
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Nokoff NJ, Senefeld J, Krausz C, Hunter S, Joyner M. Sex Differences in Athletic Performance: Perspectives on Transgender Athletes. Exerc Sport Sci Rev 2023; 51:85-95. [PMID: 37057897 PMCID: PMC10330580 DOI: 10.1249/jes.0000000000000317] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
Sex hormone concentrations, particularly testosterone, are primary determinants of sex-based differences in athletic and sports performance, and this relationship may inform fair competition and participation for athletes. This article describes the sex-based dichotomy in testosterone and the implications for sex-based differences in individual sports performance, including factors that relate to athletic performance for transgender individuals, and areas of future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie J Nokoff
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
| | - Jonathon Senefeld
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine and Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Csilla Krausz
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sandra Hunter
- Exercise Science Program, Department of Physical Therapy, and Athletic & Human Performance Research Center, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Michael Joyner
- Department of Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine and Department of Physiology & Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
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29
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Chin HB, Krall JR, Goldberg M, Stanczyk FZ, Darge K, Stallings VA, Rogan WJ, Umbach DM, Baird DD. Early Life Anti-Müllerian Hormone Trajectories in Infant Girls. Epidemiology 2023; 34:568-575. [PMID: 36943795 PMCID: PMC10238655 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001610] [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] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minipuberty is a period of increased reproductive axis activity in infancy, but the importance of this period is not well understood, especially in girls. Previous studies reported a peak in hormone concentrations at 3 to 4 months old. Our objective is to describe anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) trajectories in the context of other minipuberty factors among healthy infant girls using longitudinal measures of AMH. METHODS The Infant Feeding and Early Development study is a longitudinal cohort study of healthy infants, recruited from hospitals in the Philadelphia area during 2010 to 2013. We measured AMH in 153 girls who contributed 1366 serum samples across 11 study visits over 36 weeks. We also measured follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and ovarian characteristics. We used latent class mixed effects models to cluster trajectories of AMH concentration with age. Using linear mixed models, we estimated FSH and ovarian characteristic trajectories separately by AMH cluster. RESULTS We classified infants into four clusters that represent patterns of AMH that were high and decreasing (decreasing), had a peak around 12 weeks or 20 weeks (early peak and middle peak), or were consistently low (low). Infants in these clusters differed in their FSH trajectories, timing of estradiol production, and ovarian characteristics. CONCLUSIONS The AMH clusters identified suggest variation in the timing and the magnitude of the minipuberty response in infant girls. The decreasing and low clusters have not been described previously and should be further evaluated to determine whether they represent an opportunity for the early identification of later reproductive conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen B. Chin
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
| | - Jenna R. Krall
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA
| | - Mandy Goldberg
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Frank Z. Stanczyk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kassa Darge
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Radiology, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Virginia A. Stallings
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Walter J. Rogan
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - David M. Umbach
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Donna D. Baird
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
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30
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Lanciotti L, Sica R, Penta L, Parisi F, Argentiero A, Radicioni M, Di Cara G, Di Genova F, Verrotti A, Troiani S, Esposito SMR. Minipuberty assessment in newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy treated with therapeutic hypothermia: a single-center case-control study. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1201668. [PMID: 37416822 PMCID: PMC10320525 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1201668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of our single-center case-control study is to evaluate whether minipuberty occurs in patients with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who underwent therapeutic hypothermia (TH). We intend to conduct this evaluation by confronting the values of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and the values of testosterone in males and estradiol in females between newborns with HIE and in subsequent TH and healthy controls. Methods We enrolled 40 patients (age: 56-179 days; 23 males), of whom 20 met the inclusion criteria for the case group and who underwent TH. A blood sample was taken from each patient at approximately 10 weeks of age to evaluate FSH and LH from the serum samples of all patients and to evaluate 17-beta estradiol (E2) and testosterone levels, respectively, from the serum samples of female and male patients. Results It was found that minipuberty occurred in the case group patients, with no significant differences reported from the control group and with hormonal serum levels comparable to healthy infants of the control group (FSH 4.14 mUI/ml ± 5.81 SD vs. 3.45 mUI/ml ± 3.48 SD; LH 1.41 mUI/ml ±1.29 SD vs. 2.04 mUI/ml ±1.76 SD; testosterone in males 0.79 ng/ml ± 0.43 SD vs. 0.56 ng/ml ± 0.43 SD; 17-beta estradiol in females 28.90 pg/ml ± 16.71 SD vs. 23.66 pg/ml ± 21.29 SD). Discussion The results of the present study may pave the way for further research and the evaluation of more possible advantages of TH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Lanciotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Rossella Sica
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Penta
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Alberto Argentiero
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Radicioni
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Pathology, S. Maria Della Misericordia Hospital of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Di Genova
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Pathology, S. Maria Della Misericordia Hospital of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Troiani
- Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Pathology, S. Maria Della Misericordia Hospital of Perugia, Piazzale Giorgio Menghini 1, Perugia, Italy
| | - Susanna Maria Roberta Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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31
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Green MS, Schwartz N, Peer V. Sex differences in hepatitis A incidence rates-a multi-year pooled-analysis based on national data from nine high-income countries. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287008. [PMID: 37310964 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Possible sex differences in hepatitis A virus (HAV) incidence rates in different age groups are not well documented. We aimed to obtain stable pooled estimates of such differences based on data from a number of high-income countries. METHODS We obtained data on incident cases of HAV by sex and age group over a period of 6-25 years from nine countries: Australia, Canada, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Israel, Netherland, New Zealand and Spain. Male to female incidence rate ratios (IRR) were computed for each year, by country and age group. For each age group, we used meta-analytic methods to combine the IRRs. Meta-regression was conducted to estimate the effects of age, country, and time period on the IRR. RESULTS A male excess in incidence rates was consistently observed in all age groups, although in the youngest and oldest age groups, where the numbers tended to be lower, the lower bounds of the 95% confidence intervals for the IRRs were less than one. In the age groups <1, 1-4, 5-9, 10-14, 15-44, 45-64 and 65+, the pooled IRRs (with 95% CI) over countries and time periods were 1.18 (0.94,1.48), 1.22 (1.16,1.29), 1.07 (1.03,1.11), 1.09 (1.04,1.14), 1.46 (1.30,1.64), 1.32 (1.15,1.51) and 1.10 (0.99,1.23) respectively. CONCLUSIONS The excess HAV incidence rates in young males, pooled over a number of countries, suggest that the sex differences are likely to be due at least in part to physiological and biological differences and not just behavioral factors. At older ages, differential exposure plays an important role. These findings, seen in the context of the excess incidence rates in young males for many other infectious diseases, can provide further keys to the mechanisms of the infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Naama Schwartz
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Victoria Peer
- School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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32
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Nomakuchi TT, Danowitz M, Stewart B, Leonard J, Izumi K, Krantz I, Kolon TF, Langdon D, Skraban C, Van Batavia J, Zackai E, Jiao K, Linn R, Alexander C, Zaontz M, Vogiatzi MG, Pyle LC. Expanding the reproductive organ phenotype of CHD7-spectrum disorder. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:1418-1424. [PMID: 36794641 PMCID: PMC10501305 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63148] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
CHD7 disorder is a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome with a highly variable phenotypic spectrum, and includes CHARGE syndrome. Internal and external genital phenotypes frequently seen in CHD7 disorder include cryptorchidism and micropenis in males, and vaginal hypoplasia in females, both thought to be secondary to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Here, we report 14 deeply phenotyped individuals with known CHD7 variants (9 pathogenic/likely pathogenic and 5 VOUS) and a range of reproductive and endocrine phenotypes. Reproductive organ anomalies were observed in 8 of 14 individuals and were more commonly noted in males (7/7), most of whom presented with micropenis and/or cryptorchidism. Kallmann syndrome was commonly observed among adolescents and adults with CHD7 variants. Remarkably, one 46,XY individual presented with ambiguous genitalia, cryptorchidism with Müllerian structures including uterus, vagina and fallopian tubes, and one 46,XX female patient presented with absent vagina, uterus and ovaries. These cases expand the genital and reproductive phenotype of CHD7 disorder to include two individuals with genital/gonadal atypia (ambiguous genitalia), and one with Müllerian aplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki T. Nomakuchi
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Melinda Danowitz
- Division of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Blythe Stewart
- Human Genetics Unit, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Leonard
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kosuke Izumi
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ian Krantz
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas F. Kolon
- Division of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David Langdon
- Division of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Cara Skraban
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jason Van Batavia
- Division of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elaine Zackai
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kai Jiao
- Center for Biotechnology & Genomic Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Rebecca Linn
- Division of Pathology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Caitlin Alexander
- Division of Pathology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mark Zaontz
- Division of Urology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Maria G. Vogiatzi
- Division of Endocrinology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Louise C. Pyle
- Division of Human Genetics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Rare Disease Institute and Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children’s National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Tsompanidis A, Hampton S, Aydin E, Allison C, Holt R, Baron-Cohen S. Mini-puberty testosterone and infant autistic traits. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1126023. [PMID: 37091846 PMCID: PMC10113441 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1126023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Levels of steroid hormones in the first three months of life, a period referred to as 'mini-puberty', are one of the earliest physiological differences between typical males and females postnatally. Autistic traits also show consistent typical sex differences in later infancy, after the 18th month of life. Previous studies have shown prenatal testosterone is associated with later levels of autistic traits. Studies testing if postnatal testosterone levels are associated with autistic traits have reported null results. No studies to date have investigated mini-puberty longitudinally or tested for interactions with baseline sex differences or familial likelihood of autism. Methods The 'Cambridge Human Imaging and Longitudinal Development Study' (CHILD) is a prospective enriched cohort study in Cambridge, UK. It includes physiological measurements in early infancy, as well as neurodevelopmental follow-ups over the first two years of life. A subset of the cohort also includes children with a family history of autism (a diagnosed parent or sibling). Salivary testosterone levels were assessed at two time-points, just after the 2nd and 6th month of life. Autistic traits were measured using the Quantitative Checklist of Autism in Toddlers (Q-CHAT) when the children were 18 months of age. Results Salivary testosterone levels were significantly higher during 'mini-puberty' in the 2nd and 3rd month of life, compared to after the 6th month of life, in both males and females. There was no significant sex difference at either time-point. Log-transformed testosterone levels were not associated with autistic traits (Q-CHAT). There was no interaction effect with infant sex, autism family history or baseline testosterone levels after mini-puberty (at >6 months of age). Conclusion Both male and female infants have elevated levels of salivary testosterone during mini-puberty but in this relatively small sample this was not associated with their later autistic traits at 18 months or their family history of autism. This suggests that prenatal rather than postnatal testosterone levels are more relevant for understanding the causes of autism. Future studies should test these relationships in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Tsompanidis
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Hampton
- York Trials Unit, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Ezra Aydin
- Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Carrie Allison
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Rosemary Holt
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Zheng X, Su H, Huang S, Su W, Zheng R, Shang Y, Su Q, Zhou L, Yao Y, Su Z. Secondary oxidized di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate metabolites may be associated with progression from isolated premature thelarche to central precocious or early puberty. Sci Rep 2023; 13:5560. [PMID: 37019965 PMCID: PMC10076281 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32768-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Phthalate esters (PAEs) may act as estrogen receptor agonists, and their relationship with precocious puberty is a global health concern. However, their role in isolated premature thelarche (IPT) progression remains unclear. We conducted a cohort study investigating the relationship between IPT progression and urinary PAE metabolites. Girls with IPT aged 6-8 years were regularly followed up every three months for one year. Clinical data and urine PAE metabolite levels were collected. Participants who progressed to central precocious puberty (CPP) or early puberty (EP) had significantly higher ovarian volume, breast Tanner stage, and levels of the creatinine-adjusted urinary secondary oxidized di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) metabolites (Σ4DEHP). Breast Tanner stage (odds ratio [OR] = 7.041, p = 0.010), ovarian volume (OR = 3.603, p = 0.019), and Σ4DEHP (OR = 1.020, p = 0.005) were independent risk factors for IPT progression. For each 10 µg/g/Cr increase in the urine level of Σ4DEHP, the risk of progression from IPT to CPP/EP within one year increased by 20%. This study demonstrated that the breast Tanner stage, ovarian volume, and Σ4DEHP in urine were independent risk factors for IPT progression, and Σ4DEHP may be associated with the progression of IPT to CPP or EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxin Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Fujian Children's Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Huiping Su
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shurong Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Su
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Rongfei Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yue Shang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiru Su
- Department of Clinical Research, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yao Yao
- Central Laboratory, Longgang District Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhe Su
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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Errico A, Vinco S, Ambrosini G, Dalla Pozza E, Marroncelli N, Zampieri N, Dando I. Mitochondrial Dynamics as Potential Modulators of Hormonal Therapy Effectiveness in Males. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040547. [PMID: 37106748 PMCID: PMC10135745 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide the incidence of andrological diseases is rising every year and, together with it, also the interest in them is increasing due to their strict association with disorders of the reproductive system, including impairment of male fertility, alterations of male hormones production, and/or sexual function. Prevention and early diagnosis of andrological dysfunctions have long been neglected, with the consequent increase in the incidence and prevalence of diseases otherwise easy to prevent and treat if diagnosed early. In this review, we report the latest evidence of the effect of andrological alterations on fertility potential in both young and adult patients, with a focus on the link between gonadotropins' mechanism of action and mitochondria. Indeed, mitochondria are highly dynamic cellular organelles that undergo rapid morphological adaptations, conditioning a multitude of aspects, including their size, shape, number, transport, cellular distribution, and, consequently, their function. Since the first step of steroidogenesis takes place in these organelles, we consider that mitochondria dynamics might have a possible role in a plethora of signaling cascades, including testosterone production. In addition, we also hypothesize a central role of mitochondria fission boost on the decreased response to the commonly administrated hormonal therapy used to treat urological disease in pediatric and adolescent patients as well as infertile adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Errico
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Sara Vinco
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Giulia Ambrosini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Elisa Dalla Pozza
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Nunzio Marroncelli
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Nicola Zampieri
- Department of Engineering and Innovation Medicine, Paediatric Fertility Lab, Woman and Child Hospital, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
| | - Ilaria Dando
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
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Cipolla C, Sinatti D, Villa P. Preterm ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome in a female neonate. Minerva Endocrinol (Torino) 2023; 48:124-126. [PMID: 34114778 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6507.21.03486-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clelia Cipolla
- Department of Life Sciences and Global Health, IRCCS A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Rome, Italy -
| | - Dario Sinatti
- Department of Life Sciences and Global Health, IRCCS A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Villa
- Department of Woman, Child and Public Health, IRCCS A. Gemelli University Polyclinic Foundation, Rome, Italy
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Ivan S, Daniela O, Jaroslava BD. Sex differences matter: Males and females are equal but not the same. Physiol Behav 2023; 259:114038. [PMID: 36423797 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.114038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences between males and females can be detected early in life. They are present also later even to a much greater extent affecting our life in adulthood and a wide spectrum of physical, psychological, cognitive, and behavioral characteristics. Moreover, sex differences matter also in individual's health and disease. In this article, we reviewed at first the sex differences in brain organization and function with respect to the underlying biological mechanisms. Since the individual functional differences in the brain, in turn, shape the behavior, sex-specific psychological/behavioral differences that can be observed in infants but also adults are consequently addressed. Finally, we briefly mention sex-dependent variations in susceptibility to selected disorders as well as their pathophysiology, diagnosis, and response to therapy. The understanding of biologically determined variability between males and females can have important implications, especially in gender-specific health care. We have the impression that it is very important to emphasize that sex matters. Males and females are differently programmed by nature, and it must be respected. Even though we as males and females are not the same, we would like to emphasize that we are still equal and together form a worthy colorful continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szadvári Ivan
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ostatníková Daniela
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Different Faces of Minipuberty in Preterm Twin Girls: A Case Report and Review of the Literature. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020517. [PMID: 36675445 PMCID: PMC9863334 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Minipuberty (MP) consists of a postnatal activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which occurs physiologically during the first months of life. In preterm infants, MP might lead to stronger hormonal stimulation, but specific literature is still scarce. We present the case of a pair of monochorionic diamniotic twin girls, born at 31 weeks of gestation and adequate for gestational age (AGA). At one month old, one of the twins presented with severe edema in the vulva and swelling of the major and minor labia. Laboratory evaluations highlighted increased LH, FSH and estradiol serum concentration. Pelvic ultrasonography and MRI showed a pubertal pattern. Brain imaging was unremarkable. During the one-year follow-up, a decreasing trend of hormonal levels was detected, together with the spontaneous regression of clinical and sonographic pubertal signs. The same hormonal workup was also performed on the other twin, who displayed mildly elevated gonadotropins and estradiol, without evidence of pubertal clinical signs. This case suggests that the amplitude of postnatal HPG activation might be exacerbated in preterm infants, with evidence of puberty changes in clinical, laboratory and sonography data. The spontaneous resolution, together with the exclusion of other causes of precocious puberty, is suggestive for MP of infancy.
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Rakuś-Kwiatosz A, Budzyńska E, Beń-Skowronek I. Premature pubarche during minipuberty - literature review and two case reports. Pediatr Endocrinol Diabetes Metab 2023; 29:112-117. [PMID: 37728463 PMCID: PMC10411085 DOI: 10.5114/pedm.2023.129343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Isolated premature pubarche (PP) in infancy may be the reason for many diagnostic difficulties. This is due to the low incidence and, therefore, the limited number of studies on this subject and the lack of strict laboratory standards because of the physiological variability of gonadotropic hormone and androgen concentrations during minipuberty. MATERIAL AND METHODS We aimed to present current knowledge about PP in infancy based on the literature review and 2 cases of male infants with scrotal hair during minipuberty. RESULTS Isolated hair in the pubic region in a boy during the period of minipuberty requires differential diagnosis. After excluding serious aetiology, it seems to be a mild, self-limiting variant of precocious puberty. The phenomenon is probably a result of increased sensitivity of the hair follicles to transiently increased androgen concentration. CONCLUSIONS Isolated pubic hair in infancy as a mild, self-limiting variant of precocious puberty in infants should be a diagnosis of exclusion. The condition resolves spontaneously, but it absolutely requires further follow-up to exclude serious aetiology in the case of puberty progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Rakuś-Kwiatosz
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
- Department of Pediatric Propedeutics, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Budzyńska
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Beń-Skowronek
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
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Kelsey T. Models and Biomarkers for Ovarian Ageing. Subcell Biochem 2023; 103:185-199. [PMID: 37120469 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-26576-1_9] [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: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
The human ovarian reserve is defined by the number of non-growing follicles (NGFs) in the ovary, with the age-related decline in NGF population determining age at menopause for healthy women. In this chapter, the concept of ovarian reserve is explored in detail, with a sequence of models described that in principle allow any individual to be compared to the general population. As there is no current technology that can count the NGFs in a living ovary, we move our focus to biomarkers for the ovarian reserve. Using serum analysis and ultrasound it is possible to measure anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and ovarian volume (OV) and to count numbers of antral follicles (AFC). These are compared, with ovarian volume being the closest to a true biomarker for a wide range of ages and with AMH and AFC being the most popular for post-pubertal and pre-menopausal ages. The study of genetic and subcellular biomarkers for the ovarian reserve has produced less concrete results. Recent advances are described and compared in terms of limitations and potential. The chapter concludes with an overview of the future study indicated by our current knowledge and by current controversy in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Kelsey
- School of Computer Science, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, UK.
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41
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Laru J, Ojaniemi M, Franks S, Järvelin MR, Korhonen E, Piltonen TT, Sebert S, Tapanainen JS, Morin-Papunen L. An optimal growth pattern during pregnancy and early childhood associates with better fertility in men. Eur J Endocrinol 2022; 187:847-858. [PMID: 36227734 PMCID: PMC9716397 DOI: 10.1530/eje-22-0385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the association between birth weight (BW), childhood and adolescent BMI, with reproductive capacity in men. DESIGN A prospective, population-based cohort study (Northern Finland birth cohort 1966). METHODS Around 6196 men born in 1966 were followed from birth to age 50 years. Weight and height were measured repeatedly by professionals. Reproductive capacity (infertility assessment, male factor infertility and infertility treatment by age 46 years) was evaluated by questionnaires at ages 31 and 46 years. The number of children by the age of 50 years was recovered from registers. After excluding the men who reported never having attempted to have children or not answering the question at age 31 or 46 years (n = 2041), 4128 men were included in the final study population. Results were adjusted for BW, BW for gestational age (GA), mother's smoking status, marital status, educational level and smoking status. RESULTS Being small for GA (10.5% vs 8.2%, P = 0.012) or having a lower BW (3495 g vs 3548 g, P = 0.003) were associated with childlessness. The association was however no longer significant after adjusting for marital status. Being underweight in early childhood was associated with an increased risk of infertility assessment (adjusted, aOR: 2.04(1.07-3.81)) and childlessness (aOR: 1.47(1.01-2.17)) compared to the normal weight group. Conversely, overweight or obesity in early childhood was associated with a decreased risk of infertility assessment (aOR: 0.60 (0.41-0.87)), treatment (aOR: 0.42 (0.25-0.70)) and male factor infertility (aOR: 0.45 (0.21-0.97)). BMI in mid-childhood or puberty had no association with infertility or childlessness. CONCLUSION In boys, an optimal growth trajectory during pregnancy and early childhood seems to be very important for life-long fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Laru
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marja Ojaniemi
- Department of Children and Adolescents, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
| | - Stephen Franks
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Correspondence should be addressed to S Franks;
| | - Marjo-Riitta Järvelin
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University, London, UK
- Unit of Primary Health Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Elisa Korhonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
| | - Terhi T Piltonen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
| | - Sylvain Sebert
- Center for Life Course Health Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha S Tapanainen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laure Morin-Papunen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oulu and Oulu University Hospital, Medical Research Center, PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu, Finland
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Han XX, Zhao FY, Gu KR, Wang GP, Zhang J, Tao R, Yuan J, Gu J, Yu JQ. Development of precocious puberty in children: Surmised medicinal plant treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 156:113907. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Flück CE, Kuiri-Hänninen T, Silvennoinen S, Sankilampi U, Groessl M. The Androgen Metabolome of Preterm Infants Reflects Fetal Adrenal Gland Involution. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:3111-3119. [PMID: 35994776 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT The human adrenal cortex changes with fetal-neonatal transition from the fetal to the adult organ, accompanied by changes in the steroid metabolome. OBJECTIVE As it is unclear how the observed developmental changes differ between preterm and full-term neonates, we investigated whether the involution of the fetal adrenals is following a fixed time course related to postmenstrual age or whether it is triggered by birth. Furthermore, the fetal and postnatal androgen metabolome of preterm infants was characterized in comparison to term babies. METHODS This was a prospective, longitudinal, 2-center study collecting spot urines of preterm and term infants during the first 12 to 18 months of life. Steroid metabolites were measured from spot urines by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Data relating were modeled according to established pre- and postnatal pathways. RESULTS Fetal adrenal involution occurs around term-equivalent age in preterm infants and is not triggered by premature birth. Testosterone levels are higher in preterm infants at birth and decline slower until term compared to full-term babies. Dihydrotestosterone levels and the activity of the classic androgen biosynthesis pathway are lower in premature infants as is 5α-reductase activity. No difference was found in the activity of the alternate backdoor pathway for androgen synthesis. CONCLUSION Human adrenal involution follows a strict timing that is not affected by premature birth. By contrast, prematurity is associated with an altered androgen metabolome after birth. Whether this reflects altered androgen biosynthesis in utero remains to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa E Flück
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of BioMedical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Kuiri-Hänninen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Sanna Silvennoinen
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ulla Sankilampi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kuopio University Hospital and University of Eastern Finland, 70029 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Michael Groessl
- Department of BioMedical Research, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
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Devillers MM, Mhaouty-Kodja S, Guigon CJ. Deciphering the Roles & Regulation of Estradiol Signaling during Female Mini-Puberty: Insights from Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213695. [PMID: 36430167 PMCID: PMC9693133 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Mini-puberty of infancy is a short developmental phase occurring in humans and other mammals after birth. In females, it corresponds to transient and robust activation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis revealed by high levels of gonadotropin hormones, follicular growth, and increased estradiol production by the ovary. The roles of estradiol signaling during this intriguing developmental phase are not yet well known, but accumulating data support the idea that it aids in the implementation of reproductive function. This review aims to provide in-depth information on HPO activity during this particular developmental phase in several mammal species, including humans, and to propose emerging hypotheses on the putative effect of estradiol signaling on the development and function of organs involved in female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie M. Devillers
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative UMR 8251, Physiologie de l’Axe Gonadotrope U1133, CEDEX 13, 75205 Paris, France
| | - Sakina Mhaouty-Kodja
- Neuroscience Paris Seine—Institut de Biologie Paris Seine, Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR 8246, INSERM U1130, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Céline J. Guigon
- Sorbonne Paris Cité, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS, Inserm, Biologie Fonctionnelle et Adaptative UMR 8251, Physiologie de l’Axe Gonadotrope U1133, CEDEX 13, 75205 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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45
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Liu M, Hummitzsch K, Bastian NA, Hartanti MD, Irving-Rodgers HF, Anderson RA, Rodgers RJ. Expression of PCOS candidate genes in bovine fetal and adult ovarian somatic cells. REPRODUCTION AND FERTILITY 2022; 3:RAF-22-0068. [PMID: 36346793 PMCID: PMC9782414 DOI: 10.1530/raf-22-0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine metabolic disorder that appears to have a genetic predisposition and a fetal origin. The fetal ovary has two major somatic cell types shown previously to be of different cellular origins, different morphologies and to differentially express 15 genes. We isolated the somatic gonadal ridge epithelial-like (GREL) cells (n = 7) and ovarian fetal fibroblasts (n = 6) by clonal expansion. Using qRT-PCR, we compared the gene expression levels of PCOS candidate genes with previous data on the expression levels in whole fetal ovaries across gestation. We also compared these levels with those in bovine adult ovarian cells including fibroblasts (n = 4), granulosa cells (n = 5) and surface epithelial cells (n = 5). Adult cell types exhibited clear differences in the expression of most genes. In fetal ovarian cells, DENND1A and ERBB3 had significantly higher expression in GREL cells. HMGA2 and TGFB1I1 tended to have higher expression in fetal fibroblasts than GREL cells. Another 19 genes did not exhibit differences between GREL cells and fetal fibroblasts and FBN3, FSHB, LHCGR, FSHR and ZBTB16 were very lowly expressed in GREL cells and fibroblasts. The culture of fetal fibroblasts in EGF-containing medium resulted in lower expression of NEIL2, but higher expression of MAPRE1 compared to culture in the absence of EGF. Thus, the two fetal ovarian somatic cell types mostly lacked differential expression of PCOS candidate genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghe Liu
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Katja Hummitzsch
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nicole A Bastian
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Monica D Hartanti
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Trisakti, Jakarta, Indonesia
- National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Helen F Irving-Rodgers
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, QLD, Australia
| | - Richard A Anderson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Raymond J Rodgers
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Chachlaki K, Messina A, Delli V, Leysen V, Maurnyi C, Huber C, Ternier G, Skrapits K, Papadakis G, Shruti S, Kapanidou M, Cheng X, Acierno J, Rademaker J, Rasika S, Quinton R, Niedziela M, L'Allemand D, Pignatelli D, Dirlewander M, Lang-Muritano M, Kempf P, Catteau-Jonard S, Niederländer NJ, Ciofi P, Tena-Sempere M, Garthwaite J, Storme L, Avan P, Hrabovszky E, Carleton A, Santoni F, Giacobini P, Pitteloud N, Prevot V. NOS1 mutations cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism with sensory and cognitive deficits that can be reversed in infantile mice. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabh2369. [PMID: 36197968 PMCID: PMC7613826 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abh2369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway in hypothalamic neurons plays a key role in the regulation of the secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which is crucial for reproduction. We hypothesized that a disruption of neuronal NO synthase (NOS1) activity underlies some forms of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on a cohort of 341 probands with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism to identify ultrarare variants in NOS1. The activity of the identified NOS1 mutant proteins was assessed by their ability to promote nitrite and cGMP production in vitro. In addition, physiological and pharmacological characterization was carried out in a Nos1-deficient mouse model. We identified five heterozygous NOS1 loss-of-function mutations in six probands with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (2%), who displayed additional phenotypes including anosmia, hearing loss, and intellectual disability. NOS1 was found to be transiently expressed by GnRH neurons in the nose of both humans and mice, and Nos1 deficiency in mice resulted in dose-dependent defects in sexual maturation as well as in olfaction, hearing, and cognition. The pharmacological inhibition of NO production in postnatal mice revealed a critical time window during which Nos1 activity shaped minipuberty and sexual maturation. Inhaled NO treatment at minipuberty rescued both reproductive and behavioral phenotypes in Nos1-deficient mice. In summary, lack of NOS1 activity led to GnRH deficiency associated with sensory and intellectual comorbidities in humans and mice. NO treatment during minipuberty reversed deficits in sexual maturation, olfaction, and cognition in Nos1 mutant mice, suggesting a potential therapy for humans with NO deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Chachlaki
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille F-59000, France.,FHU 1000 Days for Health, School of Medicine, Lille F-59000, France.,Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland.,University Research Institute of Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens 115 27, Greece
| | - Andrea Messina
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Virginia Delli
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille F-59000, France.,FHU 1000 Days for Health, School of Medicine, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Valerie Leysen
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille F-59000, France.,FHU 1000 Days for Health, School of Medicine, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Csilla Maurnyi
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 43 Szigony St., Budapest 1083, Hungary
| | - Chieko Huber
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 rue Michel-Servet, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Gaëtan Ternier
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille F-59000, France.,FHU 1000 Days for Health, School of Medicine, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Katalin Skrapits
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 43 Szigony St., Budapest 1083, Hungary
| | - Georgios Papadakis
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Sonal Shruti
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille F-59000, France.,FHU 1000 Days for Health, School of Medicine, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Maria Kapanidou
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
| | - Xu Cheng
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - James Acierno
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Jesse Rademaker
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Sowmyalakshmi Rasika
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille F-59000, France.,FHU 1000 Days for Health, School of Medicine, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Richard Quinton
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute and the Royal Victoria Infirmary, University of Newcastle , Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Marek Niedziela
- Department of Paediatric Endocrinology and Rheumatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan 61-701, Poland
| | - Dagmar L'Allemand
- Department of Endocrinology, Children's Hospital of Eastern Switzerland, St. Gallen 9000, Switzerland
| | - Duarte Pignatelli
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital S João; Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto; IPATIMUP Research Institute, Porto 4200-319, Portugal
| | - Mirjam Dirlewander
- Pediatric Endocrine and Diabetes Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, Geneva CH1205, Switzerland
| | - Mariarosaria Lang-Muritano
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology and Children's Research Centre, University Children's Hospital, Zürich 8032, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Kempf
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern 3010, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Catteau-Jonard
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille F-59000, France.,FHU 1000 Days for Health, School of Medicine, Lille F-59000, France.,Department of Gynaecology and Obstretic, Jeanne de Flandres Hospital, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lille, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Nicolas J Niederländer
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Philippe Ciofi
- Inserm, U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux F-33077, France
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba 14004, Spain.,Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Cordoba (IMIBIC/HURS), Cordoba 14004, Spain.,CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba 14004, Spain
| | - John Garthwaite
- Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research, University College London, London WC1E 6DH, UK
| | - Laurent Storme
- FHU 1000 Days for Health, School of Medicine, Lille F-59000, France.,Department of Neonatology, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, CHU of Lille, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Paul Avan
- Université de Clerremont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand F-63000, France
| | - Erik Hrabovszky
- Laboratory of Reproductive Neurobiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, 43 Szigony St., Budapest 1083, Hungary
| | - Alan Carleton
- Department of Basic Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1 rue Michel-Servet, Geneva 1211, Switzerland
| | - Federico Santoni
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille F-59000, France.,FHU 1000 Days for Health, School of Medicine, Lille F-59000, France
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Service of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne 1011, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, Lille Neuroscience and Cognition, UMR-S 1172, Lille F-59000, France.,FHU 1000 Days for Health, School of Medicine, Lille F-59000, France
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Raman VS, Khanna S, Verma V. A prospective observational study to evaluate the change in inhibin-B as a marker of sertoli cell function in children subjected to surgical correction for undescended testes. Afr J Paediatr Surg 2022; 19:233-237. [PMID: 36018204 PMCID: PMC9615955 DOI: 10.4103/ajps.ajps_96_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Undescended testes (UDT) or cryptorchidism is a common congenital disability characterised by the absence of at least one testicle from the scrotum. The primary aim of surgical correction is to preserve fertility potential and prevent complications including trauma, malignancy, hernia and torsion. Often, children, especially in developing countries, present late with UDT. The effect of surgical correction in the recovery of Sertoli cell function in children aged more than 2 years is not apparent. The present study was conducted to study the change in inhibin-B level as a marker of Sertoli cell function in surgically corrected UDT in a heterogeneous population. MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective observational study conducted over a 3-year period at a tertiary care paediatric surgery centre recruited 76 children with UDT undergoing surgical correction. Inhibin-B as a marker for Sertoli cell function was studied preoperatively and postoperatively. Continuous variables were summarised by calculating mean, standard deviation, median and interquartile range (IQR). Quantile versus quantile plotting was done to assess the distribution of the data. Data were analysed in two groups, with participants aged <2 years (Group A) and more than 2 years (Group B). Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the pre-operative and post-operative value. RESULTS In Group A (n = 39), the median (IQR) of pre-operative inhibin-B was 181 pg/ml (148-254) and post-operative inhibin-B was 230 pg/ml (176-296). In Group B, the median (IQR) of pre-operative inhibin was 70 pg/ml (44-104) and post-operative inhibin was 102 pg/ml (46-176). There was a significant increase in post-operative inhibin when compared to the pre-operative inhibin (P = 0.015 and 0.012, respectively, in Group A and B). Luteinizing hormone (LH) showed a significant decrease (P = 0.002) in Group A following surgery but bordering on significance in Group B (P = 0.43). On the other hand, follicle-stimulating hormone showed a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in Group B following surgery but not in Group A (P = 0.87). CONCLUSION The mean post-operative inhibin-B levels were increased significantly as compared to the pre-operative levels indicating either a successful orchiopexy/adequate germ cell number or both. The benefit of orchiopexy may extend even to children presenting late for evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Shankar Raman
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sanath Khanna
- Department of Paediatric Surgery, Army Hospital (Research and Referral), New Delhi, India
| | - Vishesh Verma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra, India
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48
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Braun AE, Mitchel OR, Gonzalez TL, Sun T, Flowers AE, Pisarska MD, Winn VD. Sex at the interface: the origin and impact of sex differences in the developing human placenta. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:50. [PMID: 36114567 PMCID: PMC9482177 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00459-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The fetal placenta is a source of hormones and immune factors that play a vital role in maintaining pregnancy and facilitating fetal growth. Cells in this extraembryonic compartment match the chromosomal sex of the embryo itself. Sex differences have been observed in common gestational pathologies, highlighting the importance of maternal immune tolerance to the fetal compartment. Over the past decade, several studies examining placentas from term pregnancies have revealed widespread sex differences in hormone signaling, immune signaling, and metabolic functions. Given the rapid and dynamic development of the human placenta, sex differences that exist at term (37–42 weeks gestation) are unlikely to align precisely with those present at earlier stages when the fetal–maternal interface is being formed and the foundations of a healthy or diseased pregnancy are established. While fetal sex as a variable is often left unreported in studies performing transcriptomic profiling of the first-trimester human placenta, four recent studies have specifically examined fetal sex in early human placental development. In this review, we discuss the findings from these publications and consider the evidence for the genetic, hormonal, and immune mechanisms that are theorized to account for sex differences in early human placenta. We also highlight the cellular and molecular processes that are most likely to be impacted by fetal sex and the evolutionary pressures that may have given rise to these differences. With growing recognition of the fetal origins of health and disease, it is important to shed light on sex differences in early prenatal development, as these observations may unlock insight into the foundations of sex-biased pathologies that emerge later in life. Placental sex differences exist from early prenatal development, and may help explain sex differences in pregnancy outcomes. Transcriptome profiling of early to mid-gestation placenta reveals that immune signaling is a hub of early prenatal sex differences. Differentially expressed genes between male and female placenta fall into the following functional associations: chromatin modification, transcription, splicing, translation, signal transduction, metabolic regulation, cell death and autophagy regulation, ubiquitination, cell adhesion and cell–cell interaction. Placental sex differences likely reflect the interaction of cell-intrinsic chromosome complement with extrinsic endocrine signals from the fetal compartment that accompany gonadal differentiation. Understanding the mechanisms behind sex differences in placental development and function will provide key insight into molecular targets that can be modulated to improve sex-biased obstetrical complications.
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49
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Manfredi-Lozano M, Leysen V, Adamo M, Paiva I, Rovera R, Pignat JM, Timzoura FE, Candlish M, Eddarkaoui S, Malone SA, Silva MSB, Trova S, Imbernon M, Decoster L, Cotellessa L, Tena-Sempere M, Claret M, Paoloni-Giacobino A, Plassard D, Paccou E, Vionnet N, Acierno J, Maceski AM, Lutti A, Pfrieger F, Rasika S, Santoni F, Boehm U, Ciofi P, Buée L, Haddjeri N, Boutillier AL, Kuhle J, Messina A, Draganski B, Giacobini P, Pitteloud N, Prevot V. GnRH replacement rescues cognition in Down syndrome. Science 2022; 377:eabq4515. [PMID: 36048943 PMCID: PMC7613827 DOI: 10.1126/science.abq4515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
At the present time, no viable treatment exists for cognitive and olfactory deficits in Down syndrome (DS). We show in a DS model (Ts65Dn mice) that these progressive nonreproductive neurological symptoms closely parallel a postpubertal decrease in hypothalamic as well as extrahypothalamic expression of a master molecule that controls reproduction-gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-and appear related to an imbalance in a microRNA-gene network known to regulate GnRH neuron maturation together with altered hippocampal synaptic transmission. Epigenetic, cellular, chemogenetic, and pharmacological interventions that restore physiological GnRH levels abolish olfactory and cognitive defects in Ts65Dn mice, whereas pulsatile GnRH therapy improves cognition and brain connectivity in adult DS patients. GnRH thus plays a crucial role in olfaction and cognition, and pulsatile GnRH therapy holds promise to improve cognitive deficits in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Manfredi-Lozano
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France,Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, FHU 1000 days for health, EGID, Lille, France
| | - Valerie Leysen
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France,Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, FHU 1000 days for health, EGID, Lille, France
| | - Michela Adamo
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Isabel Paiva
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, Université de Strasbourg-CNRS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Renaud Rovera
- Univ. Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, Bron 69500, France
| | - Jean-Michel Pignat
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurorehabilitation Unit, University Hospital CHUV, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Fatima Ezzahra Timzoura
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France,Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, FHU 1000 days for health, EGID, Lille, France
| | - Michael Candlish
- Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Sabiha Eddarkaoui
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France
| | - Samuel A. Malone
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France,Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, FHU 1000 days for health, EGID, Lille, France
| | - Mauro S. B. Silva
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France,Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, FHU 1000 days for health, EGID, Lille, France
| | - Sara Trova
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France,Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, FHU 1000 days for health, EGID, Lille, France
| | - Monica Imbernon
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France,Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, FHU 1000 days for health, EGID, Lille, France
| | - Laurine Decoster
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France,Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, FHU 1000 days for health, EGID, Lille, France
| | - Ludovica Cotellessa
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France,Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, FHU 1000 days for health, EGID, Lille, France
| | - Manuel Tena-Sempere
- Univ. Cordoba, IMIBC/HURS, CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Marc Claret
- Neuronal Control of Metabolism Laboratory, Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), 08036 Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER) de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariane Paoloni-Giacobino
- Department of Genetic Medicine, University Hospitals of Geneva, 4 rue Gabrielle-Perret-Gentil, 1211, Genève 14, Switzerland
| | - Damien Plassard
- CNRS UMR 7104, INSERM U1258, GenomEast Platform, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Emmanuelle Paccou
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Vionnet
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - James Acierno
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aleksandra Maleska Maceski
- Neurologic Clinic and Polyclinic, MS Centre and Research Centre for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel; University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel Switzerland
| | - Antoine Lutti
- Laboratory for Research in Neuroimaging LREN, Centre for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Frank Pfrieger
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - S. Rasika
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France,Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, FHU 1000 days for health, EGID, Lille, France
| | - Federico Santoni
- Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University School of Medicine, 66421, Homburg, Germany
| | - Philippe Ciofi
- Univ. Bordeaux, Inserm, U1215, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Luc Buée
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France
| | - Nasser Haddjeri
- Univ. Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Inserm, Stem Cell and Brain Research Institute U1208, Bron 69500, France
| | - Anne-Laurence Boutillier
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Cognitives et Adaptatives (LNCA), UMR 7364, Université de Strasbourg-CNRS, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jens Kuhle
- Neurologic Clinic and Polyclinic, MS Centre and Research Centre for Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neuroscience Basel; University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel Switzerland
| | - Andrea Messina
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland
| | - Bogdan Draganski
- Laboratory for Research in Neuroimaging LREN, Centre for Research in Neurosciences, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Switzerland,Neurology Department, Max-Planck-Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Paolo Giacobini
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France,Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, FHU 1000 days for health, EGID, Lille, France
| | - Nelly Pitteloud
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Metabolism, Lausanne University Hospital, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland,Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne 1005, Switzerland,Correspondence to: and (+33 612903876)
| | - Vincent Prevot
- Univ. Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, UMR-S 1172, LabexDistAlz, Lille, France,Laboratory of Development and Plasticity of the Neuroendocrine Brain, FHU 1000 days for health, EGID, Lille, France,Correspondence to: and (+33 612903876)
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Oliveira JM, Oliveira IM, Sleiman HK, Dal Forno GO, Romano MA, Romano RM. Consumption of soy isoflavones during the prepubertal phase delays puberty and causes hypergonadotropic hypogonadism with disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary gonadotropins regulation in male rats. Toxicol Lett 2022; 369:1-11. [PMID: 35963426 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2022.08.004] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Isoflavones are phytoestrogens with recognized estrogenic activity but may also affect testosterone, corticosterone and thyroid hormone levels in experimental models. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these alterations are still unclear. Isoflavones are present in soy-based infant formula, in breast milk after the consumption of soy by the mother and are widely used for the preparation of beverages consumed by toddlers and teenagers. In this sense, we proposed to investigate the effects of soy isoflavone exposure during the prepubertal period, a recognized window of sensitivity for endocrine disruption, over the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. For this, 42 3-week-old male Wistar rats were exposed to 0.5, 5 or 50 mg of soy isoflavones/kg from postnatal day (PND) 23 to PND60. We evaluated body growth, age at puberty, serum concentrations of LH, FSH, testosterone and estradiol, and the expression of the transcripts (mRNA) of genes encoding key genes controlling the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) axis. In the hypothalamus, we observed an increase in Esr1 mRNA expression (0.5 and 5 mg). In the pituitary, we observed an increase in Gnrhr mRNA expression (50 mg), a reduction in Lhb mRNA expression (0.5 mg), and a reduction in Ar mRNA expression. In the testis, we observed an increase in Lhcgr mRNA expression (50 mg) and a reduction in Star mRNA expression (0.5 and 5 mg). The serum levels of LH (5 and 50 mg) and FSH (0.5 mg) were increased, while testosterone and estradiol were reduced. Puberty was delayed in all groups. Taken together, these results suggest that prepubertal consumption of relevant levels of soy isoflavones disrupts the HPT axis, causing hypergonadotropic hypogonadism and altered expression levels of key genes regulating the axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeane Maria Oliveira
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Isabela Medeiros Oliveira
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Hanan Khaled Sleiman
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Gonzalo Ogliari Dal Forno
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Marco Aurelio Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
| | - Renata Marino Romano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Toxicology, Department of Medicine, State University of Centro-Oeste (UNICENTRO), Rua Simeão Camargo Varela de Sa, 03, Zip-Code 85040-080, Parana, Brazil.
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