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Cannarella R, Curto R, Condorelli RA, Lundy SD, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Molecular insights into Sertoli cell function: how do metabolic disorders in childhood and adolescence affect spermatogonial fate? Nat Commun 2024; 15:5582. [PMID: 38961093 PMCID: PMC11222552 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49765-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a major public health concern globally with unknown etiology in approximately half of cases. The decline in total sperm count over the past four decades and the parallel increase in childhood obesity may suggest an association between these two conditions. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms through which obesity during childhood and adolescence may impair future testicular function. Several mechanisms occurring in obesity can interfere with the delicate metabolic processes taking place at the testicular level during childhood and adolescence, providing the molecular substrate to hypothesize a causal relationship between childhood obesity and the risk of low sperm counts in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Roberto Curto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Scott D Lundy
- Glickman Urological & Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Cannarella R, Crafa A, Curto R, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Obesity and male fertility disorders. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101273. [PMID: 38593513 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101273] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Often associated with obesity, male infertility represents a widespread condition that challenges the wellbeing of the couple. In this article, we provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of studies exploring the association between obesity and male reproductive function, to evaluate the frequency of this association, and establish the effects of increased body weight on conventional and biofunctional sperm parameters and infertility. In an attempt to find possible molecular markers of infertility in obese male patients, the numerous mechanisms responsible for infertility in overweight/obese patients are reviewed in depth. These include obesity-related functional hypogonadism, insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, chronic inflammation, adipokines, irisin, gut hormones, gut microbiome, and sperm transcriptome. According to meta-analytic evidence, excessive body weight negatively influences male reproductive health. This can occurr through a broad array of molecular mechanisms. Some of these are not yet fully understood and need to be further elucidated in the future. A better understanding of the effects of metabolic disorders on spermatogenesis and sperm fertilizing capacity is very useful for identifying new diagnostic markers and designing therapeutic strategies for better clinical management of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrea Crafa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Curto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Cannarella R, Caruso M, Condorelli RA, Timpanaro TA, Caruso MA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Testicular volume in 268 children and adolescents followed-up for childhood obesity-a retrospective cross-sectional study. Eur J Endocrinol 2023; 188:331-342. [PMID: 37127298 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Prevalence of obesity in childhood has increased over the past few decades. The impact of obesity and of obesity-related metabolic disorders on testicular growth is unknown. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance on testicular volume (TV) in pre-pubertal (<9 years), peri-pubertal (9-14 years), and post-pubertal (14-16 years) periods. METHODS We collected data on TV, age, standard deviation score (SDS) of the body mass index (BMI), insulin, and fasting glycemia in 268 children and adolescents followed-up for weight control. RESULTS Peri-pubertal boys with normal weight had a significantly higher TV compared to those with overweight or obesity. No difference was found in the other age ranges when data were grouped according to BMI. Pre- and post-pubertal children/adolescents with normal insulin levels had significantly higher TV compared to those with hyperinsulinemia. Peri-pubertal boys with hyperinsulinemia had significantly higher TV compared to those with normal insulin levels. Post-pubertal adolescents with insulin resistance had lower TV and peri-pubertal boys had higher TV compared to those without insulin resistance. No difference was found in pre-puberty. CONCLUSIONS Closer control of the body weight and the associated metabolic alterations in childhood and adolescence may maintain testicular function later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - M Caruso
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - R A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - T A Timpanaro
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - M A Caruso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - S La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
| | - A E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania 95123, Italy
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Corpuz-Hilsabeck M, Culty M. Impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals and pharmaceuticals on Sertoli cell development and functions. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1095894. [PMID: 36793282 PMCID: PMC9922725 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1095894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Sertoli cells play essential roles in male reproduction, from supporting fetal testis development to nurturing male germ cells from fetal life to adulthood. Dysregulating Sertoli cell functions can have lifelong adverse effects by jeopardizing early processes such as testis organogenesis, and long-lasting processes such as spermatogenesis. Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is recognized as contributing to the rising incidence of male reproductive disorders and decreasing sperm counts and quality in humans. Some drugs also act as endocrine disruptors by exerting off-target effects on endocrine tissues. However, the mechanisms of toxicity of these compounds on male reproduction at doses compatible with human exposure are still not fully resolved, especially in the case of mixtures, which remain understudied. This review presents first an overview of the mechanisms regulating Sertoli cell development, maintenance, and functions, and then surveys what is known on the impact of EDCs and drugs on immature Sertoli cells, including individual compounds and mixtures, and pinpointing at knowledge gaps. Performing more studies on the impact of mixtures of EDCs and drugs at all ages is crucial to fully understand the adverse outcomes these chemicals may induce on the reproductive system.
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Mancuso F, Arato I, Bellucci C, Lilli C, Eugeni E, Aglietti MC, Stabile AM, Pistilli A, Brancorsini S, Gaggia F, Calvitti M, Baroni T, Luca G. Zinc restores functionality in porcine prepubertal Sertoli cells exposed to subtoxic cadmium concentration via regulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:962519. [PMID: 36843583 PMCID: PMC9950629 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.962519] [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: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Among substances released into the environment by anthropogenic activities, the heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is known to induce severe testicular injury causing male subfertility/infertility. Zinc (Zn) is another heavy metal that, unlike Cd, is physiologically present in the testis, being essential for spermatogenesis. We aimed to examine the possibility that 50 µM ZnCl2 could counteract the toxic effects induced by Cd in an in vitro model of porcine prepubertal Sertoli cells (SCs) exposed to both subtoxic (5 μM) and toxic (10 μM) concentrations of CdCl2 for 48 h. MATERIALS AND METHODS Apoptosis, cell cycle, and cell functionality were assessed. The gene expression of Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant enzymes, ERK1/2, and AKT kinase signaling pathways were evaluated. MATERIALS AND RESULTS We found that Zn, in co-treatment with subtoxic and toxic Cd concentration, increased the number of metabolically active SCs compared to Cd exposure alone but restored SC functionality only in co-treatment with subtoxic Cd concentration with respect to subtoxic Cd alone. Exposure of Cd disrupted cell cycle in SCs, and Zn co-treatment was not able to counteract this effect. Cd alone induced SC death through apoptosis and necrosis in a dose-dependent manner, and co-treatment with Zn increased the pro-apoptotic effect of Cd. Subtoxic and toxic Cd exposures activated the Nrf2 signaling pathway by increasing gene expression of Nrf2 and its downstream genes (SOD, HO-1, and GSHPx). Zn co-treatment with subtoxic Cd attenuated upregulation on the Nrf2 system, while with toxic Cd, the effect was more erratic. Studying ERK1/2 and AKT pathways as a target, we found that the phosphorylation ratio of p-ERK1/2 and p-AKT was upregulated by both subtoxic and toxic Cd exposure alone and in co-treatment with Zn. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that Zn could counteract Cd effects by increasing the number of metabolically active SCs, fully or partially restoring their functionality by modulating Nrf2, ERK1/2, and AKT pathways. Our SC model could be useful to study the effects of early Cd exposure on immature testis, evaluating the possible protective effects of Zn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mancuso
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Iva Arato
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Catia Bellucci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cinzia Lilli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Elena Eugeni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy
| | | | - Anna Maria Stabile
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Brancorsini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- International Biotechnological Center for Endocrine, Metabolic and Embryo-Reproductive Translational Research (CIRTEMER), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Gaggia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Mario Calvitti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tiziano Baroni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- International Biotechnological Center for Endocrine, Metabolic and Embryo-Reproductive Translational Research (CIRTEMER), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Tiziano Baroni,
| | - Giovanni Luca
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Division of Medical Andrology and Endocrinology of Reproduction, Saint Mary Hospital, Terni, Italy
- International Biotechnological Center for Endocrine, Metabolic and Embryo-Reproductive Translational Research (CIRTEMER), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Sun X, Xiong W, Liu L, Xiong J, Liao C, Lan Y, Li F, Tao S, Meng M, Sun C, Mao X. Comparison of the predictive capability of antral follicle count vs. the anti-Müllerian hormone for ovarian response in infertile women. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:862733. [PMID: 36387919 PMCID: PMC9659916 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.862733] [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: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to compare the predictive capability of antral follicle count (AFC) and the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) on ovarian response in infertile women and to identify potential factors influencing retrieved oocytes. METHODS A total of 2585 infertile women who underwent in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles had been enrolled in this study. Spearman correlation was used to investigate the correlation between retrieved oocytes and AFC. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to study the parameters affecting the number of retrieved oocytes. RESULTS Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression analysis revealed that the oocyte retrieval number was positively correlated with AFC (r = 0.651, p < 0.001) and AMH (r = 0.566, p < 0.001) and negatively correlated with age (r = -0.425, p < 0.001) and regimen selection (r = -0.233 p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation between retrieved oocytes and BMI (p = 0.913). ROC analysis revealed that AFC was a better predictor of adverse effects than AMH, BMI, and age (AUC: 0.916 VS 0.791, 0.575, 0.752). Meanwhile, AFC and AMH were comparable in predicting high response (AUC = 0.731 and AUC = 0.733, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study showed that retrieved oocytes were positively correlated with serum AMH and AFC and negatively correlated with age and BMI. AFC had an ideal predictive performance in ovarian response prediction. The mechanism of the effect of AFC on ovarian response during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Sun
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wang Xiong
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Liting Liu
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Junjun Xiong
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Chenlu Liao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First People’s Hospital of Neijiang, Neijiang, China
| | - Yunzhu Lan
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Feifei Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shufei Tao
- Family Medicine, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Muzi Meng
- American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine, Preston, United Kingdom
- Bronxcare Health System, The Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Chenyu Sun
- AMITA Health Saint Joseph Hospital Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Xiguang Mao
- Department of Gynecology, The Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiguang Mao,
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Cannarella R, Condorelli RA, Jezek D, Calogero AE. Editorial: Male Idiopathic Infertility: Novel Possible Targets, Volume I. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:797228. [PMID: 34867832 PMCID: PMC8635955 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.797228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A. Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Davor Jezek
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Transplantation Biology, University Hospital Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- *Correspondence: Aldo E. Calogero,
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Cannarella R, Musso N, Condorelli RA, Musmeci M, Stefani S, Aversa A, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. The 2039 A/G FSH receptor gene polymorphism influences glucose metabolism in healthy men. Endocrine 2020; 70:629-634. [PMID: 32681384 PMCID: PMC7674314 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-020-02420-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the role of c. 2039 A/G (p. Asp680Ser) (rs6166) and c. -29 G/A (rs1394205) follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a cohort of healthy men. METHODS One-hundred twenty-seven healthy men underwent evaluation of the anthropometric parameters, assessment of metabolic and lipid profile, measurement FSH serum levels, and genotyping of both the aforementioned FSHR SNPs. Data grouped according to the FSHR rs6166 or rs1394205 genotypes underwent to statistical analysis. MAIN RESULTS The three groups of men for each FSHR SNP did not differ statistically significantly for body mass index and serum FSH levels. As for FSHR rs6166 SNP, glucose levels were significantly lower in men with the GG genotype compared with those with the AA genotype. Men with AG had lower insulin levels and HOMA index values compared with those carrying the genotype AA (p < 0.05). The GG group showed a negative correlation between serum FSH levels and insulin and between serum FSH levels and HOMA index (p < 0.05). In contrast, men grouped according to the FSHR rs1394205 genotype showed no significant difference in blood glucose, serum insulin levels, and HOMA index. The AG group showed a negative correlation between FSH insulin and between serum FSH levels and HOMA index (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Men with the genotype GG of the FSHR rs6166 SNP have lower blood glucose levels than those with the AA genotype. Their FSH levels inversely correlated with insulin and HOMA index. In contrast, the genotype FSHR rs6166 A/G did not reveal any role of FSH on glucose metabolism in healthy men. The inverse relationship between FSH and insulin or HOMA index in the group with the genotype GG of the FSHR rs6166 SNP suggests a possible cross-talk between FSH and insulin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Nicolò Musso
- Bio-nanotech Research and Innovation Tower (BRIT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Musmeci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Stefania Stefani
- Bio-nanotech Research and Innovation Tower (BRIT), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, "Magna Graecia" University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Gϋemes M, Rahman SA, Kapoor RR, Flanagan S, Houghton JAL, Misra S, Oliver N, Dattani MT, Shah P. Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia in children and adolescents: Recent advances in understanding of pathophysiology and management. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2020; 21:577-597. [PMID: 32185602 PMCID: PMC7560934 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-020-09548-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (HH) is characterized by unregulated insulin release, leading to persistently low blood glucose concentrations with lack of alternative fuels, which increases the risk of neurological damage in these patients. It is the most common cause of persistent and recurrent hypoglycemia in the neonatal period. HH may be primary, Congenital HH (CHH), when it is associated with variants in a number of genes implicated in pancreatic development and function. Alterations in fifteen genes have been recognized to date, being some of the most recently identified mutations in genes HK1, PGM1, PMM2, CACNA1D, FOXA2 and EIF2S3. Alternatively, HH can be secondary when associated with syndromes, intra-uterine growth restriction, maternal diabetes, birth asphyxia, following gastrointestinal surgery, amongst other causes. CHH can be histologically characterized into three groups: diffuse, focal or atypical. Diffuse and focal forms can be determined by scanning using fluorine-18 dihydroxyphenylalanine-positron emission tomography. Newer and improved isotopes are currently in development to provide increased diagnostic accuracy in identifying lesions and performing successful surgical resection with the ultimate aim of curing the condition. Rapid diagnostics and innovative methods of management, including a wider range of treatment options, have resulted in a reduction in co-morbidities associated with HH with improved quality of life and long-term outcomes. Potential future developments in the management of this condition as well as pathways to transition of the care of these highly vulnerable children into adulthood will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gϋemes
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
- Endocrinology Service, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sofia Asim Rahman
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Ritika R Kapoor
- Pediatric Diabetes and Endocrinology, King's College Hospital NHS Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - Sarah Flanagan
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | - Jayne A L Houghton
- Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
- Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
| | - Shivani Misra
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nick Oliver
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Mehul Tulsidas Dattani
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Pratik Shah
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, UK.
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK.
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La Vignera S, Cannarella R, Condorelli RA, Calogero AE. Disorders of Puberty: Endocrinology of the Pre-Pubertal Testis. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9030780. [PMID: 32182985 PMCID: PMC7141315 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Male infertility is a widespread condition among western countries. Meta-regression data show that sperm concentration and total sperm count have halved in the last decades. The reasons of this decline are still unclear. The evaluation of testicular function in pre-pubertal children may be effective in the timely detection of Sertoli cell (SC) disfunction, which anticipates the diagnosis of male infertility. The aim of this Special Issue is to gather together in vitro evidence on SC physiology, causes of SC dysfunction, and to suggest a practical approach to be adopted in children.
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11
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Cannarella R, Condorelli RA, Dall'Oglio F, La Vignera S, Mongioì LM, Micali G, Calogero AE. Increased DHEAS and Decreased Total Testosterone Serum Levels in a Subset of Men with Early-Onset Androgenetic Alopecia: Does a Male PCOS-Equivalent Exist? Int J Endocrinol 2020; 2020:1942126. [PMID: 32148484 PMCID: PMC7037881 DOI: 10.1155/2020/1942126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels have been reported in men with early-onset (<35 years) androgenetic alopecia (AGA). It has been suggested that a male polycystic ovarian syndrome- (PCOS-) equivalent, defined as an endocrine syndrome with a metabolic background and a PCOS-like hormonal pattern, predisposing to type II diabetes mellitus (DM II), cardiovascular and prostate diseases later in life, may occur in at least a part of these men. The gonadal function, including sperm parameters and total testosterone (TT) levels, has been investigated in a low number of these men. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess gonadal and adrenal function in a subset of men with early-onset AGA and controls. METHODS 43 men with early-onset AGA and 36 controls were screened for DHEAS, TT, glycaemia, insulin, gonadotropins, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17n = 21), as those with at least one of the following parameters: body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2, insulin resistance (IR), and/or SHBG <25 nmol/l. RESULTS Patients with early-onset AGA had higher mean (±SD) BMI (25.5 ± 3.8 vs. 23.7 ± 3.0 kg/m2; P < 0.05) and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17P < 0.05) and 17P < 0.05) and 17P < 0.05) and 17P < 0.05) and 17μg/dl; P < 0.05) and 17P < 0.05) and 17P < 0.05) and 17P < 0.05) and 17. CONCLUSION Men with early-onset AGA and at least one among BMI >25 kg/m2, IR, and SHBG <25 nmol/l have increased DHEAS levels and a worse gonadal steroidogenesis. They might have a greater risk to develop gonadal dysfunction later in life. These criteria may be used to define male PCOS-equivalent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Laura M. Mongioì
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Micali
- Dermatology Clinic, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Cannarella R, Condorelli RA, La Vignera S, Calogero AE. Commentary: Molecular Mechanisms of Action of FSH. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:593. [PMID: 31551928 PMCID: PMC6736554 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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