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Journal of Developmental Origins of... Dec 2016The decline in age of pubertal timing has serious public health implications ranging from psychosocial adjustment problems to a possible increase in reproductive... (Review)
Review
The decline in age of pubertal timing has serious public health implications ranging from psychosocial adjustment problems to a possible increase in reproductive cancers. One biologically plausible explanation for the decline is a decrease in exposures to infections. To systematically review studies that assess the role of infection in pubertal timing, Medline, Web of Science and EMBASE were systematically searched and retrieved studies were reviewed for eligibility. Eligible studies examined the association between infections, including microbial exposures, and physical pubertal characteristics (breast, genitalia and pubic hair development) or age at menarche. We excluded studies that were published in a language other than English, focused on precocious puberty, were case studies, and/or included youth with autoimmune diseases. We report on study design, population characteristics, measurement of infection and puberty and the main effects of infection on pubertal development. Based on our search terms we identified 1372 unique articles, of which only 15 human and five animal studies met our eligibility criteria. Not all studies examined all outcomes. Infection was associated with later breast development (4/4 human studies), with less consistent evidence for genitalia and pubic hair development. Seven studies assessed age at menarche with inconsistent findings (three supporting later, four no association). We conclude that a small but consistent literature supports that infection is associated with later breast development; the evidence for other pubertal events and age at menarche is less clear. Where fewer childhood infections coincide with the rise in incidence of hormone-related cancers.
Topics: Age Factors; Age of Onset; Female; Humans; Infections; Puberty; Sexual Maturation
PubMed: 27827292
DOI: 10.1017/S2040174416000313 -
Adolescent Health, Medicine and... 2018Several countries are legalizing the use of medicinal cannabis and easing restrictions on its recreational use. While adults have been the primary target of these... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE
Several countries are legalizing the use of medicinal cannabis and easing restrictions on its recreational use. While adults have been the primary target of these initiatives, expanding access to cannabis will likely lead to increased use by children. While the effects of cannabis on pediatric neuropsychological and mental health outcomes have been broadly studied, there are limited data on the physical health effects of cannabis, including endocrine health. Animal studies have shown that chronic cannabis use leads to delayed sexual maturation; however, its effects on pubertal outcomes in children are not well studied. This systematic review aimed to assess the effect of cannabis use on pubertal timing and tempo in children.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review with literature searches in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Central, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus from inception to February 2018. A gray literature search was also completed in Clinicaltrials.gov and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses A&I. The primary outcome was pubertal timing, while secondary outcomes included pubertal tempo and final height and weight. We had no restrictions on date or language of publication of papers. Two reviewers independently assessed records for eligibility, with a third reviewer resolving disagreements.
RESULTS
Our database and gray literature searches identified 759 records. A total of 29 full-text papers were assessed for eligibility. However, all studies were ultimately excluded as they did not meet the eligibility criteria.
CONCLUSION
Our results highlight a significant gap in existing literature regarding the effects of cannabis use on puberty. Adequately powered longitudinal studies are urgently needed to provide pediatricians and other health care providers with high-quality information on the potential effects of cannabis on the physical health of children.
PROSPECTIVE REGISTRAR OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS REGISTRATION
PROSPERO no.: CRD42018089397.
PubMed: 30349416
DOI: 10.2147/AHMT.S175864 -
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology :... 2016This study evaluated the efficacy of red clover to relieve hot flashes and menopausal symptoms in peri/postmenopausal women. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
This study evaluated the efficacy of red clover to relieve hot flashes and menopausal symptoms in peri/postmenopausal women. Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library) were searched. The mean frequency of hot flashes in red clover groups was lower compared with that in the control groups (close to statistical significance). Difference in means (MD) of hot flashes frequency was - 1.99 (- 4.12-0.139; p = 0.067; heterogeneity P > 0.01; I(2) = 94.93%; Random effect model). Subjective (vaginal dryness) and objective (maturation value) symptoms of vaginal atrophy showed a significant improvement with 80-mg dose of red clover. Red clover showed less therapeutic effect on psychology status, sexual problems and sleeping disorders. Red clover consumption may decrease frequency of hot flashes, especially in women with severe hot flashes (≥ 5 per day). Red clover may reduce other menopausal symptoms. Further trials are needed to confirm the current systematic review findings.
Topics: Anxiety; Bone and Bones; Depression; Female; Hot Flashes; Humans; Menopause; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sleep; Trifolium; Vagina; Vasomotor System
PubMed: 26471215
DOI: 10.3109/01443615.2015.1049249 -
Sexual Medicine Reviews Jun 2024Adolescence is a crucial stage of physical and sexual maturation and development and a period in which understanding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is important.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Adolescence is a crucial stage of physical and sexual maturation and development and a period in which understanding sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is important. SRH interventions and toolkits provide a range of valuable resources and information to young people, educators, and members of the community on numerous topics, including contraception and puberty.
OBJECTIVES
The usefulness and reliability of these available toolkits have not been previously studied, thus limiting our understanding of their appropriateness and contents. Hence, this scoping review aimed to synthesize the available toolkits aimed at the SRH of adolescents and young adults to understand the contents, design, and information gaps.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted of 6 medical databases and 12 gray literature sites. Sixteen toolkits published globally before May 2023 were included in our review.
RESULTS
The majority of toolkits (n = 12) contained information related to general SRH knowledge and contraception, whereas only 3 contained information on teenage pregnancy. We found that aiming the toolkits toward educators and health care workers was a favorable design over targeting adolescents and young adults directly and that vulnerable youth-including LGBTQI+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, asexual or allied, intersex, and additional identities) and youth from humanitarian settings-were not well represented.
CONCLUSION
We identified key gaps in the inclusion of information in a range of SRH topics, such as LGBTQI+ sexuality, teenage pregnancy, and safe abortion, in the currently available SRH toolkits and their lack of applicability in a global context. Furthermore, we provide recommendations for areas of improvement to encourage adolescents' agency in their SRH education.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Sexual Health; Reproductive Health; Young Adult; Female; Sex Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Pregnancy; Male; Pregnancy in Adolescence
PubMed: 38736215
DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae032 -
Current Pediatric Reviews 2023Early puberty increases the risk of diverse health outcomes during adolescence and beyond. Several studies have explored the links between short sleep duration and early... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Early puberty increases the risk of diverse health outcomes during adolescence and beyond. Several studies have explored the links between short sleep duration and early puberty worldwide.
OBJECTIVE
The current systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between sleep duration and early pubertal timing based on published evidence systematically.
METHODS
We searched important electronic databases for articles that reported the association between childhood sleep duration and puberty timing up to October 2020. A total of 848 papers were identified from the databases and manual search. Finally, 10 studies including 23752 participants were included in the meta-analysis. We calculated the pooled effect sizes using a random or fixed effects model as appropriate.
RESULTS
There was a significant inverse association between sleep duration and the risk of early puberty, longer duration of sleep was associated with 0.34% decreased odds of early puberty (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.58-0.77, I = 96.6%). In a subgroup analysis, when pubertal status was assessed by physical examination compared with Pubertal Development Scale (PDS) or Sexual Maturation Scale (SMS), the associations between sleep duration and age of puberty were attenuated. The pooled OR (95% CI) of studies measuring pubertal timing by PDS/SMS and Tanner stage were 0.50(0.37-0.69) and 0.91(0.77-1.09), respectively. When pooling effect sizes was limited to studies that had BMI level adjustment, the association of sleep duration and early puberty was not statistically significant anymore (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.89-1.01).
CONCLUSION
Longer sleep duration is associated with a lower risk of early puberty in children. The association between sleep duration and risk of early puberty may be modified by other factors such as BMI. To clarify the effect of sleep duration on the risk of early puberty in children, further prospective studies are needed.
Topics: Humans; Child; Adolescent; Sleep Duration; Puberty; Sexual Maturation; Prospective Studies; Sleep
PubMed: 35986543
DOI: 10.2174/1573396318666220819145346 -
Nutrients Aug 2020Among the genetic and environmental risk factors, nutrition plays a crucial role in determining the timing of puberty. Early menarche onset (EMO) is defined as when... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Among the genetic and environmental risk factors, nutrition plays a crucial role in determining the timing of puberty. Early menarche onset (EMO) is defined as when girls reach menarche onset at an age which is earlier than the mean/median age of menarche, between 12 and 13 years of age, according to individual ethnicity. The present study examined the association between nutrient intake in childhood and EMO risk in healthy girls by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective studies. We screened EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases for 16 eligible studies with all medium-to-high quality scores ranging from 3 to 5 of 6 possible points with 10,884 subjects. Higher intakes of energy (risk ratio (RR) = 3.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.74-6.34, = 97%), and protein (RR = 3.15, 95% CI = 2.87-3.44, = 0%) were associated with EMO risk. For each additional 1 g/day animal protein intake in childhood, the age at menarche was approximately two months earlier (β = -0.13, = 55%), and high iron intake was associated with EMO (RR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.03-1.40, = 0%). Polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFAs) intake was associated with EMO risk with a dose-response effect (RR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.05-1.49, = 44%). Girls with a high intake of fiber and monosaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in childhood experienced later menarche onset (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69-1.00, = 31%; RR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.50-0.86, = 0%, respectively). Thus, adherence to a high intake of animal proteins-, iron- and PUFA-rich food diet makes girls more likely to have EMO, while a high intake of fiber- and MUFA-rich foods may protect girls from EMO. Further studies are expected to investigate the role of specific types of PUFAs and MUFAs on EMO to promote healthy sexual maturity in girls.
Topics: Adolescent; Age Factors; Child; Diet; Eating; Female; Humans; Menarche
PubMed: 32842616
DOI: 10.3390/nu12092544 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2021Industrial wastewaters and urban discharges contain complex mixtures of chemicals capable of impacting reproductive performance in freshwater fish, called...
Industrial wastewaters and urban discharges contain complex mixtures of chemicals capable of impacting reproductive performance in freshwater fish, called endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs). In Chile, the issue was highlighted by our group beginning over 15 years ago, by analyzing the impacts of pulp and paper mill effluents (PPME) in the Biobio, Itata, and Cruces River basins. All of the rivers studied are important freshwater ecosystems located in the Mediterranean region of Central Chile, each with a unique fish biodiversity. Sequentially, we developed a strategy based on laboratory assays, semicontrolled-field experiments (e.g., caging) and wild fish population assessments to explore the issue of reproductive impacts on both introduced and native fish in Chile. The integration of watershed, field, and laboratory studies was effective at understanding the endocrine responses in Chilean freshwater systems. The studies demonstrated that regardless of the type of treatment, pulp mill effluents can contain compounds capable of impacting endocrine systems. Urban wastewater treatment plant effluents (WWTP) were also investigated using the same integrated strategy. Although not directly compared, PPME and WWTP effluent seem to cause similar estrogenic effects in fish after waterborne exposure, with differing intensities. This body of work underscores the urgent need for further studies on the basic biology of Chilean native fish species, and an improved understanding on reproductive development and variability across Chilean ecosystems. The lack of knowledge of the ontogeny of Chilean fish, especially maturation and sexual development, with an emphasis on associated habitats and landscapes, are impediment factors for their conservation and protection against the threat of EDCs. The assessment of effects on native species in the receiving environment is critical for supporting and designing protective regulations and remediation strategies, and for conserving the unique Chilean fish biodiversity.
Topics: Animals; Chile; Ecosystem; Endocrine Disruptors; Endocrine System; Environmental Monitoring; Estrogens; Fishes; Humans; Reproduction; Rivers; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Wastewater; Water Pollutants, Chemical
PubMed: 33841326
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.611281 -
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Jun 2017Substantial hormonal and neurobiological changes occur during puberty, and are widely argued to render this period of life a sensitive period in terms of risk for mental... (Review)
Review
Substantial hormonal and neurobiological changes occur during puberty, and are widely argued to render this period of life a sensitive period in terms of risk for mental health problems. However, there is a paucity of research focusing on adrenarche, the earlier phase of pubertal development. Furthermore, there is a limited understanding of the association between adrenarche and neural development during this phase of life. We systematically reviewed research examining human adrenarcheal development as operationalized by hormonal levels of DHEA and DHEA-S, in relation to indices of mental health (Systematic Review 1). We then reviewed the limited amount of literature that has examined the association between adrenarcheal development and brain structure or function (Systematic Review 2). In general, studies showed that earlier timing of adrenarche was associated with greater mental health symptoms, and there is emerging support that brain development plays a role in this relationship. However, several methodological inconsistencies were noted. We propose that future research in this area test a theoretical model of adrenarche as a sensitive period of neurobiological development, whereby timing of exposure to hormones interacts with brain development, biological sex, and psychosocial stress to influence environmental sensitivity and risk for mental health problems through adolescence.
Topics: Adolescent; Adrenarche; Brain; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Health; Sexual Maturation
PubMed: 28077245
DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2016.12.004 -
Environmental Science. Processes &... Apr 2020Exposure to phthalate derivatives has adverse effects on the health and development of humans, especially for children. A growing body of evidence supports the idea that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Exposure to phthalate derivatives has adverse effects on the health and development of humans, especially for children. A growing body of evidence supports the idea that exposure to phthalates can change an individual's physiological set point and the time of puberty in both genders. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, recent studies were evaluated to obtain systematic and regulation results in relation to puberty status and phthalate exposure in girls and boys. We searched English-language papers using Scopus, ISI, and PubMed databases as search engines, with no restriction of time, until the end of July 2019. A comprehensive literature search for an association between phthalate exposure and signs of puberty as well as levels of different types of hormones was carefully performed. Of the 67 studies retained for full-text screening, 39 studies were eligible for data management and extraction. For conducting a meta-analysis, four studies had appropriate effect size and metrics for pooling in the meta-analysis. Our findings revealed that low and high exposure to phthalates could alter pubertal development in both genders; the effects were either early or delayed puberty such as changes in the pubarche, thelarche, and menarche time, as well as in testicular volume. We statistically analyzed the association of pubic-hair development, breast development, and menarche time with exposure to phthalates in girls. For example, the pooled odds ratios of mono (2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate (MEHHP) and mono (2-ethyl-5-oxohexyl) phthalate (MEOHP) in relation to breast development were (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.11-1.85) and (OR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.15-1.58) (P-value < 0.001), respectively. In addition, we analyzed the correlation between pubic-hair development and testicular volume with exposure to phthalates in boys. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of its kind for girls and boys. In conclusion, we found that a positive association exists between phthalate exposure and pubertal timing in the pediatric age group. Therefore, prevention of exposure to phthalates and reduction of their use should be underscored in the strategies for primordial prevention of pubertal timing and related consequences.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Humans; Male; Phthalic Acids; Puberty, Delayed; Sexual Maturation
PubMed: 32091510
DOI: 10.1039/c9em00512a -
European Journal of Endocrinology May 2021Numerous modern non-persistent pesticides have demonstrated estrogenic/anti-androgenic activity and have been classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs)....
BACKGROUND
Numerous modern non-persistent pesticides have demonstrated estrogenic/anti-androgenic activity and have been classified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Processes involved in puberty development are vulnerable to EDCs, such as compounds that interfere with the metabolism or activity of sex steroids.
OBJECTIVE
To conduct a systematic review of epidemiological studies on the relationship between early-life exposure to non-persistent pesticides and puberty timing and/or sexual maturation in girls and boys.
METHODS
A systematic search was carried out using MEDLINE and SCOPUS databases, including original articles published up to November 2020.
RESULTS
Thirteen studies were selected after excluding non-original and non-human studies. Exposure to different types of pesticides has been associated with altered puberty timing in girls and/or boys in eight studies. In utero exposure to atrazine has been related to earlier age of menarche in girls; exposure to organophosphate (OP) pesticides has been related to delayed sexual development in boys and girls; childhood pyrethroid exposure has been associated with pubertal delay in girls and pubertal advancement in boys; and prenatal/childhood exposure to multiple pesticides has been linked to earlier puberty onset in girls and pubertal delay in boys.
CONCLUSIONS
Most of the reviewed studies describe a relationship between pesticide exposure and changes in the age of puberty onset or sex hormone levels, although the quality of the evidence is generally low. Further well-designed longitudinal studies are warranted on specific classes of pesticides and on possible interactions between different types of compounds.
Topics: Environmental Exposure; Humans; Pesticides; Puberty; Puberty, Delayed; Sexual Maturation
PubMed: 33769962
DOI: 10.1530/EJE-20-1038