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Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences 2024Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory, pruritic, noncontagious, chronic relapsing skin disease. Skin barrier abnormalities, excessive T helper 2 activity, and immune...
BACKGROUND/AIM
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory, pruritic, noncontagious, chronic relapsing skin disease. Skin barrier abnormalities, excessive T helper 2 activity, and immune dysregulation are held responsible. Androgens have a negative effect on the integrity of the epidermal skin barrier, while estrogen has a positive effect. We aimed to investigate whether hormones make a difference between healthy children and children with AD during minipuberty.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 96 infants (postnatal 4-13 weeks), 48 diagnosed with AD and 48 controls, were included. Each group consisted of 23 girls (47.9%) and 25 boys (52.1%). Anthropometric examinations and hormone measurements were compared.
RESULTS
The two groups, having similar age, sex, body mass index, and weight-for-length standard deviation scores, were compared. Serum free thyroxine (FT4) levels were found to be lower and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP3) levels were found to be higher in children with AD (p < 0.001 and p = 0.038, respectively). In girls with AD, estradiol, FT4, and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels were found to be lower, but thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were found to be higher (p = 0.023, p < 0.001, p = 0.038, and p = 0.034, respectively). In boys with AD, the FT4 level was found to be lower (p = 0.023). Serum FT4 and TSH levels were within normal reference ranges in all comparisons.
CONCLUSION
Especially in girls with AD, decreased estradiol and IGF-1 levels were observed compared to the controls during minipuberty. In the logistic regression model, decreased levels of serum estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, FT4, and IGF-1, and increased levels of IGFBP3 were associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting atopic dermatitis.
Topics: Humans; Dermatitis, Atopic; Female; Male; Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3; Infant; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Case-Control Studies; Estradiol; Thyroxine; Puberty; Thyrotropin
PubMed: 38812645
DOI: 10.55730/1300-0144.5795 -
JAMA Network Open May 2024Early menarche is associated with adverse health outcomes. Trends toward earlier menarche have been observed in the US, but data remain limited on differences by...
IMPORTANCE
Early menarche is associated with adverse health outcomes. Trends toward earlier menarche have been observed in the US, but data remain limited on differences by sociodemographic factors and body mass index (BMI). Time from menarche to cycle regularity is another understudied early-life characteristic with health implications.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the temporal trends and disparities in menarche and time to regularity and explore early-life BMI as a mediator.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This ongoing cohort study enrolled participants from an ongoing mobile application-based US cohort from November 14, 2019, to March 20, 2023.
EXPOSURES
Birth year (categorized as 1950-1969, 1970-1979, 1980-1989, 1990-1999, and 2000-2005).
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Main outcomes were age at menarche and time to regularity, which were self-recalled at enrollment. In addition, early (aged <11 years), very early (aged <9 years), and late (aged ≥16 years) age at menarche was assessed.
RESULTS
Among the 71 341 female individuals who were analyzed (mean [SD] age at menarche, 12.2 [1.6] years; 2228 [3.1%] Asian, 3665 [5.1%] non-Hispanic Black, 4918 [6.9%] Hispanic, 49 518 [69.4%] non-Hispanic White, and 8461 [11.9%] other or multiple races or ethnicities), 5223 were born in 1950 to 1969, 12 226 in 1970 to 1979, 22 086 in 1980 to 1989, 23 894 in 1990 to 1999, and 7912 in 2000 to 2005. The mean (SD) age at menarche decreased from 12.5 (1.6) years in 1950 to 1969 to 11.9 (1.5) years in 2000 to 2005. The number of individuals experiencing early menarche increased from 449 (8.6%) to 1223 (15.5%), the number of individuals experiencing very early menarche increased from 31 (0.6%) to 110 (1.4%), and the number of individuals experiencing late menarche decreased from 286 (5.5%) to 137 (1.7%). For 61 932 participants with reported time to regularity, the number reaching regularity within 2 years decreased from 3463 (76.3%) to 4075 (56.0%), and the number not yet in regular cycles increased from 153 (3.4%) to 1375 (18.9%). The magnitude of the trend toward earlier menarche was greater among participants who self-identified as Asian, non-Hispanic Black, or other or multiple races (vs non-Hispanic White) (P = .003 for interaction) and among participants self-rated with low (vs high) socioeconomic status (P < .001 for interaction). Within a subset of 9865 participants with data on BMI at menarche, exploratory mediation analysis estimated that 46% (95% CI, 35%-61%) of the temporal trend in age at menarche was explained by BMI.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this cohort study of 71 341 individuals in the US, as birth year increased, mean age at menarche decreased and time to regularity increased. The trends were stronger among racial and ethnic minority groups and individuals of low self-rated socioeconomic status. These trends may contribute to the increase in adverse health outcomes and disparities in the US.
Topics: Humans; Menarche; Female; United States; Adolescent; Child; Body Mass Index; Cohort Studies; Adult; Menstrual Cycle; Age Factors; Young Adult; Time Factors
PubMed: 38809557
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.12854 -
Indian Journal of Pharmacology Mar 2024Nicolau syndrome (NS) is a rare and unpredictable adverse reaction that can occur after the administration of certain medications. A 9-year-old girl, accompanied by her...
Nicolau syndrome (NS) is a rare and unpredictable adverse reaction that can occur after the administration of certain medications. A 9-year-old girl, accompanied by her father, visited the outpatient dermatology clinic with complaints of wounds on both upper arms. Upon reviewing her medical history, it was discovered that she had been receiving leuprolide for precocious puberty, and the symptoms began after the last two injections. The patient experienced pain during the leuprolide injection, and redness and swelling were noticed in the injection area on the same day. A few days later, the redness turned into ulcers. The fact that the development of NS cannot be detected in advance and the risk of rapid progression of tissue necrosis make disease management difficult. The prognosis of NS significantly depends on the patient, and when a developing lesion is noticed early, it is crucial to minimize the risk of complications.
Topics: Humans; Leuprolide; Female; Child; Nicolau Syndrome; Puberty, Precocious; Upper Extremity
PubMed: 38808926
DOI: 10.4103/ijp.ijp_743_23 -
Gynecological Endocrinology : the... Dec 2024The aim of this study was to explore the impact of growth hormone (GH) therapy on the onset and progression of puberty in girls with idiopathic short stature. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to explore the impact of growth hormone (GH) therapy on the onset and progression of puberty in girls with idiopathic short stature.
METHODS
This study included 541 girls aged between 4.5 and 10.6 years who were receiving GH treatment, monitored over a 22-year follow-up period. Of these, 126 girls have been followed up to the onset of menarche. The participants were divided into two groups: a ISS control group ( = 66) and a group receiving daily GH treatment at a dose of 0.15 iu/kg ( = 60). We assessed the pubertal development and GH usage of these girls every three months.
RESULTS
(1) There was no significant difference in the onset of puberty between the growth hormone (GH) treatment group and the control group; however, the average duration of puberty was longer in the treatment group compared to the control group. (2) During puberty, there were no significant differences in height growth between the treated and untreated groups. (3) The duration of GH treatment showed a significant negative correlation with the age at onset of gonadal development and the age at menarche in females within the treatment group.
CONCLUSION
GH treatment does not seem to accelerate the onset of puberty but may extend its duration, without significantly impacting height growth during puberty. Additionally, longer GH treatment duration is linked to earlier gonadal development and menarche in females.
Topics: Humans; Female; Child; Human Growth Hormone; Puberty; Growth Disorders; Menarche; Body Height; Child, Preschool; Follow-Up Studies; Adolescent
PubMed: 38807420
DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2024.2358227 -
Scientific Reports May 2024Repair and reconstruction of the myopectineal orifice area using meshes is the mainstay of surgical treatment of inguinal hernias. However, the limitations of existing...
Repair and reconstruction of the myopectineal orifice area using meshes is the mainstay of surgical treatment of inguinal hernias. However, the limitations of existing meshes are becoming increasingly evident in clinical applications; thus, the idea of using three-dimensionally (3D)-printed biological meshes was put forward. According to the current level of the 3D printing technology and the inherent characteristics of biological materials, the direct use of the 3D printing technology for making biological materials into finished products suitable for clinical applications is not yet supported, but synthetic materials can be first printed into 3D form carriers, compounded with biological materials, and finally made into finished products. The purpose of this study was to develop a technical protocol for making 3D-printed biomesh carriers using polyurethane as a raw material. In our study: raw material, polyurethane; weight, 20-30 g/m; weaving method, hexagonal mesh; elastic tension aspect ratio, 2:1; diameters of pores, 0.1-1 mm; surface area, 8 × 12 cm; the optimal printing layer height, temperature and velocity were 0.1 mm, 210-220 °C and 60 mm/s. Its clinical significance lies in: (1) applied to preoperative planning and design a detailed surgical plan; (2) applied to special types of surgery including patients in puberty, recurrent and compound inguinal hernias; (3) significantly improve the efficiency of doctor-patient communication; (4) it can shorten the operation and recovery period by about 1/3 and can save about 1/4 of the cost for patients; (5) the learning curve is significantly shortened, which is conducive to the cultivation of reserve talents.
Topics: Printing, Three-Dimensional; Polyurethanes; Surgical Mesh; Humans; Hernia, Inguinal; Biocompatible Materials; Herniorrhaphy; Materials Testing
PubMed: 38806559
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63000-3 -
Genome Medicine May 2024The role of metabolism in the variation of age at menarche (AAM) and age at natural menopause (ANM) in the female population is not entirely known. We aimed to...
BACKGROUND
The role of metabolism in the variation of age at menarche (AAM) and age at natural menopause (ANM) in the female population is not entirely known. We aimed to investigate the causal role of circulating metabolites in AAM and ANM using Mendelian randomization (MR).
METHODS
We combined MR with genetic colocalization to investigate potential causal associations between 658 metabolites and AAM and between 684 metabolites and ANM. We extracted genetic instruments for our exposures from four genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on circulating metabolites and queried the effects of these variants on the outcomes in two large GWAS from the ReproGen consortium. Additionally, we assessed the mediating role of the body mass index (BMI) in these associations, identified metabolic pathways implicated in AAM and ANM, and sought validation for selected metabolites in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).
RESULTS
Our analysis identified 10 candidate metabolites for AAM, but none of them colocalized with AAM. For ANM, 76 metabolites were prioritized (FDR-adjusted MR P-value ≤ 0.05), with 17 colocalizing, primarily in the glycerophosphocholines class, including the omega-3 fatty acid and phosphatidylcholine (PC) categories. Pathway analyses and validation in ALSPAC mothers also highlighted the role of omega and polyunsaturated fatty acids levels in delaying age at menopause.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study suggests that metabolites from the glycerophosphocholine and fatty acid families play a causal role in the timing of both menarche and menopause. This underscores the significance of specific metabolic pathways in the biology of female reproductive longevity.
Topics: Humans; Menarche; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Female; Menopause; Metabolome; Genome-Wide Association Study; Age Factors; Metabolomics; Body Mass Index
PubMed: 38802955
DOI: 10.1186/s13073-024-01322-7 -
A causal examination of the correlation between hormonal and reproductive factors and low back pain.Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024The relationship between hormonal fluctuations in the reproductive system and the occurrence of low back pain (LBP) has been widely observed. However, the causal impact...
BACKGROUND
The relationship between hormonal fluctuations in the reproductive system and the occurrence of low back pain (LBP) has been widely observed. However, the causal impact of specific variables that may be indicative of hormonal and reproductive factors, such as age at menopause (ANM), age at menarche (AAM), length of menstrual cycle (LMC), age at first birth (AFB), age at last live birth (ALB) and age first had sexual intercourse (AFS) on low back pain remains unclear.
METHODS
This study employed Bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) using publicly available summary statistics from Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) and FinnGen Consortium to investigate the causal links between hormonal and reproductive factors on LBP. Various MR methodologies, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, and weighted median, were utilized. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to ensure the robustness and validity of the findings. Subsequently, Multivariate Mendelian randomization (MVMR) was employed to assess the direct causal impact of reproductive and hormone factors on the risk of LBP.
RESULTS
After implementing the Bonferroni correction and conducting rigorous quality control, the results from MR indicated a noteworthy association between a decreased risk of LBP and AAM (OR=0.784, 95% CI: 0.689-0.891; p=3.53E-04), AFB (OR=0.558, 95% CI: 0.436-0.715; p=8.97E-06), ALB (OR=0.396, 95% CI: 0.226-0.692; p=0.002), and AFS (OR=0.602, 95% CI: 0.518-0.700; p=3.47E-10). Moreover, in the reverse MR analysis, we observed no significant causal effects of LBP on ANM, AAM, LMC and AFS. MVMR analysis demonstrated the continued significance of the causal effect of AFB on LBP after adjusting for BMI.
CONCLUSION
Our study explored the causal relationship between ANM, AAM, LMC, AFB, AFS, ALB and the prevalence of LBP. We found that early menarche, early age at first birth, early age at last live birth and early age first had sexual intercourse may decrease the risk of LBP. These insights enhance our understanding of LBP risk factors, offering valuable guidance for screening, prevention, and treatment strategies for at-risk women.
Topics: Humans; Low Back Pain; Female; Mendelian Randomization Analysis; Genome-Wide Association Study; Menarche; Menopause; Risk Factors; Adult; Menstrual Cycle; Age Factors; Middle Aged
PubMed: 38800490
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1326761 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... May 2024The human genome contains 24 -like capsid genes derived from deactivated retrotransposons conserved among eutherians. Although some of their encoded proteins retain the...
The human genome contains 24 -like capsid genes derived from deactivated retrotransposons conserved among eutherians. Although some of their encoded proteins retain the ability to form capsids and even transfer cargo, their fitness benefit has remained elusive. Here we show that the -like genes and support reproductive capacity. Six-week-old mice lacking either or are indistinguishable from wild-type littermates, but by six months the mutant mice become prematurely subfertile, with precipitous drops in sex hormone levels, gonadal atrophy, and abdominal obesity; overall they produce markedly fewer offspring than controls. Analysis of donated human ovaries shows that expression of both genes declines normally with aging, while several and variants identified in genome-wide association studies are causally associated with low testosterone, altered puberty onset, or obesity. These findings expand our understanding of factors that maintain human reproductive health and lend insight into the domestication of retrotransposon-derived genes.
PubMed: 38798495
DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.11.592987 -
Aging Cell May 2024Recent studies have demonstrated the remarkable potential of early life intervention strategies at influencing the course of postnatal development, thereby offering...
Recent studies have demonstrated the remarkable potential of early life intervention strategies at influencing the course of postnatal development, thereby offering exciting possibilities for enhancing longevity and improving overall health. Metformin (MF), an FDA-approved medication for type II diabetes mellitus, has recently gained attention for its promising anti-aging properties, acting as a calorie restriction mimetic, and delaying precocious puberty. Additionally, trodusquemine (MSI-1436), an investigational drug, has been shown to combat obesity and metabolic disorders by inhibiting the enzyme protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b (Ptp1b), consequently reducing hepatic lipogenesis and counteracting insulin and leptin resistance. In this study, we aimed to further explore the effects of these compounds on young, developing mice to uncover biomolecular signatures that are central to liver metabolic processes. We found that MSI-1436 more potently alters mRNA and miRNA expression in the liver compared with MF, with bioinformatic analysis suggesting that cohorts of differentially expressed miRNAs inhibit the action of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (Pi3k), protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (Mtor) to regulate the downstream processes of de novo lipogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, very-low-density lipoprotein transport, and cholesterol biosynthesis and efflux. In summary, our study demonstrates that administering these compounds during the postnatal window metabolically reprograms the liver through induction of potent epigenetic changes in the transcriptome, potentially forestalling the onset of age-related diseases and enhancing longevity. Future studies are necessary to determine the impacts on lifespan and overall quality of life.
PubMed: 38798180
DOI: 10.1111/acel.14227 -
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory... May 2024Interpretation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is essential for the diagnosis of certain diseases. ALP changes during life and may vary between different...
CONTEXT.—
Interpretation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity is essential for the diagnosis of certain diseases. ALP changes during life and may vary between different populations.
OBJECTIVE.—
To establish reference intervals (RIs) and percentile charts for ALP activity in the Spanish population through a multicentric observational study and to compare the RIs to those defined in other countries.
DESIGN.—
A total of 662 350 ALP measurements from individuals ages 0 to 99 years from 9 Spanish tertiary care centers collected between 2020 and 2022 were analyzed. This study is the largest published in the literature to date.
RESULTS.—
Continuous percentile charts for ALP according to sex and age were established which can be used as RIs. Higher levels are reached during the first weeks of life. In puberty, a differential evolution is observed in both sexes, reaching a peak at 10 to 13 years of age in boys and remaining stable in girls at this age. Significant differences were also observed in adults, higher in men between ages 20 and 49 years and between ages 50 and 79 years in women, as reported in some countries.
CONCLUSIONS.—
ALP activity follows an age- and sex-dependent fluctuation with geographic differences. It is important to have appropriate reference values for each population in order to allow for a correct diagnostic interpretation and early diagnosis of diseases related to ALP abnormalities.
PubMed: 38797525
DOI: 10.5858/arpa.2023-0335-OA