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Journal of Research on Adolescence :... Mar 2019Puberty research has been highly productive in the past few decades and is gaining momentum. We conducted an analysis of bibliographic data, including titles, abstracts,... (Review)
Review
Puberty research has been highly productive in the past few decades and is gaining momentum. We conducted an analysis of bibliographic data, including titles, abstracts, keywords, indexing terms, and citation data to assess the sheer numbers, audience and reach, publication types, and impact of puberty-related publications. Findings suggest that puberty-related publications are increasing in sheer numbers, and have reach in many fields as befits an interdisciplinary science. Puberty-related publications typically have higher impact in terms of citations than the journal averages, among the journals that published the most studies on puberty. Limitations of the field and recommendations for researchers to improve the impact and reach of puberty-related publications (e.g., clear conclusions in abstracts, highlighting the importance of puberty) are discussed.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Health; Bibliometrics; Female; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Male; Puberty; Publishing; Research; Retrospective Studies; Sexual Maturation
PubMed: 30869844
DOI: 10.1111/jora.12396 -
BMC Biology Aug 2018Naked mole-rats (NMRs) are eusocially organized in colonies. Although breeders carry the additional metabolic load of reproduction, they are extremely long-lived and...
BACKGROUND
Naked mole-rats (NMRs) are eusocially organized in colonies. Although breeders carry the additional metabolic load of reproduction, they are extremely long-lived and remain fertile throughout their lifespan. This phenomenon contrasts the disposable soma theory of aging stating that organisms can invest their resources either in somatic maintenance, enabling a longer lifespan, or in reproduction, at the cost of longevity. Here, we present a comparative transcriptome analysis of breeders vs. non-breeders of the eusocial, long-lived NMR vs. the polygynous and shorter-lived guinea pig (GP).
RESULTS
Comparative transcriptome analysis of tissue samples from ten organs showed, in contrast to GPs, low levels of differentiation between sexes in adult NMR non-breeders. After transition into breeders, NMR transcriptomes are markedly sex-specific, show pronounced feedback signaling via gonadal steroids, and have similarities to reproductive phenotypes in African cichlid fish, which also exhibit social status changes between dominant and subordinate phenotypes. Further, NMRs show functional enrichment of status-related expression differences associated with aging. Lipid metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation-molecular networks known to be linked to aging-were identified among most affected gene sets. Remarkably and in contrast to GPs, transcriptome patterns associated with longevity are reinforced in NMR breeders.
CONCLUSION
Our results provide comprehensive and unbiased molecular insights into interspecies differences between NMRs and GPs, both in sexual maturation and in the impact of reproduction on longevity. We present molecular evidence that sexual maturation in NMRs is socially suppressed. In agreement with evolutionary theories of aging in eusocial organisms, we have identified transcriptome patterns in NMR breeders that-in contrast to the disposable soma theory of aging-may slow down aging rates and potentially contribute to their exceptional long life- and healthspan.
Topics: Aging; Animals; Gene Expression Profiling; Guinea Pigs; Mole Rats; Reproduction; Sequence Analysis, RNA; Sexual Maturation; Transcriptome
PubMed: 30068345
DOI: 10.1186/s12915-018-0546-z -
Journal of Research on Adolescence :... Mar 2019The measurement of puberty is an intricate and precise task, requiring a match between participants' developmental age and appropriate techniques to identify and capture... (Review)
Review
The measurement of puberty is an intricate and precise task, requiring a match between participants' developmental age and appropriate techniques to identify and capture variations in maturation. Much of the foundational work on puberty and its psychosocial correlates was conducted several decades ago. In this article, we review the biological foundation of puberty; the operationalization of puberty in statistical analyses; and strategies for considering diversity and social context in research to help researchers align measurement with meaningful conceptual questions. These three areas are particularly important, given new statistical techniques, greater awareness of individual variations in development, and key differences between past cohorts and youth coming of age today.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Development; Adolescent Health; Epigenesis, Genetic; Female; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental; Gene Regulatory Networks; Gene-Environment Interaction; Humans; Male; Models, Biological; Puberty; Research Design; Sexual Maturation; Social Environment
PubMed: 30869839
DOI: 10.1111/jora.12371 -
Animal : An International Journal of... May 2023This article reviews the scientific literature on puberty with a focus on ruminants and draws inference, where appropriate, from recent findings in transgenic mouse... (Review)
Review
This article reviews the scientific literature on puberty with a focus on ruminants and draws inference, where appropriate, from recent findings in transgenic mouse models and human pathology. Early genetic determinants of puberty have been discovered in humans suffering from hypogonadotropic hypogonadism or central precocious puberty. Transgenic mouse models selected on the basis of the causative defective genes helped in discovering the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved. Most of the genes found are involved in the development of neuroendocrine networks during embryo development and early postnatal life. Notwithstanding that the development of neuroendocrine networks takes place early in puberty, a delay or acceleration in the development of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) neurons has an impact on puberty onset inducing a delay or an advance, respectively. Among the genes discovered in humans and laboratory models, only a few of them displayed polymorphisms associated with advanced sexual maturity, but also marbling, growth traits and callipygian conformation. This could be related to the fact that rather than puberty onset, most research monitored sexual maturity. Sexual maturity occurs after puberty onset and involves factors regulating the maturation of gonads and in the expression of sexual behaviour. The association with growth and metabolic traits is not surprising since nutrition is the major environmental factor that will act on late genetic determinants of puberty onset. However, a recent hypothesis emerged suggesting that it is the postnatal activation of the GnRH neuronal network that induces the acceleration of growth and weight gain. Hence, nutritional factors need the activation of GnRH neurons first before acting on late genetic determinants. Moreover, nutritional factors can also affect the epigenetic landscape of parental gamete's genome with the consequence of specific methylation of genes involved in GnRH neuron development in the embryo. Season is another important regulator of puberty onset in seasonal small ruminants and appears to involve the same mechanisms that are involved in seasonal transition in adults. The social environment is also an underestimated factor affecting puberty onset in domestic ruminants, most research studies focused on olfactory cues, but the genetic basis has not heretofore been adequately tackled by the scientific community. Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest transgenerational effects exist, in that nutritional and social cues to which parents were exposed, could affect the epigenetic landscape of parental gametes resulting in the epigenetic regulation of early genetic determinants of puberty onset in their offspring.
Topics: Mice; Humans; Animals; Sexual Maturation; Epigenesis, Genetic; Puberty; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Ruminants; Mice, Transgenic
PubMed: 37567653
DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2023.100812 -
Vitamins and Hormones 2014Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that interfere with hormone synthesis, metabolism, or action. In addition, some of them could cause... (Review)
Review
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances that interfere with hormone synthesis, metabolism, or action. In addition, some of them could cause epigenetic alterations of DNA that can be transmitted to the following generations. Because the developing organism is highly dependent on sex steroids and thyroid hormones for its maturation, the fetus and the child are very sensitive to any alteration of their hormonal environment. An additional concern about that early period of life comes from the shaping of the homeostatic mechanisms that takes place also at that time with involvement of epigenetic mechanisms along with the concept of fetal origin of health and disease. In this chapter, we will review the studies reporting effects of EDCs on human development. Using a translational approach, we will review animal studies that can shed light on some mechanisms of action of EDCs on the developing organism. We will focus on the major hormone-dependent stages of development: fetal growth, sexual differentiation, puberty, brain development, and energy balance. We will also discuss the possible epigenetic effects of EDCs on human development.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Development; Adult; Animals; Child; Child Development; Endocrine Disruptors; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Fetal Development; Humans; Male; Pregnancy; Sexual Maturation
PubMed: 24388185
DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-12-800095-3.00001-8 -
Journal of Biomedicine & Biotechnology 2010During the past decades, a large body of information concerning the effects of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) on animals and humans has been accumulated. EDCs are... (Review)
Review
During the past decades, a large body of information concerning the effects of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) on animals and humans has been accumulated. EDCs are of synthetic or natural origin and certain groups are known to disrupt the action of androgens and to impair the development of the male reproductive tract and external genitalia. The present overview describes the effects of the different classes of EDCs, such as pesticides, phthalates, dioxins, and phytoestrogens, including newly synthesized resveratrol analogs on steroidogenesis in Leydig cells. The potential impact of these compounds on androgen production by Leydig cells during fetal development and in the adult age is discussed. In addition, the possible role of EDCs in connection with the increasing frequency of abnormalities in reproductive development in animals and humans is discussed.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Endocrine Disruptors; Endocrine System; Environmental Pollutants; Hormone Antagonists; Hormones; Humans; Leydig Cells; Male; Reproduction; Sexual Maturation
PubMed: 20862379
DOI: 10.1155/2010/684504 -
Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent... Oct 2012Several studies have noted contemporary girls are undergoing pubertal maturation at younger ages. During this same time period many Western nations have experienced an... (Review)
Review
Several studies have noted contemporary girls are undergoing pubertal maturation at younger ages. During this same time period many Western nations have experienced an obesity epidemic, prompting investigators and public health officials to consider the association of these 2 events, and if other exposures might impact this relationship. There are several potential mechanisms that could impact the relationship of pubertal timing in girls with greater body mass, including direct effects of obesity on pubertal timing as well underlying exposures that impact body mass as well as timing of pubertal maturation. These underlying conditions include chemical compounds that could impact synthesis or action of sex hormones, called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDs). We examine the decline in the age of breast development and potential genetic and environmental influences, the obesity epidemic in the US and other nations, and potential mechanisms to explain the relationship between greater body mass index with earlier puberty in girls.
Topics: Age Factors; Age of Onset; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Child; Endocrine Disruptors; Female; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Humans; Obesity; Puberty; Sexual Maturation
PubMed: 22841372
DOI: 10.1016/j.jpag.2012.05.009 -
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology Oct 2011Prokineticin, 1 (PROK1) and prokineticin 2 (PROK2), are two closely related proteins that were identified as the mammalian homologs of their two amphibian homologs,... (Review)
Review
Prokineticin, 1 (PROK1) and prokineticin 2 (PROK2), are two closely related proteins that were identified as the mammalian homologs of their two amphibian homologs, mamba intestinal toxin (MIT-1) and Bv8. MIT-1 was initially identified as a non-toxic constituent in the venom of the black mamba snake (Dendroaspis polylepis) (Joubert and Strydom, 1980) while Bv8 was identified in the skin secretion of the toad, Bombina variegate (Mollay et al., 1999). All three homologs stimulate gastrointestinal motility thus accounting for their family name "prokineticins" (Schweitz et al., 1990, 1999). However, since its initial description, both PROK1 and PROK2 have been found to regulate a dazzling array of biological functions throughout the body. In particular, PROK1 acts as a potent angiogenic mitogen on endocrine vascular epithelium, thus earning its other name, Endocrine gland-vascular endothelial factor (EG-VEGF) (LeCouter et al., 2002). In contrast, the PROK2 signaling pathway is a critical regulator of olfactory bulb morphogenesis and sexual maturation in mammals and this function is the focus of this review.
Topics: Animals; Gastrointestinal Hormones; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Humans; Neuropeptides; Olfactory Bulb; Reproduction; Sexual Maturation
PubMed: 21664414
DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.05.040 -
Hormones and Behavior Jul 2013While there is little doubt that risk-taking is generally more prevalent during adolescence than before or after, the underlying causes of this pattern of age... (Review)
Review
While there is little doubt that risk-taking is generally more prevalent during adolescence than before or after, the underlying causes of this pattern of age differences have long been investigated and debated. One longstanding popular notion is the belief that risky and reckless behavior in adolescence is tied to the hormonal changes of puberty. However, the interactions between pubertal maturation and adolescent decision making remain largely understudied. In the current review, we discuss changes in decision making during adolescence, focusing on the asynchronous development of the affective, reward-focused processing system and the deliberative, reasoned processing system. As discussed, differential maturation in the structure and function of brain systems associated with these systems leaves adolescents particularly vulnerable to socio-emotional influences and risk-taking behaviors. We argue that this asynchrony may be partially linked to pubertal influences on development and specifically on the maturation of the affective, reward-focused processing system.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Adolescent Development; Brain; Emotions; Humans; Puberty; Risk-Taking; Sexual Maturation; Social Environment
PubMed: 23998675
DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2013.03.006 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2020The fetal hypothalamus-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis begins to function during mid-gestation but its activity decreases during late pregnancy due to the suppressive... (Review)
Review
The fetal hypothalamus-pituitary gonadal (HPG) axis begins to function during mid-gestation but its activity decreases during late pregnancy due to the suppressive effects of placental estrogens. Placental hormones drop immediately after birth, FSH and LH surge at around 1 week and peak between 1 and 3 months of life. The HPG axis is activated in both sexes, but a sexual dimorphism is evident with higher LH values in boys, while FSH prevails in girls. Both gonadotrophins decline in boys by around 6 months of age. In girls, LH declines at the same time as in boys, while FSH persists elevated up to 3 or 4 years of age. As a result of gonadotropin activation, testicular testosterone increases in males and ovarian estradiol rises in females. These events clinically translate into testicular and penile growth in boys, enlargement of uterus and breasts in girls. The functional impact of HPG axis activity in infancy on later reproductive function is uncertain. According to the perinatal programming theory, this period may represent an essential programming process. In boys, long-term testicular hormonal function and spermatogenesis seem to be, at least in part, regulated by minipuberty. On the contrary, the role of minipuberty in girls is still uncertain. Recently, androgen exposure during minipuberty has been correlated with later sex-typed behavior. Premature and/or SGA infants show significant differences in postnatal HPG axis activity in comparison to full-term infants and the consequences of these differences on later health and disease require further research. The sex-dimorphic HPG activation during mid-gestation is probably responsible for the body composition differences observed ad birth between boys and girls, with boys showing greater total body mass and lean mass, and a lower proportion of fat mass. Testosterone exposure during minipuberty further contributes to these differences and seems to be responsible for the significantly higher growth velocity observed in male infants. Lastly, minipuberty is a valuable "window of opportunity" for differential diagnosis of disorders of sex development and it represents the only time window before puberty when congenital hypogonadism can be diagnosed by the simple analysis of basal gonadotropin and gonadal hormone levels.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Female; Gonads; Humans; Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System; Male; Puberty; Sexual Maturation; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 32318025
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00187