Beginning Of Puberty Research Articles

The Effects of Nutrition, Health, Psychological and Socio-Economic Factors on Precocious Puberty in Girls

Early puberty or precocious puberty in girls, characterized by the beginning of puberty before turning 8, is a growing concern worldwide. This research paper explores the multifactorial influences of nutrition, health, psychological stressors, and socio-economic factors on the incidence of early puberty in girls. By examining existing literature, the paper highlights the complex interactions among these elements and provides insights into potential interventions. An understanding of these factors is crucial for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Recommendations are made to promote balanced diets, improve healthcare access, provide psychological support, and address socio-economic disparities to mitigate the risk of precocious puberty and its associated health consequences.

The Effects of Nutrition, Health, Psychological and Socio Economic Factors on Precocious Puberty in Girls

Early puberty or precocious puberty in girls, characterized by the beginning of puberty before turning 8, is a growing concern worldwide. This research paper explores the multifactorial influences of nutrition, health, psychological stressors, and socio-economic factors on the incidence of early puberty in girls. By examining existing literature, the paper highlights the complex interactions among these elements and provides insights into potential interventions. An understanding of these factors is crucial for developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies. Recommendations are made to promote balanced diets, improve healthcare access, provide psychological support, and address socio-economic disparities to mitigate the risk of precocious puberty and its associated health consequences.

MRI Imaging Appearance in Mullerian Duct Anomalies

Abstract Background Müllerian duct anomalies include a complex spectrum of anatomical anomalies that arise from deviations during the normal development of the Müllerian ducts. In paediatrics, such defects cannot present with any clinical symptoms before puberty, yet, they can also have obstructive symptoms or a mass effect due to presence of a non communicating rudimentary horn or transverse vaginal septum. At the beginning of puberty, girls with these anomalies might have primary amenorrhea, pelvic pain or endometriosis. Müllerian duct anomalies have also associated with a variety of other congenital abnormalities. Aim of the Work To review MRI features of Mullerian Duct Anomalies and classify them according to ASRM and ESHRE-ESGE classifications. Patients and Methods The study was a case series study that included 37 patients who underwent pelvic MRI at Radiology Department “Ain Shams University hospitals” in Cairo, Egypt. Results In our study, Hypoplastic, Agenesis and Didelphysis found to have the same ratio of (21.6%), while Bicornuate uterus was (13.5%), septate (8.1%), unicornuate and transverse vaginal septum all were of (5.4%) incidence and the least common was arcuate uterus with (2.7%) incidence. Conclusion MRI is a highly helpful technique for evaluating female genital abnormalities and is able to consistently provide the essential imaging characteristics for the accurate identification of Mullerian malformations. Additionally, incidental pelvic disease and any related renal abnormalities may be thoroughly evaluated by MRI in a single scan, removing the need for additional diagnostic procedures.

Prepuberty is a window period for curcumin to prevent obesity in postnatal overfed rats.

Overnutrition in early life increases the risk of obesity and metabolic diseases. We investigated the effects and the window period of a curcumin (CUR) diet on postnatal overfed rats. Male rats aged 3 days were randomly divided into normal litters (NL, 10 pups/litter) and small litters (SL, 3 pups/litter). After weaning (Week 3, W3), NL rats were fed a normal diet (NL) and SL rats were fed a normal diet (SL) or 2% CUR diet from weaning (W3) (SL-CURW13), beginning of puberty (W6) (SL-CURW16), or end of puberty (W8) (SL-CURW18) for 10 weeks. Body weight, glucose intolerance and hyperlipidemia in the SL rats were higher than in the NL rats, especially after puberty. After the CUR intervention, SL-CURW13 and SL-CURW16 rats showed lower body weight gain, adipose tissue weight and mRNA level of C/EBPα in SAT, along with higher mRNA levels of β-catenin. There was no difference between SL and SL-CURW18 rats. Glucose tolerance, serum lipids and hepatic lipids recovered to normal in the SL-CURW13 rats, but only partially in the SL-CURW16 and SL-CURW18 rats. Prepuberty is a window period for CUR intervention to improve programmed outcomes in postnatal overfed rats. Overnutrition during the first 1000 days of life has persistent negative effects on metabolism. Strategies should be taken to prevent overnutrition in early life to reduce the risk of obesity and metabolic disease in later life. A small-litter rat model was utilized to simulate early-life overnutrition in humans. We investigated the different effects and critical period for curcumin intervention on postnatal overfed rats. Dietary curcumin intervention before puberty could effectively transform nutritional programming to reduce obesity and metabolic disorders caused by early-life overnutrition, and an earlier intervention might predict a better outcome.

The Need for Earlier Diagnosis of Obstructed Hemivagina and Ipsilateral Renal Agenesis/Anomaly (OHVIRA) Syndrome in Case of Renal Agenesis in Girls—Case Report and Review of the Literature

Obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal agenesis/anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome is a very rare condition affecting girls. The time of diagnosis varies, from cases of prenatal diagnosis up to adulthood, including pregnancy or delivery. Most commonly, it is recognised during puberty and usually as an acute condition. We present a case report of an adolescent girl who underwent the treatment because of acute abdominal pain. The case is interesting due to a previous diagnosis of one-side renal agenesis. It appears to be useful to perform a diagnostic pelvic imaging at the time of diagnosis of renal agenesis or to plan to perform it at the beginning of puberty, to prevent the need for urgent surgery. This management may allow the planning of proper follow-up, minimising the risk of possible complications.

Phenylalanine Tolerance over Time in Phenylketonuria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In phenylketonuria (PKU), natural protein tolerance is defined as the maximum natural protein intake maintaining a blood phenylalanine (Phe) concentration within a target therapeutic range. Tolerance is affected by several factors, and it may differ throughout a person's lifespan. Data on lifelong Phe/natural protein tolerance are limited and mostly reported in studies with low subject numbers. This systematic review aimed to investigate how Phe/natural protein tolerance changes from birth to adulthood in well-controlled patients with PKU on a Phe-restricted diet. Five electronic databases were searched for articles published until July 2020. From a total of 1334 results, 37 articles met the eligibility criteria (n = 2464 patients), and 18 were included in the meta-analysis. The mean Phe (mg/day) and natural protein (g/day) intake gradually increased from birth until 6 y (at the age of 6 months, the mean Phe intake was 267 mg/day, and natural protein intake was 5.4 g/day; at the age of 5 y, the mean Phe intake was 377 mg/day, and the natural protein intake was 8.9 g/day). However, an increase in Phe/natural protein tolerance was more apparent at the beginning of late childhood and was >1.5-fold that of the Phe tolerance in early childhood. During the pubertal growth spurt, the mean natural protein/Phe tolerance was approximately three times higher than in the first year of life, reaching a mean Phe intake of 709 mg/day and a mean natural protein intake of 18 g/day. Post adolescence, a pooled analysis could only be performed for natural protein intake. The mean natural protein tolerance reached its highest (32.4 g/day) point at the age of 17 y and remained consistent (31.6 g/day) in adulthood, but limited data were available. The results of the meta-analysis showed that Phe/natural protein tolerance (expressed as mg or g per day) increases with age, particularly at the beginning of puberty, and reaches its highest level at the end of adolescence. This needs to be interpreted with caution as limited data were available in adult patients. There was also a high degree of heterogeneity between studies due to differences in sample size, the severity of PKU, and target therapeutic levels for blood Phe control.

Expression pattern and subcellular localization of p62/SQSTM 1 during mouse oocyte maturation

Objective: Autophagy is a survival mechanism, and it is initiated by several factors such as oxidative stress. Cells give autophagy response against oxidative stress through Nrf2-Keap1-p62 pathway. p62 or Sequestosome 1 (SQSTM 1) which takes place during autophagy, and it is showed that p62 plays critical role during primordial follicle formation. During oocyte maturation, Germinal Vesicle (GV) oocytes resume meiosis with the beginning of puberty and progress through Metaphase I and Metaphase II stages. Metaphase II (MII) oocytes are ready to be fertilized and until fertilization they are arrested at metaphase II stages. It is known that oxidative stress is increasing during oocyte maturation. However, it is not shown that spatial and temporal expression of p62 throughout oocyte maturation. Thus, the aim of the study was to reveal expression pattern and the subcellular localization of the p62 protein in mouse GV, MI and MII oocytes. Methods: GV oocytes were received from female Balb/C mice at 4 weeks aged and GV oocytes were cultured for 8h to develop into MI oocytes and for 14h to mature into MII oocytes. Then, expression of p62 protein was observed in oocytes at GV, MI and MII maturation stages by using immunofluorescence method. Results: Our results showed that there is a significant increasing p62 expression when GV oocytes are compared to MI and MII oocytes, but there is no difference between MI and MII oocytes. Moreover, we revealed that p62 is localized in cytoplasm of GV oocytes, while it is localized around chromosomes in MI and MII oocytes. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results indicate that further study is mandatory to understand the participation of p62 during meiosis, and the impact of p62 during oocyte maturation.

Thyroid dysfunction and the state of the GH/IGF-1 system in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Purpose: to determine the relationship between the functional state of the pituitary-thyroid system and the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor type 1 (GH/IGF-1) system in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) during puberty
 Material & Methods: 165 children (85 girls (51,5%) and 80 boys (48,5%) aged 8 to 18 years old who have DM1 and are in the endocrinology department of the State Institution "Institute for Children and Adolescents Health Care at the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine" (SI "ICAHC NAMS"). The criterion for inclusion in the study was the duration of DM1 for more than one year (from 1 to 16 years). The level of thyrotropin (TSH), free fractions of thyroxin (fT4) and triiodothyronine (fT3), GH and IGF-1 was determined and the ratio (fT3/fT4 and TSH/fT4) was calculated. Study participants were divided into groups depending on the level of sexual development (T1-T4) at the time of the study, assessed by the Marshall & Tanner scale (Marshall & Tanner, 1969; Marshall & Tanner, 1970); functional state of the pituitary-thyroid system: (euthyroidism (TSH/fТ4 <0,19 c.u.), minimal thyroid insufficiency (0,19 c.u. ≤ TSH/fТ4 ≤0,29 c.u.), with subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH/fТ4 >0,29 c.u.) (Turchina et al., 2016).
 Results: it was found that among adolescents with DM1, almost every child has signs of thyroid dysfunction. An increase in the fT3 level and the fT3/fT4 ratio were more often diagnosed. The frequency of increase in the level of TSH and the ratio of TSH/fT4 fluctuated widely and depended on the sexual development of the child. More often, signs of SGH were determined during early puberty (23,5%), which probably exceeded those in prepubertal (16%, Pφ<0,05), proper (8,9%, Pφ<0,05) and late puberty (6,1%, Pφ<0,05). These changes indicate the tension of the thyroid system at the beginning of puberty, which is the basis not only for an increase in the risk of thyroid pathology in this period of puberty, but also for violations of physical and sexual development.
 Conclusions: almost a third of adolescents with DM1 had signs of thyroid insufficiency of varying degrees, which was most often determined during early puberty. The progression of thyroid insufficiency was accompanied by a decrease in the level of GH and IGF-1.

GAMBARAN PENGETAHUAN REMAJA PUTRI TENTANG PREMENSTRUAL SYNDROME (PMS) DI DESA SEPILUK TAHUN 2022

Premenstrual syndrome is a collection of symptoms that arise just before menstruation that causes disruption to a person's work and lifestyle. Recorded in the area of ​​West Kalimantan shows that around 80-90% of women experience physical and psychological disorders before menstruation or also known as premenstrual syndrome. The disorder may be felt by women aged 12 to 50 years or at the beginning of puberty and ends until menopause.
 Using descriptive research techniques with a survey approach. With a simple random sampling technique. The instrument used is a questionnaire, with a sample of 42 respondents. Knowledge of young women about the notion of premenstrual syndrome have good knowledge (31 respondents or 74%), about the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome have less knowledge (32 respondents or 76%), about the impact of premenstrual syndrome have sufficient knowledge (22 respondents or 52%), about how to overcome premenstrual syndrome have less knowledge (25 respondents or 59%).

Age-Related Variations of Genetic and Environmental Contributions to the Covariation of Fear, Distress and Externalizing Symptoms: A Twin Study in Childhood and Adolescence

The frequency with which Internalizing and Externalizing symptoms co-occur suggests that, behind both domains, there may be a common susceptibility represented by a general psychopathology factor. However, it’s still unclear whether this common susceptibility is affected by age-related variations. Internalizing (i.e., Fear and Distress) and Externalizing symptoms were evaluated in 803 twin pairs from the population-based Italian Twin Registry. Model-fitting analysis was performed separately in the 6–14 and 15–18 age groups to estimate genetic and environmental contributions to the covariance among symptoms. For the 6–14 group, a multivariate Cholesky model best fitted the data, while, for the 15–18 group, the best fit was provided by a Common Pathway model in which nearly 50% of total variance of each trait was mediated by common genetic factors. Our findings support a common susceptibility behind Internalizing and Externalizing symptoms, mainly genetic in origin, that becomes more evident at the beginning of puberty.

Changes in Predicted Adult Height over Time in Girls with Early Puberty and Related Factors

Background: One of the most important concerns parents have about their daughters’ precocious puberty is the reduction in final height. This study evaluates the changes in predicted adult height (PAH) over time in girls with early puberty. Materials and Methods: Girls with aged 7 to 9.5 years old with the beginning of puberty after seven years were evaluated. Two non-dominant hand x-ray were taken at 6 to 24 months. The predicted adult height (PAH) was estimated using bone age and the Bayley-Pinneau method. Changes in PAH were determined. The relationship between age, height and weight at birth, target height and puberty stages, and bone age and BMI with PAH changes were investigated. Results: Seventy girls with a mean age of 8.23 years (SD: 0.65) and an average time interval of 0.99 years (SD: 0.47) were studied. At the first evaluation, the average bone age was 8.6 years (p value=0.225 SD: 1.25), and the average predicted adult height was 158.95 cm (SD: 5.66). At the second evaluation, the average bone age was 10.06 years (P-value=0.15 SD: 1.36), and the average predicted adult height was 158 cm (SD: 6.75). The mean difference in predicted adult height is -0.94 ± 4.8 cm. The mean final height predicted in the first and second visits showed a significant relationship with PAH changes and in the group that increased PAH by more than 3 cm, the average growth rate was 69.7 cm per year. In other words, the group growth velocity was higher, the higher their PAH. Two factors associated with expected adult height changes were found: height growth velocity and bone age velocity. Conclusion: Girls with early puberty are not altogether at risk of reduced adult height. However, if there is concern about reducing final height, the expected adult height will still need to be re-estimated at the appropriate interval.

Изменение темпов биологического созревания коренного населения Тувы за 40 лет

The purpose of the study is to continue studying the population characteristics of the rates of biological maturation in children and adolescents, indigenous inhabitants of Tuva and to assess changes in the levels of adaptation in the studied populations under modification of environmental conditions based on a comparative study of the rates of predefinitive ontogenesis. Materials and methods. Tuvan schoolchildren from the villages of Toora-Khem (Todzhinsky district) and Mugur-Aksy (Mongun-Taiga district) (1978-1979) were studied: 85 boys and 122 girls aged 11–18 years. In 2018, 415 people (197 boys and 218 girls) aged 6-17 were examined in Kyzyl. Data on the growth of menarche in adult women were collected in 1976-1978 in the Dzun-Khemchik, Todzhinsky, Mongun-Taiga and Erzinsky districts of the Tuva ASSR (378 people in the age range of 16-72 years). In 2018, female students and schoolgirls of Kyzyl and Todzhinsky district (576 people in the age range of 7–26 years) were examined. The Tanner-Whitehouse method (TW-2) was used to determine skeletal maturity at the pre-definitive stage. The age of Me was calculated according to standard methods. The analysis of the primary data included standard statistical processing using the software packages "Microsoft Excel" and "Statistica 10.0". The material was collected in accordance with the rules of bioethics. Results. It is shown that the children examined in 2018, in terms of skeletal age and menarche age, are significantly ahead of their peers studied in the 70s of the last century. At the same time, boys are ahead of girls in skeletal age after the beginning of puberty. Sexual differences were also noted in the timing of reaching the definitive stage of development. Monitoring of maturation rates in the indigenous population of various regions in the territory of the former USSR revealed a slow development in the representatives of the population who retained the traditional (adaptive) lifestyle at the time of the survey. Conclusion. The conducted research confirmed that the most effective reasons for the activation of the maladaptive process, expressed in the acceleration of the rates of skeletal and puberty (and the whole ontogenesis as a whole) are the change of the cultural and economic structure of the population, migration, urbanization, social stress.

Social communication advances the onset of puberty and increase body weight in female goats reared as a group

In small ruminant females, goats, and sheep, sensorial stimuli that emit (seeing, smelling, touching, hearing) have a marked influence on reproduction. The aim of this study was to determine if the females reared as a social group advance the onset of puberty and gained more body weight than females reared under social isolation. Females were isolated from males from weaning at 40 days of age and were split into two groups. In the first, females (n = 10) were placed together in a pen, while in the second (n = 10), each female was placed individually in a pen. The first ovulation, indicative of puberty’s onset, was denoted by the plasma progesterone (≥ 1 ng/mL) acquired from at least two consecutive blood samples collected weekly. The onset of puberty in females reared as a social group was at 342.2 ± 4.5 days of age, and in females reared in social isolation was at 360.8 ± 3.6 days. Body weight at the beginning of puberty in the social group was higher (28.7 ± 0.4 kg) than in those females reared under social isolation (24.5 ± 0.5 kg) (P < 0.5). In addition, at the end of the study, on day 379, the social group recorded a higher body weight (29.5 ± 1.8 kg) than those in social isolation (25.0 ± 0.5 kg) (P < 0.05). We conclude that female goats reared as a social group advanced the onset of puberty and gained more body weight compared to females reared under social isolation.

Androgens and spermatogenesis

Male infertility contributes to 50% of all cases of infertility. The main cause is low quality and quantity of sperm. In humans, spermatogenesis starts at the beginning of puberty and lasts lifelong. It is under the control of FSH and testicular androgens, and mainly testosterone (T), and therefore requires a normal gonadotroph axis, intratesticular T production by Leydig cells and functional androgen receptors (ARs) within testicular Sertoli cells. Various clinical cases illustrate the roles of T in human spermatogenesis. Men with complete congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) are usually azoospermic. Treatment by exogenous testosterone injection and FSH is not able to produce sperm. However, combined treatment with FSH and hCG is effective. This example shows that intratesticular T plays a major role in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, testicular histology of men with LH receptor mutations shows Leydig cell hypoplasia/agenesis/dysplasia with conserved Sertoli cell count. The sperm count is reduced, as in males with partial inactivating mutation of the androgen receptor. Some protocols of hormonal male contraception or exogenous androgen abuse induce negative feedback in the hypothalamic pituitary axis, decreasing FSH, LH and T levels and inducing sperm defects and testicular atrophy. The time to recovery after cessation of drug abuse is around 14 months for sperm output and 38 months for sperm motility. In summary, abnormal androgen production and/or AR signaling impairs spermatogenesis in humans. The minimal level of intratesticular T for normal sperm production is a matter of debate. Interestingly, some animal models showed that completely T-independent spermatogenesis is possible, potentially through strong FSH activation. Finally, recent data suggest important roles of prenatal life and minipuberty in adult spermatogenesis.

Islamic Menstrual Holistic Care Education Class for Young Women during the Covid 19 Pandemic

Physical and psychological changes that occur in adolescent girls, especially at the beginning of puberty can affect anxiety which leads to the risk of decreased body immunity. The purpose of this service is that young women can prepare for or undergo puberty and puberty safely, comfortably and can reduce the risk of anemia and decreased endurance, especially during the pandemic Covid-19. The location of the service is at the LKSA Orphanage of Nurus Syamsi Muhammadiyah, Bungkal District, Ponorogo Regency, East Java. Service activities in the form of educational classes with conventional methods, discussions. In the education class, 3 (three) different materials were given, namely 1) Puberty and Akil Baligh, 2) Myths About Menstruation, 3) Thaharoh and Practices During Menstruation. In this educational class, young women are also given blood-boosting multivitamins to prevent anemia during menstruation. After this service activity is carried out, it is hoped that there will be awareness in maintaining cleanliness and health during puberty, especially to reduce the risk of anemia in young women in orphanages during the pandemic Covid-19.

МОРФОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ЩИТОВИДНОЙ ЖЕЛЕЗЫ САМЦОВ БЕЛОГРУДОГО ЕЖА В ПЕРИОД ПОЛОВОГО СОЗРЕВАНИЯ

The issue of the morphofunctional characteristics of the thyroid gland of male white-breasted hedgehogs during puberty on the territory of Belarus was studied. Material for the study was taken from 15 males, who were divided into three stages of studying the sexual maturation of hedgehogs: stage I - prepubertal period, stage II - the beginning of puberty, and stage III - activation of the gonads and the end of puberty. The results obtained characterize the morphological state of the thyroid gland of male white-breasted hedgehogs during puberty, and thus makes it possible to use morphometric indicators of structures as indicators of the environment and physiological states (for assessing puberty).

Evaluation of statural growth and puberty of children and adolescents with overweight and obesity

Introduction: Childhood obesity is one of the main public health problems in Brazil and worldwide and is a risk factor for many other metabolic diseases. Furthermore, studies show that being overweight influences growth and puberty. Objectives: In females, being overweight is associated with the anticipation of puberty. However, in males, few studies have been done and they are controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate growth and puberty in overweight boys and girls. Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed the medical records of patients aged 5 to 19 years, overweight or obese, from the pediatric endocrinology clinic of the Irmandade de Misericórdia, Santa Casa de São Paulo. The data collected were: height (H) and weight, body mass index (BMI), expressed as z-scores (height SDS and BMI SDS, respectively). Pubertal staging was evaluated according to Tanner's criteria. Final height was considered when the growth rate was less than 2 cm/year and/or bone age was over 15 years. Results: Ninety girls were evaluated, with mean (SD) chronological age (CA) at puberty onset of 9.8 (1.2) years. Girls had higher stature compared to the family pattern, but their final height was equal to the genetic target. Eighty-two boys were evaluated, with a mean (SD) CA at puberty at 11.7 (1.2) years. Boys were above family height at the onset of puberty, but reduced height SDS during puberty evolution. There was a reduction in BMI SDS from beginning to end of puberty, different from what was observed in girls. Discussion: In this group evaluation, the onset of puberty occurred within the expected average age for a general population, in both genders, with no pubertal anticipation or delay being observed. Both groups showed taller stature compared to the familiar target at the beginning of puberty, however, they reached the end within the genetic pattern, suggesting that growth is accelerated in the prepubertal phase and then lowered during puberty. Furthermore, in girls, there was no difference between BMI SDS at the beginning and at the end of puberty, indicating that these patients do not show any worsening in weight after menarche. Boys, on the other hand, reduced BMI SDS during puberty, suggesting, therefore, that treatment should be individualized, since body composition is different according to gender.

Predictors of Puberty Health Behaviors Based on Integrated Behavioral Model Among Girl’s High School Students in Birjand in 2020

Background: From the beginning of puberty, girls are exposed to many physical-psychological problems that experience for the first time, so it is very important to pay attention to puberty health. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the predictors of puberty health behaviors based on application of the Integrated Behavioral Model (IBM) among girls’ high school students. Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 265 first grade girls’ high school students in Birjand in 2020 using multi-stags sampling. Data collection tools were a researcher-made questionnaire including demographic information and questions related to IBM constructs that were completed self-administered. Data were analyzed by SPSS 19 software using Pearson correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. Results: Pearson correlation showed that all IBM constructs except experiential attitude and control belief had a significant correlation with puberty health behaviors (P &lt; 0.04). In total, about 54% of the behavior variance was explained by three variables of intention, self-efficacy, and mother's job, among which intention was the strongest predictor of puberty health behaviors (P = 0.001). Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate the high predictive power of IBM for investigating puberty health behaviors. Therefore, using this model to design educational interventions and improve behaviors in the field of maturity is recommended.

Interpretation and significance of the definition of anti-Mullerian hormone in the practice of juvenile gynaecologist

The article presents an overview of the physiological role of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) during persons lifetime, the fluctuations of its values from birth to the reproductive period in women, the significance of its determination in the diagnosis and prognosis of treatment outcomes for many gynecological diseases. AMH is produced mainly by preantral and early antral follicles and decreases during the final maturation and luteinization. AMH plays a potential role in preserving the ovarian reserve by performing dual actions. AMH inhibits the initial recruitment of follicles, preventing the influence of stimulating growth factors for recruitment (KIT-ligand, the main fibroblast growth factor). From the moment of puberty, AMH reduces the sensitivity of primary follicles to the follicle-stimulating hormone, reducing the likelihood of their cyclic recruitment. The systematic review data presented the characteristics of the ovarian reserve in a healthy female population aged 0 to 19 years. At birth, very low AMH values were noted with an increase in its level in the first 3 months of life, followed by a monthly increase of 31%. A significant increase in AMH secretion was revealed by the beginning of puberty, then most authors noted a constant level of serum AMH in the adolescent period. The level of AMH in the blood serum decreases with an increase in chronological age by 68% annually and varies during the menstrual cycle. AMH is an important diagnostic tool in pediatric practice when differentiating various causes of puberty disorders, virilization and menstrual cycle disorders in girls.

Seminal plasma insulin-like growth factor I and total protein concentration in peripubertal period of the Gyr bulls.

This study aimed to evaluate the correlation of seminal plasma IGF-I and total proteins from peripubertal bulls with semen characteristics and onset of puberty. Sixteen dairy Gyr bulls were separated into early (n=8) and regular (n=8) groups, according to the onset of puberty. Semen was monthly collected by electroejaculation from 14 to 26months of age, and the onset of puberty was retrospectively determined (17.0±1.6 and 19.2±1.5months, to early and regular group, respectively). Five time points were evaluated (day -60, day -30, day 0, day 30 and day 60days of puberty), being day 0 considered as beginning of puberty. Scrotal circumference and body weight were also assessed. Semen characteristics were evaluated, the seminal plasma was separated by centrifugation and total protein and IGF-I concentrations were determined. There was no difference between groups to concentration of the seminal plasma total proteins, but we found an interaction between group and age. Seminal plasma IGF-I concentrations were not different between early and regular groups; thus, the data were combined for analysis. Combined IGF-I concentrations were positively correlated with sperm motility and concentration, age, body weight and scrotal circumference. Negative correlation was found between IGF-I concentration and total sperm defects. Increased IGF-I was observed in day -30 and day 0 of puberty in early and regular groups, respectively. Seminal plasma total proteins are involved in peripubertal modifications and IGF-I from Zebus dairy bulls can influence the seminal characteristics and the growth factor increase occurs concomitantly with body growth but cannot be used to define puberty bulls earlier.