Postpubertal Period Research Articles

Calculation of continuous reference intervals for biological parameters exhibiting strong age-dependent level changes: Its application to glycosaminoglycans and sialic acid in urine.

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and sialic acid (total and free) assays are used as first-line screening tests for the diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidoses and glycoproteinoses, respectively. There is a pronounced age-dependent variation in the urinary concentrations of these metabolites in the normal population, and the stratification of the reference values into discrete age ranges may lead to an undesirably high number of false-positive or false-negative results. The aim of this study was to design a method for calculating continuous reference intervals as a function of age and its application to the analysis of GAGs and sialic acid (total, free, and conjugated) in urine. In the postpubertal period, concentrations of urinary GAGs and sialic acid have reached a plateau, so a traditional calculation of the reference range in this specific age group was considered appropriate. In the prepubertal period, a nonlinear regression performed with the Excel add-in Solver was used to fit the logarithmized concentrations of the controls to a curve that represents the mean values as a function of age. A uniform distribution of the residuals was obtained, which allowed the calculation of the reference intervals by adding the values of their 2.5 and 97.5 percentiles to the independent variable of the regression curve to calculate the upper and lower reference curves. The main advantages of the developed method are (1) a reduction in the number of control samples needed to obtain adequate reference intervals and (2) an improvement in the reliability of diagnostic screening by reducing the uncertainty generated by the gaps in the traditional age-stratified method.

«Perinatal portrait», reproductive health parameters and risk factors for fat metabolism disorders in young overweight women

Overweight and obesity are one of the most serious social and medical problems today. It is appropriate to single out a special category of young women aged 18–35 years with excessive body weight, that is, the age which is capable of ensuring the reproductive potential of the future.The objective: to determine the probable factors of metabolic imbalance and the main parameters of reproductive health disorders in young overweight women.Materials and methods. Reproductive health parameters and the main predictors of its impairment were evaluated in two groups of patients – the main group (890 women with BMI > 25.0 kg/m2) and a control group (40 patients with BMI of 18.5–24.9 kg/m2).The main group was divided into two subgroups taking into account the age of formation of overweight and obesity: I subgroup – 596 women with pubertal obesity (66.9%) and II subgroup – 294 women with overweight in the postpubertal period (33.1%).Results. A high rate of pregnancy complications (86.9%), gestational diabetes (25.8%), preeclampsia (34.1%), premature birth and low birth weight fetus (20.9%), as well as the birth of a girl with a large body weight (24.4%), can become modified factors in the formation of the reproductive system according to the characteristics of the “perinatal portrait” and form the basis of screening programs. The relationship between the early introduction of complementary foods and the absence of breastfeeding and the presence of obesity in the girl in the future was established (OR=7.25; 95% CI: 2.99–17.59; χ2=23.53, p<0.0001).Attention should be paid to reproductive function disorders: amenorrhea was found 1.7 times more often in the case of postpubertal obesity, as well as abnormal uterine bleeding or metrorrhagia, infertility (24.4%), dyshormonal breast diseases (34.7%), polycystic ovary syndrome (59.8%), proliferative processes of the endometrium and myometrium (34.7%), as well as the formation of endometrial hyperplasia and polyposis with age (25.8%).A high percentage of stressogenic factors was determined in the examined cohort of patients, which could initiate the manifestation of metabolic and endocrine disorders in 569 cases – 63.9% (OR=4.14; 95% CI: 2.07–8.25; χ2=17.38, p<0.0001).Conclusions. Probable predictors of impaired fat metabolism in young women were statistically identified: heredity from the mothers of such patients regarding metabolic and endocrine disorders, body weight at birth more than 4000 g and artificial feeding, early age of menarche, pubertal paratrophy, stress factors, infectious diseases during menarche, hypodynamia and a high level of intellectual differentiation.The reproductive health of women with overweight and obesity is characterized by a high frequency of menstrual cycle disorders, increased manifestations of changes in the vaginal microbiome and dysuric symptoms, as well as infertility, hormone-dependent diseases, and impaired reproductive function.

Risk for testicular germ cell tumors and spermatogenesis failure in post-pubertal undescended testes.

Cryptorchidism is a well-defined risk factor for testicular germ cell tumors, whereas the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Surgical procedures to reposition undescended testicles into the scrotum (orchidopexy) in early childhood are recommended both to increase fertility potential and to reduce the risk of developing testicular tumors. However, treatment in the post-pubertal period is controversial. The aim of this study is to review the histopathology of orchiectomy specimens and determination of spermatogenesis in post-pubertal patients with non-treated cryptorchidism. Retrospective chart review was performed to assess the occurrence of TGCTs and determine spermatogenesis in post-pubertal individuals who underwent inguinal orchiectomy for undescended testis between January 2010 and December 2019. Age at the time of surgery, laterality, location of theundescended testis and pathology results were evaluated. All pathology specimens were reviewed by a blinded pathologist. There were 23 patients in the cohort with a mean age of 21years (range 13-46years). All testes were in the inguinal canal. Our results indicated that 1 patient had seminoma. In the histological evaluation of the remaining 22 patients in whom no tumor was detected, normal spermatogenesis was not observed in any patient. Further, seminiferous tubules were not found in 19 patients. Maturation arrest was detected in the remaining 3 patients. Testicular germ cell carcinoma was found in 4% of the patients who underwent post-pubertal orchiectomy. In addition, none of the undescended testes had normal spermatogenetic activity. Thus, orchiectomy should be considered in post-pubertal males with unilateral undescended testis that do not need the endocrinological activity of the testis.

Is sexual dimorphism in morphometric variables of the proximal femur moderated by age in adulthood? A cross-sectional study in Ghana

Ageing may impact proximal femoral morphometry in both males and females. However, it is not clear whether the observed sexual dimorphism is attributable to an ageing effect in the post-pubertal period. The potential effect of ageing on sexual dimorphism in the proximal femur is most significantly relevant for forensic and osteoarchaeological research. The study was cross-sectional and comprised 123 participants (females = 72 and males = 51), who were recorded between January 2017 and June 2018 at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. The study participants were aged between 31 and 79 years. The femoral head diameter, the femoral neck diameter, the femoral neck-shaft angle, and the femoral hip axis length were measured from the right side by radiographic technique and following standard osteometry methods. The femoral head-neck ratio was then calculated. All measurements were taken twice and then averaged. The (mean ± SD) femoral head diameter was higher in males (5.1 ± 0.56 cm) than in females (4.8 ± 0.51 cm) with a moderate effect size (p = 0.023, Hedge’s g = 0.56). Similarly, the femoral neck diameter was higher in males (4.0 ± 0.52 cm) than in females (3.8 ± 0.48 cm) with a small effect size (p = 0.025, Hedge’s g = 0.40). The femoral head axis length increased by 0.03 cm annually in males. The observed sexual dimorphism in the femoral head and neck diameters could not, however, be attributable to the ageing effect. Ageing may not have an impact on sexual dimorphism in the femoral head and neck diameters among persons older than 30 years in the Ghanaian population.

The impact of bovine viral diarrhoea virus on fertility in cattle and the protective effect of vaccination

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection is associated with significant reproductive losses in cattle through the detrimental impact of both persistent and transient infection on breeding females and males. The pathology within the reproductive tract is well described, although the mechanisms that lead to reproductive failure have yet to be fully unravelled. Prolonged shedding of virus following acute infection of bulls in both the peri- and post-pubertal periods has been observed, although the significance of this in relation to reproductive failure and the spread of infection has yet to be fully explored for the UK situation. Infection and recovery lead to an immune state in the female that is protective against breeding failure and generation of persistently infected calves. Vaccination using either of the two vaccines licensed for the control of BVDV infection in breeding cattle in the UK has been shown to be protective against fetal infection. In the UK where regional and herd level eradication of BVDV is progressing against a background of endemic infection, vaccination would appear to offer stopgap mitigation against reinfection until such times as national eradication is achieved.

Changes in Testicular Biometry and Ejaculate Characters during Pubertal Age in Black Bengal Kids

The interaction between body weight, testicular growth and sperm production, is the key factor influencing the onset of puberty and sexual maturity. The present experiment was carried out to study the changes in testicular biometry and seminal parameters during pre and post pubertal period in Black Bengal bucks. Black Bengal males (n=8) of four months age were used in the study. Body weight and scrotal biometry parameters increased significantly as age advances. First ejaculates were collected from kids aged 4.5 months which contained mostly immature sperm cells, but semen ejaculates containing adequate numbers of matured motile sperm cells could be collected from six months of age onward. Semen ejaculate characters were optimal at 11-12 months of age with almost stable body weight and scrotal biometry. Based on the above facts, it could be concluded that the Bengal bucks attained puberty at 5-6 months and sexual maturity at 11-12 months of age.

A clinical case of hypothalamic syndrome combined with Klinefelter syndrome

the article describes a clinical case of a hypothalamic syndrome associated with a congenital disease - Klinefelter syndrome in a 21-year-old patient. Dysmetabolic complications were studied against the background of endocrine and genetic pathologies. Klinefelter syndrome was diagnosed in the patient at the age of 10, mosaic variant of karyotype 47XXY/46XY was detected. Against the background of a rare genetic pathology, signs of a hypothalamic puberty syndrome began to appear at the age of 15: acne, pink stretch marks on the lateral areas of the abdomen and breasts, gynecomastia, and excess weight. General clinical laboratory studies, carbohydrate metabolism indicators, sexual and thyroid hormones did not differ from reference values. The cortisol level in the blood was 23.4 mcg/dL, slightly exceeding the upper limit of the reference values (4.30-22.4 mcg/dL), indicating a state of mild hypercorticism. Manifestations of dysmetabolic cardiomyopathy were noted in the cardiovascular system, complicated by stable stage II arterial hypertension. The peculiarity of the clinical case is the combination of endocrine pathology with genetic pathology, which determines the specific appearance of the patient, and the presence of dysmetabolic complications without disturbances of carbohydrate metabolism in stage III obesity. The acceleration of puberty, which often occurs with the hypothalamic syndrome, did not occur due to the concomitant hypoandrogenic effect of Klinefelter syndrome. In the presence of hypothalamic syndrome in the patient, the late development of secondary sexual characteristics was noted, which is more characteristic of Klinefelter syndrome, but normal mental activity was preserved, which is rarely observed with the mosaic form of this genetic pathology. Another clinical feature is the absence of typical manifestations of hypogonadism in the post-pubertal period, which is confirmed by a normal level of male and female sex hormones in the blood, which is atypical. Due to the peculiarity of this clinical case, the patient's fertility can be preserved. In addition to the existing dysmetabolic complications in the patient and metabolic syndrome, there is a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and breast cancer, because Klinefelter syndrome andhypothalamic syndrome complicate each other. Therefore, it is important to study the issue of the combination of these two pathologies, possible consequences, and ways to overcome them to improve thepatient's clinical prognosis and quality of life.

Association between sella turcica bridging and the impaction severity of palatally displaced canines: A retrospective study

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the association between the extent of the bridging and dimensions of sella turcica and the impaction severity of palatally displaced canines. Secondarily, any possible association between skeletal age and gender was evaluated. Panoramic and cephalometric radiographs of 94 patients (63 female, 31 male; 19 pre-peak, 75 post-peak) with palatally displaced canines were evaluated. Sector classification and α angle were used to determine the impaction severity of palatally displaced canines on panoramic radiographs. The distance from the cusp tip of the palatally displaced canines to the occlusal plane (d) and the extent of the bridging and dimensions of the sella turcica were evaluated on cephalometric radiographs. Sella turcica bridging and dimensions did not vary regarding the impaction severity of palatally displaced canines, but a significant association was found between sella turcica bridging and skeletal age (P= 0.038). Class II (33.3%) and Class III (12.0%) bridging was higher in postpubertal patients. No differences between females and males were detected for the extent of bridging and dimensions of the sella turcica. These findings indicate no association between sella turcica bridging and dimensions and the impaction severity of palatally displaced canines. Sella turcica bridging is more frequent in the postpubertal period, whereas gender does not influence sella turcica bridging. More studies are needed to evaluate if the extent of sella turcica bridging may be indicative of severely impacted palatal canines, which in turn would allow for careful monitoring of patients from an early age and for the clinician to take preventive measures.

Testicular volume in 268 children and adolescents followed-up for childhood obesity-a retrospective cross-sectional study.

Prevalence of obesity in childhood has increased over the past few decades. The impact of obesity and of obesity-related metabolic disorders on testicular growth is unknown. To evaluate the impact of obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin resistance on testicular volume (TV) in pre-pubertal (<9 years), peri-pubertal (9-14 years), and post-pubertal (14-16 years) periods. We collected data on TV, age, standard deviation score (SDS) of the body mass index (BMI), insulin, and fasting glycemia in 268 children and adolescents followed-up for weight control. Peri-pubertal boys with normal weight had a significantly higher TV compared to those with overweight or obesity. No difference was found in the other age ranges when data were grouped according to BMI. Pre- and post-pubertal children/adolescents with normal insulin levels had significantly higher TV compared to those with hyperinsulinemia. Peri-pubertal boys with hyperinsulinemia had significantly higher TV compared to those with normal insulin levels. Post-pubertal adolescents with insulin resistance had lower TV and peri-pubertal boys had higher TV compared to those without insulin resistance. No difference was found in pre-puberty. Closer control of the body weight and the associated metabolic alterations in childhood and adolescence may maintain testicular function later in life.

Methylation status of hypothalamic Mkrn3 promoter across puberty.

Makorin RING finger protein 3 (MKRN3) is an important factor located on chromosome 15 in the imprinting region associated with Prader-Willi syndrome. Imprinted MKRN3 is expressed in hypothalamic regions essential for the onset of puberty and mutations in the gene have been found in patients with central precocious puberty. The pubertal process is largely controlled by epigenetic mechanisms that include, among other things, DNA methylation at CpG dinucleotides of puberty-related genes. In the present study, we investigated the methylation status of the Mkrn3 promoter in the hypothalamus of the female mouse before, during and after puberty. Initially, we mapped the 32 CpG dinucleotides in the promoter, the 5'UTR and the first 50 nucleotides of the coding region of the Mkrn3 gene. Moreover, we identified a short CpG island region (CpG islet) located within the promoter. Methylation analysis using bisulfite sequencing revealed that CpG dinucleotides were methylated regardless of developmental stage, with the lowest levels of methylation being found within the CpG islet region. In addition, the CpG islet region showed significantly lower methylation levels at the pre-pubertal stage when compared with the pubertal or post-pubertal stage. Finally, in silico analysis of transcription factor binding sites on the Mkrn3 CpG islet identified the recruitment of 29 transcriptional regulators of which 14 were transcriptional repressors. Our findings demonstrate the characterization and differential methylation of the CpG dinucleotides located in the Mkrn3 promoter that could influence the transcriptional activity in pre-pubertal compared to pubertal or post-pubertal period. Further studies are needed to clarify the possible mechanisms and effects of differential methylation of the Mkrn3 promoter.

Comparison of the effects of removable functional appliance therapy applied in pubertal and postpubertal periods: A retrospective cephalometric and fractal analyses study

In this study, we compared the effects of functional treatment with Twin-block appliance on the bony architectures of the maxilla and mandible by fractal dimension (FD) analysis, and the skeletal and dentoalveolar effects by cephalometric analysis, in pubertal and postpubertal patients with Class II malocclusion. This study comprised 60 patients who underwent Twin-block treatment. Group 1 consisted of 30 patients in the pubertal period (6 boys and 24 girls; mean age 12.27 ± 1.35 years), whereas group 2 consisted of 30 patients in the postpubertal period (6 boys and 24 girls; mean age 13.73 ± 1.51 years). FD analysis was performed on the patients before and after Twin-block panoramic and lateral cephalometric radiographs. Cephalometric analysis was also conducted. Paired and Student t tests were used to compare the parametric data, and Wilcoxon signed rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were conducted to compare the nonparametric data. SNB, Pg-N, N-Me, ANS-Me, IMPA, L1/NB, Co-Gn, Go-Gn, S-Go, Co-Go, and Go-Me significantly increased in both groups after treatment. FD values of tuber, condyle, and molar regions significantly decreased in group 1, whereas no significant differences were observed in group 2 after treatment. In the pubertal period, the Twin-block appliance resulted in skeletal correction by causing bone remodeling and reshaping in both jaws along with the dentoalveolar correction. In the postpubertal period, Twin-block had no significant effect on the bone trabecular arrangement in the investigated areas but produced cephalometric improvement to a certain extent with lower skeletal and higher dental impact.

PHYSICAL HEALTH OF FEMALES FROM THE MOUNTAIN DISTRICTS OF ZAKARPATTIA ACCORDING TO THE METABOLIC LEVEL OF AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC ENERGY SUPPLY DEPENDING ON THE COMPONENT BODY COMPOSITION

Aim: To determine the aerobic and anaerobic productivity of females from the mountain districts of Zakarpattia region, depending on the component composition of body weight. Materials and Methods: A comparative analysis of physical health status of females in the post-pubertal period of ontogenesis, was carried out. Physical health status was assessed by indicators of aerobic and anaerobic productivity depending on the component composition of the body, which was determined by impedance measurement. Results: Physical health of females from the mountain districts depends on the component composition of the body, namely: an excellent level of aerobic productivity is observed in females who have a insufficient body weight with a normal relative fat content and a high relative content of skeletal muscles, VО2 max rel &gt; 38 ml·min-1·kg-1; as a result, their physical health exceeds the “critical level” according to H.L. Apanasenko and corresponds to “excellent” according to Ya.P. Pyarnat’s criteria. Females from the mountain districts with normal body weight, high relative fat and normal relative skeletal muscle have average level of aerobic performance., i.e., VО2 max rel. is within 28-33 ml∙min-1∙kg-1. As a result, their physical health is below the “critical level”. Conclusions: “Excellent” and “good” level of aerobic productivity of females from the mountain districts of the Zakarpattia region guarantees “safe health level”. Females from mountain districts with a high content of fat component have an “average” level of aerobic performance, which does not provide a “safe health level”.

PHYSICAL HEALTH OF FEMALES FROM THE LOWLAND DISTRICTS OF ZAKARPATTIA ACCORDING TO THE METABOLIC LEVEL OF AEROBIC AND ANAEROBIC ENERGY SUPPLY DEPENDING ON THE COMPONENT BODY COMPOSITION.

The aim: To determine the aerobic and anaerobic productivity of females from the lowland districts of Zakarpattia region, depending on the component composition of body weight. Materials and methods: A comparative analysis of physical health status of females in the post-pubertal period of ontogenesis, was carried out. Physical health status was assessed by indicators of aerobic and anaerobic productivity depending on the component composition of the body, which was determined by impedance measurement. Results: Physical health of females from the lowland districts depends on the component composition of the body, namely: an excellent level of aerobic productivity is observed in females who have a normal body weight with a high relative fat content and a normal relative content of skeletal muscles, VО2 max rel. > 38 ml·min-1·kg-1; as a result, their physical health exceeds the "critical level" according to H.L. Apanasenko and corresponds to "excellent" according to Ya.P. Pyarnat's criteria. Females from lowland districts who are underweight with a normal relative fat content and a high relative skeletal muscle content have an average level of aerobic productivity, VО2 max rel. < 34 ml·min-1·kg-1; as a result, their physical health is below the "critical level" according to H.L. Apanasenko. Conclusions: The presence of fat in females from lowland districts provides energy for muscle work, which contributes to better development of the muscular system. A high level of energy supply due to a high relative fat content determines the excellent physical health status of females from the lowland districts of Zakarpattia.

Alterations in prefrontal cortical neuregulin-1 levels in post-pubertal rats with neonatal ventral hippocampal lesions.

Genetic studies in humans have implicated the gene encoding neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) as a candidate susceptibility gene for schizophrenia. Furthermore, it has been suggested that NRG-1 is involved in regulating the expression and function of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and the GABAA receptor in several brain areas, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), the hippocampus, and the cerebellum. Neonatal ventral hippocampal lesioned (NVHL) rats have been considered as a putative model for schizophrenia with characteristic post-pubertal alteration in response to stress and neuroleptics. In this study, we examined NRG-1, erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (erbB4), and phospho-erbB4 (p-erbB4) levels in the PFC and the distribution of NRG-1 in the NVHL rats by using immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analyses. Neonatal lesions were induced by bilateral injection of ibotenic acid in the ventral hippocampus of postnatal day 7 Sprague-Dawley (SD)-rats. NVHL rats showed significantly decreased levels of NRG-1 and p-erbB4 in the PFC compared to sham controls at post-pubertal period, while the level of erbB4 did not differ between sham and NVHL rats. Moreover, microinjection of NRG-1 into the mPFC improved NVHL-induced prepulse inhibition deficits. Our study suggests PFC NRG-1 alteration as a potential mechanism in schizophrenia-like behaviors in the NVHL model.

Distribution and heterogeneity of mast cells in different regions of the genital canal in female quails during the prepubertal and postpubertal periods

Amaç: Bu çalışmada dişi bıldırcınlarda (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) puberte öncesi ve sonrası dönemlerde genital kanalın farklı bölgelerinde yer alan mast hücrelerinin heterojenitesi ile dağılımının farklı tespit solüsyonları ve boyama yöntemleri ile ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Yapılan çalışmada 10 adet puberte öncesi ve 10 adet puberte sonrası dönemde sağlıklı dişi bıldırcınlara ait genital kanaldan (infundibulum, magnum, istmus, uterus, vajina) alınan doku örnekleri materyal olarak kullanıldı. Her iki gruptan alınan doku örneklerinin bir kısmı %10’luk nötral formaldehit, bir kısmı ise izotonik formaldehit asetik asit tespit solüsyonunda tespit edildi. Dokulardan alınan kesitlere Toluidin mavisi ve alcian blue/safranin O boyama yöntemleri uygulandı. Bulgular: Hazırlanan preparatlar ışık mikroskopta incelendiğinde her iki tespit solüsyonunda da yuvarlak, oval ya da mekik şekilli mast hücreleri özellikle kan damarları çevresinde yerleşmiş olarak genital kanalın tunika mukoza, tunika muskularis ve tunika seroza katmanlarında gözlendi. Mast hücrelerinin hem puberte öncesi hem de puberte sonrası dönemde en çok uterusta yerleştiği; ardından sırasıyla istmus, magnum, vagina ve infundibulumda gittikçe azalan yoğunluk gösterdiği gözlendi. Mast hücrelerinin infundibulumda puberte sonrası dönemde puberte öncesi döneme göre önemli oranda (p&lt;0,05) arttığı belirlendi. İFAA ile tespit edilen tüm dokularda mast hücrelerinin daha belirgin boyandığı ve sayısal olarak değerlendirmede de %10’luk nötral formaldehit tespitine göre daha fazla olduğu gözlendi. Öneri: Sonuç olarak özellikle puberte sonrası dönemde infundibulumda mast hücre sayısının arttığı; bu artışın yumurta oluşumu ve yumurtlamaya yönelik etkisinin olabileceği kanaatine varıldı. Anahtar kelimeler: Bıldırcın, genital kanal, mast hücre dağılımı.

Distribution of cytoskeletal proteins in the cat testis during the pre-pubertal and post-pubertal periods

Cytoskeletal proteins not only define the shape of cells, but also have critical roles in their proliferation, migration and motility, as well as in the establishment and maintenance of tissue organization and integrity. Furthermore, these proteins influence the physiological processes of the male reproductive system and are found in the structure of some cells. This study aimed to determine differences between the pre- and post-pubertal periods for the localization and distribution of actin, desmin, vimentin and cytokeratin-18 in the testes, epididymides and ductus deferentes of Persian and Turkish Angora and Van cats, using immunohistochemistry. The study material was grouped as belonging to the pre-pubertal and post-pubertal periods. The tissue samples of both groups were subjected to routine histological processing and embedded in paraffin. Serial sections cut from the paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were immunohistochemically stained with the indirect streptavidin-biotin complex method. Immunohistochemical findings demonstrated that there was no difference between the pre- and post-pubertal periods for the staining intensity and distribution of the proteins actin, vimentin, desmin and cytokeratin-18 in Persian and Turkish Angora and Van cats. On the other hand, differences were detected between the pre- and post-pubertal periods for the cellular expression and localization of these proteins in the testes, epididymides and ductus deferentes. Thus, the study results suggest that, based on the expression of actin, desmin, vimentin and cytokeratin-18 in the testes, epididymides and ductus deferentes during both periods, these molecular factors could have a contributory role in the development of the male reproductive system and the regulation of its physiological processes.

Sex and age differences in the distribution of estrogen receptors in mice

Estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) are crucial for the regulation of socio-sexual behaviors and the organization of sex-specific neural networks in the developing brain. However, how the distribution patterns of ERα and ERβ change throughout life is unclear. Using genetically modified ERβ-RFPtg mice, we investigated the distribution of ERα, ERβ, and their colocalization in the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (VMH), anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV), and bed nucleus of stria terminalis (BNST) from postnatal days (PD) 0 to 56. ERα expression was higher in females that showed an increase after PD14 in all brain regions, whereas ERβ-RFP expression pattern was markedly different among the regions. In the VMH, ERβ-RFP was highly expressed on PD0 and PD7 but decreased drastically to very low expression afterward in both sexes. In contrast, ERβ-RFP expression was higher in females compared to males in the AVPV but lower in the BNST throughout life especially late- and post-pubertal periods. Our results demonstrating that ERα and ERβ-RFP expression changed in a sex-, age- and region-specific manner contribute to further clarification of the mechanisms underlying estrogen-dependent organization of the brain in both sexes.

PSAT113 Childhood obesity: a chance to prevent future male infertility?

Abstract Background Testicular volume (TV) is a fertility marker directly related to sperm count. About a quarter of young men aged 18-19 years have testicular hypotrophy and, therefore, their future fertility is at risk. Accordingly, meta-regression data have shown that the sperm count has halved in the past forty years worldwide for no apparent reason. Interestingly, the prevalence of childhood obesity has increased in parallel over the past few decades. However, the impact of childhood obesity and of obesity-related metabolic disorders on testicular growth is still unknown. Aim This study was undertaken toevaluate the impact of obesity, hyperinsulinemia, insulin-resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on TV in pre-pubertal (&amp;lt;9 years), peri-pubertal (9-14 years), and post-pubertal (14-16 years) periods. Patients and Methods We collected data on TV, age, SDS of the body mass index (BMI), insulin, HOMA-index, fasting glycemia, glucose levels at 120 min following the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), and glycated hemoglobin of 264 children and adolescents followed-up for weight control. Patients with factors known capable of influencing TV (any acquired or congenital endocrine dysfunction, drug assumption, radiotherapy, major comorbidities) and patients with low BMI (SDS ≤-1) were excluded. Data distribution was analyzed by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Inter-group differences were evaluated using the two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the log-transformed data. Significance was accepted for a p-value &amp;lt;0.05. Results The cohort was made of 61, 53, and 150 children/adolescents with normal weight, overweight, or obesity, respectively; 115 had insulin levels &amp;lt;20 µIU/ml and 45 ≥20 µIU/ml; 61 did not have (HOMA-index &amp;lt;2.5) and 97 had (HOMA-index ≥2.5) insulin-resistance; 139 did not have T2DM, 22 had pre-diabetes and 3 had T2DM. The boys of 9-14 years with normal weight had a significantly higher TV compared to those with overweight or obesity. No difference was found in the other age ranges when data were grouped according to the BMI. In contrast, both in pre-pubertal and in post-pubertal phases, children/adolescents with normal insulin levels had significantly higher TV compared to those with hyperinsulinemia. Conversely, peri-pubertal boys with hyperinsulinemia had significantly higher TV compared to those with normal insulin levels. In the post-pubertal phase, these adolescents with insulin-resistance had lower TV compared to those with HOMA-index &amp;lt;2.5, while no difference was found in the other age ranges. Finally, T2DM did not influence TV in any age range. Conclusion Children/adolescents with overweight/obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and insulin-resistance have lower TV compared to their age-matched controls. These findings help to understand the reason for the high prevalence of testicular hypotrophy in young men. We speculate that more careful control of body weight in childhood/adolescence could represent a prevention strategy to pursue the maintenance of testicular function later in life. Presentation: Saturday, June 11, 2022 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Accuracy of dental calcification stages for the identification of craniofacial pubertal growth spurt: proposal of referral parameters.

This study primarily aimed to assess the accuracy of radiographic dental calcification parameters for the identification of specific craniofacial growth stages. Permanent mandibular canines, premolars, and second molars of 288 patients, from 6 to 15years old, were analysed on randomly selected panoramic radiographs, and categorised according to two calcification methods. Reproducibility analyses and data derived from panoramic records were correlated with the gold-standard method, as evaluated from lateral cephalometric teleradiographs. Accuracy tests were finally calculated, considering several cutoff points. Dental calcification methods showed "strong" to "almost perfect" intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility. Significant, although weak correlations were observed for all parameters. Canine and first premolar calcification stage 8 and second premolar and second molar stage 7 showed higher sensitivity rates for identifying the pubertal growth spurt period, as well as the stage F for these teeth. Canine and first premolar stages 10 and H obtained higher specificity rates for identifying the absence of post-pubertal period. The dental calcification parameters showed adequate reproducibility, in addition to significant correlations with cervical vertebrae stages. Radiographic dental calcification parameters used for the mandibular first premolar obtained high accuracy rates and were recommended for identifying specific craniofacial growth periods.

Physical Activity in Late Prepuberty and Early Puberty Is Associated With High Bone Formation and Low Bone Resorption.

BackgroundPhysical activity (PA) increases bone mass, especially in late prepuberty and early puberty, but it remains unclear if and how PA affects both bone formation and bone resorption.Materials and MethodsWe included 191 boys and 158 girls aged 7.7 ± 0.6 (mean ± SD) in a population-based PA intervention study. The intervention group (123 boys and 94 girls) received daily physical education (PE) in school (40 min/day; 200 min/week) from study start and during the nine compulsory school years in Sweden. The controls (68 boys and 64 girls) received the national standard of 1–2 classes PE/week (60 min/week). During the intervention, blood samples were collected at ages 9.9 ± 0.6 (n = 172; all in Tanner stages 1–2) and 14.8 ± 0.8 (n = 146; all in Tanner stages 3–5) and after termination of the intervention at age 18.8 ± 0.3 (n = 93; all in Tanner stage 5) and 23.5 ± 0.7 (n = 152). In serum, we analyzed bone formation markers [bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (bALP), osteocalcin (OC), and N-terminal propeptide of collagen type 1 (PINP)] and bone resorption markers [C-terminal telopeptide cross links (CTX) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAcP 5b)]. Linear regression was used to compare age and sex-adjusted mean differences between intervention children and controls in these markers.ResultsTwo years after the intervention was initiated (at Tanner stages 1–2), we found higher serum levels of bALP and OC, and lower serum levels of TRAcP 5b in the intervention compared with the control group. The mean difference (95% CI) was for bALP: 13.7 (2.1, 25.3) μg/L, OC: 9.1 (0.1, 18.1) μg/L, and TRAcP 5b: −2.3 (−3.9, −0.7) U/L. At Tanner stages 3–5 and after the intervention was terminated, bone turnover markers were similar in the intervention and the control children.ConclusionDaily school PA in the late prepubertal and early pubertal periods is associated with higher bone formation and lower bone resorption than school PA 1–2 times/week. In late pubertal and postpubertal periods, bone formation and resorption were similar. Termination of the intervention is not associated with adverse bone turnover, indicating that PA-induced bone mass benefits gained during growth may remain in adulthood.