Prepubertal Period Research Articles

The influence of emotional stress of female rats in the period preceding pregnancy and during pregnancy on the gravimetric and morphometric indicators of the brain of their offspring in the prepubertal period

The authors studied the effect of emotional stress on female rats before pregnancy and in the last third of pregnancy on the gravimetric and morphometric characteristics of the brain (Br) of their offspring in the prepubertal period, at the age of 40 days. It was revealed that emotional stress in female rats preceding pregnancy leads to a decrease in body weight, BM and its hemispheres in male offspring, without affecting these parameters in females. Males – the litter of rats subjected to stress during pregnancy, did not demonstrate significant differences from the control group in weight of brain and its hemisphere, females differed in a reduced mass of brain and its hemispheres. A morphometric study showed that stress during pregnancy causes a significant decrease in the size of neurons of the parietal lobe itself and an increase in the size of the hippocampal neurons due to the changes in the size of their nuclei and cytoplasm. In the anteroposterior lobe, neocortex neurons in rats of this group did not have differences in the size of neurons from the control. In the offspring of females subjected to stress before pregnancy, the neurons of both the anteroposterior and the parietal lobes did not have significant differences from the control. The concentration of RNA in the cytoplasm of neurons of all the studied localizations in both experimental groups did not differ from the control.

Hematological Malignancies and Fertility.

In the last decades, survival rate of hematological malignancies has been significantly improved and sparing reproductive potential after treatment has become one of the goals in both male and female patients. A comprehensive consultation with reproductive specialists before the onset of any kind of cancer treatment procedure is an essential issue which would increase the likelihood of parenting in survivors. In this context, cryopreservation of oocyte, embryo or ovarian tissue in reproductive aged women and sperm or testicular tissue cryopreservation in adult male are feasible approaches that must be considered before gonadotoxic therapy. Notably, all options should be regarded as experimental during pre-pubertal period. Herein, we aim to review the available literature with regard to safety, efficacy of fertility preservation methods and the pregnancy outcomes in patients with hematological malignancies.

Radiographic evaluation of mandibular morphometric differences in prepubertal and postpubertal individuals in a Turkish subpopulation

Introduction: Radiologic differences in the mandible between genders have been evaluated; however, studies are lacking in comparison of prepuberty and postpuberty. The purpose of this study was to measure the gonial angle (GA), ante GA (AGA), bicondylar breadth (BB), mental index (MI), minimum ramus breadth (MRB), bigonial width (BW), and ramus height (RH) on panoramic radiographs obtained from Turkish patients and to elucidate how those measurements relate with age and gender in pre- and post-pubertal period. Materials and Methods: Panoramic radiographs of patients aged between 5 and 50 years old were taken according to the manufacturer's instructions. A total of 760 radiographic images were evaluated (19 groups, n = 40). GA, AGA, BB, MI, MRB, BW, and RH values were measured on digital panoramic radiographs using Java Image Processing Software on the images. The data were analyzed by independent sample t-tests and regression analysis using a software program (P < 0.05). Results: Only AGA values were statistically significant between male and female patients in both prepubertal and postpubertal periods (P < 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in AGA, BB, MI, MRB, BW, and RH in postpubertal period between male and female patients (P < 0.05). Besides, when the ages between 5 and 20 years were analyzed, all parameters except for GA and AGA were significantly correlated positively with age in both genders. Conclusions: Only AGA values can be used for gender determination both in prepubertal and postpubertal period. In addition, BB, MI, MRB, BW, and RH values were correlated positively with age in both prepubertal and postpubertal groups.

Сочетание стрессовых воздействий в критические периоды развития повышает устойчивость к стрессу воспалительной боли у взрослых крыс

We studied the long-term effect of the combination of stress in the prenatal and prepubertal periods of development on indicators of tonic inflammatory pain in the formalin test and the depressive-like behavior, as well as on the stress reactivity of the hormonal response in adult rats. In addition, in rats of both sexes, the effect of serotonin reuptake inhibitor (5-HT) fluoxetine and 5-HT1A agonist buspirone, chronically administered to their stressed mothers during pregnancy, on the studied types of adaptive behavior disturbed by prenatal stress was evaluated. It was found that in rats of both sexes, prenatal stress intensified the pain response organized at the spinal and supraspinal levels of the central nervous system, fluoxetine and buspirone normalized them. Stress in the prepubertal period of development leveled the effect of prenatal stress on the inflammatory pain response integrated at the supraspinal level in adult rats; under these conditions, fluoxetine and buspirone did not act, unlike their antinociceptive effect on the pain response integrated at the spinal level. Stress in prepubertal age leveled the sex differences found in the depressive-like behavior in prenatally non-stressed and prenatally stressed rats with saline. In control adult females and adult females with prenatal effects, prepubertal stress increased plasma corticosterone after forced swimming compared to basal hormone levels, but no significant differences in the level of stress reactivity of the hormonal response after forced swimming were found. Thus, the conditions of stressful impacts that increase resistance to stress in adult rats are identified. Stress in critical periods of development forms a phenotype with increased stress resistance to inflammatory pain, which was found in the response organized at the supraspinal level in adults.

ONTOGENETIC FEATURES OF SONOGRAPHIC INDICATORS OF THE UTERUS IN ACROBATS OF THE UKRAINIAN ETHNIC GROUP

Іntroduction: The absence of diagnostic of the female sex organs in time can lead to serious disoders of the female athletes' reproductive system. There is few information in the literature about morphological evolution of the female sex organs, in particular, the uterus under the influence of sports. The aim: To determine the peculiarities of linear sonographic dimensions of the uterus, its position and shape in the acrobats of the Ukrainian ethnic group of high level of sportsmanship in different periods of puberty. Materials and methods: 122 acrobats of high level of sportsmanship and 126 girls who have not played sports were examined. The girls' passport age was between 8 and 21 years old. In order to determine belonging to the Ukrainian ethnic group, all surveyed girls were given questionnaires where they were required to indicate the nationality and place of birth of their parents and grandparents. All girls were devided into three groups according to their biological age: athletes of prepubertal period of ontogenesis, duting puberty and athletes of postpubertal period of ontogenesis. Internal sex organs of all girls were examined by ultrasound diagnostic system of expert class Voluson 730 Pro (ATL, Austria) using a convex sensor RAB2-5L. The uterus was examined by the following program: determined its position and shape and 3 linear dimensions (length, width and thickness). The analysis of the obtained results was carried out in the licensed package Statistica 5.5 using nonparametric methods of estimation of indicators. Results: The monitoring of the growth and development of the uterus in different ontogenetic periods in acrobats and women who are not involved in sports was analysed. We found, that the length of the uterus at all stages of puberty in acrobats was significantly less than in the girls of the control group. The width of the uterus was statistically significantly smaller in female athletes in the pre- and post-pubertal periods, and in puberty. The thickness of the uterus under the influence of acrobatic sports activity does not undergo significant changes in all periods of ontogeny. Conclusions: Features of competitive activity in sports acrobatics as well as the result of sports selection lead to the delay of sexual development and, as a consequence, to the retardation of development of the uterus in all periods of puberty.

ВЛИЯНИЕ СТРЕССА И АНТИДЕПРЕССАНТОВ В ПЕРИНАТАЛЬНЫЙ ПЕРИОД РАЗВИТИЯ НА РАЗНЫЕ ТИПЫ АДАПТИВНОГО ПОВЕДЕНИЯ И КОГНИТИВНЫЕ СПОСОБНОСТИ У САМОК КРЫС ПРЕПУБЕРТАТНОГО ВОЗРАСТА

The effect of repeated peripheral inflammatory pain in newborn female rats, born to mothers subjected to chronic stress during pregnancy, was investigated on the adaptive behavior and cognitive abilities of the females when they reached prepubertal period of development. In addition, the effect of drugs (serotonin (5-HT) reuptake inhibitor antidepressant fluoxetine and an agonist 5-HT1A receptor anxiolytic buspirone) injected to the stressed pregnant dams was studied on the offspring behavior. The obtained new data on the effect of stress in the perinatal critical period of individual development on adaptive behavior and ability for spatial learning support the hypothesis of the possible beneficial effect of moderate stressful events at an early age on stress tolerance in subsequent ontogenesis. The effect of the applied drugs on the studied adaptive behavior and cognitive abilities of prenatally stressed offspring subjected to inflammatory pain in newborn state is characterized.

Effects of ivermectin treatment during prepubertal and pubertal period on sexual parameters and sexual behavior in adulthood in rats

Pediculosis is a parasitic disease that is considered a serious global public health problem. It is caused by the ectoparasite that is popularly known as lice, mainly affecting children in early childhood. The most commonly used treatment to combat this parasitosis is the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin (IVM). However, the use of IVM is contraindicated in children who are younger than 5 years old or who weigh <15 kg because some types of drugs that are used during certain periods of brain maturation can lead to behavioral disorders. The present study evaluated the effects of IVM treatment during the prepubertal and pubertal period on sexual behavior in adulthood in male rats. Genital grooming, preputial separation, sexual behavior, sexual motivation, relative organ weight, the gonadosomatic index, and histopathology were evaluated. Oral dose of 0.2 mg/kg (therapeutic dose) of a commercial IVM formulation was administered. IVM affected genital grooming but did not influence preputial separation in prepubertal rats. Prepubertal IVM administration did not impair sexual behavior in adult rats, with the exception of the time of residence with female rats in the sexual motivation test. It did not affect relative organ weights, with the exception of the relative weight of the full seminal vesicle. It did not alter the gonadosomatic index, and no histopathological alterations were observed in different organs. These results indicate that administration of a therapeutic dose of IVM during the prepubertal and pubertal period does not alter parameters of sexual development or sexual behavior in adult male rats.

ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES AS TRIGGERS TO LICHEN SCLEROSUS

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a rare mucocutaneous disease and has autoimmune characteristics. The etiology is unknown. Local factors, such as trauma, can play a role. Women are more affected than men, especially during prepubertal and postmenopausal periods. Genital manifestations are the most common. Oral lesions are rare. A 12-year-old patient and a 14-year-old patient complained about asymptomatic white plaques on the upper lip with 2 and 12 months of evolution, respectively, that appeared after bonding of orthodontic appliances. Physical examination showed porcelain-white flat lesions on the upper lip, labial mucosa, and gingiva. Laboratory examinations were performed with no significant changes. Panoramic radiograph showed bone loss in the maxillary right central and lateral incisors of the 12-year-old patient. Cone beam computed tomography showed bone loss and root fenestration in the maxillary left central incisor of the 14-year-old patient. Incisional biopsies under local anesthesia were performed. Microscopic examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of LS. Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a rare mucocutaneous disease and has autoimmune characteristics. The etiology is unknown. Local factors, such as trauma, can play a role. Women are more affected than men, especially during prepubertal and postmenopausal periods. Genital manifestations are the most common. Oral lesions are rare. A 12-year-old patient and a 14-year-old patient complained about asymptomatic white plaques on the upper lip with 2 and 12 months of evolution, respectively, that appeared after bonding of orthodontic appliances. Physical examination showed porcelain-white flat lesions on the upper lip, labial mucosa, and gingiva. Laboratory examinations were performed with no significant changes. Panoramic radiograph showed bone loss in the maxillary right central and lateral incisors of the 12-year-old patient. Cone beam computed tomography showed bone loss and root fenestration in the maxillary left central incisor of the 14-year-old patient. Incisional biopsies under local anesthesia were performed. Microscopic examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of LS.

Diffusive non-toxic goiter and purbatic course in girls

Objective of the study. To study the peculiarities of the puberty course in girls with diffuse non-toxic goiter (DNG) and justify an individual approach to prevention of its disorders.Materials and methods. Compares the features of the puberty course and state of the thyroid system in girls with DNG (main group), which was first diagnosed at 9–13 years in the prepubertal period (n = 51) and early puberty (n = 58). The comparison group consisted of 107 peers with a normal thyroid volume, harmonious physical development and physiological course of puberty. An ultrasound of the thyroid gland was performed; thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) value, free fractions of thyroxine (fT4) and free triiodothyronine (fT3) in blood were determined, TSH/fT4 ratios and fT3/fT4 ratios were calculated in conventional units. Sexual development and puberty course were also studied.Results. An individual analysis of sexual development during the initial examination allowed us to determine its normal character in 90.0% girls with disabilities, 6.4% recorded an acceleration of its pace for 1–2 years, and only 2 girls (1.8%) 13 years old were diagnosed with a slowdown pace of puberty. Two (1.8%) 10-year old girls had inverted puberty. It was found that an earlier onset of puberty occurs with an increase in TSH and fT3 levels against the background of normal fT4. Dynamics of observation showed an increase of patients with signs of thyroid failure, which was accompanied by a delay in sexual development in 11.1% and menstrual dysfunction in 28.0% girls.Conclusion. Girls with DNG identified in pre- and early puberty increase the risk of delayed sexual development and menstrual dysfunction, which is the rationale for therapy aimed at correcting and preventing the progression of thyroid dysfunction. The feasibility of using potassium iodide and/or L-thyroxine in order to prevent violations of the puberty course in girls with DNG is substantiated

Development of spermatogonial stem cell niche and immunoexpression of vimentin filaments in the testes of prenatal and postnatal Indian buffalo (Bubalusbubalis)

In this study, we established the components of the buffalo spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) niche in prenatal (38.5-280 days of gestation), neonatal, prepubertal, and adult testes histochemically and immunohistochemically. Immunohistochemically, the changes in vimentin expression were evaluated. During prenatal life, the niche of primordial germ cells was formed by the surrounding mesenchymal cells and fibroblasts. The basement membrane (BM) was not organized at this stage. At 7.6 cm crown-rump length, testicular cords with a thin BM were seen. At the late gestational period, testicular cords with well-organized BM were seen. At the neonatal stage, the testicular cords were lined with distinct BM, while during the prepubertal period, distinct BM with peritubular myoid cells (PMCs) were seen. In adult testes, the seminiferous tubules were surrounded by a thick BM surrounded by PMCs. PM cells were only single-layered as seen in H&E-stained paraffin sections, picrosirius red-stained, and Masson?s trichrome-stained paraffin sections. Collagen fibers were seen to increase quantitatively to provide strength and cushioning to the developing niche of spermatogonial stem cells in the testes. The expression of vimentin increased to a certain extent until adult life, indicating its significant role as an intermediate filament during development.

The Influence of the Myricetin on the Liver, Kidney, Spleen and Some Endocrine Glands of Male Rats at Prepubertal Period

In this study, the effects of myricetin exposure to rats from postnatal day (PND) 23 to 53 at various doses were investigated. The male rats were divided into five groups and each group consisted of six animals. Group of rats were treated with myricetin 25 and 50 mg/kg/day in a suspension of corn oil. Positive control males were received gavage orally with 17α-ethinyl estradiol 0.7 and 7 µg /kg /body weight day and control males were received corn oil. End of the study, weights of liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas, thymus and adrenal gland were measured. Organ/body weight ratios were calculated and tissue sections were examined histologically. In liver, the TUNEL method was applied and evaluated. In results, absolute liver weights were decreased statistically in 0.7 and 7 µg/kg/day etinil estradiol and 50 mg/kg/day myricetin treatment groups, compared with the oil control group. Histopathological examination of the liver, kidney and spleen revealed significantly increased frequency of congestion, cell degeneration and mononuclear cell infiltration when compared with the control group. Also myricetin dose groups, the apoptotic cells were increased. This study demonstrated that orally gavages myricetin caused adverse effects on male liver, kidney, spleen and endocrine glands, during peripubertal period to pubertal period.

Correlation of anti-Mullerian hormone with humanchorionic gonadotropin test in the evaluation of testicular function of children with 46 XY male hypogonadism: Use of anti-Mullerian hormone as abiomarker.

It is challenging to evaluate reproductive potential during childhood. These challenges necessitate the use of invasive dynamic tests. Although the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) is a reliable biomarker in evaluating testicular function, especially in the pre-pubertal period, there are uncertainties concerning its use in a clinical setting. This study is focused on comparing the AMH and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test in boys with hypogonadism. A total of 160 boys aged between 0 and 18 years who presented with complaints associated with hypogonadism were prospectively enrolled in the study. All children were assigned to the following five groups: gonadal disorders (n = 34), androgen synthesis and end organ effect disorder (n = 48), isolated genital malformation disorders (n = 57), hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (n = 15) and constitutional delayed puberty (n = 6). All children underwent a short 3-day hCG test (1500 U/m2 /day). The concordance and correlation were evaluated between the hCG test and AMH. All groups exhibited a strong correlation (r160 = 0.689) and strong concordance (Kappa coefficient160 = 0.7) between the AMH and hCG test. Values of AMH higher than 32.7 pmol/L and hCG responses higher than 86 pmol/L were significant as indicative markers of functional testicular tissue presence. This study has shown that there is a strong correlation between the AMH and short-term hCG test and that values of AMH higher than 32.7 pmol/L and stimulated testosterone higher than 86 pmol/L can be used as indicators of functionally sufficient testicular tissue. These results indicate that AMH value can be used as a reliable and useful biomarker in the evaluation of the testicular function in 46 XY hypogonadism.

Pre-pubertal growth performance and its inter-relationship with physiological responses of black Bengal goats in free range rearing system

The growth performance of black Bengal male and female kids in relation to the physiological parameters during pre-pubertal growth period reared under free range system was assessed in 100 male and 100 female kids from day 15th to 180th day. All the growth parameters increased significantly from day 15 to 180 days with significantly higher growth in male. Among the physiological responses, only pulse rate differed significantly between age and sex with higher in male. The pulse rate was negatively correlated with body weight, height, heart girth and linear length whereas rectal temperature and respiration rate were positively correlated with heart girth only. In this study, some baseline data have been generated on physiological responses in black Bengal kids of either sex under free range system during different phases of pre-pubertal growth.

Role of prefrontal cortical 5-HT2A receptors and serotonin transporter in the behavioral deficits in post-pubertal rats following neonatal lesion of the ventral hippocampus

Neonatal ventral hippocampal-lesioned (NVHL) rats have been shown to display neurochemical and behavioral abnormalities at adulthood, analogous to some of those seen in schizophrenia. Serotonergic neurotransmission is implicated the pathophysiology and treatment of schizophrenia. In this study, we evaluated possible role of serotonergic transmission is the behaviors of NVHL-lesioned rats. Bilateral lesions to the ventral hippocampus (VH) in rat pups were made using the excitotoxin ibotenic acid. We investigated 5-HT2A-receptor and SERT binding sites in cortical and subcortical areas in post-pubertal NVHL and sham-lesioned rats, using quantitative receptor autoradiography. We compared a 5-HT-dependent behavior in NVHL and sham animals, the wet-dog shake response (WDSr) to a 5-HT2A receptor agonist DOI. In addition, we studied prepulse inhibition (PPI) of startle responses in NVHL and Sham-lesioned animals treated with antipsychotic drugs haloperidol, risperidone and clozapine and 5-HT2A antagonists ketanserin or MDL100907. The WDSr elicited by DOI was enhanced in post-pubertal NVHL rats compared to sham-lesioned controls. Moreover, post-pubertal NVHL rats exhibited PPI deficits which was reversed by atypical antipsychotics, ketanserin and MDL100907. A significant increase in 5-HT2A-like receptor binding was observed in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in post-pubertal NVHL rats without any significant change in the striatum and ventral pallidum. A significant increase in SERT-like binding was also observed in the mPFC and striatum of NVHL rats at pre-pubertal period; however, at post-pubertal age, the binding remained elevated in mPFC only. These data suggest that increased prefrontal cortical 5-HT transmission may play a role in the behavioral deficits observed in this neurodevelopmental model of schizophrenia.

Spatiotemporal expression patterns of natriuretic peptides in rat testis and epididymis during postnatal development.

Natriuretic peptide (NP) family is composed of atrial, brain and C-type NP (NPPA, NPPB and NPPC). Here, we aimed to investigate NP expression in testis and epididymis during postnatal development. NPPA expression was observed in gonocytes at prepubertal period but in only spermatocytes in pachytene and leptotene/zygotene stage at pubertal period. In prepubertal and pubertal periods, we detected NPPB expression in only Leydig cells. However, NPPC expression was detected in all of the gonocytes and Sertoli cells, spermatocytes and some interstitial cells in prepubertal and pubertal periods. In postpubertal and mature periods, NPPA and NPPB staining were detected in Leydig cells, elongated and round spermatids but not in spermatogonia and spermatocytes. However, we observed NPPC expression in all cells of the seminiferous tubules and Leydig cells in the postpubertal and mature periods. Epididymal epithelium showed intense NPPC expression during postnatal period but weak NPPA and NPPB expression in prepubertal and pubertal periods. The expression of three NPs in the testis significantly increased after puberty. In conclusion, puberty had a significant effect on NP expression in testis. Unlike NPPA and NPPB, expression of NPPC in all cells of the seminiferous tubule suggests that NPPC is effective in each step of spermatogenesis.

Skeletal effects of nongenomic thyroid hormone receptor beta signaling.

Thyroid hormone (TH) levels increase rapidly during the prepubertal growth period in mice, and this change is necessary for endochondral ossification of the epiphyses. This effect of TH on epiphyseal chondrocyte hypertrophy is mediated via TRβ1. In addition to its traditional genomic signaling role as a transcription factor, TRβ1 can also exert nongenomic effects by interacting with other signaling molecules such as PI3K. To investigate the role of nongenomic TRβ1 signaling in endochondral ossification, we evaluated the skeletal phenotype of TRβ147F mutant mice which exhibit a normal genomic response of TRβ1 to TH, but the nongenomic response through the PI3K pathway is impaired. Using microCT, we found that 13-week-old TRβ147F mice had significantly less trabecular bone mass at three sites. Histomorphometric analyses revealed that mineralizing surface to bone surface and BFR/BS were reduced in the mutant mice. Mechanistically, we found that activation of TRβ increased Alp and Osx expression in control but not TRβ147F osteoblasts. Since canonical β-catenin signaling has been implicated in mediating nongenomic TRβ-PI3K signaling, we evaluated the effect of TRβ1 activation on β-catenin target gene expression in MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblasts. We found that β-catenin target genes were increased, suggesting that nongenomic TRβ1-PI3K pathway modulation of β-catenin signaling may mediate TRβ1 effects on osteoblast differentiation. Together, these results suggest that TH acting through TRβ1 regulates endochondral ossification in part via nongenomic signaling in mice. Further investigation of this nongenomic mechanism of TRβ1 signaling could lead to novel therapeutic targets for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.

Antimüllerian Hormone Levels of Infants with Premature Thelarche

Objective:Antimüllerian hormone (AMH) concentrations in mini puberty are higher than those reported for the prepubertal period. In this study we investigated AMH concentrations in infants with premature thelarche (PT). A healthy control group was used for comparison.Methods:Forty five female infants with PT, aged between one and three years and a control group consisting of 37 healthy girls in the same age range were included in the study. Bone age, pelvic ultrasonography, and concentrations of luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol and AMH of the patient group were evaluated. Only serum AMH concentration of the control group was evaluated.Results:Median (range) serum AMH concentrations in the subjects were 1.66 ng/mL (11.85 pmol/L) [0.15-6.32 ng/mL (1.07-45.12 pmol/L)] and were significantly lower (p=0.025) than for the control group; 1.96 ng/mL (13.99 pmol/L) [0.60-8.49 ng/mL (4.28-60.64 pmol/L)]. AMH and FSH were negatively correlated (r=-0.360, p=0.015) in infants with PT. There was no correlation between AMH and uterine size, uterine volume, endometrial thickness, fundocervical ratio, ovarian size or volume, follicle size and follicle number.Conclusion:This is the first study that investigates AMH concentrations in infants with PT. The low AMH levels in these infants and the negative correlation between AMH and FSH suggests that AMH may play a role in suppressing pubertal findings during infancy and that decreased AMH may cause PT in infancy.

Effects of Environmental Enrichment in Maternally Separated Rats: Age and Sex-Specific Outcomes.

Maternal separation (MS) early in life is related to an increase in anxiety and depressive-like behaviors and neurobiological alterations mostly related to alterations in hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity. Environmental enrichment (EE) has been used to ameliorate the effects of MS. However, the outcomes of this intervention at different developmental periods after MS have not been studied. We subjected male and female Sprague–Dawley pups to MS and subsequently compared the effects of EE started either in the pre-pubertal period [postnatal day (PND) 22] or adulthood (PND 78). Anxiety and depressive-like behaviors as well as in hippocampal synaptic density and basal corticosterone, oxytocin, and vasopressin levels were measured. Our results support the beneficial effects of adulthood EE in decreasing anxiety in males as well as promoting synaptic density in ventral hippocampal CA3. Males displayed higher levels of vasopressin while females displayed higher oxytocin, with no changes in basal corticosterone for any group after EE.

Effects of adenotonsillectomy on the growth of children with obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS): protocol for a systematic review

IntroductionObstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is characterised by recurring episodes of complete or partial upper airway collapse during sleep. Persistent OSAHS is associated with long-term consequences, such as growth failure,...

Body Composition of Children in the Pre-pubertal and Early-pubertal Period: Are There Some Age-related and Intersexual Differences?

The aim of the presented study was to assess changes in body composition and intersexual differences among children at pre-pubertal and early-pubertal age. The research was designed as a non-randomized cross-section study. The screened sample consisted of 136 girls and 212 boys assigned into three groups according to their age. Body composition was measured using a direct segmental multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (DSM-BIA). To examine the association between obesity and selected health-related parameters, Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA and Eta2 were used. For evaluation of intersexual differences, Mann-Whitney U-test was used. The presented article is the part of VEGA 1/0840/17 project. From the perspective of age, neither in the group of girls nor boys we recorded any differences in indicators of body composition, namely in body fat mass index, body fat percentage and, in addition, in the group of girls in the waist to hip ratio parameter.