Prepubertal Period Research Articles

Type 2 diabetes in prepubertal children.

Puberty-induced insulin resistance is considered critical in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in youth. The development of T2D before puberty suggests distinct risk factors and pathophysiology but, because of its rarity, this has not been well studied. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of children with T2D diagnosed before the onset of puberty. We retrospectively studied all children with autoantibody-negative T2D and available pubertal development assessment seen at our center between July 2016 and July 2019, and compared characteristics of those at Tanner stage I (prepubertal, n= 35) versus those at Tanner II-V of pubertal development (n= 341). At T2D diagnosis, prepubertal children compared with those at Tanner II-V had higher body mass index z-score (p= 0.003) and higher C-peptide (p= 0.003) (while glucose levels were not significantly different), with differences retaining significance after adjustment for glucose, race/ethnicity and sex. Dyslipidemia occurred in 100% of prepubertal children versus 89.7% of those diagnosed later (p= 0.036). Of the prepubertal children diagnosed under age 10 (n= 13), 69.2% were female, 100% racial/ethnic minority, 100% had obesity with history of dyslipidemia and none with diabetic ketoacidosis. T2D, although rarely, can develop before puberty. Children with T2D diagnosed in the prepubertal period have more severe obesity, greater insulin resistance, and more frequent dyslipidemia than older youth. These findings suggest that children with prepubertal T2D are at increased risk for associated morbidity compared with older youth and underscore the significance of interventions to prevent and treat obesity in early childhood.

PD15-07 DOES AGE OF TESTIS LOSS IMPACT COMPENSATORY HYPERTROPHY OF THE REMAINING TESTIS? A STUDY OF NEONATAL, PREPUBERTAL AND ADULT MICE

You have accessJournal of UrologyPediatric Urology I (PD15)1 Sep 2021PD15-07 DOES AGE OF TESTIS LOSS IMPACT COMPENSATORY HYPERTROPHY OF THE REMAINING TESTIS? A STUDY OF NEONATAL, PREPUBERTAL AND ADULT MICE Daniel E. Nassau, Eliyahu Kresch, Shathiyah Kulandavelu, Oleksandr N. Kryvenko, Miguel A. Castellan, Himanshu Arora, and Ranjith Ramasamy Daniel E. Nassau Daniel E. Nassau More articles by this author , Eliyahu KreschEliyahu Kresch More articles by this author , Shathiyah KulandaveluShathiyah Kulandavelu More articles by this author , Oleksandr N. KryvenkoOleksandr N. Kryvenko More articles by this author , Miguel A. CastellanMiguel A. Castellan More articles by this author , Himanshu AroraHimanshu Arora More articles by this author , and Ranjith RamasamyRanjith Ramasamy More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000001997.07AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The long-term sequelae of partial testicular loss on male reproductive function is unknown. Compensatory testicular hypertrophy occurs when testis loss is before puberty; however, it is unclear if the degree of growth differs by prepubertal age. Using a mice model, we hypothesized that contralateral testicular compensatory growth would be greater if unilateral orchiectomy was done at younger prepubertal age and lesser or absent if done post-puberty. METHODS: Hemicastration was performed in C57BL/6 mice at a neonatal, prepubertal or postpubertal period between days of life (DOL) 2-4, 20-22 and 42-44, respectively. These mice and a control group whom did not undergo a procedure were sacrificed after physical maturity (DOL 80) and remaining testis was removed. We evaluated FSH levels, histology, body weight (BW), testis weight (TW) and testis long-axis (calipers). The larger testis was recorded for controls. ANOVA was used to determine statistical significance (p<0.05). RESULTS: Median neonatal and prepubertal TW were significantly greater than control; however, only the median TW/BW ratio in the neonatal group was significantly higher than control, implying the greatest degree of compensatory growth happened with earlier testis loss. Neonatal TW was also significantly greater than postpubertal TW. No difference in BW or testis long axis length in any group was detected (Figure 1). H&E evaluation showed similar degree of spermatogenesis and Leydig cell concentration among all mice. Mean FSH (ng/mL) was highest in postpubertal (105.9) followed by prepubertal (98.5), neonate (93.9) and control (61.2), suggesting lower global sperm production in mice with testis loss at a later age. CONCLUSIONS: Contralateral testicular hypertrophy occurred if testis loss was during the prepubertal period and our data implies that earlier testis loss may have a greater degree of compensation and maintained reproductive function. This challenges the notion that the testis remains quiescent during childhood as there must be a signaling cascade to promote testicular hypertrophy. To our knowledge, this is the first study to successfully perform hemicastration in neonatal mice. This model will be used to study molecular mechanisms that influence testicular growth after unilateral testis loss . Source of Funding: None © 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 206Issue Supplement 3September 2021Page: e274-e275 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2021 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Daniel E. Nassau More articles by this author Eliyahu Kresch More articles by this author Shathiyah Kulandavelu More articles by this author Oleksandr N. Kryvenko More articles by this author Miguel A. Castellan More articles by this author Himanshu Arora More articles by this author Ranjith Ramasamy More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Loading ...

Testicular Volume in Children with Sickle Cell Anaemia in Uyo, a South-South Nigerian City.

Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) often presents in early childhood with repeated vaso-occlusive crisis that leads to ischaemia, infarction and fibrosis which may result in a reduction in expected testicular volume (TV) at puberty. This was a cross-sectional study of 95 children with SCA aged 1-18 years compared with 95 age-matched controls. Participants responded to an interviewer-administered questionnaire, with their anthropometric measurements taken, pubertal maturity assessed by Tanner staging and testicular ultrasonography done. Changes in TV across the ages were compared graphically and regression analyses were used to determine the factors independently associated with TV. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. In the prepubertal period, the haemoglobin SS (HbSS) participants had larger median ultrasound TV (MUSTV) compared to the haemoglobin AA (HbAA) controls (p = 0.001). This trend reversed in the pubertal period. On regression analysis, the frequency of testicular pain (p = 0.04), weight (p = 0.02) and pubic hair rating (p = 0.03) of the HbSS participants were significant predictors of increased TVs in the HbSS participants, irrespective of pubertal status. The prepubertal MUSTV of the HbSS participants were higher than those of the HbAA controls, while the HbAA controls had higher MUSTV at puberty and beyond. The frequency of testicular pain episodes, pubic hair rating and weight were independent predictors of TV changes in the HbSS participants. Prevention of repeated vaso-occlusive crisis in the prepubertal period may help prevent the reduction in TV and possible hypogonadism. Lay summarySickle cell anaemia (SCA) causes repeated episodes of painful crisis and in boys, these may affect the way their testes grow. The study set out to document testicular sizes on a one-time basis in boys aged 1-18 years with SCA compared with controls of similar ages. The participants responded to structured questions assisted by the researchers and their body measurements were appropriately taken. Their level of sexual maturation was assessed according to the method by Tanner and the sizes of their testes were measured using an ultrasound machine. The research information was analysed and a statistical value less than 0.05 was taken to mean that there was a difference between the measured variables. The mid-testicular sizes of the SCA participants were noted to be higher than that of their controls during the prepubertal period while the non-SCA boys had higher sizes from puberty onwards. The frequency of testicular pain, weight and pubic hair stage of the SCA boys were important contributors to their increased testes sizes, irrespective of pubertal status. Efforts aimed at preventing painful crisis should start during early childhood to forestall future sexual challenges in adulthood.

Presença de fatores de crescimento em saliva humana e possíveis relações com observações clínicas

There are significative changes on the human saliva and the occlusal plane during the prepubertal and pubertal period. Saliva samples were collected from 30 subjects, both sexes, between 11 and 16 years old. The results show a major incidence of cells proliferations in girls, between 11-13 years, and boys from 14 to 16 years. There is some evidence that this occurrence coincides with a constellation of clinical features indicative of the growth process.

Timing of Social Transition for Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth, K-12 Harassment, and Adult Mental Health Outcomes

PurposeMany transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth undergo a social transition in which they change their gender expression to align with their gender identity. Our objective was to examine associations between timing of social transition (during the prepubertal childhood period, adolescence, or adulthood) and adult mental health outcomes. MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of the 2015 U.S. Transgender Survey, a cross-sectional nonprobability survey of 27,715 TGD adults in the United States. Based on self-reports, participants were categorized as having undergone social transition during childhood (ages 3–9 years), adolescence (ages 10–17 years), or adulthood (ages ≥18 years). Using multivariable logistic regression, we examined associations between timing of social transition and adult mental health outcomes. ResultsAfter adjusting for demographic and potential confounding variables, childhood social transition was associated with lower odds of lifetime marijuana use (adjusted odds ratio .7, 95% confidence interval = .5–.8, p < .0001) when compared with adult social transition. Before adjusting for K-12 harassment based on gender identity, adolescent social transition was associated with adverse mental health outcomes, including greater odds of lifetime suicide attempts when compared with adult social transition (adjusted odds ratio 1.3, 95% confidence interval = 1.1–1.7, p = .004). These associations were no longer significant after further adjusting for K-12 harassment. ConclusionsAlthough past research has shown TGD youth who undergo social transition have favorable mental health outcomes in the short term, they may have worse mental health in adulthood if not protected from K-12 harassment based on gender identity. It is the responsibility of clinicians to emphasize the importance of adolescents having safe and affirming social environments.

Postpubertal spermatogonial stem cell transplantation restores functional sperm production in rhesus monkeys irradiated before and after puberty.

Cancer treatment of prepubertal patients impacts future fertility due to the abolition of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). In macaques, spermatogenesis could be regenerated by intratesticular transplantation of SSCs, but no studies have involved cytotoxic treatment before puberty and transplantation after puberty, which would be the most likely clinical scenario. To evaluate donor-derived functional sperm production after SSC transplantation to adult monkeys that had received testicular irradiation during the prepubertal period. We obtained prepubertal testis tissue by unilaterally castrating six prepubertal monkeys and 2weeks later irradiated the remaining testes with 6.9Gy. However, because spermatogenic recovery was observed, we irradiated them again 14months later with 7Gy. Three of the monkeys were treated with GnRH-antagonist (GnRH-ant) for 8weeks. The cryopreserved testis cells from the castrated testes were then allogeneically transplanted into the intact testes of all monkeys. Tissues were harvested 10months later for analyses. In three of the six monkeys, 61%, 38%, and 11% of the epididymal sperm DNA were of the donor genotype. The ability to recover donor-derived sperm production was not enhanced by the GnRH-ant pretreatment. However, the extent of filling seminiferous tubules during the transplantation procedure was correlated with the eventual production of donor spermatozoa. The donor epididymal spermatozoa from the recipient with 61% donor contribution were capable of fertilizing rhesus eggs and forming embryos. Although the transplantation was done into the rete testis, two GnRH-ant-treated monkeys, which did not produce donor-derived epididymal spermatozoa, displayed irregular tubular cords in the interstitium containing testicular spermatozoa derived from the transplanted donor cells. The results further support that sperm production can be restored in non-human primates from tissues cryopreserved prior to prepubertal and post-pubertal gonadotoxic treatment by transplantation of these testicular cells after puberty into seminiferous tubules.

Клинические особенности тубоовариальных образований в препубертатном периоде (на примере клинического случая)

Aim. To analyze the clinical features of subacute purulent salpingoophoritis, saktosalpinx, pyovar in a 9-year-old girl. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of the medical history of a patient born in 2001, who was treated in the gynecological department of the Novourengoy Central City Hospital, was carried out. Results. The article presents complaints, anamnesis of the disease and life, the results of a clinical, laboratory, and instrumental study of a 9-year-old girl who was admitted to the hospital in an emergency with a diagnosis of Tuboovarial formation of the left appendages. Mild anemia. According to urgent indications, diagnostic laparoscopy, ovariosalpingoviscerolysis on the left, salpingectomy on the left, drainage of the piovar on the left, and sanitation of the left ovarian cavity were performed. Postoperative diagnosis: Subacute purulent salpingoophoritis with the formation of sactosalpinx. Piovar on the left. Adhesive process of the small pelvis of the first degree. The analysis of the clinical features of the course of the disease, possible pathogenetic mechanisms of its development was carried out. Conclusion. The clinical picture of tubovarial formations in the prepubertal period can be characterized by an erased course and inconsistency of the clinical picture of the disease with the severity of the purulent-inflammatory process in the uterine appendages, which must be taken into account when conducting a diagnostic examination.

Dynamics of anthropometric indicators in girls within the pubertal period of ontogenesis

The harmony of the organism development in different periods of ontogenesis, and especially puberty, determines the future fate of women in both medical and social aspects. The aim of the research was to study the total and partial body sizes in girls of pubertal period of ontogenesis. We surveyed 128 schoolgirls of 5-8 grades. We evaluated the stages of development of secondary sexual characteristics by hair growth in the axilla and pubis, the development of the mammary glands and age of onset of the first menstruation. According to G.G. Avtandilov’s classification, all girls were divided into three groups – prepubertal (preceding the appearance of pubic hair), pubertal (puberty before menarche) and postpubertal period (fixed and completed pubertal maturation). The group of pubertal girls consisted of 106 schoolgirls, who were divided into groups according to calendar age: 13-year-old (n=29), 12-year-old (n=30), 11-year-old (n=24) and 10-year-old (n=23). Anthropometric survey was conducted according to the scheme of V.V. Bunak and contained the definition of total (length and body weight) and partial (longitudinal, transverse and anterior-posterior) dimensions. The analysis of the obtained results was performed in the license package Statistica 5.5 using non-parametric methods of evaluation of indicators. In our study, it was found that anthropometric indicators characterize the physical development, the level of its harmony and morphofunctional maturity of girls within the pubertal period of ontogenesis. We found a progressive age dynamics of total and partial body size in girls of this age period. The periods of the most intensive growth within the pubertal period of ontogenesis of total and partial sizes of a body are established. At the end of puberty there is the most intense age increase in body length: a rapid increase in body weight begins at the age of 12, the most intense processes of longitudinal growth of the torso and lower extremities in girls are observed from 11 years. Most of the transverse dimensions within the pubertal period of ontogenesis have a pronounced progressive age dynamic. Lower thoracic size, interspinous distance, and external conjugate did not differ statistically significantly between girls of different ages during puberty.

Seventy eight children born small for gestational age without catch-up growth treated with growth hormone from the prepubertal stage until adult height age. An evaluation of puberty and changes in the metabolic profile

A wide variation in height gain rate is observed in children small for gestational age (SGA) treated with growth hormone (GH). The aim of this study was to evaluate prepubertal and pubertal growth, height gain attained at adult age and to assess potential predictive factors in catch-up growth. Changes in metabolic profile were also analyzed. Patients and methodsSeventy-eight children born SGA were treated with a GH median dose of 33.0±2.8mcg/kg/day at a mean age of 7.3±2.0 (boys) and 6.0±1.8 (girls). ResultsMean height (SDS) at GH onset was −3.31±0.7 for boys and −3.48±0.7 for girls. According to age at pubertal growth spurt onset patients were classified in their pubertal maturity group. Adult height attained expressed in SDS was −1.75±0.7 for boys and −1.69±1.0 for girls, both below the range of their mid-parental height. The greatest height gain occurred during the prepubertal period. Patients with greater height gain were lighter (p<0.001), shorter (p=0.005), and younger (p=0.02) at the start of GH, and also showed a greater increase in growth velocity during the first year on GH (p<0.001). SGA children started puberty at the same age and with the same distribution into pubertal maturity group as the reference population. No relevant GH-related adverse events were reported, including in the insulin resistance parameters evaluated. Differences were found in fasting plasma glucose values, but were without clinical relevance. IGF-I plasma values remained within the safety range. ConclusionsGH therapy is safe and beneficial for SGA children. The response to GH therapy is widely heterogeneous, suggesting that GH should be started at a young age and the GH dose prescribed should be individualized. SGA children started puberty at the same age as the reference population. The only factor that predicts greater adult height is growth velocity during the first year of therapy.

Comparison between prepubertal and postpubertal patients with obstructed hemivagina and ipsilateral renal anomaly syndrome

Obstructive hemivagina with ipsilateral renal anomaly (OHVIRA) syndrome is a rare, complex congenital anomaly with an unknown prevalence. However, case reports and small studies on OHVIRA syndrome have increased rapidly in the last 20 years, which may be related to increased use of imaging, surgical techniques, and prenatal sonography. This study aimed to analyze and compare patients with OHVIRA syndrome diagnosed in the prepubertal and postpubertal periods to understand the disease characteristics and improve clinical management. A retrospective cohort study was conducted including 65 patients with OHVIRA syndrome who were diagnosed between January 2004 and September 2018at a tertiary university hospital. Among the 65 patients, 44 patients were diagnosed with OHVIRA syndrome during the prepubertal period and 21 patients were diagnosed postpubertally. Compared with postpubertally diagnosed patients with OHVIRA syndrome, those diagnosed prepubertally were mostly asymptomatic at initial presentation (82% versus [vs.] 0%, P<0.001), had a higher incidence of ectopic ureter (68% vs. 24%, P=0.001), and presented with a higher incidence of multicystic dysplastic kidney (61% vs. 19%, P=0.01). Approximately half of the patients with prepubertal OHVIRA syndrome (53%) showed spontaneous resolution of hemivaginal fluid within 5 years. Among the patients with postpubertally diagnosed OHVIRA syndrome, those in the pain-dominant group had a larger amount of hemivaginal fluid than those in the painless discharge-dominant group (54% vs. 10%, P=0.036). Superimposed infection of hemivaginal fluid was markedly present in the discharge-dominant group (9% vs. 75%, P=0.006). Clinical characteristics of patients with OHVIRA syndrome are altered based on the time of initial diagnosis. Follow-up and timely intervention should be proceeded accordingly.

The Correlation between Dental Stages and Skeletal Maturity Stages.

Introduction The determination of skeletal maturity stages is very important in orthodontic treatment planning, especially skeletal discrepancies in growing individuals. A hand-wrist radiograph is considered the most accurate approach for skeletal maturity detection. Dental calcification stages have been suggested as an alternative diagnostic method to decrease radiation exposure. The recent study is aimed at detecting the efficacy of dental calcification stages in assessing skeletal maturity during the prepubertal and pubertal growth periods. Methods Patients' records were collected from the Aleppo Orthodontic Center. Dental maturity stages were assessed from a panoramic radiograph using the Demirjian method, while skeletal maturity stages were determined using the Björk method. Four permanent left mandibular teeth were included (canine, 1st premolar, 2nd premolar, and 2nd molar) for the study. Results From 517 records, 295 records (145 males and 150 females) were included. The Spearman rank-order correlation coefficients between skeletal maturation and dental maturation were strong and statistically significant (ranging from 0.789 to 0.835). The highest correlation was between skeletal stages and the second molar (r = 0.829 and 0.88 in males and females, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC ) curve suggested a high validity of the sum of dental stages for the four teeth in identifying MP3= stage (sensitivity was 70%, specificity was 92.77%, and ROC area was 0.81) but not for MP3cap (sensitivity was 50.85%, specificity was 81.36%, and ROC area was 0.66). Conclusions The correlation between the skeletal maturity stages and the dental calcification stages was high. The orthodontist can use the dental stages as a definite diagnostic tool for prepubertal growth period.

Analysis of the scoliosis onset mechanisms for children and optimal rehabilitation interventions through aquatic activities

It is known, certainly, that it is much easier to form a correct attitude than to correct the vicious one, a reason that must determine the approach of prophylactic means of physical therapy and therapeutic swimming. The identification, at an early stage, of the etiological factors responsible for the installation of postural deficiencies, is a determining factor in the management of programs for their maintenance or recovery in children of prepubertal age. The study took place at the Constantinescu Mihai Physiotherapy Office of Suceava and at the Cornișa Botoșani Swimming Complex. It is known that the correct position is formed from childhood, and movement and exercise are the main factors of its construction. In this sense, the paper proposes kinetic recovery and therapeutic swimming programs in order to strengthen the postural status in children during growth and development. In this regard, we have set the following objectives: identification of children with vicious postural attitudes because of the overloads in the prepubertal period and analysis of the scoliosis mechanisms in children of prepubertal age on a vulnerable somato-functional status. Keywords: therapeutic swimming, evaluation, scoliosis, children, analysis,

Functions of the GABAergic system on serum LH concentrations in pre-pubertal Nellore heifers

This study was conducted to evaluate the luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion pattern after gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) antagonist to determine the effects of the GABAergic system on LH secretion during reproductive maturation in pre-pubertal Nellore heifers. Nellore heifers (n = 10) were administered a picrotoxin injection of 0.18 mg/kg, i.v. Blood samples were collected every 15 min for 3 h at different developmental stages (8, 10, 14 and 17 mo of age). Plasma concentrations of LH were quantified using an RIA (sensitivity of 0.04 ng/mL and CV of 15 %). There was an interaction between treatment and age (P = 0.034). Picrotoxin-treated heifers had lesser (P ≤ 0.05) LH mean concentrations during a 3 h period at 10 and 17 mo of age compared to control heifers (P ≤ 0.05). Comparing the period before and after Picrotoxin injection in the same animals, there was a 33 % decrease in LH concentration at 8 mo of age (P = 0.0165). These results indicate the GABAergic system has a stimulatory function in inducing LH secretion in pre-pubertal Nellore heifers. These findings corroborate previous results that GABA increases GnRH/LH secretion in other species during the pre-pubertal period.

Карієсрезистентність – критерій стоматологічного статусу дітей та підлітків

Prevention of dental caries in children is one of the current problems of modern pediatric dentistry, which is due to the high prevalence and intensity of this disease. Analysis of the results of epidemiological studies conducted among children of different ages in the regions of Ukraine shows a significant increase in caries growth in recent years, both temporary and permanent teeth, which leads to in-depth study of the hardness of dental tissues to cariogenic factors in connection with the need in the constant improvement of methods of treatment and prevention of this pathology. The purpose of the study was to analyze the value of enamel caries resistance as a detector of resistance of dental hard tissues to carious process and its complications. The subject of the research is the work of domestic and foreign researchers on this topic. In the course of the research the bibliosemantic method and structural-logical analysis were used. Today, dental caries is the most common disease in different age groups, which is confirmed by the prevalence – 90-100% and a sharp trend of increasing its intensity. Given the high rates of this pathology, it should be remembered that its untimely treatment leads to the following complications: pulpitis, periodontitis, tooth extraction. An important concept that indicates the possibility of caries is caries resistance, which indicates the level of resistance of the enamel to caries and has an informative diagnostic value for the dentist. According to modern ideas, in the pathogenesis of dental caries the leading role is played by caries-resistant enamel. Its mineral base is formed by isomorphic crystals of apatite, which contain various chemical elements, and their amount in the body is closely related to the amount in the environment. It is established that more than 40 chemical elements take part in the process of tooth mineralization, the most important of which belongs to calcium, phosphorus, fluoride. Insufficient amount or excess of certain micronutrients in the environment, especially in soils and drinking water, can change their content in the body and, consequently, in the hard tissues of the teeth, affecting their resistance to caries. It is well known that the influence of a number of adverse environmental factors leads to a decrease in the resistance of the body as a whole and, as a consequence, to a decrease in the caries resistance of the enamel of the hard tissues of the teeth. Sensitivity to the effects of adverse factors increases significantly in the prepubertal period, a time not only of intensive growth of the child and the formation of his personality, but also a period of mineralization of more than half of permanent teeth. Therefore, exactly at this time dentists should pay special attention to the prevention of caries of permanent teeth in children by improving the conditions of secondary mineralization of tooth enamel, thereby increasing their level of caries resistance

Effects of estrogen deficiency during puberty on maxillary and mandibular growth and associated gene expression \u2013 an \u03bcCT study on rats

BackgroundEstrogen is a well-known and important hormone involved in skeletal homeostasis, which regulates genes involved in bone biology. Some studies support that estrogen is important for craniofacial growth and development. Therefore this in vivo animal study aimed to investigate, whether and in which way low estrogen levels in the prepubertal period affect craniofacial development in the postpubertal stage and to quantify the gene expression of RANK, RANKL and OPG in cranial growth sites in ovariectomized estrogen-deficient rats during puberty.MethodsControl (sham-operated, n = 18) and ovariectomy (OVX, n = 18) surgeries were performed on 21-days-old female Wistar rats. Animals euthanized at an age of 45 days (pubertal stage) were used for gene expression analyses (n = 6 per group) and immunohistochemistry of RANK, RANKL and OPG. Animals euthanized at 63 days of age (post-pubertal stage) were used for craniofacial two-dimensional and three-dimensional craniofacial measurements using μCT imaging (n = 12 per group).ResultsIn the μCT analysis of the mandible and maxilla many statistically significant differences between sham-operated and OVX groups were observed, such as increased maxillary and mandibular bone length in OVX animals (p < 0.05). Condylar volume was also significantly different between groups (p < 0.05). The sham-operated group showed a higher level of RANK expression in the midpalatal suture (p = 0.036) and the RANKL:OPG ratio levels were higher in the OVX group (p = 0.015).ConclusionsOur results suggest that estrogen deficiency during the prepubertal period is associated with alterations in the maxillary and mandibular bone length and condylar growth.

Determinant factors of depression in beta major thalassemia children

Thalassemia is a chronic disease with long-term treatment that increases the potential for impact on physical, cognitive, and psychological conditions. About 80% of patients with major thalassemia have at least one psychiatric disorder, depression is one of the most frequently reported, especially in prepubertal and puberty periods. The aim of this study is to evaluate determinant factors of depression in beta mayor thalassemia children. This was a cross-sectional study on patients aged 9 to 17 years at hematology outpatient clinic in Dr. Soetomo General Hospital from September to Desember 2018. Level of depression determinded by Children Depression Inventory (CDI) questionnaire. The data were collected and analyzed using using the IBM SPSS Statistics version 21. It is statistically significant with p&lt;0.05. Forty-five participants were included in this study, 15 participants with mild depression and 30 participants without depression. Gender (p=0.462), age of diagnosis (p=0.385), frequency of tranfussion (p=0.065), family history of depression (p=0,350), physical change (p=0.711), duration of illness (p=0.674) have no significant value as a determinant factor while complication (p=0.049) and serum cortisol level (p=0.037) had significant value as determinant factors of depression in Beta Major Thalassemia children. Mild depression is more common in thalassemia patients who experience complications and had high serum cortisol levels

Unique metabolic phenotype and its transition during maturation of juvenile male germ cells.

Human male reproductive development has a prolonged prepubertal period characterized by juvenile quiescence of germ cells with immature spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) precursors (gonocytes) present in the testis for an extended period of time. The metabolism of gonocytes is not defined. We demonstrate with mitochondrial ultrastructure studies via TEM and IHC and metabolic flux studies with UHPLC-MS that a distinct metabolic transition occurs during the maturation to SSCs. The mitochondrial ultrastructure of prepubertal human spermatogonia is shared with prepubertal pig spermatogonia. The metabolism of early prepubertal porcine spermatogonia (gonocytes) is characterized by the reliance on OXPHOS fuelled by oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate. Interestingly, at the same time, a high amount of the consumed pyruvate is also reduced and excreted as lactate. With maturation, prepubertal spermatogonia show a metabolic shift with decreased OXHPOS and upregulation of the anaerobic metabolism-associated uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). This shift is accompanied with stem cell specific promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF) protein expression and glial cell-derived neurotropic factor (GDNF) pathway activation. Our results demonstrate that gonocytes differently from mature spermatogonia exhibit unique metabolic demands that must be attained to enable their maintenance and growth in vitro.

Vitamin D status in pubertal children.

Optimal vitamin D status has a great importance in puberty, which is a period of peak bone mineral acquisition. In this study, we aimed to assess the effect of pubertal period on vitamin D status. The study included totally 200 healthy children, aged between 4 and 14 years. Group 1 included 100 prepubertal, children, aged between 4 and 8 years. Group 2 included 100 pubertal children, aged between 9 and 14 years. They had no chronic illnesses. Ages, heights, weights, genders, Body Mass Indexes (BMIs), socioeconomic and educational status of families were established. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) was evaluated using an immunoradiometric assay kit. Serum calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were measured. We determined that 25(OH)D levels were lower with higher PTH levels in the group aged 9 to 14 years (pubertal children), compared to the group aged 4 to 8 (prepubertal children). Gender, weight, height or BMI, family socioeconomic and education status did not affect serum 25(OH)D levels of children in each group. We demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency was more commonly seen in the pubertal children, compared to pre pubertal period. Children should be supported with vitamin D supplements during the puberty, which has a great importance for rapid increase in bone mass.

Factors influencing growth hormone therapy effect during the prepubertal period in small for gestational age children without catch-up growth

PurposeBecause small for gestational age (SGA) children who fail to experience catch-up growth have an increased risk of short stature in adulthood, growth hormone (GH) treatment is recommended for effective growth. In this study, we evaluated the effect of GH treatment during the prepubertal period and analyzed for correlation between GH treatment response and clinical factors in SGA children.MethodsA retrospective, single-center study was conducted from 2014 to 2020. A total of 34 prepubertal children of short stature up to 4 years of age and born as SGA were enrolled. We recorded clinical data including birth data, age, weight, height, bone age (BA), and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels.ResultsThe mean gestational age and birth weight were 37.50±2.51 weeks and 2,200.00±546.79 g. At the start of GH treatment, the mean chronological age and BA were 5.54±1.73 years and 4.52±1.85 years, respectively. The height standard deviation score (SDS) (-2.47±0.45) and IGF-1 SDS (0.16±1.57) were calculated. Height velocity was 9.43±1.40 cm during the first GH treatment year and 7.63±1.16 cm during the second year (P<0.05). The treatment growth response was positively correlated with young age (P=0.047) and lower BA (P=0.049) at the start of treatment. In multiple regression analysis, IGF-1 SDS change had a significantly positive association with GH treatment response (P=0.045).ConclusionsGH treatment is effective for short stature SGA children who do not experience catch-up growth. Early initiation of GH treatment improved growth outcomes. As IGF-1 SDS is positively correlated with height SDS, IGF-1 monitoring is important during GH treatment of SGA prepubertal children.

The role of pre-pubertal training history on hippocampal neurotrophic factors and glucocorticoid receptor protein levels in adult male rats

Neurotrophic factors play an integral role in hippocampal plasticity, and interaction with HPA axis components, especially glucocorticoid receptors (GR), can mediate the structural and functional changes. In the present work, we investigated the long-term effects of combined exercise training (CET) and voluntary physical activity in an enriched environment (EE) in the pre-pubertal period on hippocampal neurotrophic factors and GR. For this purpose, a longitudinal study was designed. After three weeks, all rats were kept in the standard cages without any interventions until adulthood. Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in hippocampal BDNF and VEGF protein levels in both EE and CET groups (P < 0.001), along with an increase in GR protein levels. In addition, EE decreased serum corticosterone levels compared to CET (P < 0.05). Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels did not demonstrate remarkable changes between groups. Training interventions during sensitive developmental periods may produce profound and long-lasting effects on the hippocampus, at least in part by interactive effects of neurotrophic factors cascades and GR.