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He Z, Yang B, Tang Y, Wang X. Development and verification of machine learning model based on anogenital distance, penoscrotal distance, and 2D:4D finger ratio before puberty to predict hypospadias classification. Front Pediatr 2024; 12:1297642. [PMID: 38745832 PMCID: PMC11091291 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2024.1297642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To describe the anatomical abnormalities of hypospadias before puberty using current commonly used anthropometric index data and predict postoperative diagnostic classification. Methods Children with hypospadias before puberty who were initially treated at Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from April 2021 to September 2022 were selected. We recorded their preoperative penoscrotal distance, anogenital distance, 2D:4D finger ratio, and postoperative hypospadias classification. The receiver operating character curve was used for univariate analysis of the diagnostic predictive value of each index for hypospadias classification in the training set. Binary logistic regression, random forest, and support vector machine models were constructed. In addition, we also prospectively collected data from October 2022 to September 2023 as a test set to verify the constructed machine learning models. Results This study included 389 cases, with 50 distal, 167 midshaft, and 172 proximal cases. In the validation set, the sensitivity of the binary LR, RF, and SVM was 17%, 17% and 0% for identifying the distal type, 61%, 55% and 64% for identifying the midshaft type, and 56%, 60% and 48% for identifying the proximal type, respectively. The sensitivity of the three-classification RF and SVM models was 17% and 17% for distal type, 64% and 73% for midshaft type, 60% and 60% for proximal type, respectively. In the Testing set, the sensitivity of the binary LR, RF and SVM was 6%, 0% and 0% for identifying the distal type, 64%, 55% and 66% for identifying the midshaft type, and 48%, 62% and 39% for identifying the proximal type, respectively. The sensitivity of the three-classification RF and SVM models was 12% and 0% for distal type, 57% and 77% for midshaft type, and 65% and 53% for proximal type, respectively. Compared with binary classification models, the sensitivity of the three-classification models for distal type was not improved. Conclusion Anogenital distance and penoscrotal distance have a favorable predictive value for midshaft and proximal hypospadias, among which AGD2, with higher test efficiency and stability, is recommended as the preferred anogenital distance indicator. The 2D:4D finger ratio (RadioL, RadioR) has little predictive value for hypospadias classification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yunman Tang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery of Children’s Medical Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery of Children’s Medical Center, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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Lucas-Herald AK, Montezano AC, Alves-Lopes R, Haddow L, O’Toole S, Flett M, Lee B, Amjad SB, Steven M, McNeilly J, Brooksbank K, Touyz RM, Ahmed SF. Effects of Sex Hormones on Vascular Reactivity in Boys With Hypospadias. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e735-e744. [PMID: 37672642 PMCID: PMC10795938 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arteries from boys with hypospadias demonstrate hypercontractility and impaired vasorelaxation. The role of sex hormones in these responses in unclear. AIMS We compared effects of sex steroids on vascular reactivity in healthy boys and boys with hypospadias. METHODS Excess foreskin tissue was obtained from 11 boys undergoing hypospadias repair (cases) and 12 undergoing routine circumcision (controls) (median age [range], 1.5 [1.2-2.7] years) and small resistance arteries were isolated. Vessels were mounted on wire myographs and vascular reactivity was assessed in the absence/presence of 17β-estradiol, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and testosterone. RESULTS In controls, testosterone and 17β-estradiol increased contraction (percent of maximum contraction [Emax]: 83.74 basal vs 125.4 after testosterone, P < .0002; and 83.74 vs 110.2 after estradiol, P = .02). 17β-estradiol reduced vasorelaxation in arteries from controls (Emax: 10.6 vs 15.6 to acetylcholine, P < .0001; and Emax: 14.6 vs 20.5 to sodium nitroprusside, P < .0001). In hypospadias, testosterone (Emax: 137.9 vs 107.2, P = .01) and 17β-estradiol (Emax: 156.9 vs 23.6, P < .0001) reduced contraction. Androgens, but not 17β-estradiol, increased endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation in cases (Emax: 77.3 vs 51.7 with testosterone, P = .02; and vs 48.2 with DHT to acetylcholine, P = .0001; Emax: 43.0 vs 39.5 with testosterone, P = .02; and 39.6 vs 37.5 with DHT to sodium nitroprusside, P = .04). CONCLUSION In healthy boys, testosterone and 17β-estradiol promote a vasoconstrictor phenotype, whereas in boys with hypospadias, these sex hormones reduce vasoconstriction, with androgens promoting vasorelaxation. Differences in baseline artery function may therefore be sex hormone-independent and the impact of early-life variations in androgen exposure on vascular function needs further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Lucas-Herald
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Center for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
| | - Augusto C Montezano
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Center for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, McGill University, 1001 Boul Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Rheure Alves-Lopes
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Center for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Laura Haddow
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Center for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Stuart O’Toole
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK
| | - Martyn Flett
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK
| | - Boma Lee
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK
| | - S Basith Amjad
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK
| | - Mairi Steven
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK
| | - Jane McNeilly
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK
| | - Katriona Brooksbank
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Center for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Center for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, McGill University, 1001 Boul Décarie, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
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Guo J, Liu K, Yang J, Su Y. Prenatal exposure to bisphenol A and neonatal health outcomes: A systematic review. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 335:122295. [PMID: 37532216 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine-disrupting chemical substance responsible for the composition of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. Early life and pregnancy are important windows of susceptibility. This review aimed to conduct a systematic assessment of human studies to comprehensively describe the association between prenatal BPA exposure and neonatal health outcomes. Literature was searched in Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science published before November 2022, and were selected according to clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) and Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines (GRADE) were followed to grade the methodological quality of studies and the certainty of the evidence respectively. As a result, a total of 22259 participants from 45 trials were included. And the potential associations of prenatal exposure to BPA and neonatal health outcomes were mainly shown in four aspects: gestational age/preterm birth, physical health at birth, the incidence of systemic abnormalities or diseases, and other health outcomes. Although the certainty of the evidence was low to very low, the methodological quality of the included studies was high. Prenatal BPA exposure tended to have negative effects on most of the health outcomes in neonates but showed inconsistent results on physical health at birth. This systematic review is the first to comprehensively synthesize the existing evidence on the association between prenatal BPA exposure and neonatal health outcomes. In the future, further studies are still needed to verify these effects and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin Guo
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Keqin Liu
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Jixin Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
| | - Yanwei Su
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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Abbas TO. An objective hypospadias classification system. J Pediatr Urol 2022; 18:481.e1-481.e8. [PMID: 35644790 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current approaches to classifying hypospadias severity are based on meatus position. These classification tools lack precise reflection on the degree of urethral hypoplasia and extent of urethral underdevelopment hence are not good representative of hypospadias severity. Here, an alternative classification system is introduced that objectively reflects the developmental pathology underlying this condition. The study goal was to appraise location of bifurcation in the corpus spongiosum (BCS) relative to the penile shaft as an indicator of hypospadias severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients aged <18 years with primary hypospadias were included in the study. Urethral defect ratio (UDR) was calculated by dividing the extent of urethral defect (distance between the glandular knobs and BCS) relative to stretched penile length (SPL). Hypospadias severity was then categorized into three distinct grades (UDR <0.5, 0.5-0.99, ≥1.0). The Inter-Class Correlation (ICC) was evaluated to assess the intra- and inter-rater agreement between the reviewers of UDC ratio. Linear regression analysis was performed to estimate the correlation between UDC ratios and either plate objective scoring tool (POST) and Curvature degrees. RESULTS A total of 67 patients aged 12.3 ± 3.7 months with primary hypospadias were enrolled. UDR ranged between 0.2 and 1.3. A significant difference in hypospadias level was observed between UDR grades, which further correlated degree of curvature (P < 0.0001), urethral plate quality (P < 0.0001), and associated anomalies (P < 0.05). The Inter-Class Correlation (ICC) value to examine the intra- and inter-rater agreement between the two reviewers in UDC ratio was 0.998 (95% CI 0.998, 0.999). Regression analysis revealed that UDR and both POST and Curvature degree were significantly associated (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A hypospadias severity scoring system based on embryological etiology and urethral hypoplasia and assessed relative to the penile shaft represents an objective, feasible, and consistent tool. These results clearly indicate that the reviewers have had excellent consistency/reliability across their consecutive readings. This new system can facilitate objective description of hypospadias-spectrum anomalies and thus support precise communication between individual surgeons and centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tariq O Abbas
- Pediatric Urology Section, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Weill Cornell Medicine Qatar, Doha, Qatar; Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Department of Health Science and Technology, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark.
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Lucas-Herald AK, Montezano AC, Alves-Lopes R, Haddow L, Alimussina M, O’Toole S, Flett M, Lee B, Amjad SB, Steven M, Brooksbank K, McCallum L, Delles C, Padmanabhan S, Ahmed SF, Touyz RM. Vascular dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk in hypospadias. Eur Heart J 2022; 43:1832-1845. [PMID: 35567552 PMCID: PMC9113289 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehac112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Hypogonadism is associated with cardiovascular disease. However, the cardiovascular impact of hypogonadism during development is unknown. Using hypospadias as a surrogate of hypogonadism, we investigated whether hypospadias is associated with vascular dysfunction and is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. METHODS AND RESULTS Our human study spanned molecular mechanistic to epidemiological investigations. Clinical vascular phenotyping was performed in adolescents with hypospadias and controls. Small subcutaneous arteries from penile skin from boys undergoing hypospadias repair and controls were isolated and functional studies were assessed by myography. Vascular smooth muscle cells were used to assess: Rho kinase, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide, and DNA damage. Systemic oxidative stress was assessed in plasma and urine. Hospital episode data compared men with a history of hypospadias vs. controls. In adolescents with hypospadias, systolic blood pressure (P = 0.005), pulse pressure (P = 0.03), and carotid intima-media thickness standard deviation scores (P = 0.01) were increased. Arteries from boys with hypospadias demonstrated increased U46619-induced vasoconstriction (P = 0.009) and reduced acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent (P < 0.0001) and sodium nitroprusside-induced endothelium-independent vasorelaxation (P < 0.0001). Men born with hypospadias were at increased risk of arrhythmia [odds ratio (OR) 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-5.6, P = 0.003]; hypertension (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.5-11.9, P = 0.04); and heart failure (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.7-114.3, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION Hypospadias is associated with vascular dysfunction and predisposes to hypertension and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Underlying mechanisms involve perturbed Rho kinase- and Nox5/ROS-dependent signalling. Our novel findings delineate molecular mechanisms of vascular injury in hypogonadism, and identify hypospadias as a cardiovascular risk factor in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela K Lucas-Herald
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Augusto C Montezano
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Rheure Alves-Lopes
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Laura Haddow
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Malika Alimussina
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Stuart O’Toole
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Martyn Flett
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Boma Lee
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - S Basith Amjad
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Mairi Steven
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Katriona Brooksbank
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Linsay McCallum
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Christian Delles
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - Sandosh Padmanabhan
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing, University of Glasgow, Royal Hospital for Children, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G45 8TF, UK
| | - Rhian M Touyz
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, British Heart Foundation Centre for Research Excellence, University of Glasgow, 126 University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK
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Sennert M, Wirmer J, Hadidi AT. Preoperative glans & penile dimensions in different hypospadias grades. J Pediatr Urol 2022; 18:47-53. [PMID: 34674950 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To report glans and penile dimensions in 1023 consecutive boys with hypospadias. PATIENTS & METHODS Boys admitted for hypospadias surgery between 2016 and 2018 were included in this study. Age ranged between 6 and 36 months. Boys who underwent previous surgery, received hormone therapy or older than 36 months were excluded. The hypospadias was classified according to ICD and WHO classification into glanular (Grade I), distal (Grade II), proximal (Grade III) and perineal (Grade IV). The flaccid penile length (PL), the dorsal glans length (DGL), the ventral glans length (VGL) and the glans width (GW) were measured in the operating room under anaesthesia just before operative correction. Small (GW) in this study was defined as less than 14 mm. RESULTS 1023 boys were included. 273 had glandular, 468 distal, 194 proximal and 88 perineal hypospadias. The mean glans width was 14 mm with a range of 8 to 20 mm. The mean glans width for glanular hypospadias was 14.0 mm (range 9-19 mm), 14.0 mm (range 10-20 mm) for distal hypospadias (p > 0.05), 13.1 mm (range 9-19 mm) for proximal hypospadias (p < 0.0001) and 11.1 mm (range 8-16 mm) for perineal hypospadias (p < 0.0001). 460 (45.0%) of all patients presented with a small glans width. In glanular hypospadias it was 99 (36.3%), 167 (35.7%) in distal hypospadias, 111 (57.5%) in proximal hypospadias and 83 (94.3%) in perineal hypospadias. There was no significant difference in the glans size between the age of 6 and 24 months (p > 0.2), but there was a difference when compared to patients older than 25 months (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A small glans is found in about a third of distal, two thirds in proximal and more than 90% of perineal hypospadias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Sennert
- Hypospadias Centre, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma Klinik Seligenstadt and Sana Klinikum Offenbach, Germany
| | - Johannes Wirmer
- Hypospadias Centre, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma Klinik Seligenstadt and Sana Klinikum Offenbach, Germany
| | - Ahmed T Hadidi
- Hypospadias Centre, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma Klinik Seligenstadt and Sana Klinikum Offenbach, Germany.
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Abdelhalim KM, Abdelwahab HA, Abdelgawad E, Kadry AM, Sherief MH. Predictors of successful outcome of tubularized incised plate for primary distal hypospadias repair. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF UROLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s12301-021-00267-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Several preoperative factors affect the outcome of Tabularized Incised Plate (TIP) repair. Our aim was to collect and analyze all these factors to define what the most important predictive factors are.
Methods
Hundred patients (1–5 years old) with primary distal hypospadias were included. Exclusion criteria included previous penile operations and hormonal treatment or associated congenital anomalies. Anogenital distance (AGD), stretched penile length (SPL), meatal site, glanular shape, chordee and torsion degree, plate width and glans meatus shaft (GMS) score were assessed. TIP repair was done to all patients and followed up for one year. The outcome was correlated with the above parameters.
Results
Mean ± SD of age of patients was 3.5 ± 1.5 years, while weight was 14.1 ± 3.0 kg. Complication rate was 18% including urethrocutaneous fistula (UCF) and meatal stenosis 14%, repair breakdown 1% and urethral stricture 3%. Patients with chordee degree < 30° and distal penile meatal location were associated with increased risk for complications by 11.6 and 8.2 times; 95% CI was (1.46–91.75) and (1.02–66.52), respectively (p < 0.05 for each). Plate width ≥ 9 mm, AGD > 5 cm, GMS score ≤ 7 (p < 0.001 for each), age of patient ≤ 2 years old, and SPL > 3.5 cm (p < 0.01 for each) were associated with successful outcome of repair.
Conclusion
The proposed successful criteria of TIP repair were absent chordee, coronal/subcoronal penile meatal location, plate width ≥ 9 mm, AGD > 5 cm, age of patient ≤ 2 years old, GMS score ≤ 7, SPL > 3.5 cm and grooved glanular shape.
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Giovanni SM, Letizia AAM, Chiara M, Vincenzo S, Erika P, Marta S. The Male Reproductive System and Endocrine Disruptors. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2021; 22:686-703. [PMID: 34607552 DOI: 10.2174/1871530321666211004100633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The male reproductive system is exposed to a great number of chemical substances which can interfere with the normal hormonal milieu and reproductive function; these are called endocrine disruptors (EDs). Despite a growing number of studies evaluating the negative effects of EDs, their production is continuously growing although some of which have been prohibited. The prevalence of poor semen quality, hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and testicular cancer have increased in the last decades, and recently, it has been postulated that these could all be part of a unique syndrome called testicular dysgenesis syndrome. This syndrome could be related to exposure to a number of EDs which cause imbalances in the hormonal milieu and oestrogenic over-exposure during the foetal stage. The same EDs can also impair spermatogenesis in offspring and have epigenetic effects. Although studies on animal and in vitro models have raised concerns, data are conflicting. However, these studies must be considered as the basis for future research to promote male reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maneschi Chiara
- Department of Internal Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Mestre (VE). Italy
| | - Sciabica Vincenzo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Mestre (VE). Italy
| | - Pigatto Erika
- Department of Internal Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Mestre (VE). Italy
| | - Sanna Marta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Villa Salus Hospital, Mestre (VE). Italy
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Wirmer J, Sennert M, Hadidi AT. Ano-Scrotal Distance (ASD) : Is it a marker for the severity of chordee? J Pediatr Urol 2021; 17:670.e1-670.e5. [PMID: 34183270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relation between ASD and the severity of chordee and hypospadias in a referral center. METHODS The distance between the anal verge and proximal scrotal edge (ASD) was measured in hypospadias patients between 6 and 18 months between 2016 and 2020 in the operating room under anaesthesia. Patients older than 36 months and younger than 6 months were excluded. The patients were classified according to meatus into: Grade I (glandular or chordee without hypospadias), II (distal), III (proximal) and IV (perineal). Chordee was assessed by erection test and classified into 2 groups; Group I: no chordee or mild chordee <30 and Group II: with severe chordee >30. Short ASD was defined as ≤ 2.0 cm. RESULTS 817 boys were included. The patients were classified according to the hypospadias grades I (180 pt), II (415 pt), III (120 pt) and IV (102 pt). The median ASD for group I was 3.07 cm (range 1.0-5.5), for group II 3.10 cm (range 1.5-5.0), for group III 2.40 cm (range 1.5-54.5) and for group IV 2.10 cm (range 1.0-3.5). The average ASD of the patients in Grade III and IV (2.26 cm) was significantly shorter than the average ASD of the patients in Grade I and II (3.09 cm) (p < 0.05). 184 patients had an ASD ≤2.0 cm. 38% of patients with glanular hypospadias (grade I) with ASD ≤ 2.0 cm had severe chordee. CONCLUSION This study shows that short ASD is a helpful marker of the severity of chordee and hypospadias. Patients with glanular hypospadias and short ASD have 38% chance of having severe chordee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Wirmer
- Hypospadias Centre, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma and Sana Klinikum Offenbach Hospitals, Germany
| | - Michael Sennert
- Hypospadias Centre, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma and Sana Klinikum Offenbach Hospitals, Germany
| | - Ahmed T Hadidi
- Hypospadias Centre, Department of Pediatric Surgery, Emma and Sana Klinikum Offenbach Hospitals, Germany.
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Androgens and the masculinization programming window: human-rodent differences. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:1725-1735. [PMID: 32779695 PMCID: PMC7458408 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Human male reproductive disorders are common and may have a fetal origin - the testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) hypothesis. In rats, experimentally induced TDS disorders result from disruption of fetal androgen production/action specifically in the masculinization programming window (MPW). MPW androgen action also programs longer anogenital distance (AGD) in male versus female rats; shorter male AGD is correlated with risk and severity of induced TDS disorders. AGD thus provides a lifelong, calibrated readout of MPW androgen exposure and predicts likelihood of reproductive dysfunction. Pregnant rat exposure to environmental chemicals, notably certain phthalates (e.g. diethyl hexl phthalate, DEHP; dibutyl phthalate, DBP), pesticides or paracetamol, can reduce fetal testis testosterone and AGD and induce TDS disorders, provided exposure includes the MPW. In humans, AGD is longer in males than females and the presumptive MPW is 8-14 weeks' gestation. Some, but not all, epidemiological studies of maternal DEHP (or pesticides) exposure reported shorter AGD in sons, but this occurred at DEHP exposure levels several thousand-fold lower than are effective in rats. In fetal human testis culture/xenografts, DEHP/DBP do not reduce testosterone production, whereas therapeutic paracetamol exposure does. In humans, androgen production in the MPW is controlled differently (human chorionic gonadotrophin-driven) than in rats (paracrine controlled), and other organs (placenta, liver, adrenals) contribute to MPW androgens, essential for normal masculinization, via the 'backdoor pathway'. Consequently, early placental dysfunction, which is affected by maternal lifestyle and diet, and maternal painkiller use, may be more important than environmental chemical exposures in the origin of TDS in humans.
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11
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Castets S, Nguyen KA, Plaisant F, Prudon MB, Plotton I, Kassai B, Roche S, Ecochard R, Claris O, Nicolino M, Villanueva C, Gay CL. Reference values for the external genitalia of full-term and pre-term female neonates. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2021; 106:39-44. [PMID: 32561564 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-318090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Identifying virilisation of the genitalia in female newborns early during the neonatal period is important to diagnose pathologies. However, there is no clear threshold for clitoromegaly or for the anogenital ratio. The objective of this study was to define reference values for the external genitalia of full-term and pre-term female neonates. DESIGN This was a prospective study of all females born in the study centre between May 2014 and July 2016. Clitoral length and anogenital ratio were measured in 619 newborns with a gestational age of 24+2 to 41+3 weeks during their first 3 days of life. Associations between the values at day 3 and gestational age, birth weight and other newborn characteristics were examined by linear regression. RESULTS The mean clitoral length at day 3 of life was 3.69±1.53 mm (n=551; 95th percentile, 6.5 mm; maximum, 8 mm), and the mean anogenital ratio was 0.42±0.09 (95th percentile, 0.58). There was no significant variation with gestational age or birth weight, and no significant difference between the results at day 0 and day 3. CONCLUSION These results suggest that clitoromegaly can be defined as a clitoral length >6.5 mm. Values ≥8 mm should prompt further investigations. An anogenital ratio >0.6 should be considered a sign of virilisation. Since clitoral size does not vary with gestational age or birth weight, clitoromegaly should not be attributed to prematurity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Castets
- Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France .,Pédiatrie multidisciplinaire, Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Kim-An Nguyen
- Service de néonatologie et de réanimation néonatale, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Franck Plaisant
- Service de néonatologie et de réanimation néonatale, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Malika Baya Prudon
- Service de néonatologie et de réanimation néonatale, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Ingrid Plotton
- Laboratoire de biochimie et de biologie moléculaire, Hospices Civils de Lyon Centre de pathologie et biologie Est, Bron, France
| | - Behrouz Kassai
- Service de pharmacologie clinique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Laboratoire de Biométrie et Biologie Évolutive, Équipe Biostatistique Santé, CNRS UMR 5558, Universite de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Sylvain Roche
- Service de Biostatistique-Bioinformatique, Pôle Santé Publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Rene Ecochard
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Service de Biostatistique-Bioinformatique, Pôle Santé Publique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
| | - Olivier Claris
- Service de néonatologie et de réanimation néonatale, Hôpital Femme Mère Enfant, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Marc Nicolino
- Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,INSERM U870, Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Centre de référence du développement génital, du fœtus à l'adulte, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Carine Villanueva
- Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Claire-Lise Gay
- Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France.,Centre de référence du développement génital, du fœtus à l'adulte, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
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12
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Fischer MB, Ljubicic ML, Hagen CP, Thankamony A, Ong K, Hughes I, Jensen TK, Main KM, Petersen JH, Busch AS, Upners EN, Sathyanarayana S, Swan SH, Juul A. Anogenital Distance in Healthy Infants: Method-, Age- and Sex-related Reference Ranges. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2020; 105:5861574. [PMID: 32574349 PMCID: PMC7368455 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The use of anogenital distance (AGD) in clinical and epidemiological settings is increasing; however, sex-specific reference data on AGD and data on longitudinal changes in AGD in children is scarce. OBJECTIVE To create age-, sex-, and method-related reference ranges of AGD in healthy boys and girls aged 0-24 months, to assess the age-related changes in AGD and to evaluate the 2 predominantly used methods of AGD measurement. DESIGN The International AGD consortium comprising 4 centers compiled data from 1 cross-sectional and 3 longitudinal cohort studies (clinicaltrials.gov [NCT02497209]). SETTING All data were collected from population-based studies, recruiting from 4 maternity or obstetric centers (United States, Cambridge [United Kingdom], Odense, and Copenhagen [Denmark]). SUBJECTS This study included a total of 3705 healthy, mainly Caucasian children aged 0-24 months on whom 7295 measurements were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AGDAS (ano-scrotal), AGDAF (ano-fourchette), AGDAP (ano-penile), AGDAC (ano-clitoral), AGD body size indices (weight, body mass index [BMI], body surface area, and length), and intra- and interobserver biases. RESULTS We created age-specific reference ranges by centers. We found that AGD increased from birth to 6 months of age and thereafter reached a plateau. Changes in AGD/BMI during the first year of life were minor (0-6% and 0-11% in boys and girls, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Reference ranges for AGD can be used in future epidemiological research and may be utilized clinically to evaluate prenatal androgen action in differences-in-sex-development patients. The increase in AGD during the first year of life was age-related, while AGD/BMI was fairly stable. The TIDES and Cambridge methods were equally reproducible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Bistrup Fischer
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Margit Bistrup Fischer, MD, Department of Growth and Reproduction, GR, 5064,Rigshospitalet, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen Ø,Denmark. E-mail:
| | - Marie Lindhardt Ljubicic
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Casper P Hagen
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ajay Thankamony
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ken Ong
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ieuan Hughes
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tina Kold Jensen
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, dense, Denmark
- Hans Christian Andersen Children’s Hospital, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Katharina M Main
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Alexander S Busch
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emmie N Upners
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sheela Sathyanarayana
- Department of Pediatrics/Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Shanna H Swan
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Anders Juul
- Deptartment of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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13
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Sheinberg R, Siegel EL, Keidar R, Mandel D, Lubetzky R, Kohn E, Livneh A, Tovbin J, Betser M, Moskovich M, Marom R, Ovental A, Daniel S, Factor-Litvak P, Berkovitch M, Levy A. Associations between intrauterine exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls on neonatal ano-genital distance. Reprod Toxicol 2020; 96:67-75. [PMID: 32526315 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2020.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are widespread environmental contaminants. PCBs have endocrine disrupting properties which raises concerns regarding their effect on the developing fetus. This study aimed to examine the association between prenatal exposure to PCBs and anogenital distance (AGD) in newborns. Serum concentrations of PCB congeners -118, -138, -153 and -180 were measured in 175 pregnant women presenting to the delivery room. AGD was measured in their newborns. Regression models were used to estimate associations between maternal PCB exposure and infant anogenital measurements, controlling for possible confounding variables. Mean maternal serum concentrations were 2.95 ± 2.18 ng/g, 4.62 ± 3.54 ng/g, 7.67 ± 6.42 ng/g and 5.10 ± 3.91 ng/g for congeners -118, -138, -153 and -180, respectively. Higher maternal concentrations of PCBs were associated with reduced AGD measures in male infants. Higher maternal concentrations of PCB-138 and PCB-153 were associated with reduced ano-scrotal distances and higher maternal concentrations of all four PCB congeners were associated with reduced ano-penile distances. No significant associations were found between any PCB congener and any AGD measure in female newborns. This study demonstrates that intrauterine exposure to PCBs may be associated with reduced AGD in male newborns. More research is needed to reveal the implications for adult reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revital Sheinberg
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
| | - Eva Laura Siegel
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Rimona Keidar
- Department of Neonatology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Dror Mandel
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ronit Lubetzky
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Elkana Kohn
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Ayelet Livneh
- Department of Neonatology, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Josef Tovbin
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Moshe Betser
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Miki Moskovich
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Division, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Ronella Marom
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Amit Ovental
- Department of Neonatology, Dana Children's Hospital, Tel-Aviv Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Sharon Daniel
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Pam Factor-Litvak
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States
| | - Matitiahu Berkovitch
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Unit, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Amalia Levy
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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14
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Ercin S, Ertas S, Dundar O, Oktem O, Yakin K. Anogenital distance in newborn infants conceived by assisted reproduction and natural conception. Reprod Biomed Online 2020; 41:474-482. [PMID: 32576490 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2020.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Does anogenital distance (AGD) differ in newborn infants conceived through assisted reproduction technology (ART) compared with those conceived naturally? DESIGN This case-control study looked at anthropometric and anogenital measurements in 247 male and 200 female newborns born after ART (n = 121) or natural conception (n = 326), within 24 h of birth. Anogenital measurements included distance from the centre of the anus to the anterior clitoris (AGDAC) and to the posterior fourchette (AGDAF) in female infants, and from the centre of the anus to the posterior base of the scrotum (AGDAS) and to the anterior base of the penis (AGDAP) in male infants. RESULTS ART mothers were older, more likely to be nulliparous and delivered by Caesarean section at an earlier gestational week. AGDAS of male infants was approximately twice the AGDAF of female infants (17.6 ± 5.0 versus 9.1 ± 3.6 mm). AGDAF in female infants conceived by ART compared with those conceived naturally was not significantly different (8.8 ± 3.6 versus 9.3 ± 3.6 mm; P = 0.404). AGDAC were also comparable for both groups (27.4 ± 6.3 versus 27.7 ± 7.1 mm; P = 0.770). In male infants, no significant difference was seen between ART and natural conception groups in terms of AGDAS (17.4 ± 4.6 versus 17.7 ± 5.2 mm, P = 0.742) and AGDAP (37.5 ± 6.6 versus 38.0 ± 6.7 mm, P = 0.589). When adjusted for gestational age, weight, length and head circumference, mode of conception was not associated with differences in any of the anogenital measurements. CONCLUSIONS AGD measurements in infants conceived by ART are no different from those of infants conceived naturally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Secil Ercin
- American Hospital, Women's Health Center Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sinem Ertas
- American Hospital, Women's Health Center Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Oznur Dundar
- American Hospital, Women's Health Center Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Oktem
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kayhan Yakin
- American Hospital, Women's Health Center Istanbul, Turkey; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Koc University School of Medicine Istanbul, Turkey.
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15
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O'Kelly F, DeCotiis K, Zu'bi F, Farhat WA, Koyle MA. Increased hand digit length ratio (2D:4D) is associated with increased severity of hypospadias in pre-pubertal boys. Pediatr Surg Int 2020; 36:247-253. [PMID: 31748946 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-019-04600-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hypospadias is a common congenital male disorder, with much research focusing on prenatal androgen exposure as a causative factor. Whilst digit length ratios were apparent in sexual dimorphism since the nineteenth century, their role in hypospadias remains unknown. The objective of our study was to determine the correlation between digit length (2D:4D) ratio, hypospadias severity, and anogenital distance. METHODS Pre-pubertal boys (<3 years old) seen intra/postoperatively following hypospadias repair (June 2018-January 2019 inc.) were included. These were age-matched to non-hypospadias controls. Anthropomorphic measurements of digit lengths, penile/glans width, and anogenital distance were measured using digital calipers. RESULTS Data measurements were collected for 105 boys with hypospadias (60 distal; 45 proximal) and 55 controls. There were significant differences in 2D:4D ratios in each hand (p < 0.001), as well as individual digits (p < 0.001), and a reduced anogenital distance (p < 0.001), when comparing the proximal group with distal or control groups. There were no significant differences in glans width, or between term- and preterm births. CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to demonstrate increased 2D:4D ratios with proximal hypospadias, which also correlate with a shortened anogenital distance. This may provide a non-invasive, potentially antenatal, anthropomorphic measurement, as an indirect indicator of aberrant urogenital development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fardod O'Kelly
- Division of Urology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G1X8, Canada.
| | - Keara DeCotiis
- Division of Urology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G1X8, Canada
| | - Fadi Zu'bi
- Division of Urology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G1X8, Canada
| | - Walid A Farhat
- Division of Urology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G1X8, Canada
| | - Martin A Koyle
- Division of Urology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G1X8, Canada
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16
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Arbuckle TE, MacPherson S, Barrett E, Muckle G, Séguin JR, Foster WG, Sathyanarayana S, Dodds L, Fisher M, Agarwal A, Monnier P, Walker M, Fraser WD. Do stressful life events during pregnancy modify associations between phthalates and anogenital distance in newborns? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 177:108593. [PMID: 31357157 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2019.108593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Anogenital distance (AGD) has been used as a marker of fetal androgen action to identify endocrine disrupting chemicals. A US study (TIDES) has reported that the association between some phthalates and reduced AGD in males was only apparent in sons of mothers reporting no stressful life events (SLEs) during pregnancy. The objective of the current study was to examine the potential modifying effect of SLEs and their subjective impact on associations between prenatal phthalates and AGD. First trimester urines from the MIREC Study were analysed for phthalate metabolites and AGD was measured in neonates. Post-delivery, the women answered questions on SLEs during the pregnancy. Women reporting 1 or more SLEs during pregnancy were considered a "higher stressor" group, whereas women reporting no SLEs or who reported a SLE that was perceived as not at all stressful were considered a "lower stressor" group. Multivariable linear regression models were fit stratified by stressor group. Maternal stressor, AGD and phthalates results were available for 153 females and 147 males. A summary measure of androgen-disrupting phthalates (Σ AD) was associated with significantly longer AGDs in females from the higher stressor group. These effect sizes were increased when the perceived impact was restricted to moderately or very much stressful. In males, all phthalates were associated with longer anopenile distance (APD), regardless of stressor group; however, higher Σ AD was associated with significantly longer APD in the lower stressor group. In contrast to the TIDES study, we did not observe shorter AGDs in male infants prenatally exposed to di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalates, regardless of maternal stressor level. In conclusion, we were unable to replicate the findings of the TIDES study, but did find some evidence that prenatal SLEs may modify associations between phthalates and female AGD. Further research with other populations and measures of prenatal stress may shed more light on whether prenatal stress is an important effect modifier of associations between phthalates (or other chemicals) and anogenital distance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tye E Arbuckle
- Populations Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
| | - Susan MacPherson
- Populations Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Emily Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Gina Muckle
- School of Psychology, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Laval University, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jean R Séguin
- Research Axis, Brain and Child Development, CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Department of Psychiatry and Addiction, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Warren G Foster
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology and School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Linda Dodds
- Division of Perinatal Epidemiology Research Unit, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Mandy Fisher
- Populations Studies Division, Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Amisha Agarwal
- Clinical Research Unit, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Patricia Monnier
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada and RI-MUHC, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark Walker
- Head, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Newborn Care, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - William D Fraser
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
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17
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Wainstock T, Yoles I, Sergienko R, Walfisch A. The association between anogenital distance, reproductive and general health in adult females- a prospective cohort of 17 years. Reprod Toxicol 2019; 90:77-81. [PMID: 31421229 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have suggested an association between prenatal hormonal environment and anogenital distance (AGD). We aimed to study the association between AGD and health characteristics in adult women. METHODS In this prospective cohort AGD was measured in 300 parturients during the years 2000-2001. In December 2017, study participants` hospital records were abstracted and medical diagnoses grouped into major categories, including gynecological, cardiovascular, and other. Associations between AGD and the morbidities categories were evaluated using multivariable survival models, which adjusted for confounding variables. RESULTS Participants were 44.3 ± 5.4 years old with mean AGD 40.3 mm (±10.7 mm). Women with below vs. above mean AGD were more likely to develop gynecological morbidities (39.9% vs. 27.1%, adjusted Hazard ratio 1.82; 95%CI 1.08-3.06). CONCLUSIONS Women with short AGD are at increased risk for gynecological morbidities. AGD should be studied further, and may possibly be used for screening of women at risk for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamar Wainstock
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
| | - Israel Yoles
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel; Clalit Health Services, Central District, Israel
| | - Ruslan Sergienko
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Asnat Walfisch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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18
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Al-Juraibah F, Lucas-Herald A, Nixon R, Toka C, Wang C, Flett M, O'Toole S, Ahmed SF. Association Between Extra-Genital Congenital Anomalies and Hypospadias Outcome. Sex Dev 2019; 13:67-73. [DOI: 10.1159/000497260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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19
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Wineland RJ, Bloom MS, Cruze L, Butts CD, Wenzel AG, Unal ER, Kohno S, Willan KB, Brock JW, Newman RB. In utero effects of maternal phthalate exposure on male genital development. Prenat Diagn 2019; 39:209-218. [PMID: 30476355 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phthalates are used extensively in commercial and personal care products and maternal exposure is ubiquitous. Phthalates are anti-androgenic, but the potential effects of phthalates on male penile development have not been assessed in utero. OBJECTIVE The study aims to investigate the association between early pregnancy phthalate exposure and fetal penile development, overall and by race. METHODS Prospective cohort study of women with singleton pregnancies presenting for prenatal ultrasound between 18 and 22 weeks' gestation. Maternal urine samples were assayed for eight phthalate monoester metabolites. We used maternal phthalate levels at 18 to 22 weeks' gestation as predictors of fetal size using multiple linear regression models, adjusted for fetal gestational age, maternal age, race, smoking, and education. We incorporated a phthalate by race interaction into a second set of regression models. RESULTS We detected statistically significant race interactions for continuous phthalates with penile width. Race interactions were also suggested for penile length and volume using tertiles of phthalates with point estimates generally positive for whites and negative for African Americans. CONCLUSION Penile development is significantly influenced by race, and the impact of maternal phthalates on penile measurements also varies by race. Maternal phthalate exposure can adversely affect in utero penile growth and development, especially among African Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J Wineland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Michael S Bloom
- Departments of Environmental Health Sciences and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York
| | - Lori Cruze
- Wofford College, Spartanburg, South Carolina
| | - Celeste D Butts
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York
| | - Abby G Wenzel
- Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - E Ramsey Unal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois
| | - Satomi Kohno
- Department of Biology, St. Cloud State University, Saint Cloud, Minnesota
| | - Keith B Willan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - John W Brock
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina Asheville, Asheville, North Carolina
| | - Roger B Newman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Sun X, Li D, Liang H, Miao M, Song X, Wang Z, Zhou Z, Yuan W. Maternal exposure to bisphenol A and anogenital distance throughout infancy: A longitudinal study from Shanghai, China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 121:269-275. [PMID: 30223203 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.08.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most common endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) with a ubiquitous presence. Both animal and human studies have reported the association between maternal exposure to BPA and anogenital distance (AGD) in offspring. However, the results are conflicting and the longitudinal effect is unknown. We aimed to examine the effect of maternal exposure to BPA on AGD in offspring in a longitudinal birth cohort from birth to 1 year of age. METHODS BPA was assayed using urine samples collected at 12-16 gestational weeks from 982 pregnant participants who later delivered infants. Infants' AGDs (AGDap [anus-penis] and AGDas [anus-scrotum] for boys, AGDac [anus-clitoris] and AGDaf [anus-fourchette] for girls) were measured at birth, and at 6 and 12 months of age. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between maternal exposure to BPA and offspring's AGDs. Then generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was applied to make use of the repeated measurements of AGDs and examine the overall effect of maternal exposure to BPA. RESULTS Compared to boys with undetected maternal BPA, those with detected BPA were more likely to have shorter AGDap and AGDas at 6 and 12 months. However, the differences were statistically significant for AGDap and AGDas only at 12 months (2.87 and 4.12 mm shorter, respectively). In GEE models, similar patterns were observed. Boys in the higher quartiles were more likely to have shorter AGDap and AGDas than those in the first quartile. However, statistically significant differences were only observed in boys in the third quartile. For girls, these associations were not observed regardless of the timing of measurements (at birth, 6 months and 12 months). CONCLUSIONS Maternal exposure to BPA was associated with shortened AGDap and AGDas in boys at age 12 months but not in girls, which suggests a gender specific effect of BPA exposure on offspring's development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Sun
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dekun Li
- Division of Research, Kaiser Foundation Research Institute, Kaiser Permanente, Oakland, USA
| | - Hong Liang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Maohua Miao
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiuxia Song
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziliang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- School of Public Health, Key Laboratory for Public Health Safety, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation of NPFPC, SIPPR, IRD, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Schwartz CL, Christiansen S, Vinggaard AM, Axelstad M, Hass U, Svingen T. Anogenital distance as a toxicological or clinical marker for fetal androgen action and risk for reproductive disorders. Arch Toxicol 2018; 93:253-272. [PMID: 30430187 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2350-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Male reproductive development is intricately dependent on fetal androgen action. Consequently, disrupted androgen action during fetal life can interfere with the development of the reproductive system resulting in adverse effects on reproductive function later in life. One biomarker used to evaluate fetal androgen action is the anogenital distance (AGD), the distance between the anus and the external genitalia. A short male AGD is strongly associated with genital malformations at birth and reproductive disorders in adulthood. AGD is therefore used as an effect readout in rodent toxicity studies aimed at testing compounds for endocrine activity and anti-androgenic properties, and in human epidemiological studies to correlate fetal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals to feminization of new-born boys. In this review, we have synthesized current data related to intrauterine exposure to xenobiotics and AGD measurements. We discuss the utility of AGD as a retrospective marker of in utero anti-androgenicity and as a predictive marker for male reproductive disorders, both with respect to human health and rodent toxicity studies. Finally, we highlight four areas that need addressing to fully evaluate AGD as a biomarker in both a regulatory and clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Lindgren Schwartz
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sofie Christiansen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Anne Marie Vinggaard
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Marta Axelstad
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ulla Hass
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Terje Svingen
- Division of Diet, Disease Prevention and Toxicology, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, 2800, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
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Dean M, Church J. The anatomy of transanal minimally invasive surgery: Perineal distances and transanal angles. Clin Anat 2018; 32:68-72. [PMID: 30098037 DOI: 10.1002/ca.23246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 07/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The recent interest in transanal, minimally invasive surgery has highlighted the importance of an in depth understanding of this complex region. We applied data from an anatomical study of the perineum to the concept of transanal minimally invasive surgery with the aim to describe more accurately anatomy relevant to this surgical technique. A consecutive series of adult patients undergoing colonoscopy were approached for consent to measure dimensions and angles of the perineum before the examination. Distances from the posterior margin of the anus to the coccyx, and the anterior margin of the anus to the posterior edge of the scrotum or introitus were measured. Then, using a pediatric proctoscope and a protractor, the anoperineal angle and the recto perineal angles were measured. The anorectal angle was derived from these measurements. Data is described using means and standard deviations. Measurements were obtained from 106 patients undergoing elective colonoscopy for average risk screening with no history of defecatory disorder. Posterior perineal length was similar in both sexes (4.5 cm ± 0.9 in women and 4.6 cm ±0.7 in men) but the anterior perineum was significantly shorter in women (2.5 ± 0.8). The mean anoperineal angle was 93° (±9), and mean rectoperineal angle was 73° (±9). These angles varied significantly between the sexes. The mean anorectal angle (derived) was 160° (±9), and did not differ significantly between the sexes. There was no correlation between the posterior perineal length and ano perineal, recto perineal, or anorectal angles. Limitations: small sample size. Anoperineal and recto perineal differ significantly between the sexes. Surgeons using transanal minimally invasive surgical techniques should expect to alter the alignment of their dissection accordingly. This study shows the magnitude of the differences that can exist. Clin. Anat. 32:68-72, 2019. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meara Dean
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - James Church
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio
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23
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Regulation of masculinization: androgen signalling for external genitalia development. Nat Rev Urol 2018; 15:358-368. [DOI: 10.1038/s41585-018-0008-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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25
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van den Driesche S, Kilcoyne KR, Wagner I, Rebourcet D, Boyle A, Mitchell R, McKinnell C, Macpherson S, Donat R, Shukla CJ, Jorgensen A, Meyts ERD, Skakkebaek NE, Sharpe RM. Experimentally induced testicular dysgenesis syndrome originates in the masculinization programming window. JCI Insight 2017; 2:e91204. [PMID: 28352662 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.91204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The testicular dysgenesis syndrome (TDS) hypothesis, which proposes that common reproductive disorders of newborn and adult human males may have a common fetal origin, is largely untested. We tested this hypothesis using a rat model involving gestational exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which suppresses testosterone production by the fetal testis. We evaluated if induction of TDS via testosterone suppression is restricted to the "masculinization programming window" (MPW), as indicated by reduction in anogenital distance (AGD). We show that DBP suppresses fetal testosterone equally during and after the MPW, but only DBP exposure in the MPW causes reduced AGD, focal testicular dysgenesis, and TDS disorders (cryptorchidism, hypospadias, reduced adult testis size, and compensated adult Leydig cell failure). Focal testicular dysgenesis, reduced size of adult male reproductive organs, and TDS disorders and their severity were all strongly associated with reduced AGD. We related our findings to human TDS cases by demonstrating similar focal dysgenetic changes in testes of men with preinvasive germ cell neoplasia (GCNIS) and in testes of DBP-MPW animals. If our results are translatable to humans, they suggest that identification of potential causes of human TDS disorders should focus on exposures during a human MPW equivalent, especially if negatively associated with offspring AGD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander van den Driesche
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Karen R Kilcoyne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ida Wagner
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Diane Rebourcet
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ashley Boyle
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rod Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Chris McKinnell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Sheila Macpherson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Roland Donat
- Edinburgh Urological Cancer Group, Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Chitranjan J Shukla
- Edinburgh Urological Cancer Group, Department of Urology, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Jorgensen
- Department of Growth & Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth & Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels E Skakkebaek
- Department of Growth & Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital (Rigshospitalet), Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Richard M Sharpe
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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