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Gouveia FV, Diwan M, Martinez RCR, Giacobbe P, Lipsman N, Hamani C. Reduction of aggressive behaviour following hypothalamic deep brain stimulation: Involvement of 5-HT 1A and testosterone. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106179. [PMID: 37276987 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106179] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aggressive behaviour (AB) may occur in patients with different neuropsychiatric disorders. Although most patients respond to conventional treatments, a small percentage continue to experience AB despite optimized pharmacological management and are considered to be treatment-refractory. For these patients, hypothalamic deep brain stimulation (pHyp-DBS) has been investigated. The hypothalamus is a key structure in the neurocircuitry of AB. An imbalance between serotonin (5-HT) and steroid hormones seems to exacerbate AB. OBJECTIVES To test whether pHyp-DBS reduces aggressive behaviour in mice through mechanisms involving testosterone and 5-HT. METHODS Male mice were housed with females for two weeks. These resident animals tend to become territorial and aggressive towards intruder mice placed in their cages. Residents had electrodes implanted in the pHyp. DBS was administered for 5 h/day for 8 consecutive days prior to daily encounters with the intruder. After testing, blood and brains were recovered for measuring testosterone and 5-HT receptor density, respectively. In a second experiment, residents received WAY-100635 (5-HT1A antagonist) or saline injections prior to pHyp-DBS. After the first 4 encounters, the injection allocation was crossed, and animals received the alternative treatment during the next 4 days. RESULTS DBS-treated mice showed reduced AB that was correlated with testosterone levels and an increase in 5-HT1A receptor density in the orbitofrontal cortex and amygdala. Pre-treatment with WAY-100635 blocked the anti-aggressive effect of pHyp-DBS. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that pHyp-DBS reduces AB in mice via changes in testosterone and 5-HT1A mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Venetucci Gouveia
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Mustansir Diwan
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Raquel C R Martinez
- Division of Neuroscience, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, São Paulo, Brazil; LIM/23, Institute of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Peter Giacobbe
- Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada; Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nir Lipsman
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada; Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Clement Hamani
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada; Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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2
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Sen S, Carrera SC, Heistermann M, Potter CB, Baniel A, DeLacey PM, Petrullo L, Lu A, Beehner JC. Social correlates of androgen levels and dispersal age in juvenile male geladas. Horm Behav 2022; 146:105264. [PMID: 36155910 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2022.105264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Androgens offer a window into the timing of important male life history events such as maturation. However, when males are the dispersing sex, piecing together normative androgen profiles across development is challenging because dispersing males are difficult to track. Here, we examined the conditions that may be associated with male androgen status (via fecal androgen metabolites, fAMs) and age at dispersal in wild male geladas (Theropithecus gelada). Gelada male life histories are highly variable - dispersal may occur before sexual maturation, dispersal itself can be immediate or drawn out, and, due to their multi-leveled society, social conditions affecting dispersal can vary for juveniles living in different reproductive units within the same band. Using longitudinal data from known natal males, we examined how androgen levels and age at dispersal were associated with: (1) access to maternal resources (i.e., maternal rank, birth of a younger sibling, experiencing maternal loss), and (2) access to male peers (i.e., number of similar-aged males in their unit). We found that androgens were significantly lower in males with high-ranking mothers (in males >2.5 years of age; infant androgens were unrelated) and that having more male peers in their social group and larger groups overall predicted an earlier age at dispersal. Moreover, dispersal in geladas was not preceded or followed by a surge in androgen levels. Taken together, results suggest that social environments can cause individual variation in androgens and dispersal age. Whether this variation leads to differences in male fitness in later life remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmi Sen
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1107, USA.
| | - Sofia C Carrera
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1107, USA
| | - Michael Heistermann
- Endocrinology Laboratory, German Primate Center, Leibniz Institute for Primate Research, 37077 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Caitlin Barale Potter
- Cedar Creek Ecosystem Science Reserve, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Alice Baniel
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA; School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Patricia M DeLacey
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1107, USA
| | - Lauren Petrullo
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1107, USA
| | - Amy Lu
- Department of Anthropology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794-4364, USA
| | - Jacinta C Beehner
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1107, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1107, USA
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3
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Xu J, Hao L, Chen M, He Y, Jiang M, Tian T, Wang H, Wang Y, Wang D, Han ZR, Tan S, Men W, Gao J, He Y, Tao S, Dong Q, Qin S. Developmental Sex Differences in Negative Emotion Decision-Making Dynamics: Computational Evidence and Amygdala-Prefrontal Pathways. Cereb Cortex 2021; 32:2478-2491. [PMID: 34643680 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in human emotion and related decision-making behaviors are recognized, which can be traced back early in development. However, our understanding of their underlying neurodevelopmental mechanisms remains elusive. Using developmental functional magnetic resonance imaging and computational approach, we investigated developmental sex differences in latent decision-making dynamics during negative emotion processing and related neurocognitive pathways in 243 school-aged children and 78 young adults. Behaviorally, girls exhibit higher response caution and more effective evidence accumulation, whereas boys show more impulsive response to negative facial expression stimuli. These effects parallel sex differences in emotion-related brain maturity linking to evidence accumulation, along with age-related decrease in emotional response in the basolateral amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) in girls and an increase in the centromedial amygdala (CMA) in boys. Moreover, girls exhibit age-related decreases in BLA-MPFC coupling linked to evidence accumulation, but boys exhibit increases in CMA-insula coupling associated with response caution. Our findings highlight the neurocomputational accounts for developmental sex differences in emotion and emotion-related behaviors and provide important implications into the neurodevelopmental mechanisms of sex differences in latent emotional decision-making dynamics. This informs the emergence of sex differences in typical and atypical neurodevelopment of children's emotion and related functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahua Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Key Laboratory of Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Lei Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Key Laboratory of Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Menglu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Key Laboratory of Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Ying He
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Key Laboratory of Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Min Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Key Laboratory of Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Ting Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Key Laboratory of Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Faculty of Psychology, School of Artificial Intelligence, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Yanpei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Daoyang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Department of Psychology, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Zhuo Rachel Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Key Laboratory of Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Shuping Tan
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100096, China
| | - Weiwei Men
- Center for MRI Research, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies & McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jiahong Gao
- Center for MRI Research, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies & McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yong He
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Key Laboratory of Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Sha Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Qi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China
| | - Shaozheng Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Key Laboratory of Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, 100875, China.,Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China
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Patisaul HB. REPRODUCTIVE TOXICOLOGY: Endocrine disruption and reproductive disorders: impacts on sexually dimorphic neuroendocrine pathways. Reproduction 2021; 162:F111-F130. [PMID: 33929341 PMCID: PMC8484365 DOI: 10.1530/rep-20-0596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
We are all living with hundreds of anthropogenic chemicals in our bodies every day, a situation that threatens the reproductive health of present and future generations. This review focuses on endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs), both naturally occurring and man-made, and summarizes how they interfere with the neuroendocrine system to adversely impact pregnancy outcomes, semen quality, age at puberty, and other aspects of human reproductive health. While obvious malformations of the genitals and other reproductive organs are a clear sign of adverse reproductive health outcomes and injury to brain sexual differentiation, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis can be much more difficult to discern, particularly in humans. It is well-established that, over the course of development, gonadal hormones shape the vertebrate brain such that sex-specific reproductive physiology and behaviors emerge. Decades of work in neuroendocrinology have elucidated many of the discrete and often very short developmental windows across pre- and postnatal development in which this occurs. This has allowed toxicologists to probe how EDC exposures in these critical windows can permanently alter the structure and function of the HPG axis. This review includes a discussion of key EDC principles including how latency between exposure and the emergence of consequential health effects can be long, along with a summary of the most common and less well-understood EDC modes of action. Extensive examples of how EDCs are impacting human reproductive health, and evidence that they have the potential for multi-generational physiological and behavioral effects are also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
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5
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Advances in stem cell research for the treatment of primary hypogonadism. Nat Rev Urol 2021; 18:487-507. [PMID: 34188209 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-021-00480-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In Leydig cell dysfunction, cells respond weakly to stimulation by pituitary luteinizing hormone, and, therefore, produce less testosterone, leading to primary hypogonadism. The most widely used treatment for primary hypogonadism is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). However, TRT causes infertility and has been associated with other adverse effects, such as causing erythrocytosis and gynaecomastia, worsening obstructive sleep apnoea and increasing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality risks. Stem-cell-based therapy that re-establishes testosterone-producing cell lineages in the body has, therefore, become a promising prospect for treating primary hypogonadism. Over the past two decades, substantial advances have been made in the identification of Leydig cell sources for use in transplantation surgery, including the artificial induction of Leydig-like cells from different types of stem cells, for example, stem Leydig cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). PSC-derived Leydig-like cells have already provided a powerful in vitro model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying Leydig cell differentiation and could be used to treat men with primary hypogonadism in a more specific and personalized approach.
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6
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Patisaul HB. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and the neuroendocrine system: Beyond estrogen, androgen, and thyroid. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2021; 92:101-150. [PMID: 34452685 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hundreds of anthropogenic chemicals occupy our bodies, a situation that threatens the health of present and future generations. This chapter focuses on endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs), both naturally occurring and man-made, that affect the neuroendocrine system to adversely impact health, with an emphasis on reproductive and metabolic pathways. The neuroendocrine system is highly sexually dimorphic and essential for maintaining homeostasis and appropriately responding to the environment. Comprising both neural and endocrine components, the neuroendocrine system is hormone sensitive throughout life and touches every organ system in the body. The integrative nature of the neuroendocrine system means that EDCs can have multi-system effects. Additionally, because gonadal hormones are essential for the sex-specific organization of numerous neuroendocrine pathways, endocrine disruption of this programming can lead to permanent deficits. Included in this review is a brief history of the neuroendocrine disruption field and a thorough discussion of the most common and less well understood neuroendocrine disruption modes of action. Also provided are extensive examples of how EDCs are likely contributing to neuroendocrine disorders such as obesity, and evidence that they have the potential for multi-generational effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
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7
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Gouveia FV, Germann J, de Morais R, Fonoff ET, Hamani C, Alho EJ, Brentani H, Martins AP, Devenyi G, Patel R, Steele C, Gramer R, Chakravarty M, Martinez RCR. Longitudinal Changes After Amygdala Surgery for Intractable Aggressive Behavior: Clinical, Imaging Genetics, and Deformation-Based Morphometry Study-A Case Series. Neurosurgery 2021; 88:E158-E169. [PMID: 33026432 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyaa378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intractable aggressive behavior (iAB) is a devastating behavioral disorder that may affect psychiatric patients. These patients have reduced quality of life, are more challenging to treat as they impose a high caregiver burden and require specialized care. Neuromodulatory interventions targeting the amygdala, a key hub in the circuitry of aggressive behavior (AB), may provide symptom alleviation. OBJECTIVE To Report clinical and imaging findings from a case series of iAB patients treated with bilateral amygdala ablation. METHODS This series included 4 cases (3 males, 19-32 years old) who underwent bilateral amygdala radiofrequency ablation for iAB hallmarked by life-threatening self-injury and social aggression. Pre- and postassessments involved full clinical, psychiatric, and neurosurgical evaluations, including scales quantifying AB, general agitation, quality of life, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS Postsurgery assessments revealed decreased aggression and agitation and improved quality of life. AB was correlated with testosterone levels and testosterone/cortisol ratio in males. No clinically significant side effects were observed. Imaging analyses showed preoperative amygdala volumes within normal populational range and confirmed lesion locations. The reductions in aggressive symptoms were accompanied by significant postsurgical volumetric reductions in brain areas classically associated with AB and increases in regions related to somatosensation. The local volumetric reductions are found in areas that in a normal brain show high expression levels of genes related to AB (eg, aminergic transmission) using gene expression data provided by the Allen brain atlas. CONCLUSION These findings provide new insight into the whole brain neurocircuitry of aggression and suggest a role of altered somatosensation and possible novel neuromodulation targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Venetucci Gouveia
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation, Teaching and Research Institute, Hospital Sirio-Libanes, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jürgen Germann
- CIC, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Rosa de Morais
- PROTEA, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Erich Talamoni Fonoff
- Department of Neurology, Division of Functional Neurosurgery, Institute of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clement Hamani
- Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Neurology, Division of Functional Neurosurgery, Institute of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,Division of Neurosurgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Eduardo Joaquim Alho
- Department of Neurology, Division of Functional Neurosurgery, Institute of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena Brentani
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.,National Institute of Developmental Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents, CNPq, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Martins
- PROTEA, Department of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo School of Medicine, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Devenyi
- CIC, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Raihaan Patel
- CIC, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Christopher Steele
- CIC, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Robert Gramer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Mallar Chakravarty
- CIC, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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Abstract
CASE John is a 4-year-old boy with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and developmental delay who presented with concerns about increasing aggressive behavior at a follow-up visit with his developmental-behavioral pediatrician. Diagnosis of ASD was made via Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th version criteria at initial evaluation at 34 months. Medical history at that time was pertinent for rapid linear growth since the age of 1 and recent pubic hair growth and penile enlargement. Family history was significant for early puberty in a maternal uncle and 4 distant maternal relatives. Standardized testing included administration of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale 2-Standard, which was consistent with severe symptoms of ASD, and the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, which indicated moderate delay in fine motor skills and expressive language and severe delay in receptive language and visual receptive skills.At initial assessment, John's parents also reported a pattern of aggressive behavior, which included frequent hitting of other children at childcare, consistently forceful play with peers and family members, and nightly tantrums with hitting and throwing at bedtime. Triggers of aggressive behavior included other children taking his toys, transition away from preferred activities, and being told "no."John was concurrently evaluated by a pediatric endocrinologist at 34 months. At that assessment, his height Z-score was +2.5, and he had Tanner 2 pubic hair, Tanner 3 genitalia, and 6 cc testicular volumes. Radiograph of the hand revealed a bone age of 6 years (+7.8 S.D.). Laboratory studies revealed a markedly elevated testosterone level and low gonadotropin (luteinizing hormone [LH] and follicle-stimulating hormone) levels and a normal dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, suggestive of peripheral precocious puberty. Targeted genetic testing with sequencing of the LHCGR gene revealed a heterozygous D578G mutation resulting in the rare condition Familial Male-Limited Precocious Puberty (FMPP), characterized by constitutive activation of the LH receptor. FMPP, also referred to as testotoxicosis, was attributed as the cause of John's peripheral precocious puberty.By the age of 4, John's height Z-score was +3.1, his genitalia larger, and his bone age 10 years (+10.3 S.D.). His parents elected to start off-label therapy with bicalutamide (a nonsteroidal antiandrogen) and anastrazole (an aromatase inhibitor), recommended by the endocrinologist. Unexpectedly, as John's hyperandrogenism was treated, John's family reported intensified aggression toward other children and adults, especially at school, in addition to multiple daily instances of biting when upset. What is your next step in John's treatment of his challenging behavior? REFERENCE 1. Shenker A, Laue L, Kosugi S, et al. A constitutively activating mutation of the luteinizing hormone receptor in familial male precocious puberty. Nature. 1993;365:652-654.
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Davis SM, Bloy L, Roberts TP, Kowal K, Alston A, Tahsin A, Truxon A, Ross JL. Testicular function in boys with 47,XYY and relationship to phenotype. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS. PART C, SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:371-385. [PMID: 32544298 PMCID: PMC7413633 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
An additional Y chromosome occurs in ~1 in 1,000 males, resulting in the karyotype 47,XYY. The phenotype includes tall stature, hypotonia, neuropsychiatric comorbidities, and an increased risk of infertility in adulthood. Little is known about testicular function in childhood and adolescence in 47,XYY. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess testicular function serum biomarkers, including total testosterone, inhibin B, and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), in 82 boys with XYY (11.3 ± 3.8 years) compared with 66 male controls (11.6 ± 3.8 years). The association of testicular hormones with physical features, neuropsychological phenotype, and magnetoencephalography (MEG) was assessed with multiple linear regression models. Results indicate males with XYY have significantly lower inhibin B (median 84 pg/ml vs. 109 pg/ml, p = .004) and higher AMH (median 41 ng/ml vs. 29 ng/ml, p = .011); however, testosterone, testicular volume, and stretched penile length were not different from controls. In the exploratory analysis of relationships between hormone concentrations and phenotypic assessments, higher inhibin B concentrations were positively correlated with lower BMI and better cognitive, academic, and behavioral outcomes in the XYY group. Testosterone concentrations were positively associated with better behavioral outcomes in boys with XYY. Higher testosterone and inhibin B concentrations were also associated with shorter auditory latencies measured using magnetoencephalography (MEG) in XYY. With a few exceptions, testicular hormones were not associated with phenotypic outcomes in controls. In conclusion, there is evidence of subtle impaired testicular function in boys with XYY and a newly described relationship between measures of testicular function and some aspects of the XYY phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanlee M Davis
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic and Research Program, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Luke Bloy
- Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Timothy P.L. Roberts
- Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Karen Kowal
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Amanda Alston
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Aysha Tahsin
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Alyssa Truxon
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Judith L Ross
- eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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10
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Aksglaede L, Davis SM, Ross JL, Juul A. Minipuberty in Klinefelter syndrome: Current status and future directions. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2020; 184:320-326. [PMID: 32476267 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome is highly underdiagnosed and diagnosis is often delayed. With the introduction of non-invasive prenatal screening, the diagnostic pattern will require an updated description of the clinical and biochemical presentation of infants with Klinefelter syndrome. In the first months of life, the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG)-axis is transiently activated in healthy males during the so-called minipuberty. This period represents a "window of opportunity" for evaluation of the HPG-axis before puberty and without stimulation tests. Infants with Klinefelter syndrome present with a hormonal surge during the minipuberty. However, only a limited number of studies exist, and the results are contradictory. Further studies are needed to clarify whether infants with Klinefelter syndrome present with impaired testosterone production during the minipuberty. The aim of this review is to describe the clinical and biochemical characteristics of the neonate and infant with Klinefelter syndrome with special focus on the minipuberty and to update the clinical recommendations for Klinefelter syndrome during infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Aksglaede
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shanlee M Davis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,eXtraordinarY Kids Program, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Judith L Ross
- Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.,DuPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware, USA
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Collaer ML, Hines M. No Evidence for Enhancement of Spatial Ability with Elevated Prenatal Androgen Exposure in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Meta-Analysis. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2020; 49:395-411. [PMID: 32052211 PMCID: PMC8784244 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-020-01645-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Spatial abilities contribute to life and occupational competencies, and certain spatial skills differ, on average, between males and females, typically favoring males when differences occur. Factors contributing to spatial skills could include prenatal as well as experiential/cultural influences, with biological and social influences likely interacting and difficult to disentangle. This meta-analysis examined the potential influence of prenatal androgen exposure on spatial skill by examining studies of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). CAH involves elevated adrenal androgens prenatally, with overall androgen concentrations higher for females with CAH versus same-sex controls but with little overall difference between males with CAH versus controls. We hypothesized that, if androgens contribute prenatally to neurobehavioral development in humans as in many other species, females with CAH would show spatial enhancement versus control females, but with no definitive hypothesis for males. Meta-analysis of 12 studies examining overall spatial skill and three spatial subcategories failed to support enhanced spatial performance for females with CAH; males with CAH showed lower spatial ability compared to control males, at least for the category of overall spatial skill. Although statistical logic precludes accepting the null hypothesis for females, the meta-analysis failed to support the idea that prenatal exposure to androgens explains spatial gender/sex differences in humans. Alternative explanations for average gender/sex differences in some spatial tasks could include androgen exposure at other times, such as mini-puberty, or different social factors experienced by males and females. We also discuss possible explanations for the different outcomes seen in females versus males with CAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcia L Collaer
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
| | - Melissa Hines
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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12
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Davis SM, Reynolds RM, Dabelea DM, Zeitler PS, Tartaglia NR. Testosterone Treatment in Infants With 47,XXY: Effects on Body Composition. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:2276-2285. [PMID: 31737857 PMCID: PMC6846330 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Context Boys with XXY have greater adiposity and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Infants with XXY have lower testosterone concentrations than typical boys, but no studies have evaluated adiposity in infants with XXY or the physiologic effects of giving testosterone replacement. Objective To determine the effect of testosterone on body composition in infants with XXY. Design Prospective, randomized trial. Setting Tertiary care pediatric referral center. Participants 20 infants 6 to 15 weeks of age with 47,XXY. Intervention Testosterone cypionate 25 mg intramuscularly monthly for three doses vs no treatment. Main Outcome Measures Difference in change in adiposity (percent fat mass z scores); other body composition measures, penile length, and safety outcomes between treated and untreated infants; and comparison with typical infants. Results The increase in percent fat mass (%FM) z scores was greater in the untreated group than in the treated group (+0.92 ± 0.62 vs −0.12 ± 0.65, P = 0.004). Increases in secondary outcomes were greater in the testosterone-treated group for total mass, fat-free mass, length z score, stretched penile length, and growth velocity (P < 0.002 for all). At 5 months of age, adiposity in untreated infants with XXY was 26.7% compared with 23.2% in healthy male infants of the same age (P = 0.0037); there was no difference in %FM between the treated XXY boys and controls. Reported side effects were minimal and self-limited; no serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions Adiposity of untreated infants was 15% greater than that of male controls by 5 months of age. Testosterone treatment for infants with XXY resulted in positive changes in body composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanlee M Davis
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Endocrinology, Aurora, Colorado.,Children's Hospital Colorado, eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Regina M Reynolds
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Dana M Dabelea
- University of Colorado, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Philip S Zeitler
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Endocrinology, Aurora, Colorado.,Children's Hospital Colorado, eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Nicole R Tartaglia
- Children's Hospital Colorado, eXtraordinarY Kids Clinic, Aurora, Colorado.,University of Colorado School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Pediatrics, Aurora, Colorado
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13
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Pivik R, Andres A, Tennal KB, Gu Y, Downs H, Bellando BJ, Jarratt K, Cleves MA, Badger TM. Resting gamma power during the postnatal critical period for GABAergic system development is modulated by infant diet and sex. Int J Psychophysiol 2019; 135:73-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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14
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Todd BK, Fischer RA, Di Costa S, Roestorf A, Harbour K, Hardiman P, Barry JA. Sex differences in children's toy preferences: A systematic review, meta-regression, and meta-analysis. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.2064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Brenda K. Todd
- Department of Psychology; City, University of London; London UK
| | | | - Steven Di Costa
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience; University College London; London UK
| | - Amanda Roestorf
- Department of Psychology; City, University of London; London UK
| | | | - Paul Hardiman
- Institute of Women's Health; University College London; London UK
| | - John A. Barry
- Institute of Women's Health; University College London; London UK
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15
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Cho J, Holditch-Davis D, Su X, Phillips V, Biasini F, Carlo WA. Associations Between Hormonal Biomarkers and Cognitive, Motor, and Language Developmental Status in Very Low Birth Weight Infants. Nurs Res 2017; 66:350-358. [PMID: 28661908 PMCID: PMC5604880 DOI: 10.1097/nnr.0000000000000228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Male infants are more prone to health problems and developmental delays than female infants. OBJECTIVES On the basis of theories of gender differences in brain development and social relationships, we explored associations between testosterone and cortisol levels with infant cognitive, motor, and language development ("infant development") in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, controlling for mother-infant interactions, characteristics of mothers and infants, and days of saliva collection after birth. METHODS A total of 62 mother-VLBW infant pairs were recruited from the newborn intensive care unit of a tertiary medical center in the Southeast United States. Data were collected through infant medical record review, biochemical measurement, observation of mother-infant interactions, and standard questionnaires. Infant development was assessed at 6 months corrected age (CA), and mother-infant interactions were observed at 3 and 6 months CA. RESULTS General linear regression with separate analyses for each infant gender showed that high testosterone levels were positively associated with language development of male infants after controlling for mother-infant interactions and other covariates, whereas high cortisol levels were negatively associated with motor development of female infants after controlling for mother-infant interactions. CONCLUSIONS Steroid hormonal levels may well be more fundamental factors for assessing infant development than infant gender or mother-infant interactions at 6 months CA.
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Affiliation(s)
- June Cho
- June Cho, PhD, RN, was Assistant Professor, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, at the time this research was completed. She is now Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. Diane Holditch-Davis, PhD, RN, FAAN, is Professor Emerita, School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. Xiaogang Su, PhD, is Associate Professor, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso. Vivien Phillips, BSN, RN, is Research Nurse Coordinator, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Fred Biasini, PhD, is Associate Professor, Director of Alabama UCEDD and LEND, Director of Civitan/Sparks Clinics, and Director of UAB Early Head Start, Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Waldemar A. Carlo, MD, is Professor, Director of Division of Neonatology, and Director of Newborn Nurseries, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham
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16
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Patisaul HB. Endocrine Disruption of Vasopressin Systems and Related Behaviors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:134. [PMID: 28674520 PMCID: PMC5475378 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that interfere with the organizational or activational effects of hormones. Although the vast majority of the EDC literature focuses on steroid hormone signaling related impacts, growing evidence from a myriad of species reveals that the nonapeptide hormones vasopressin (AVP) and oxytocin (OT) may also be EDC targets. EDCs shown to alter pathways and behaviors coordinated by AVP and/or OT include the plastics component bisphenol A (BPA), the soy phytoestrogen genistein (GEN), and various flame retardants. Many effects are sex specific and likely involve action at nuclear estrogen receptors. Effects include the elimination or reversal of well-characterized sexually dimorphic aspects of the AVP system, including innervation of the lateral septum and other brain regions critical for social and other non-reproductive behaviors. Disruption of magnocellular AVP function has also been reported in rats, suggesting possible effects on hemodynamics and cardiovascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather B. Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Human Health and the Environment, NC State University, Raleigh, NC, United States
- *Correspondence: Heather B. Patisaul,
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17
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Gettler LT, Ryan CP, Eisenberg DTA, Rzhetskaya M, Hayes MG, Feranil AB, Bechayda SA, Kuzawa CW. The role of testosterone in coordinating male life history strategies: The moderating effects of the androgen receptor CAG repeat polymorphism. Horm Behav 2017; 87:164-175. [PMID: 27794482 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2016.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Revised: 10/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Partnered fathers often have lower testosterone than single non-parents, which is theorized to relate to elevated testosterone (T) facilitating competitive behaviors and lower T contributing to nurturing. Cultural- and individual-factors moderate the expression of such psychobiological profiles. Less is known about genetic variation's role in individual psychobiological responses to partnering and fathering, particularly as related to T. We examined the exon 1 CAG (polyglutamine) repeat (CAGn) within the androgen receptor (AR) gene. AR CAGn shapes T's effects after it binds to AR by affecting AR transcriptional activity. Thus, this polymorphism is a strong candidate to influence individual-level profiles of "androgenicity." While males with a highly androgenic profile are expected to engage in a more competitive-oriented life history strategy, low androgenic men are at increased risk of depression, which could lead to similar outcomes for certain familial dynamics, such as marriage stability and parenting. Here, in a large longitudinal study of Filipino men (n=683), we found that men who had high androgenicity (elevated T and shorter CAGn) or low androgenicity (lower T and longer CAGn) showed elevated likelihood of relationship instability over the 4.5-year study period and were also more likely be relatively uninvolved with childcare as fathers. We did not find that CAGn moderated men's T responses to the fatherhood transition. In total, our results provide evidence for invested fathering and relationship stability at intermediate levels of androgenicity and help inform our understanding of variation in male reproductive strategies and the individual hormonal and genetic differences that underlie it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee T Gettler
- Department of Anthropology, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, United States; The Eck Institute for Global Health, University of Notre Dame, United States.
| | - Calen P Ryan
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
| | - Dan T A Eisenberg
- Department of Anthropology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States; Center for Studies in Demography and Ecology, University of Washington, Seattle, United States
| | - Margarita Rzhetskaya
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - M Geoffrey Hayes
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, United States; Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States; Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Alan B Feranil
- USC Office of Population Studies Foundation and Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and History, College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Carlos, Talamban Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Sonny Agustin Bechayda
- USC Office of Population Studies Foundation and Department of Anthropology, Sociology, and History, College of Arts and Sciences, University of San Carlos, Talamban Cebu City, Philippines
| | - Christopher W Kuzawa
- Department of Anthropology, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, United States; Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL 60208, United States
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18
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Rebuli ME, Gibson P, Rhodes CL, Cushing BS, Patisaul HB. Sex differences in microglial colonization and vulnerabilities to endocrine disruption in the social brain. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2016; 238:39-46. [PMID: 27102938 PMCID: PMC5067172 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2016.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
During development, microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, play an important role in synaptic organization. Microglial colonization of the developing brain is sexually dimorphic in some regions, including nuclei critical for the coordination of social behavior, suggesting steroid hormones have an influencing role, particularly estrogen. By extension, microglial colonization may be vulnerable to endocrine disruption. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) to alter brain development and behavior. Developmental exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), a ubiquitous EDC, has been associated with altered sociosexual and mood-related behaviors in various animal models and children. Through a comparison of the promiscuous Wistar rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster), we are the first to observe that developmental exposure to the synthetic estrogen ethinyl estradiol (EE) or BPA alters the sex-specific colonization of the hippocampus and amygdala by microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E Rebuli
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Paul Gibson
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Cassie L Rhodes
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA
| | - Bruce S Cushing
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso 79968, USA
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; W. M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA; NCSU Center for Human Health and the Environment, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA.
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19
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Mailhos A, Buunk AP, del Arca D, Tutte V. Soccer players awarded one or more red cards exhibit lower 2D:4D ratios. Aggress Behav 2016; 42:417-26. [PMID: 26699684 DOI: 10.1002/ab.21638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Anatomical, cognitive and behavioral sex differences are widely recognized in many species. It has been proposed that some of these differences might result from the organizing effects of prenatal sex steroids. In humans, males usually exhibit higher levels of physical aggression and prowess. In this study, we analyze the relationship between second-to-fourth digit (2D:4D) ratios-a proxy for prenatal androgen levels-and foul play and sporting performance in a sample of junior soccer players from a professional Uruguayan soccer club. Our results show that the most aggressive players (i.e., those awarded one or more red cards) have a more masculine finger pattern (lower 2D:4D ratio), while no relationship could be found between sporting performance and 2D:4D ratios. The results are discussed in the context of previous findings. Aggr. Behav. 42:417-426, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Mailhos
- Facultad de Psicología; Universidad de la República (Uruguay); Montevideo Uruguay
| | - Abraham P. Buunk
- University of Groningen; Groningen Netherlands
- Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences; Amsterdam Netherlands
- University of Curaçao; Curaçao, Curaçao
| | - Denise del Arca
- Facultad de Psicología; Universidad Católica del Uruguay; Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Verónica Tutte
- Facultad de Psicología; Universidad Católica del Uruguay; Montevideo, Uruguay
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20
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Rebuli ME, Patisaul HB. Assessment of sex specific endocrine disrupting effects in the prenatal and pre-pubertal rodent brain. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:148-59. [PMID: 26307491 PMCID: PMC4762757 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain sex differences are found in nearly every region of the brain and fundamental to sexually dimorphic behaviors as well as disorders of the brain and behavior. These differences are organized during gestation and early adolescence and detectable prior to puberty. Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) interfere with hormone action and are thus prenatal exposure is hypothesized to disrupt the formation of sex differences, and contribute to the increased prevalence of pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders that present with a sex bias. OBJECTIVE Available evidence for the ability of EDCs to impact the emergence of brain sex differences in the rodent brain was reviewed here, with a focus on effects detected at or before puberty. METHODS The peer-reviewed literature was searched using PubMed, and all relevant papers published by January 31, 2015 were incorporated. Endpoints of interest included molecular cellular and neuroanatomical effects. Studies on behavioral endpoints were not included because numerous reviews of that literature are available. RESULTS The hypothalamus was found to be particularly affected by estrogenic EDCs in a sex, time, and exposure dependent manner. The hippocampus also appears vulnerable to endocrine disruption by BPA and PCBs although there is little evidence from the pre-pubertal literature to make any conclusions about sex-specific effects. Gestational EDC exposure can alter fetal neurogenesis and gene expression throughout the brain including the cortex and cerebellum. The available literature primarily focuses on a few, well characterized EDCs, but little data is available for emerging contaminants. CONCLUSION The developmental EDC exposure literature demonstrates evidence of altered neurodevelopment as early as fetal life, with sex specific effects observed throughout the brain even before puberty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan E Rebuli
- North Carolina State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States; W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States
| | - Heather B Patisaul
- North Carolina State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States; W.M. Keck Center for Behavioral Biology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, United States.
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21
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Todd BK, Barry JA, Thommessen SAO. Preferences for ‘Gender-typed’ Toys in Boys and Girls Aged 9 to 32 Months. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.1986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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22
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Serum hepcidin in infants born after 32 to 37 wk of gestational age. Pediatr Res 2016; 79:608-13. [PMID: 26672736 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2015.258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm infants are at risk of iron deficiency (ID). Hepcidin has been suggested as a good additional indicator of ID in preterm infants, next to ferritin. METHODS In a prospective observational study, we analyzed serum hepcidin in 111 infants born after 32+0 to 36+6 wk gestational age during the first 4 mo of life. RESULTS Hepcidin concentrations decreased during the first 4 mo of life, and concentrations were lower in infants with ID compared to those without ID. Infants who developed ID at the age of 4 mo had already significantly lower levels of hepcidin at 1.5 mo of age, while ferritin was already significantly lower at the age of 1 wk. CONCLUSION Hepcidin concentrations of late preterm infants decrease during the first 4 mo of life. This decrease, which parallels a decrease of ferritin concentration, we interpret as a physiological response, aiming to increase iron availability. Hepcidin concentrations are lower in infants with ID compared with those without ID, with a notable change already observed at 1.5 mo of age. Hepcidin can be used as an early marker of ID, although an additive value of hepcidin over ferritin in the diagnosis of ID is not present.
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Clarkson J, Herbison AE. Hypothalamic control of the male neonatal testosterone surge. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2016; 371:20150115. [PMID: 26833836 PMCID: PMC4785901 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2015.0115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex differences in brain neuroanatomy and neurophysiology underpin considerable physiological and behavioural differences between females and males. Sexual differentiation of the brain is regulated by testosterone secreted by the testes predominantly during embryogenesis in humans and the neonatal period in rodents. Despite huge advances in understanding how testosterone, and its metabolite oestradiol, sexually differentiate the brain, little is known about the mechanism that actually generates the male-specific neonatal testosterone surge. This review examines the evidence for the role of the hypothalamus, and particularly the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, in generating the neonatal testosterone surge in rodents and primates. Kisspeptin-GPR54 signalling is well established as a potent and critical regulator of GnRH neuron activity during puberty and adulthood, and we argue here for an equally important role at birth in driving the male-specific neonatal testosterone surge in rodents. The presence of a male-specific population of preoptic area kisspeptin neurons that appear transiently in the perinatal period provide one possible source of kisspeptin drive to neonatal GnRH neurons in the mouse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Clarkson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
| | - Allan E Herbison
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand
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Xia K, Yu Y, Ahn M, Zhu H, Zou F, Gilmore JH, Knickmeyer RC. Environmental and genetic contributors to salivary testosterone levels in infants. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:187. [PMID: 25400620 PMCID: PMC4214198 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Transient activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in early infancy plays an important role in male genital development and sexual differentiation of the brain, but factors contributing to individual variation in testosterone levels during this period are poorly understood. We measured salivary testosterone levels in 222 infants (119 males, 103 females, 108 singletons, 114 twins) between 2.70 and 4.80 months of age. We tested 16 major demographic and medical history variables for effects on inter-individual variation in salivary testosterone. Using the subset of twins, we estimated genetic and environmental contributions to salivary testosterone levels. Finally, we tested single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within ±5 kb of genes involved in testosterone synthesis, transport, signaling, and metabolism for associations with salivary testosterone using univariate tests and random forest (RF) analysis. We report an association between 5 min APGAR scores and salivary testosterone levels in males. Twin modeling indicated that individual variability in testosterone levels was primarily explained by environmental factors. Regarding genetic variation, univariate tests did not reveal any variants significantly associated with salivary testosterone after adjusting for false discovery rate. The top hit in males was rs10923844, an SNP of unknown function located downstream of HSD3B1 and HSD3B2. The top hits in females were two SNPs located upstream of ESR1 (rs3407085 and rs2295190). RF analysis, which reflects joint and conditional effects of multiple variants, indicated that genes involved in regulation of reproductive function, particularly LHCGR, are related to salivary testosterone levels in male infants, as are genes involved in cholesterol production, transport, and removal, while genes involved in estrogen signaling are related to salivary testosterone levels in female infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Mihye Ahn
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hongtu Zhu
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Fei Zou
- Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John H. Gilmore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca C. Knickmeyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- *Correspondence: Rebecca C. Knickmeyer, Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, 343 Medical Wings C, Campus Box #7160, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7160, USA e-mail:
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25
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Knickmeyer RC, Auyeung B, Davenport ML. Assessing prenatal and neonatal gonadal steroid exposure for studies of human development: methodological and theoretical challenges. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2014; 5:242. [PMID: 25642209 PMCID: PMC4294212 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2014.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C. Knickmeyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- *Correspondence:
| | - Bonnie Auyeung
- School of Philosophy, Psychology, and Language Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Marsha L. Davenport
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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