Search Results

You are looking at 91 - 100 of 479 items for

  • Abstract: adrenarche x
  • Abstract: amenorrhoea x
  • Abstract: fertility x
  • Abstract: Gender x
  • Abstract: Hypogonadism x
  • Abstract: infertility x
  • Abstract: Kallmann x
  • Abstract: Klinefelter x
  • Abstract: menopause x
  • Abstract: puberty x
  • Abstract: testes x
  • Abstract: transsexual x
  • Abstract: Turner x
  • Abstract: sperm* x
  • Abstract: ovary x
Clear All Modify Search
D Santi Unit of Endocrinology, Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
Unit of Endocrinology, Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

Search for other papers by D Santi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
A R M Granata Unit of Endocrinology, Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

Search for other papers by A R M Granata in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
M Simoni Unit of Endocrinology, Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
Unit of Endocrinology, Unit of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy

Search for other papers by M Simoni in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Introduction

The aim of this study is to comprehensively evaluate whether FSH administration to the male partner of infertile couples improves pregnancy rate, spontaneously and/or after assisted reproductive techniques (ART).

Methods

Meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials in which FSH was administered for male idiopathic infertility, compared with placebo or no treatment. Randomization was not considered as an inclusion criterion.

Results

We found 15 controlled clinical studies (614 men treated with FSH and 661 treated with placebo or untreated). Concerning the type of FSH, eight studies used recombinant FSH, whereas seven studies used purified FSH. Nine studies evaluated spontaneous pregnancy rate, resulting in an overall odds ratio (OR) of about 4.5 (CI: 2.17–9.33). Eight studies evaluated pregnancy rate after ART, showing a significant OR of 1.60 (CI: 1.08–2.37). Sub-dividing studies according to the FSH preparations (purified/recombinant), pregnancy rate improvement remained significant for each preparation. Eleven studies considered sperm quality after FSH treatment, finding a significant improvement of sperm concentration (2.66×106/ml, CI: 0.47–4.84), but not of concentration of sperm with progressive motility (1.22×106/ml, CI: −0.07 to 2.52). Three trials evaluated testicular volume, showing a non-significant increase in men treated (1.35 ml, CI: −0.44 to 3.14).

Conclusion

The results of controlled clinical trials available in the literature indicate an improvement of pregnancy rate after FSH administration to the male partner of infertile couples, both spontaneously and after ART. However, the heterogeneity of studies, the high risk of bias and the lack of precise criteria to guide FSH administration limit the strength of these results. Future studies should be designed to identify the markers of FSH response which are helpful in the decision-making process. Meanwhile, the use of FSH in the treatment of male infertility should be cautious.

Open access
Pravik Solanki Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Search for other papers by Pravik Solanki in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Beng Eu Prahran Market Clinic, Victoria, Australia
Department of General Practice, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Search for other papers by Beng Eu in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jeremy Smith Faculty of Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia

Search for other papers by Jeremy Smith in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Carolyn Allan Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Search for other papers by Carolyn Allan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Kevin Lee Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia

Search for other papers by Kevin Lee in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Hypogonadism can result following anabolic steroid abuse. The duration and degree of recovery from anabolic steroid-induced hypogonadism (ASIH) is immensely variable, and there is a paucity of prospective controlled data characterising the trajectory of natural recovery following cessation. This poses difficulties for users trying to stop androgen abuse, and clinicians wanting to assist them. The objective of this paper was to synthesise evidence on the physical, psychological and biochemical patterns of ASIH recovery. We present the pathophysiology of ASIH through a literature review of hypothalamic–pituitary–testosterone axis recovery in supraphysiological testosterone exposure. This is followed by a scoping review of relevant observational and interventional studies published on PubMed and finally, a conclusion that is an easy reference for clinicians helping patients that are recovering from AAS abuse. Results indicate that ASIH recovery depends on age and degree of androgen abuse, with physical changes like testicular atrophy expected to have near full recovery over months to years; spermatogenesis expected to achieve full recovery over months to years; libido returning to baseline over several months (typically less potent than during AAS use); and recovery from gynaecomastia being unlikely. For psychological recovery, data are insufficient and conflicting, indicating a transient withdrawal period which may be followed by persisting longer-term milder symptoms. For biochemical recovery, near complete recovery of testosterone is seen over months, and complete gonadotropin recovery is expected over 3–6 months. Further prospective studies are indicated to more closely describe patterns of recovery.

Open access
Jan-Bernd Stukenborg NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

Search for other papers by Jan-Bernd Stukenborg in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Kirsi Jahnukainen NORDFERTIL Research Lab Stockholm, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
Division of Haematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland

Search for other papers by Kirsi Jahnukainen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Marsida Hutka MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK

Search for other papers by Marsida Hutka in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Rod T Mitchell MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK

Search for other papers by Rod T Mitchell in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Testicular function and future fertility may be affected by cancer treatment during childhood. Whilst survival of the germ (stem) cells is critical for ensuring the potential for fertility in these patients, the somatic cell populations also play a crucial role in providing a suitable environment to support germ cell maintenance and subsequent development. Regulation of the spermatogonial germ-stem cell niche involves many signalling pathways with hormonal influence from the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. In this review, we describe the somatic cell populations that comprise the testicular germ-stem cell niche in humans and how they may be affected by cancer treatment during childhood. We also discuss the experimental models that may be utilized to manipulate the somatic environment and report the results of studies that investigate the potential role of somatic cells in the protection of the germ cells in the testis from cancer treatment.

Open access
Jens F Rehfeld Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Search for other papers by Jens F Rehfeld in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

The birth certificate for endocrinology was Bayliss’ and Starling’s demonstration in 1902 that regulation of bodily functions is not only neuronal but also due to blood-borne messengers. Starling named these messengers hormones. Since then transport via blood has defined hormones. This definition, however, may be too narrow. Thus, today we know that several peptide hormones are not only produced and released to blood from endocrine cells but also released from neurons, myocytes, immune cells, endothelial cells, spermatogenic cells, fat cells, etc. And they are often secreted in cell-specific molecular forms with more or less different spectra of activity. The present review depicts this development with the story about cholecystokinin which was discovered in 1928 as a hormone and still in 1976 was conceived as a single blood-borne peptide. Today’s multifaceted picture of cholecystokinin suggests that time may be ripe for expansion of the hormone concept to all messenger molecules, which activate their target cells – irrespective of their road to the target (endocrine, neurocrine, neuronal, paracrine, autocrine, etc.) and irrespective of their kind of activity as classical hormone, growth factor, neurotransmitter, adipokine, cytokine, myokine, or fertility factor.

Open access
A Rehfeld Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark

Search for other papers by A Rehfeld in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
D L Egeberg Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark

Search for other papers by D L Egeberg in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
K Almstrup Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark

Search for other papers by K Almstrup in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
J H Petersen Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
Department of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Search for other papers by J H Petersen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
S Dissing Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Search for other papers by S Dissing in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
N E Skakkebæk Department of Growth and Reproduction, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Denmark
International Center for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), University of Copenhagen, Rigshospitalet, Denmark

Search for other papers by N E Skakkebæk in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Human sperm cell function must be precisely regulated to achieve natural fertilization. Progesterone released by the cumulus cells surrounding the egg induces a Ca2+ influx into human sperm cells via the CatSper Ca2+-channel and thereby controls sperm function. Multiple chemical UV filters have been shown to induce a Ca2+ influx through CatSper, thus mimicking the effect of progesterone on Ca2+ signaling. We hypothesized that these UV filters could also mimic the effect of progesterone on sperm function. We examined 29 UV filters allowed in sunscreens in the US and/or EU for their ability to affect acrosome reaction, penetration, hyperactivation and viability in human sperm cells. We found that, similar to progesterone, the UV filters 4-MBC, 3-BC, Meradimate, Octisalate, BCSA, HMS and OD-PABA induced acrosome reaction and 3-BC increased sperm penetration into a viscous medium. The capacity of the UV filters to induce acrosome reaction and increase sperm penetration was positively associated with the ability of the UV filters to induce a Ca2+ influx. None of the UV filters induced significant changes in the proportion of hyperactivated cells. In conclusion, chemical UV filters that mimic the effect of progesterone on Ca2+ signaling in human sperm cells can similarly mimic the effect of progesterone on acrosome reaction and sperm penetration. Human exposure to these chemical UV filters may impair fertility by interfering with sperm function, e.g. through induction of premature acrosome reaction. Further studies are needed to confirm the results in vivo.

Open access
Pamela Stratton Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Search for other papers by Pamela Stratton in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Neelam Giri Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Search for other papers by Neelam Giri in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Sonia Bhala Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Search for other papers by Sonia Bhala in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Martha M Sklavos Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA

Search for other papers by Martha M Sklavos in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Blanche P Alter Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Search for other papers by Blanche P Alter in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Sharon A Savage Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Search for other papers by Sharon A Savage in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Ligia A Pinto Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland, USA

Search for other papers by Ligia A Pinto in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Fanconi anemia (FA), dyskeratosis congenita-related telomere biology disorders (DC/TBD), and Diamond–Blackfan anemia (DBA) are inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) with high risks of bone marrow failure, leukemia, and solid tumors. Individuals with FA have reduced fertility. Previously, we showed low levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), a circulating marker of ovarian reserve, in females with IBMFS. In males, AMH may be a direct marker of Sertoli cell function and an indirect marker of spermatogenesis. In this study, we assessed serum AMH levels in pubertal and postpubertal males with FA, DC/TBD, or DBA and compared this with their unaffected male relatives and unrelated healthy male volunteers. Males with FA had significantly lower levels of AMH (median: 5 ng/mL, range: 1.18–6.75) compared with unaffected male relatives (median: 7.31 ng/mL, range: 3.46–18.82, P = 0.03) or healthy male volunteers (median: 7.66 ng/mL, range: 3.3–14.67, P = 0.008). Males with DC/TBD had lower levels of AMH (median: 3.76 ng/mL, range: 0–8.9) compared with unaffected relatives (median: 5.31 ng/mL, range: 1.2–17.77, P = 0.01) or healthy volunteers (median: 5.995 ng/mL, range: 1.57–14.67, P < 0.001). Males with DBA had similar levels of AMH (median: 3.46 ng/mL, range: 2.32–11.85) as unaffected relatives (median: 4.66 ng/mL, range: 0.09–13.51, P = 0.56) and healthy volunteers (median: 5.81 ng/mL, range: 1.57–14.67, P = 0.10). Our findings suggest a defect in the production of AMH in postpubertal males with FA and DC/TBD, similar to that observed in females. These findings warrant confirmation in larger prospective studies.

Open access
Silvia Ciancia Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Search for other papers by Silvia Ciancia in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Vanessa Dubois Basic and Translational Endocrinology (BaTE), Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

Search for other papers by Vanessa Dubois in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Martine Cools Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Pediatric Endocrinology Service, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium

Search for other papers by Martine Cools in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Both in the United States and Europe, the number of minors who present at transgender healthcare services before the onset of puberty is rapidly expanding. Many of those who will have persistent gender dysphoria at the onset of puberty will pursue long-term puberty suppression before reaching the appropriate age to start using gender-affirming hormones. Exposure to pubertal sex steroids is thus significantly deferred in these individuals. Puberty is a critical period for bone development: increasing concentrations of estrogens and androgens (directly or after aromatization to estrogens) promote progressive bone growth and mineralization and induce sexually dimorphic skeletal changes. As a consequence, safety concerns regarding bone development and increased future fracture risk in transgender youth have been raised. We here review published data on bone development in transgender adolescents, focusing in particular on differences in age and pubertal stage at the start of puberty suppression, chosen strategy to block puberty progression, duration of puberty suppression, and the timing of re-evaluation after estradiol or testosterone administration. Results consistently indicate a negative impact of long-term puberty suppression on bone mineral density, especially at the lumbar spine, which is only partially restored after sex steroid administration. Trans girls are more vulnerable than trans boys for compromised bone health. Behavioral health measures that can promote bone mineralization, such as weight-bearing exercise and calcium and vitamin D supplementation, are strongly recommended in transgender youth, during the phase of puberty suppression and thereafter.

Open access
Claus H Gravholt Department of Endocrinology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark

Search for other papers by Claus H Gravholt in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Alberto Ferlin Department of Medicine, Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

Search for other papers by Alberto Ferlin in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Joerg Gromoll Centre of Reproductive Medicine and Andrology, Münster, Germany

Search for other papers by Joerg Gromoll in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Anders Juul Department of Growth and Reproduction Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark

Search for other papers by Anders Juul in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Armin Raznahan Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, National Institute of Mental Health Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA

Search for other papers by Armin Raznahan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Sophie van Rijn Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands and TRIXY Center of Expertise, Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), Leiden, The Netherlands

Search for other papers by Sophie van Rijn in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Alan D Rogol Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA

Search for other papers by Alan D Rogol in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Anne Skakkebæk Department of Molecular Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
Department of Clinical Genetics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark

Search for other papers by Anne Skakkebæk in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Nicole Tartaglia Department of Pediatrics, Developmental Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA

Search for other papers by Nicole Tartaglia in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Hanna Swaab Clinical Neurodevelopmental Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands and TRIXY Center of Expertise, Leiden University Treatment and Expertise Centre (LUBEC), Leiden, The Netherlands

Search for other papers by Hanna Swaab in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

The 3rd International Workshop on Klinefelter Syndrome, Trisomy X, and 47,XYY syndrome was held in Leiden, the Netherlands, on September 12–14, 2022.

Here, we review new data presented at the workshop and discuss scientific and clinical trajectories. We focus on shortcomings in knowledge and therefore point out future areas for research.

We focus on the genetics and genomics of supernumerary sex chromosome syndromes with new data being presented. Most knowledge centre specifically on Klinefelter syndrome, where aspects on testosterone deficiency and the relation to bone, muscle and fat were discussed, as was infertility and the treatment thereof. Both trisomy X and 47,XYY syndrome are frequently affected by infertility.

Transitioning of males with Klinefelter syndrome was addressed, as this seemingly simple process in practise is often difficult.

It is now realized that neurocognitive changes are pervasive in all supernumerary sex chromosome syndromes, which were extensively discussed. New intervention projects were also described, and exciting new data concerning these were presented.

Advocacy organizations were present, describing the enormous burden carried by parents when having to explain their child’s specific syndrome to most professionals whenever in contact with health care and education systems. It was also pointed out that most countries do not have health care systems that diagnose patients with supernumerary sex chromosome syndromes, thus pinpointing a clear deficiency in the current genetic testing and care models.

At the end of the workshop, a roadmap towards the development of new international clinical care guidelines for Klinefelter syndrome was decided.

Open access
Teodoro Durá-Travé Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
Department of Pediatrics, Navarra Hospital Complex, Pamplona, Spain
Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdisNA), Pamplona, Spain

Search for other papers by Teodoro Durá-Travé in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Fidel Gallinas-Victoriano Department of Pediatrics, Navarra Hospital Complex, Pamplona, Spain

Search for other papers by Fidel Gallinas-Victoriano in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
María Malumbres-Chacon Department of Pediatrics, Navarra Hospital Complex, Pamplona, Spain

Search for other papers by María Malumbres-Chacon in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Lotfi Ahmed-Mohamed Department of Pediatrics, Navarra Hospital Complex, Pamplona, Spain

Search for other papers by Lotfi Ahmed-Mohamed in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
María Jesús Chueca -Guindulain Department of Pediatrics, Navarra Hospital Complex, Pamplona, Spain
Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdisNA), Pamplona, Spain

Search for other papers by María Jesús Chueca -Guindulain in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Sara Berrade-Zubiri Department of Pediatrics, Navarra Hospital Complex, Pamplona, Spain
Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdisNA), Pamplona, Spain

Search for other papers by Sara Berrade-Zubiri in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze whether some auxological characteristics or a single basal gonadotropin measurement will be sufficient to distinguish the prepubertal from pubertal status.

Methods

Auxologycal characteristics were recorded and serum LH and FSH were measured by immunochemiluminescence assays before and after GnRH stimulation test in a sample of 241 Caucasian girls with breast budding between 6- and 8-years old. Peak LH levels higher than 5 IU/L were considered a pubertal response. Area under the curve, cut-off points, sensitivity, and specificity for auxologycal variables and basal gonadotropins levels were determined by receiver operating curves.

Results

There were no significant differences in age at onset, weight, height, BMI and height velocity between both groups. Bone age was significantly higher in pubertal girls (P < 0.05), although with limited discriminatory capacity. The sensitivity and specificity for the basal LH levels were 89 and 82%, respectively, for a cut off point of 0.1 IU/L. All girls in the pubertal group had a basal LH higher than 1.0 IU/L (positive predictive value of 100%). There was a wide overlap of basal FSH and LH/FSH ratio between prepubertal and pubertal girls.

Conclusions

Auxologycal characteristics should not be used only in the differential diagnosis between prepubertal from pubertal status in 6- to 8-year-old girls. We found a high specificity of a single basal LH sample and it would be useful for establishing the diagnosis of puberty in this age group, reducing the need for GnRH stimulation testing.

Open access
Mei Li Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China

Search for other papers by Mei Li in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Yanfei Chen Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China

Search for other papers by Yanfei Chen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Binrong Liao Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China

Search for other papers by Binrong Liao in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jing Tang Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China

Search for other papers by Jing Tang in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
,
Jingzi Zhong Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China

Search for other papers by Jingzi Zhong in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close
, and
Dan Lan Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China

Search for other papers by Dan Lan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Close

Objective

To evaluate the characteristics and significance of serum kisspeptin and makorin ring finger protein 3 (MKRN3) levels for the diagnosis of central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls.

Method

Thirty four individuals with CPP, 17 individuals with premature thelarche (PT), and 28 age-matched prepubertal girls as normal control (NC) were recruited in this case–control study. Physical measurements included BMI and tests for breast, bone, and sexual characteristics. Biochemical measurements included serum LH, FSH, estradiol, insulin-like growth factor-1, MKRN3, and kisspeptin. Blood samples were taken from individuals with CPP and PT before the gonadotrophin-releasing hormone stimulation test and at 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after injection with triptorelin.

Results

Serum kisspeptin levels were higher in the CPP group when compared to the NC group (P = 0.020), while serum MKRN3 levels were lower in the two groups (P = 0.028). There were no significant differences between the CPP and PT groups as well as the PT and NC groups (all, P > 0.05). The cut-off value of serum kisspeptin differentiating patients with CPP from those without CPP was 0.40 nmol/L, with 82.4% sensitivity and 57.1% specificity, while the cut-off value of serum MKRN3 was 0.33 pmol/L, with 79.4% sensitivity and 53.6% specificity. The area under the curves (AUCs) of both kisspeptin and MKRN3 for differentiating those girls with CPP from PT were less than 0.5.

Conclusions

Serum levels of kisspeptin and MKRN3 may play an auxiliary role in predicting CPP. However, the two measurements were not able to differentiate girls with CPP from PT and prepubertal control. This study emphasizes the need to search for markers to simplify the accurate diagnosis of CPP in girls.

Open access