Twenty-four hours secretion pattern of serum estradiol in healthy prepubertal and pubertal boys as determined by a validated ultra-sensitive extraction RIA

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The role of estrogens in male physiology has become evident. However, clinically useful normative data for estradiol secretion in boys has not previously been established due to the insensitivity of current methods used in clinical routine. By use of a validated ultra-sensitive extraction RIA, our aim was to establish normative data from a group consisting of healthy boys in prepuberty and during pubertal development.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Sixty-two 24-hours serum profiles (6 samples/24 hours) were obtained from 44 healthy boys (ages; 7.2–18.6 years) during their pubertal development, classified into five stages: prepuberty (testis, 1–2 mL), early (testis, 3–6 mL), mid (testis, 8–12 mL), late-1 (testis,15–25 mL, not reached final height) and late-2 (testis,15–25 mL, reached final height). Serum estradiol was determined by an ultra- sensitive extraction radioimmunoassay with detection limit 4 pmol/L and functional sensitivity 6 pmol/L.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Mean estradiol concentrations during 24-hours secretion increased from prepuberty (median: <4 (5–95 percentiles: <4 – 7) pmol/L) to early puberty (6 (<4 – 12 pmol/L) but then remained relatively constant until a marked increase between mid-puberty (8 (4 – 17) pmol/L) and late-1 (21 (12 – 37) pmol/L) puberty, followed by a slower increase until late-2 puberty (32 (20 – 47) pmol/L). The diurnal rhythm of serum estradiol was non-measurable in pre- and early puberty, but discerned in mid-puberty, and become evident in late pubertal stages with peak values at 0600 to 1000 h.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>With the use of an ultra-sensitive extraction RIA, we have provided clinically useful normative data for estradiol secretion in boys.</p

The Public Domain

Background/Aims: Growth Hormone (GH) dosage in childhood is adjusted for body size, but there is no consensus whether body weight (BW) or body surface area (BSA) should be used. We aimed at comparing the biological effect and cost-effectiveness of GH treatment dosed per m(2) BSA in comparison with dosing per kg BW in girls with Turner syndrome (TS). Methods: Serum IGF-I, GH dose, and adult height gain (AHG) from girls participating in two Dutch and five Swedish studies on the efficacy of GH were analyzed, and the cumulative GH dose and costs were calculated for both dose adjustment methods. Additional medication included estrogens (if no spontaneous puberty occurred) and oxandrolone in some studies. Results: At each GH dose, the serum IGF-I standard deviation score remained stable over time after an initial increase after the start of treatment. On a high dose (at 1 m(2) equivalent to 0.056-0.067 mg/kg/day), AHG was at least equal on GH dosed per m(2) BSA compared with dosing per kg BW. The cumulative dose and cost were significantly lower if the GH dose was adjusted for m(2) BSA. Conclusion: Dosing GH per m(2) BSA is at least as efficacious as dosing per kg BW, and is more cost-effective. (c) 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel

Evo-devo of human adolescence: beyond disease models of early puberty

Despite substantial heritability in pubertal development, much variation remains to be explained, leaving room for the influence of environmental factors to adjust its phenotypic trajectory in the service of fitness goals. Utilizing evolutionary development biology (evo-devo), we examine adolescence as an evolutionary life-history stage in its developmental context. We show that the transition from the preceding stage of juvenility entails adaptive plasticity in response to energy resources, other environmental cues, social needs of adolescence and maturation toward youth and adulthood. Using the evolutionary theory of socialization, we show that familial psychosocial stress fosters a fast life history and reproductive strategy rather than early maturation being just a risk factor for aggression and delinquency. Here we explore implications of an evolutionary-developmental-endocrinological-anthropological framework for theory building, while illuminating new directions for research

Estradiol matrix patches for pubertal induction : stability of cut pieces at different temperatures

Objective: Transdermal estradiol patches are primarily designed for adult women. No low-dose patches are licensed for pubertal induction in hypogonadal girls. Low doses can be achieved by cutting a matrix patch into smaller pieces. However, the manufacturers do not guarantee stability or utility of cut estradiol patches. The aim of the study was to assess 1-month stability of cut estradiol patches from four different manufacturers in the laboratory at room temperature (+21 degrees C) and at an elevated temperature (+35 degrees C). Design and methods: Estraderm MX 50 mu g, Systen 50 mu g and Oesclim 25 mu g matrix patches were cut into eight pieces while Estradot 50 mu g small patches were cut in half. The cut patches were stored in their respective pouches at +21 degrees C or at +35 degrees C for up to 1 month. The estradiol drug was extracted from the patch by ethyl acetate n-hexane and determined by radioimmunoassay. Results: Storage at +21 degrees C or +35 degrees C up to 1 month did not reduce the estradiol concentration in Estraderm MX, Systen and Oesclim patches. However, although the estradiol in Estradot patches was not affected by storage at +21 degrees C, at +35 degrees C, estradiol decreased by 57% (+/- 1%) in cut pieces. Conclusions: Unused Estraderm MX, Systen and Oesclim patch pieces may be stored for at least 1 month at &lt;=+35 degrees C. Where estradiol patches for children are not available, cut pieces of these or similar patches can be used for pubertal induction. The Estradot patch was too small to properly cut into low doses and not stable in elevated temperatures