• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.198-204
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• 2007

Purpose : The hope that arresting pubertal developement might increase final adult height has led to an attempt to use GnRH agonist (GnRHa) in children with early puberty and poor growth prognosis. We investigated the growth-promoting effect of GnRH agonists with or without growth hormone (GH) in girls with early puberty and decreased predicted adult height (PAH). Methods : Thirty five girls with advanced bone age and early pubertal signs were randomized for treatment for about 1 year with monthly GnRHa in group 1 (n=18), or with a combination of GH and GnRHa in group 2 (n=17). The following growth parameters were compared between groups, and the difference ($\Delta$) before and after treatment : chronological age (CA), bone age (BA), $\Delta$(BA-CA), height (HT), target height (TH), predicted adult height (PAH), $\Delta$ (TH-PAH), serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP-3). Results : Before treatment, BA, TH, PAH Standard deviation scores (SDS), $\Delta$(TH-PAH) were not different between the two groups, but CA was higher in group 2 and $\Delta$(BA-CA) were higher in group 1 (P<0.05). After $1.06{\pm}0.93$ year of treatment, $\Delta$ (BA-CA) decreased and there were significant changes in PAH and $\Delta$ (TH-PAH), especially in group 2 (P<0.05 in group 1, and P<0.001 in group 2). In both groups, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 were not different before and after treatment, but after treatment, IGF-1 level in group 2 was marginally higher than IGF-1 in group 1 (P<0.1). Conclusion : Compromised predicted adult height in girls with early puberty and advanced bone age was significantly improved with GnRH with/without GH treatment in the short-term period. The addition of GH to GnRHa results in a significant increase in PAH compared to GnRHa alone because GnRHa suppressed growth hormone-IGF-1 axis. For comparison of final adult height, further longitudinal follow-up will be needed.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.5
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• pp.385-392
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• 2013

Although several studies have assessed the influence of the glycemic index on body weight and blood pressure among adults, limited evidence exists for the pediatric age population. In the current study, we compared the effects of low glycemic index (LGI) diet to the healthy nutritional recommendation (HNR)-based diet on obesity and blood pressure among adolescent girls in pubertal ages. This 10-week parallel randomized clinical trial comprised of 50 overweight or obese and sexually mature girls less than 18 years of age years, who were randomly assigned to LGI or HNR-based diet. Macronutrient distribution was equivalently prescribed in both groups. Blood pressure, weight and waist circumference were measured at baseline and after intervention. Of the 50 participants, 41 subjects (include 82%) completed the study. The GI of the diet in the LGI group was $42.67{\pm}0.067$. A within-group analysis illustrated that in comparison to the baseline values, the body weight and body mass index (not waist circumference and blood pressure) decreased significantly after the intervention in both groups (P = 0.0001). The percent changes of the body weight status, waist circumference and blood pressure were compared between the two groups and the findings did not show any difference between the LGI diet consumers and those in the HNR group. In comparison to the HNR, LGI diet could not change the weight and blood pressure following a 10-week intervention. Further longitudinal studies with a long-term follow up should be conducted in this regard.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.170-180
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• 2020

Objective: To compare short- and long-term dentoalveolar, skeletal, and rotational changes evaluated by Björk's structural method of superimposition between children with Class II malocclusion treated by functional appliances and untreated matched controls. Methods: Seventy-nine prepubertal or pubertal children (mean age, 11.57 ± 1.40 years) with Class II malocclusion were included. Thirty-four children were treated using an activator with a high-pull headgear (Z-activator), while 28 were treated using an activator without a headgear (E-activator). Seventeen untreated children were included as controls. Lateral cephalograms were obtained before treatment (T1), after functional appliance treatment (T2), and after retention in the postpubertal phase (T3). Changes from T1 to T2 and T1 to T3 were compared between the treated groups and control group using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Relative to the findings in the control group at T2, the sagittal jaw relationship (subspinale-nasion-pogonion, p < 0.001), maxillary prognathism (sella-nasion-subspinale, p < 0.05), and condylar growth (p < 0.001) exhibited significant improvements in the Z- and E-activator groups, which also showed a significantly increased maxillary incisor retraction (p < 0.001) and decreased overjet (p < 0.001). Only the E-activator group exhibited significant backward rotation of the maxilla at T2 (p < 0.01). The improvements in the sagittal jaw relationship (p < 0.01) and dental relationship (p < 0.001) remained significant at T3. Condylar growth and jaw rotations were not significant at T3. Conclusions: Functional appliance treatment in children with Class II malocclusion can significantly improve the sagittal jaw relationship and dental relationships in the long term.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.159-165
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• 2020

Previously, we reported adverse effects of low-dose nonylphenol (NP) exposure on the reproductive parameters of F1 female mice. In the present study we further investigated the pathohistological effect of NP exposure on the reproductive organs in F1 female mice. NP exposures were continuously conducted from parental pre-mating period until the postnatal day (PND) 33 of F1 offspring for vaginal examination. Mice were sacrificed on PND 30 and the reproductive tissue weights were measured. The initial (at PND 21) body weights of the NP-50 group animals were significantly lower than those of control group animals, and the weight deficit were recovered when the terminal (PND 33) body weights were measured. Early vaginal opening was found in NP group animals (p<0.05). Pathohistological studies revealed that NP-treated F1 animals showed prominent increase in the ovarian follicle numbers (p<0.01), and decrease in the diameter of uterine myometrium (p<0.01), and increase in the diameter of luminal epithelium (p<0.05). The present study demonstrated that the subchronic low-dose NP exposure induced early beginning of puberty and pathohistological abnormalities in ovary and uterus of F1 mice. Further studies are needed to achieve a better understanding on the action mechanism of NP in pubertal onset and to find a way to avoid a hazardous situation provoked by NP exposure.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.55 no.9
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• pp.344-349
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• 2012

Purpose: Short sleep duration is associated with obesity. Urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin (6-OHMS), the principal metabolite of melatonin, is closely related with sleep. We evaluated the difference in urinary 6-OHMS levels between obese girls and normal weight girls, and the relationship of urinary 6-OHMS with other hormones regulating body weight and metabolism. Methods: A total of 79 girls (6.3 to 12.4 years) were included in this study, of whom 34 were obese; 15, overweight; and 30, normal-weight. We examined their pubertal status and bone age. Fasting serum levels of total ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and first morning urinary 6-OHMS were measured. Homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated from the fasting insulin and glucose levels. Results: There was no significant difference in the creatinine adjusted 6-OHMS levels between the obese girls and the control group. Urinary 6-OHMS did not show any correlations with body mass index (BMI), BMI percentile, total ghrelin, leptin, and HOMA-IR. Negative correlations were found between urinary 6-OHMS levels and chronological and bone ages. Conclusion: Our results suggest that melatonin production is not reduced consistently in obese girls.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.12
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• pp.1370-1376
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• 2009

Purpose:Treatment of precocity with gonadotropin releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) might theoretically exert a detrimental effect on the bone mass during pubertal development. We investigated the short-term changes in bone mineral density (BMD) during GnRHa treatment and the enhancement in the changes with the co-administration of GnRHa and human growth hormone (hGH). Methods:Forty girls with precocious or early puberty who were using GnRHa for more than 1 year were enrolled. Of them, 14 concurrently received hGH. Lumbar bone mineral density was measured before and after the treatment, and bone mineral density-standard deviation scores (BMD-SDSs) were compared according to chronologic age (CA) and bone age (BA), as well as according to the administration of GnRHa alone (Group I) or the co-administration of hGH and GnRHa (Group II). Results:BMDs before and after treatment were in the normal range according to CA but were significantly lower according to BA (P<0.05). During treatment, BMD-SDSs did not change according to CA but significantly increased according to BA (P<0.05). BMD-SDSs in group I did not change during treatment according to CA or BA, while those in group II increased significantly according to BA (P<0.05), but not according to CA. Conclusion:Lumbar BMD was adequate according to CA at initial manifestation of precocity but was lower if compared to BA, that is, BMD did not increase with BA. Because co-treatment with hGH significantly increased BMD-SDSs according to BA, hGH co-treatment could be considered during GnRHa therapy.

• The Korean Journal of Pesticide Science
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.342-350
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• 2008

This study was carried out to investigate the suitability of the pubertal assay and the enhanced TG 407 as methods for detection of endocrine-mediated effects. Thyroid function was also considered. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were gavaged daily with 0, 25, 50, 100 mg/kg metribuzin in corn oil during 30 days. The effects of metribuzin on thyroid gland, the genital organs and thyroid hormone were measured in male and female rats. Dose of metribuzin 50 mg/kg/day increased relative weight of testis, prostate, and seminal vesicle in male rats but relative weight of thyroid gland was not significantly different from control group. Dose of metribuzin 25 mg/kg/day decreased relative weight of thyroid gland in female rats. Another purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of endocrine-disruptors as like thyroid hormone in vitro. Luciferase activity was measured to detect reaction of test chemicals and thyroid hormone response elements in HeLaTRE cell. Dose of metribuzin from 1 to 1,000 nM increased to 106-122% of luciferase activity.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.69-78
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• 2015

A non-traditional forage-based protocol was employed to evaluate replacement heifer growth, fertility, and economics between small frame (SF, 3.50; n = 50) and large frame (LF, 5.56; n = 50) heifers using three increasing gain growth phases. Preceding an 85 d growing-breeding period (Phase 3; P3) the heifers were managed as a common group for Phases 1 and 2 (P1 and P2). During P1, heifers grazed common fields of unharvested corn and corn residue (total digestible nutrients [TDN] 56%) with supplemental hay. For P2, heifers grazed early spring crested wheatgrass pasture (CWG; TDN 62%) that was followed by the final P3 drylot growing and breeding period (TDN 68%). Small frame heifers were lighter at the end of P1 in May and at the start of P3 breeding in August (p = 0.0002). Percent of mature body weight (BW) at the end of P1 (209 d) was 48.7% and 46.8%, respectively, for the SF and LF heifers and the percent pubertal was lower for SF than for LF heifers (18.0% vs 40.0%; p = 0.02). At breeding initiation (P3), the percentage of mature BW was 57.8 and 57.2 and the percentage pubertal was 90.0 and 96.0 (p = 0.07) for the SF and LF heifers, respectively; a 5-fold increase for SF heifers. Breeding cycle pregnancy on days 21, 42, and 63, and total percent pregnant did not differ (p>0.10). In drylot, SF heifer dry matter intake (DMI) was 20.1% less (p = 0.001) and feed cost/d was 20.3% lower (p = 0.001), but feed cost/kg of gain did not differ between SF and LF heifers (p = 0.41). Economically important live animal measurements for muscling were measured in May and at the end of the study in October. SF heifers had greater L. dorsi muscle area per unit of BW than LF heifers (p = 0.03). Small frame heifer value was lower at weaning (p = 0.005) and the non-pregnant ending heifer value was lower for SF heifers than for the LF heifers (p = 0.005). However, the total development cost was lower for SF heifers (p = 0.001) and the net cost per pregnant heifer, after accounting for the sale of non-pregnant heifers, was lower for SF heifers (p = 0.004). These data suggest that high breeding efficiency can be attained among March-April born SF and LF virgin heifers when transitioned to a more favorable May-June calving period through the strategic use of grazed and harvested forages resulting in a lower net cost per pregnant SF heifer.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.90-94
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• 2013

Background: This study was conducted to examine if basal luteinizing hormone (LH) levels could be useful for screening central precocious puberty (CPP) in girls. Methods: A total of 90 girls under the age of 8 years were included in this study. They underwent the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test at Good Gang-An Hospital from March 2008 to December 2012 for evaluation of premature sexual development. Patients were classified into two groups: the pubertal response group of patients who had 5 IU/L peak LH levels in the GnRH stimulation test, and the prepubertal response group of patients who had LH levels <5 IU/L. Chronological and bone ages, height, weight, body mass index, gonadotropin response to GnRH stimulation, and basal levels of LH, follicle-stimulating hormone, and estradiol were studied in both groups. The relationship between basal LH and peak-stimulated LH was evaluated using Spearman's correlation. To determine the optimal cut-off values of basal LH levels for differentiating between two groups, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed. Results: When the correlation between basal LH levels and peak LH after GnRH stimulation was analyzed in all subjects (N=90), basal LH levels had a statistically significant positive correlation with peak stimulated LH levels (rs=0.493, p<0.001). The cut-off level of optimal basal LH was 0.1 IU/L, according to the ROC curves. Its sensitivity was 73.3%, and its specificity was 77.8%. Conclusion: The study results showed that serum basal LH levels are useful for screening CPP in girls.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.8
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• pp.294-300
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• 2015

Purpose: It is difficult to differentiate between central precocious puberty (CPP) and premature thelarche (PT) in girls. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic usefulness of pelvic ultrasonography to distinguish between CPP and PT in girls with early breast development. Methods: This study included girls with early breast development who visited the clinic between January 2012 and December 2013. Clinical, laboratory, and pelvic ultrasonographic data were evaluated. CPP and PT were confirmed using the gonadotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test. Results: A total of 248 girls aged 7-8 years were included, among whom 186 (75.0%) had CPP and 62 (25.0%) had PT. The uterine length, transverse diameter, fundus, volume, and cross-sectional area were significantly larger in the CPP group (uterine length, $2.45{\pm}0.50cm$ vs. $2.63{\pm}0.49cm$, P=0.015; uterine volume, $0.95{\pm}0.62cm^3$ vs. $1.35{\pm}0.76cm^3$, P<0.001). However, there were no differences in the fundus/cervix ratio and ovarian measurements. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, a uterine volume of at least $1.07cm^3$ was the most predictive parameter for CPP with an area under the curve of 0.670 (95% confidence interval, 0.593-0.747). Conclusion: Uterine measurements by pelvic ultrasonography in girls with early pubertal development were significantly larger in the CPP group. However, the diagnostic value of ultrasonographic parameters was not high because of a considerable overlap of values between the two groups. Therefore, pelvic ultrasonography in combination with clinical and laboratory tests may be useful to distinguish between CPP and PT in girls.