Related Experiment Videos
Adrenarche - physiology, biochemistry and human disease
Richard J Auchus1, William E Rainey
1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA. richard.auchus@UTSouthwestern.edu
Clinical Endocrinology
|March 11, 2004
Summary
Adrenarche, the early production of adrenal androgens like DHEA-S, begins around age six, leading to pubic hair development. Understanding adrenarche is crucial as its variations may predict adult diseases.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Human Biology
- Primatology
Background:
- Adrenarche is the onset of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-sulphate (DHEA-S) production by the adrenal zona reticularis, typically around age six.
- The phenotypic manifestation is pubarche (development of axillary and pubic hair) around age eight in both sexes.
- This unique human and Old World primate phenomenon may reverse with aging and has clinical implications for adult diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical manifestations of adrenarche.
- To detail the biochemistry of enzymes involved in DHEA-S production.
- To explore the cell biology of the adrenal zona reticularis during adrenarche.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical manifestations of adrenarche.
- Biochemical analysis of enzymes in DHEA-S synthesis.
- Cellular biology investigation of the adrenal zona reticularis.
Main Results:
- Adrenarche is characterized by increased DHEA and DHEA-S production starting around age six.
- Pubarche typically occurs around age eight as a result of adrenarche.
- Biochemical pathways and key enzymes in the adrenal zona reticularis are associated with adrenarche progression.
Conclusions:
- Adrenarche is a distinct developmental stage with significant clinical relevance, particularly concerning premature or exaggerated onset.
- While triggers remain speculative, the biochemical and cellular processes of adrenarche are increasingly understood.
- Further research into adrenarche is vital for predicting and potentially preventing associated adult diseases.