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Related Concept Videos

Signs of Puberty01:27

Signs of Puberty

Puberty is a critical phase, typically beginning between the ages of 8 and 13 in girls and 9 and 14 in boys, though timing can vary based on genetics, environmental factors, and overall health. This period is characterized by the development of secondary sexual characteristics and the attainment of reproductive potential. Endocrine changes underpin puberty, with hormonal surges of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) instigated by Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH)...
Oogenesis02:07

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In human women, oogenesis produces one mature egg cell or ovum for every precursor cell that enters meiosis. This process differs in two unique ways from the equivalent procedure of spermatogenesis in males. First, meiotic divisions during oogenesis are asymmetric, meaning that a large oocyte (containing most of the cytoplasm) and minor polar body are produced as a result of meiosis I, and again following meiosis II. Since only oocytes will go on to form embryos if fertilized, this unequal...
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Oogenesis,  the process of developing egg cells (female gametes), occurs within the ovaries and is fundamental to female fertility. This sequence begins during fetal development when diploid oogonia in the developing ovaries undergo mitotic divisions to produce primary oocytes. By birth, these primary oocytes enter prophase I of meiosis but become arrested in this stage, remaining suspended until puberty.
Each primary oocyte is surrounded by a layer of pre-granulosa cells, forming what is known...
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle01:30

Hormonal Control of the Ovarian Cycle

The ovarian cycle is meticulously regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. This cycle orchestrates the release of a mature oocyte, essential for reproduction.
Before puberty, the hypothalamus releases GnRH in a low frequency, low amplitude pulsatile manner. This along with the immature hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity, results in low estrogen levels and the absence of a fully functional ovarian cycle.  At puberty, GnRH secretion increases in both frequency and...
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors01:24

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Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) are potential complications that arise during pharmacotherapy, influenced by multiple risk factors. Age plays a significant role; both neonates and the elderly are at heightened risk due to their respective immature and diminished metabolic and elimination processes. Gender also impacts ADRs, with females experiencing a 1.5 to 1.7-fold greater risk than males, which may be linked to pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and hormonal differences. Notably, neonates, the...

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Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats
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Oestrogenic mycotoxin exposures and precocious pubertal development.

F Massart1, G Saggese

  • 1Pediatric Endocrine Center, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. massart@med.unipi.it

International Journal of Andrology
|December 17, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Exposure to zearalenone (ZEA), an estrogenic mycotoxin, is linked to early puberty in children. ZEA mimics estrogen, potentially disrupting the endocrine system and causing premature thelarche and precocious puberty, particularly in girls.

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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

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Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
07:08

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants

Published on: March 6, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Toxicology
  • Environmental Health

Background:

  • Endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) are a global concern due to potential health effects, including impacts on pubertal timing.
  • Zearalenone (ZEA), a mycotoxin from Fusarium species, exhibits estrogenic and anabolic properties, posing a risk through contaminated food and animal products.
  • Zeranol (alpha-ZAL), a ZEA derivative, has been used as a cattle growth promoter, raising concerns about human exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between exposure to estrogenic mycotoxins like ZEA and the development of early puberty.
  • To explore the mechanism by which ZEA may affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and pubertal development.
  • To review evidence linking mycotoxin exposure to conditions such as premature thelarche and precocious puberty.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on endocrine disrupters, mycotoxins, and pubertal development.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data, including the Puerto Rico epidemic of premature thelarche and precocious puberty.
  • Examination of molecular mechanisms, including ZEA's interaction with estrogen receptors (ERs).

Main Results:

  • Epidemiological studies and animal data support a link between estrogenic mycotoxins and early pubertal development.
  • ZEA and its metabolites can mimic 17beta-estradiol, binding to ERs and exerting estrogenic actions.
  • Exposure to ZEA is suspected as a triggering factor for precocious pubertal development, especially in prepubertal girls.

Conclusions:

  • Estrogenic mycotoxins, particularly ZEA, are implicated as potential environmental triggers for precocious puberty.
  • Human exposure to ZEA through diet may dysregulate the endocrine system, leading to adverse pubertal outcomes.
  • Further research is warranted to fully understand the impact of ZEA and other mycotoxins on human reproductive health and development.