Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Signs of Puberty

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)...

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives

The first thing a clinician sees is the skin, so the examination of the skin should be part of any thorough physical examination. Most skin disorders are relatively benign, but a few, including melanomas, can be fatal if untreated. A couple of the more noticeable disorders, albinism and vitiligo, affect the appearance of the skin and its accessory organs.
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...

Pigmentation

Pigmentation

The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...

Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Latency

Psychosexual Stages of Personality: Latency

Following the phallic stage in Freud's theory of psychosexual development, children enter a phase called the latency period, which lasts from approximately six to twelve years of age. Unlike earlier stages, where sexual impulses played a central role, Freud believed these impulses are repressed during the latency period, becoming part of the unconscious. This stage is often described as a time of psychological calm after the turbulence of the phallic stage.
The latency period is not considered...

Conduct Disorder

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness

The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness

The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Seafood consumption and incident diabetes mellitus in middle-aged and elderly Chinese: results from the 4 C study.

Nutrition journal·2026

Same author

Sex-specific obesity paradox and type 2 myocardial infarction in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients.

Biology of sex differences·2026

Same author

Clinical Analysis of 14 Cases with Androgen-Secreting Ovarian Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Literature Review.

Neuro endocrinology letters·2025

Same author

Early Resection of Kommerell Diverticulum and Revascularization in Children With Right Aortic Arch and Aberrant Left Subclavian Artery.

The Annals of thoracic surgery·2025

Same author

Shuangshi Tonglin Capsule Improves Prostate Fibrosis through Nrf2/TGF-β1 Signaling Pathways.

Chinese journal of integrative medicine·2025

Same author

Tracheoplasty should be proactively considered in the surgical strategy for treating the ring-sling complex.

The Journal of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats

Published on: October 13, 2018

A young boy with diffuse hyperpigmentation and delayed puberty.

Xian-Ling Wang¹, Yi-Ming Mu, Jing-Tao Dou

¹Department of Endocrinology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28 Fu Xing Road, Beijing, China 100853.

European Journal of Pediatrics

|December 1, 2010

Summary

This study details a rare case of adrenal insufficiency syndrome in an 18-year-old male, presenting with hyperpigmentation and lack of secondary sexual development. Key findings include elevated triglycerides and ACTH with low cortisone, alongside adrenal atrophy.

More Related Videos

CUBIC Protocol Visualizes Protein Expression at Single Cell Resolution in Whole Mount Skin Preparations

CUBIC Protocol Visualizes Protein Expression at Single Cell Resolution in Whole Mount Skin Preparations

Published on: August 4, 2016

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 6, 2026

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats

Determination of Reproductive Competence by Confirming Pubertal Onset and Performing a Fertility Assay in Mice and Rats

Published on: October 13, 2018

CUBIC Protocol Visualizes Protein Expression at Single Cell Resolution in Whole Mount Skin Preparations

CUBIC Protocol Visualizes Protein Expression at Single Cell Resolution in Whole Mount Skin Preparations

Published on: August 4, 2016

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Genetics
Pediatric Medicine

Background:

Adrenal insufficiency syndrome (AIS) is a rare disorder affecting cortisol production.
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and autoimmune conditions are common causes of AIS.
This case highlights a potential genetic or developmental etiology for severe, early-onset AIS.

Observation:

An 18-year-old male presented with congenital hyperpigmentation and childhood-onset adrenal insufficiency.
Delayed puberty with absent secondary sexual characteristics was noted.
Markedly elevated serum triglycerides and plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were observed.
Low plasma free cortisone levels and bilateral adrenal gland atrophy were confirmed via CT scan.

Findings:

The patient exhibited classic symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, including hyperpigmentation and hypocortisolism.
Biochemical analysis revealed severe hypertriglyceridemia and extremely high ACTH, suggesting a primary adrenal issue.
Imaging confirmed adrenal atrophy, consistent with non-response to ACTH stimulation.

Implications:

This case underscores the importance of comprehensive endocrine evaluation in patients with unexplained hyperpigmentation and adrenal insufficiency.
Understanding the underlying pathophysiology may lead to improved diagnostic approaches for rare forms of adrenal disorders.
Further research into genetic factors could elucidate novel pathways involved in adrenal development and function.