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Updated: Jun 13, 2025
Microbiota Analysis Using Two-step PCR and Next-generation 16S rRNA Gene Sequencing
Published on: October 15, 2019
Precocious puberty and gut microbiome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
José Roberto Rodríguez Mazariegos1,2, Nguyen Nhat Nam1, Tingbei Bo3
1College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Insights
This study reveals a link between gut microbiome (GM) changes and central precocious puberty (CPP). Specific bacterial genera and short-chain fatty acid levels were altered in children with CPP, suggesting potential microbiome-targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology and Metabolism
- Microbiology and Gut Health
Background:
- Central precocious puberty (CPP) is a condition characterized by early onset of puberty in children.
- Emerging research suggests a potential connection between the gut microbiome (GM) and the development of CPP.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze existing studies investigating the association between the gut microbiome and central precocious puberty.
- To identify specific microbial patterns and metabolites linked to CPP in both human and animal models.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of databases from inception to December 31, 2023.
- Meta-analysis of 9 selected studies (5 human, 4 animal) using standardized mean differences and forest plots.
- Subgroup analyses were conducted based on study subject type (humans vs. animals).
Main Results:
- Significant alterations in the abundance of 12 bacterial genera were observed in individuals with CPP.
- Alpha diversity (Shannon index) showed differing trends in human (increased) versus animal (decreased) studies.
- Key short-chain fatty acids, butyric and propionic acids, were significantly reduced in the CPP group.
Conclusions:
- This meta-analysis confirms an association between the gut microbiome and central precocious puberty.
- Distinct microbial signatures and altered short-chain fatty acid profiles are associated with CPP.
- Findings support the potential for microbiome-targeted interventions as adjuncts to conventional CPP therapies and highlight the need for standardized research protocols.
Abstract:
Central precocious puberty (CPP) is a condition that affects prepubertal children, particularly girls. Recent evidence suggests an association between the gut microbiome (GM) and CPP. This study aims to explore this association. We analyzed data from studies investigating the association between GM and CPP. Various databases were searched for relevant articles published from database inception to December 31, 2023. Standardized mean difference values were calculated and depicted in forest plots. Furthermore, subgroup analyses by type of study subject (animals vs. humans) were performed. The final analysis included 9 studies. Five were human studies, whereas the remaining four were animal (rats or mice) studies. In the precocious puberty group, the abundances (at the genus level) of Holdemania, Roseburia, Alistipes, Dialister, Enterococcus, Ruminococcus, Bilophila, and Lachnoclostridium increased significantly, whereas those of Bacteroides, Anaerostipes, Megamonas, and Gemella decreased significantly. Furthermore, for this group, the Shannon index for alpha diversity was increased in human studies and decreased in animal studies compared to the control group. Notably, the levels of major short-chain fatty acids, butyric and propionic acids, were significantly reduced in the precocious puberty group. There was an association between CPP and GM. Both subgroups revealed that microbiome profiles vary across individuals with precocious puberty. IMPACT: To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the association between the gut microbiome and precocious puberty in both human and animal models. Our findings reveal distinct microbial patterns in individuals with CPP, including consistent alterations in 12 bacterial genera and significant changes in short-chain fatty acid levels. By identifying reproducible microbial signatures and metabolites associated with CPP, this study lays the groundwork for microbiome-targeted interventions alongside traditional hormonal therapies. The study addresses key methodological inconsistencies in existing literature, highlighting the need for standardized protocols in future research on the gut-puberty axis.
