Advances in pubertal growth and factors influencing it: Can we increase pubertal growth? - PubMed (original) (raw)

Review

Advances in pubertal growth and factors influencing it: Can we increase pubertal growth?

Ashraf Soliman et al. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014 Nov.

Abstract

Puberty is a period of development characterized by partially concurrent changes which includes growth acceleration, alteration in body composition and appearance of secondary sex characteristics. Puberty is characterized by an acceleration and then deceleration in skeletal growth. The initiation, duration and amount of growth vary considerably during the growth spurt. Pubertal growth and biological maturation are dynamic processes regulated by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Changes in skeletal maturation and bone mineral accretion concomitant with the stage of pubertal development constitute essential components in the evaluation of growth during this pubertal period. Genetic, endocrine and nutritional factors and ethnicity contribute variably to the amount of growth gained during this important period of rapid changes. Many studies investigated the possibility of increasing pubertal growth to gain taller final adult height in adolescents with idiopathic short stature (ISS). The pattern of pubertal growth, its relation to sex maturity rating and factors affecting them has been addressed in this review. The results of different trials to increase final adult height of adolescents using different hormones have been summarized. These data enables Endocrinologists to give in-depth explanations to patients and families about the efficacy and clinical significance as well as the safety of using these therapies in the treatment of adolescents with ISS.

Keywords: Genetics; gonadotrophin-releasing hormone analog; growth hormone; hormones; idiopathic short stature; nutrition; pubertal growth.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1

Figure 1

A schematic representation of hormonal control of pubertal development. Kisspeptin from Kiss neurons stimulates GnRH secretion by a direct effect on GnRH neurons. KiSS-1 neurons in the ARC appear to be involved in the negative feedback regulation of GnRH/LH by sex steroids. The expression of KiSS-1 mRNA in the arcuate is inhibited by estradiol (E), and testosterone (T). + = stimulation, – = inhibition

Figure 2

Figure 2

Activation of hypothalamic pituitary gonadal axis and GHIGF-1 axis leading to pubertal growth spurt and sexual development. → = stimulation

References

    1. Bogin B. Evolutionary perspective on human growth. Annu Rev Anthropol. 1999;28:109–53. -PubMed
    1. Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. chapter 23. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2012. Endocrine Regulation of Growth; pp. 1009–37.
    1. Val Abbassi V. Growth and Normal Puberty. Pediatrics. 1998;102(Suppl 3):507–11. -PubMed
    1. Wheeler MD. Physical changes of puberty. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 1991;20:1–14. -PubMed
    1. Marshall WA, Tanner JM. Puberty. In: Falkner F, Tanner JM, editors. Human Growth. II. Postnatal Growth. New York, NY: Plenum Press; 1986. pp. 171–209.

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources