Puberty is a complex process that culminates in the acquisition of psychophysical maturity and reproductive capacity. This elaborate and fascinating process marks the end of childhood. Behind it lies a complex, genetically mediated neuroendocrine mechanism through which the gonads are activated thanks to the fine balance between central inhibitory and stimulating neuromodulators and hormones with both central and peripheral action. The onset of puberty involves the reactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, supported by the initial “kiss” between kisspeptin and the hypothalamic neurons that secrete GnRH (the GnRH “pulse generator”). This pulsatile production of GnRH is followed by a rise in LH and, consequently, in gonadal steroids. The onset of puberty varies naturally between individuals, and especially between males and females, in the latter of whom it is typically earlier. However, pathological variations, namely precocious and delayed puberty, are also possible. This article reviews the scientific literature on the physiological mechanisms of puberty and the main pathophysiological aspects of its onset.

Hypothalamo-pituitary axis and puberty / Spaziani, M.; Tarantino, C.; Tahani, N.; Gianfrilli, D.; Sbardella, E.; Lenzi, A.; Radicioni, A. F.. - In: MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY. - ISSN 0303-7207. - 520:(2021). [10.1016/j.mce.2020.111094]

Hypothalamo-pituitary axis and puberty

Spaziani M.
Writing – Original Draft Preparation
;
Tarantino C.
Writing – Original Draft Preparation
;
Tahani N.
Writing – Review & Editing
;
Gianfrilli D.
Membro del Collaboration Group
;
Sbardella E.
Writing – Review & Editing
;
Lenzi A.
Writing – Review & Editing
;
Radicioni A. F.
Writing – Review & Editing
2021

Abstract

Puberty is a complex process that culminates in the acquisition of psychophysical maturity and reproductive capacity. This elaborate and fascinating process marks the end of childhood. Behind it lies a complex, genetically mediated neuroendocrine mechanism through which the gonads are activated thanks to the fine balance between central inhibitory and stimulating neuromodulators and hormones with both central and peripheral action. The onset of puberty involves the reactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, supported by the initial “kiss” between kisspeptin and the hypothalamic neurons that secrete GnRH (the GnRH “pulse generator”). This pulsatile production of GnRH is followed by a rise in LH and, consequently, in gonadal steroids. The onset of puberty varies naturally between individuals, and especially between males and females, in the latter of whom it is typically earlier. However, pathological variations, namely precocious and delayed puberty, are also possible. This article reviews the scientific literature on the physiological mechanisms of puberty and the main pathophysiological aspects of its onset.
2021
delayed puberty; endocrine disrupters; GnRH pulse generator; kisspeptin; KNDy neuronal network; precocious puberty
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01a Articolo in rivista
Hypothalamo-pituitary axis and puberty / Spaziani, M.; Tarantino, C.; Tahani, N.; Gianfrilli, D.; Sbardella, E.; Lenzi, A.; Radicioni, A. F.. - In: MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY. - ISSN 0303-7207. - 520:(2021). [10.1016/j.mce.2020.111094]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/1475574
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