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Masculinization in the human fetus is not solely the result of testosterone made by the testes. A new study published in PLOS Biology confirms that fetal development of the penis also requires other hormones, such as androsterone, produced by the placenta and other organs.
In addition to the role of testosterone, European researchers have for the first time identified the details of an "alternative" biological process required for the development of the testosterone. male bads in a fetus.
The results, published in the journal PLOS Biology, has also helped to better understand why babies are born with undescended testicles, penile malformations and other abnormalities external male badia.
This work shows for the first time that the placenta and the adrenal gland are also involved in the development of male bads
During the development of the male fetus, release of the testes testosterone, a steroid hormone produced by the testes that is converted into 5α-dihydrotestosterone (something like a "superstosterone" called DHT), which provides the formation of a penis instead of a female clitoris.
This new work, led by scientists from the Universities of Aberdeen (United Kingdom) and Glasgow (Scotland), shows for the first time that the placenta and the adrenal gland are also involved in the creation of the so-called "supertestosterone" .
The results reveal a previously unknown route of masculinization of the external badia that could explain why Placental dysfunction is badociated with male bad development disorders. Both processes must be successful in order for the male badia to develop normally.
"There are two ways to produce DHT: testicular testosterone and a different set of hormones produced by other organs, including the adrenal gland of the fetus and placenta," says Michelle Bellingham. Glasgow University. .
"In humans, both lanes must work properly for a male fetus to become a male baby.We know that male fetuses whose placenta malfunctions are much more likely to be born with fetuses." testicles or poorly formed penises.Now we understand why, "he adds.
Optimize diagnosis and treatment
The results themselves will not lead directly to new treatments, but will increase the chances of developing new strategies for early diagnosis and the correction of deficient masculinization.
The authors found that l & # 39; androsterone, a steroid hormone derived from the "alternative" pathway, can also become DHT. They also found that the enzymes needed for this pathway were mainly present in the body. non gonadal tissue, including those of the liver and placenta.
Normally, the penis is fully formed at the beginning of the second trimester and grows as a teenager.
In addition, they found that andrososterone and testosterone levels were lower in the fetal circulation of future girls.
"If they are obtained markers dysfunction of the placenta around the synthesis of steroid hormones, the probability of detection and treatment of correction or supplementation of such anomalies"Explains Paul Fowler, University of Aberdeen.
Normally, the penis is fully formed early in the second trimester and its size increases during adolescence. "What we know now is that the testicles alone are not enough to do it in humans and that the hormones produced by the placenta are also essential," he continues.
Some people with badual developmental disabilities may have difficulty as they grow up or face difficult surgery and long-term hormone therapy. "Every new information on how the masculinization it helps us understand how to detect and treat these disorders, "Fowler concludes.
Source: SINC
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