Puberty and the Metabolic Syndrome

A special issue of Metabolites (ISSN 2218-1989). This special issue belongs to the section "Endocrinology and Clinical Metabolic Research".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 December 2024) | Viewed by 1351

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
Interests: obesity; puberty; growth

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Guest Editor
1. Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism & Diabetes, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
2. Department of Medical Science, Florida State University, Sarasota, FL, USA
Interests: male hypogonadism; testosterone; SHBG; gonadotropins; PACAP

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

This special issue is designed to examine the intricate relationship between the metabolic processes that begin during fetal development and extend to the transformative phase of puberty. Puberty is a pivotal period of physiological development marked by hormonal surges and physical transformations, and a metabolic milieu that plays a vital role in shaping an individual's lifelong health. This is a call to action for researchers and experts to delve into this compelling nexus.

Authors are encouraged to contribute original research articles or reviews that span the diverse aspects of this multifaceted relationship. The scope encompasses a wide spectrum of disciplines, including endocrinology, pediatrics, genetics, epidemiology, and nutritional science. Both clinical investigations and experimental studies are welcomed, with a keen interest in research that can inform clinical practices and public health strategies.

The purpose of this special issue is to establish a comprehensive platform for researchers, healthcare professionals, and scholars to disseminate their insights, findings, and innovations concerning the interplay between metabolic dynamics and the events at puberty. By fostering collaborative discourse among experts from various domains, we aspire to advance our comprehension of how metabolic health during childhood and adolescence can substantially influence lifelong well-being. Ultimately, this knowledge will inform targeted interventions, preventive measures, and therapeutic strategies, tailored to individuals navigating the intricate intersection of metabolic factors and puberty.

Authors are invited to contribute their expertise to this special issue, contributing to the collective endeavor of unraveling the mysteries and implications of the metabolic puzzle of puberty.

Dr. Banu Aydin
Prof. Dr. Stephen J. Winters
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • puberty
  • rapid growth
  • obesity
  • insulin resistance
  • metabolic syndrome
  • polycystic ovary syndrome
  • cardiovascular disease
  • diabetes
  • gonadotropins
  • sex hormones
  • sex hormone binding globulin

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

19 pages, 669 KiB  
Review
The Role of the Intrauterine Environment in Shaping Childhood and Adolescence Metabolic Outcomes
by Asli Derya Kardelen and Feyza Darendeliler
Metabolites 2025, 15(4), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15040252 - 6 Apr 2025
Viewed by 537
Abstract
Emerging research suggests that the intrauterine environment plays a critical role in predisposing individuals to metabolic syndrome (MetS), a constellation of conditions that heightens the risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Traditionally linked to lifestyle, the risk for MetS is now understood [...] Read more.
Emerging research suggests that the intrauterine environment plays a critical role in predisposing individuals to metabolic syndrome (MetS), a constellation of conditions that heightens the risk for heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Traditionally linked to lifestyle, the risk for MetS is now understood to be also influenced by fetal exposures. The environment in which a child lives offers abundant potential sources that can contribute to an increased risk of developing various diseases, and in some cases, these factors can be avoided. This review integrates findings from both epidemiological and experimental research to underscore the impact of prenatal factors, including maternal nutrition, obesity, gestational diabetes (GDM), and birth size, on the subsequent development of metabolic derangements in offspring, particularly during puberty. The progression of genetic and epigenetic studies has enlightened the pathophysiology of these conditions starting in the intrauterine period and continuing into early life. By examining data and studies, this article elucidates the prenatal influences and underlying mechanisms that contribute to the pathogenesis of MetS. The updated understanding of the link between the intrauterine environment and future health comorbidities will draw attention to intrauterine care and maternal health and contribute to the prevention of serious diseases in adulthood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Puberty and the Metabolic Syndrome)
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15 pages, 257 KiB  
Review
Hormonal Crossroads in Inborn Errors of the Metabolism Impact of Puberty and Dietary Interventions on Metabolic Health
by Thomas Lundqvist, Rasmus Stenlid and Maria Halldin
Metabolites 2025, 15(4), 235; https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo15040235 - 28 Mar 2025
Viewed by 484
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) represent a diverse group of genetic disorders characterized by enzymatic defects that disrupt metabolic pathways, leading to toxic metabolite accumulation, deficits, or impaired macromolecule synthesis. While strict dietary interventions are critical for managing many of these [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) represent a diverse group of genetic disorders characterized by enzymatic defects that disrupt metabolic pathways, leading to toxic metabolite accumulation, deficits, or impaired macromolecule synthesis. While strict dietary interventions are critical for managing many of these conditions, hormonal and metabolic changes during puberty introduce new challenges. Advancements in early diagnosis and treatment have significantly extended the lifespan of individuals with IEMs. However, this increased longevity is associated with heightened risks of new medical problems, including obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), as these complications share mechanistic features with those seen in obesity and T2DM. Methods: This mini-review examines current knowledge of the intricate interplay between pubertal hormones and metabolic pathways in IEM patients. Results: We address critical questions, such as if puberty intensifies the risk of metabolic derangements in these individuals and if there is a metabolic intersection where these disorders converge, leading to shared complications. We highlight the impact of puberty-induced hormonal fluctuations, such as growth hormone (GH) surges and sex steroid activity, on disorders like phenylketonuria, urea cycle defects, and fatty acid oxidation disorders. Moreover, we explore the role of dietary interventions in mitigating or exacerbating these effects, emphasizing the importance of balancing nutritional needs during growth spurts. Conclusions: A multidisciplinary approach integrating endocrinology, nutrition, and emerging therapies is advocated to optimize metabolic health during puberty. Addressing these challenges is critical for improving long-term outcomes for individuals with IEMs, particularly during this pivotal developmental phase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Puberty and the Metabolic Syndrome)
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